Study in
Australia
Coastal cities. World-top research. Generous post-study work visas. We've sent 4500+ students here — first-time visa rate sits at 92%
Great land of opportunities.
Australia is the third most popular destination for international students — and from the South Asian student desk, it's our most-requested. Here's why students keep choosing it.
Top-ranked universities
Seven Australian unis sit in the global top 100. UWA, Adelaide, Sydney, ANU, Monash — all known for hands-on research and industry links.
Diverse course options
From AI and renewable energy to nursing and hospitality — over 22,000 courses across 1,100+ institutions. There's a fit for almost any student.
Post-study work rights
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you stay 2–4 years to work full-time. Many graduates use this to move toward permanent residency.
Quality of living
Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide consistently rank in the world's most-livable cities. Medicare-covered healthcare for students on most plans.
Global recognition
Australian degrees are recognized worldwide. Employers value the practical, research-led teaching — and the work experience that comes with it.
Technology-centric
Australian campuses invest heavily in labs, AI research, and digital learning. Strong programs in cybersecurity, data science, and biotech.
Five clear qualification levels.
Australia's higher-ed system is straightforward once you know the AQF — the Australian Qualifications Framework. Here's how the levels map to what students from Nepal, India, and the Philippines usually study.
01
Diploma / Advanced Diploma
1–2 years. Vocational, hands-on. Often a stepping stone into year two of a bachelor's degree.
02
Bachelor's degree
3 years standard, 4 with honours. Common across business, IT, engineering, nursing, and the arts.
03
Graduate Certificate / Diploma
6–12 months. Used for short upskilling or to bridge into a master's from a different field.
04
Master's degree
1–2 years. Coursework, research, or extended. Most South Asian students apply at this level.
05
Doctoral degree (PhD)
3–4 years. Research-based. Several Australian PhDs are fully funded for international candidates.
Money you didn't know existed.
Australian universities and the federal government run a wide range of scholarships for international students. We help students apply to 3–5 at a time. Last year, 38% of our students got at least one.
Government
Grants for International Students in Australia
The Australian government funds several grants to help international students study in Australia. The Australia Awards scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs for eligible students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational courses. The Endeavour Leadership Program provides merit-based funding for international students, researchers, and professionals seeking study, research, or professional development opportunities in Australia.
Government-funded · tuition + living expenses + additional costs
UNIVERSITY
Scholarships for International Students in Australia
Australian universities offer scholarships specifically designed for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and study-related costs. Awards are primarily merit-based, with some universities also considering leadership skills, community involvement, and field of study. Well-known options include the International Merit Scholarship at the University of Sydney, the International Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Melbourne, and the Destination Australia Scholarship for students enrolling at regional campuses.
Merit-based · tuition + living expenses · university-specific
UNIVERSITY
Tuition Waivers for International Students in Australia
Several Australian universities offer tuition waivers or fee reductions to make higher education more affordable for international students. These waivers — partial or full — are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other university-defined criteria, significantly lowering the overall cost of studying abroad in Australia.
Partial or full waiver · merit or need-based · university-specific
UNIVERSITY
Studentships for International Students in Australia
Australian universities provide studentships that combine scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support international students throughout their studies. These cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, and are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and eligibility criteria set by the university or funding organization — making them ideal for students pursuing advanced or research-focused degrees.
Stipend + tuition covered · academic excellence + research potential
When Should International Students Apply to Study in Australia?
Australia offers two primary intake seasons for international students, with select universities providing additional mid-year and semester entries.
Primary Intakes in Australia
February Intake
The most popular intake for international students. Applications typically open 12 months in advance, making it ideal for students who want maximum course and scholarship availability.
July Intake
The second major intake, offering a wide range of courses across most Australian universities. Suitable for students who missed the February deadline or need additional preparation time.
Additional Intakes (Select Universities)
September Intake
Offered by select universities and TAFE institutions, primarily for diploma, certificate, and some undergraduate programs.
November Intake
Limited availability — typically for vocational education and training (VET) courses and specific postgraduate programs.
Key Deadlines: What International Students Must Do Before Each Intake
Australia typically follows three critical deadlines per intake season. International students are strongly advised to:
Step 1 — Begin the Admission Process at Least 6 Months Prior
Start researching universities, shortlisting courses, and gathering documents (transcripts, language scores, references) well in advance. Early applicants have better access to preferred courses and scholarship rounds.
Step 2 — Dedicate 3 Months to Completing Application Forms
Spend dedicated time accurately filling out university applications, personal statements, and financial documentation. Errors or incomplete applications are a leading cause of rejection or delays.
Step 3 — Complete Aptitude or Language Tests at Least 3 Months Before
Tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or GRE/GMAT must be completed and scores submitted before the application deadline. Most universities require a minimum of IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent for undergraduate and postgraduate entry.
Show you're here to study.
Australia replaced the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement with the GS — Genuine Student — requirement in March 2024. It's a series of short, targeted questions you answer as part of your visa application. We help you draft these.
Your current circumstances
Where you live, what you study or work today, and ties back home.
required
Why this course, this provider
A clear, specific reason — not generic. Reference real subjects, faculty, or research.
required
Course benefit to your future
How this degree slots into your career plan, with realistic next steps.
required
Past study & employment record
Education history with dates, plus any work — gaps explained briefly and honestly.
required
Any other relevant information
Sponsorship, family in Australia, prior visa refusals — declared upfront.
Conditional
What you'll need to submit.
The subclass 500 is the standard student visa. It lets you study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and bring eligible family members. We pre-check every document before submission — last year that caught 1 in 4 applications with a fixable issue.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Issued by your Australian provider once you accept your offer and pay deposit.
required
English proficiency
IELTS 6.0+ overall (no band below 5.5), or PTE 50+, or equivalent. Some pathways have lower minimums.
required
Financial capacity
Proof of ~AUD 29,710/yr living costs + tuition + return airfare. Bank statements or sponsor letter.
required
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
For the full duration of your visa. We help you compare BUPA, Medibank, and Allianz.
required
Health examination
Standard medical check by a panel doctor. Bookable through your nearest BUPA centre.
required
Character documents
Police certificate from every country you've lived in 12+ months over the last 10 years.
Conditional
In addition, students maybe required to come for an interview at the Australian High Commission/Consulate along with supplementary documents.
Top Australian unis. All on speed-dial.
Here's a slice. We have direct admissions officers at every institution listed below — and at 30+ more across regional Australia.
What comes after graduation.
Most of our Australia graduates take the 485 post-study work visa, build 1–3 years of experience, then weigh PR through skilled migration. Here's what the data looks like.
2–4yrs
Post-study work visa (485)
Stay and work full-time after graduation. Length depends on your qualification level and where you studied.
~80k AUD
Median graduate salary
For full-time roles in IT, engineering, nursing, and accounting. Higher for niche specialisations.
31%
Convert to PR within 5 yrs
Across our 2019–2021 cohorts, roughly a third transitioned to permanent residency through skilled migration.
48hrs/fn
Work rights during study
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited during scheduled breaks.
Visa Process
Step-by-step guide to application and visa process
Australia follows a rigorous and stringent set of rules for its visa process — but there's nothing for you to worry about. With our expert guidance and assistance, Study Square gives you the best chance of success. All you need to do is:
Australia visa success stories
Some students who said yes.
Latest articles
Read our latest Australia briefings.
