Study in Australia

Universities in Australia 

Universities in Australia have a strong reputation worldwide and several are among the top performers in the QS World University Rankings. Australian universities are also known to be strong proponents of internationalisation, and are well-prepared to welcome large numbers of international students each year. 

The performance of Australian universities in the latest QS World University Rankings can be seen below. Notable universities in Australia include:

Australian National University 

Australian National University (ANU) is located in the capital city Canberra and is the only university to be created by the parliament of Australia. 

University of Melbourne 

The University of Melbourne is one of the oldest Australian universities, having been established in 1853. It now has over 50,000 students enrolled, including international students from over 100 countries. The university is highly reputed for its research, with over 100 research centres and institutes.

Thinking of studying at ANU or Melbourne? Read a comparison of the two top universities in Australia.

The University of New South Wales 

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) was founded in 1949 and has lays claim to having more millionaire alumni than any other Australian university. UNSW Sydney runs partnerships with over 200 universities across the world.

Australia's top student cities

Several Australian cities feature in the latest QS Best Student Cities ranking. Here are some of the most popular student cities.

Sydney 

The name of Australia’s biggest city tends to evoke images of beaches, surfing and drinking, all in the shadow of the nation’s most recognisable landmark, the Sydney Opera House.

While Sydney may be famed for its party lifestyle, like many cities famous for their nightlife, it is also bohemian, creative, and intellectual.

Melbourne 

Considered to be the cultural and multicultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is a good alternative for those who perhaps find Sydney a bit too brash – think of it as a sort of San Francisco to Sydney’s Los Angeles.

However, it’s not a pretentious intellectual bubble either – Melbourne’s locals are known for their love of sport, and you won’t be left wanting in terms of nightlife. It is also notable for being one of Australia’s best-preserved cities architecturally. 

Brisbane 

Australia’s third-largest city Brisbane is known for the friendliness of its locals – often considered to be a major factor in the city’s growth.

Of course, friendliness alone isn’t enough to make a city, and it also has a thriving live music scene, a plethora of world-class cultural institutions and – of course – access to plenty of beautiful beaches.

Perth 

If it’s the quiet life you’re after, then maybe Perth should be quite high up your shortlist. The city lies in splendid isolation on Australia’s west coast, and boasts a high volume of relatively unspoiled and quiet beaches.

The city itself is uncrowded and peaceful. If you’re more into cafés, parks and peaceful beaches than all-night partying, then you and Perth might be a match made in heaven.

Adelaide 

Located in the midst of Australia’s chief wine-growing region, Adelaide is the capital of the region of South Australia.

Like all of the cities listed here, Adelaide is a coastal city, so can offer the gold and blue shades which characterise Australia’s beaches, as well as the lush greenery which provides the setting for the region’s vineyards.

Unsurprisingly, given its location, Adelaide is noted for being a good city for lovers of food and drink. It is also, as a result of the many nature preserves and conservation areas which are all within close proximity to the city, a good choice for lovers of nature and wildlife.

Australian university admissions

There is no federal or state-level application system for international students applying to universities in Australia, so you will need to apply directly to the university, usually online and often for a fee. You’ll need to provide documents such as proof of your English language proficiency and certificates that verify your previous study and educational qualifications to date. 

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a ‘Letter of Offer’ which you should read carefully before signing and sending it back to the university to confirm your acceptance. This letter is a contract between you and the institution and sets out the course you’ll be enrolled in, the conditions, fees and refund terms. After you’ve accepted your offer and paid your deposit you will receive an ‘Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment’ (eCoE) by email, which outlines your program’s start date, total fees and course length.

Australian student visa requirements 

All international students will need to apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The changes also mean that students are no longer assigned an assessment level, as a single immigration risk framework will apply to all international students.

Students from New Zealand are not classed as international students and do not need a visa to study in Australia.

You will also need to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which means stating your genuine intention to enter Australia temporarily for the purpose of study – and not as a means to longer-term residency. You may need to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy for this.

Here's a quick checklist of what it takes to get an Australian student visa: 

• Acceptance to a course

You must first be accepted to study a course which is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). You’ll need an online code and a copy of your confirmation of enrolment or an offer letter to serve as proof of this. You will be able to change course afterwards, but it must be to one of the same or higher study level, or else you will need to apply for a new visa (with the exception of changing a PhD to a Masters).

• Proof of finances

You may need to prove you’re able to cover your course fees, travel expenses and living costs for you and any accompanying family members. Accommodation fees paid to your institution in advance can be deducted from the total. If you are receiving full funding, you simply need to provide proof of this.

• Medical check-ups/ health insurance

You may be required to take a medical and/or a radiological check-up to show you are in good health, but shouldn’t do this unless specifically advised to. If you are told to take a test, you must attend an appointment with a doctor who has been approved by the Australian immigration department.

You are also obliged to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC – unless you are from Belgium, Norway or Sweden, though Swedes must be covered by the Kammarkollegiet for this to apply. You may purchase this cover through your university, or directly from one of five approved providers: Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance and nib. The cost of health insurance will vary depending on the provider and the length of your studies.

• Proof of English proficiency

​If you’re not from an Anglophone country (and haven’t completed at least five years of study in one), be prepared to prove your proficiency with certified English language test results (the Australian Department of Home Affairs website lists eligible tests). The score you will need will depend on whether you are starting a full degree, studying a foundation course, or enrolling on a preliminary English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

• Visa applications

You must apply for your Australian student visa online. You can use the Document Checklist Tool on the Home Affairs website to find what you’ll need to submit. All documents should be translated into English.

After you have gathered and scanned your supporting documents, you’ll need to create an account and apply with the online ‘ImmiAccount’ application system.

You will need to submit evidence of all the above along with your application form, passport, passport pictures, offer letter from your university, employment history and proof of your academic record. You may be asked to attend an interview at a local visa office. You’ll need to pay a fee to apply, and can get an estimate of this on the Border.gov.au website. Most applications take four weeks to process.

Working in Australia

If you would like to supplement your income with a part-time job while in Australia, your student visa entitles you to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours in the holidays. You cannot commence work until you have started your course. You can find out more about working in Australia during or after you studies here.