Lana Oconnell
Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering a high quality of life, a buzzing job market, and solid support for international students. The country promotes innovation, creativity, and independent thinking throughout its universities, and students can expect to live, grow, and learn in a young, friendly country full of opportunities. The first step to studying in Australia is to secure a student visa, which is required for studying in the country for more than three months. The cost of applying for this visa starts at $650 AUD ($450 USD), and students must also obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The acceptance rate of most universities in Australia varies between 65% and 80%, with more competitive universities such as the University of Sydney having an acceptance rate of around 30%. International students can apply directly to universities or through a third-party program, which provides additional support and services but at a higher cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | A student visa is required for studying in Australia for more than three months. The visa application process is online and costs start at $650 AUD. |
| Health insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students in Australia. |
| Work opportunities | International students with a student visa can work part-time while studying, gaining experience in fields like retail, administration, and hospitality. |
| Scholarships and financial aid | Scholarships, financial assistance programs, and international student loans are available to support international students with tuition fees and living expenses. |
| Accommodation | On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, including residential colleges, shared apartments, homestays, and private rentals. |
| Acceptance rate | The acceptance rate for universities in Australia varies between 65% and 80%, while more competitive universities have lower acceptance rates, such as the University of Sydney at around 30%. |
| Intakes | Australian universities offer two major intakes: Semester 1 (late February/early March to late May/early June) and Semester 2 (late July/early August to November). |
| Cities | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide are among the top student cities in Australia, offering a high quality of life and cultural experiences. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in Australia as an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500). The process is straightforward and can be done online via the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount and provide the necessary documentation. The cost of applying for this visa starts at $650 AUD ($450 USD).
One of the essential requirements for obtaining a student visa is providing proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This is mandatory for all international students studying in Australia and must be maintained for the duration of your stay. You can choose from a range of OSHC products offered by insurers to ensure you have the desired coverage. Additionally, you may need to undergo a health examination to meet the student visa health requirement.
Another requirement for the student visa is demonstrating your English language proficiency. As Australian educational courses are taught in English, you may need to provide a certificate of results from an approved English language test. This will prove that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels required to succeed in your chosen course.
To meet the "genuine student" (GS) requirement, you must demonstrate that your primary purpose of studying in Australia is to gain skills that the country needs. This requirement is intended for students who plan to apply for permanent residence after completing their studies.
It is important to note that students on a student visa are required to study on campus. Visa regulations impose limits on online study, so fully online courses are typically not eligible for student visas.
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Accommodation options
International students who choose to study in Australia have a large range of accommodation options to choose from. However, it is important to note that housing at Australian universities is very different from what many international students may be used to, as Australian universities provide little to no university housing. While on-campus housing does exist, it is limited, and the majority of students at Australian universities live off-campus.
On-Campus Accommodation
Some Australian universities do provide housing for their students through residential colleges, halls of residence, or apartments, either on or close to campus. On-campus accommodation provides a supportive and inclusive community environment, with access to a range of services and facilities. The prices and availability of on-campus accommodations vary according to the university, with costs ranging from A$80 to A$250 per week. Residential colleges are generally more expensive than halls of residence as they offer a wider range of services, including meals and cleaning.
Off-Campus Accommodation
As 90-100% of students in Australia live off-campus, there are plenty of off-campus housing options to choose from. These options include:
- Homestay programs: Involves living with a local family in their home, which is a great way for international students to integrate themselves into Australian life. Homestay programs are popular with younger students or those enrolled in short-term English courses, offering the comforts of a family home, with meals and cleaning provided. The cost of a homestay program is usually between A$110 and A$270 per week.
- Hostels and hotels: Short-term accommodation options while students become familiar with their new city and meet potential housemates.
- Rental properties: Students can rent or 'lease' a property by themselves or with friends through a real estate agent or privately. Bills such as electricity and internet are generally included in the advertised rental cost. To secure a rental property, students will need to pay rent in advance, usually covering the first four weeks of their tenancy.
- Share houses: International students often live with other students to make living costs more affordable. Share house options can be found on boards at education institutions or on share house websites such as Flatmate Finders or Flatmates.com.au.
Third-Party Accommodation
International students can also choose to study in Australia through a third-party program, which will provide accommodation, visa assistance, 24/7 support, and more. This option will cost more but can be a convenient way to secure accommodation and other support services.
It is recommended that international students arrive in Australia two to three weeks before the start of orientation to get situated and choose the accommodation option that best fits their needs and budget.
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Scholarships and financial aid
There are a wide range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to international students in Australia. These are offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and public and private organisations. Scholarships are available based on merit, while others are offered as equity scholarships, or other financial aid.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is a government initiative that provides block grants to eligible Australian universities to support domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research. The RTP provides students with scholarships as a tuition fee offset, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances related to research degrees. The Australian Government also runs the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) program, which is highly prestigious and competitive. It offers government-funded grants to students from a selection of developing countries who can demonstrate leadership qualities and a drive for change. The program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to return home and contribute to their country's development.
The University of Sydney offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Sydney Scholars Award, which is a merit-based scholarship that covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance. The university also offers accommodation services, both on and off-campus.
Other notable scholarships for international students include the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS), which is a fully-funded scholarship for master's and doctoral research studies, offering a living allowance of $31,200 per year, full fee offset, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and a relocation grant. The Deakin University Scholarships are also fully funded and provide a stipend of $28,600 per year, health insurance, and a relocation allowance. The Rotary Peace Fellowships are another example of a fully-funded scholarship for international students, which covers tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
It is important to note that the cost of studying in Australia can vary depending on the course and level of study. International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which may be included in some study programs. The cost of applying for a student visa starts at $650 AUD ($450 USD) and is required for stays longer than three months.
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Health insurance
As an international student in Australia, you must have health insurance for the entire duration of your studies. The Australian Government requires you to have continuous Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire length of your stay in Australia. This is a visa requirement and ensures you have access to healthcare services, including medical treatment and hospital care.
The cost of your OSHC will depend on how long you plan to study in Australia, your visa, and the number of people on your policy. You can compare OSHC insurance options and choose the best value insurance for you. The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan usually covers emergency ambulance services and accidents and emergencies at a minimum of 100%. It may also include some allied health services, depending on the chosen policy. You can purchase Extras OSHC for additional cover for dental, optical, or physiotherapy treatments.
If you are studying in Australia through a third-party provider, health insurance may be included. Check with your program advisor to ensure you understand what is and is not covered.
Your OSHC policy start date should match your arrival date in Australia or your student visa grant date, whichever is later. Your OSHC policy end date should match your departure date from Australia or your student visa end date.
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Work opportunities
Australia is a popular destination for international students, and the country offers many work opportunities for those looking to gain practical experience and immerse themselves in the local culture. The Australian international student visa (subclass 500) allows students to work while studying, with a limit of 48 hours every two weeks during the study period and unlimited hours during study breaks.
International students in Australia can explore various job opportunities, including part-time and full-time positions, to support themselves financially and gain valuable work experience. Universities like the University of Sydney offer a range of on-campus accommodation services and support services, providing a vibrant and inclusive community for international students. Sydney, in particular, is known for its high quality of life and numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.
There are several job portals, such as SEEK and Indeed, which offer a range of job vacancies specifically for international students in Australia. These platforms provide opportunities in various sectors, including accounting, administration, education, marketing, and sales. International students can also find work opportunities within their universities, assisting with student enquiries, providing support services, and even working in student recruitment and marketing roles.
Additionally, some international students may choose to work in industries unrelated to their field of study to gain Australian work experience and earn an income. These roles can provide valuable soft skills and a better understanding of Australian work culture, which can be beneficial for future career prospects.
It is important for international students to be mindful of their work rights and visa conditions, as different rules may apply depending on their specific visa grant. By balancing their studies and work commitments, international students in Australia can take advantage of the numerous work opportunities available to enhance their overall experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide are all highly-ranked cities for international students. Melbourne has been voted one of the world's most liveable cities for 10 years and is known for its art, sport, multicultural cuisine, and transport system. Sydney is also multicultural, vibrant, and welcoming, with a high quality of life.
Studying in Australia can be expensive, with costs including accommodation, food, health coverage, travel, and tuition fees. Tuition fees vary depending on the course and level of study. The cost of applying for a student visa starts at $650 AUD. International students can work part-time while studying, which can help cover expenses.
You can apply through direct enrollment or with a third-party program. Direct enrollment requires you to apply directly to the university on your own, which involves more research and preparation. A third-party program will cost more but will provide accommodation, visa assistance, 24/7 support, and other services.
