Higher Education in Australia

The combination of high-quality education, a welcoming environment, a multicultural society, and job opportunities make Australia a popular destination for international students. Between January and April 2024, there were 780,104 international student enrolments, reflecting a 16% rise from the same timeframe in 2019. April saw a record high of commencements at 259,057, indicating a 13% increase from March 2019. The majority of international students, 56%, originated from five key countries: China (21%), India (17%), Nepal (8%), Philippines (5%), and Vietnam (5%).

Universities in Australia

Australia hosts 42 universities, comprising 37 public Australian, three private Australian, and two private international universities. The top universities in Australia are as follows:

1. University of Melbourne
2. University of Sydney
3. University of New South Wales
4. Australian National University
5. Monash University
6. University of Queensland
7. University of Western Australia
8. University of Adelaide
9. University of Technology, Sydney
10. RMIT University

Master's Degree Programs in Australia

• Master of Business Administration- The Master of Business Administration program usually requires 2 years for completion. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in any major and at least two years of work experience.
• Master's in Management (Accounting and Finance)- The Master's in Management program usually spans from 1.5 to 2 years when pursued on a full-time basis. Prospective students enrolling in the program generally need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Master's in Law- The LLM program typically lasts for 1 to 2 years when taken on a full-time basis. Prospective students must hold an Honours degree in Bachelor of Laws (or its equivalent) or a completed Bachelor of Laws (or its equivalent). Applicants may also be required to have significant professional or research experience in the legal field.
• Master of Engineering- The master of engineering program typically lasts for 1-2 years when pursued on a full-time basis. Generally, applicants must have completed a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or its equivalent) or a 3-year Engineering Science degree in a related field.
• Master of Information Technology- The Master of Information Technology program spans two years when pursued on a full-time basis. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two years of relevant work experience.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Australia

• Bachelor of Business Administration- The Bachelor of Business program typically spans over a period of 3 years. Prospective students generally need to have completed Year 12, and a strong background in mathematics is preferred.
• Bachelor of Science- The Bachelor of Science program typically lasts for 3-4 years. Candidates are chosen based on their academic performance through the ATAR or a notional ATAR determined by the appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre.
• Bachelor of Arts- The Bachelor of Arts program typically spans three years. Candidates must have completed their secondary education within the two years preceding their application. They are chosen based on academic merit, assessed through the ATAR or a notional ATAR determined by the appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre.
• Bachelor of Nursing- The prerequisites for obtaining a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia typically include completing Year 12 with a certain level of academic achievement, including specific subjects such as English, mathematics, and science. Some universities may also require applicants to have completed several hours of work experience in a healthcare setting.
• Bachelor of Engineering- In Australia, to obtain a Bachelor of Engineering degree, students are required to complete high school education or equivalent, with a strong background in mathematics and science subjects such as physics and chemistry.

Cost of Education in Australia

Australian education cost assessment

The cost of pursuing a bachelor's degree in Australia varies from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000. For a master's degree, the range is between AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000; for a doctoral degree, it falls between AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000. It is important to note that these costs do not cover additional expenses such as books, supplies, application fees, transportation, food, rent, utilities, clothing, and entertainment.

The cost of living in major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Canberra for a single individual typically ranges from AUD 1,000 to 1,600 for rent and utilities. Additional expenses for food and groceries usually fall between AUD 500 and AUD 600 per month, while transportation costs, which mainly include public transportation, range from AUD 150 to AUD 300 per month.

Admission Requirements

To get admission in a course under the 'higher education' category, a student must pass various English proficiency tests that analyze the student's English speaking and writing capabilities. Various English language tests are conducted for students. Some recognized test providers are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, and OET. A score of six or more on IELTS (Some Universities or departments can ask for a better score) is preferable to be selected for top universities. For Vocational Studies and Training courses and secondary school courses, an overall score between 5 and 6 is required. TOEFL is widely accepted now. Some Universities also accept Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Grades A or B). Most postgraduate applications (MS/MSc) may take six weeks to process the applications for admission.

Scholarships in Australia

Substantial scholarships offered to students in Australia encompass a wide range of opportunities for students at different levels of education. These scholarships can be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria the scholarship provider sets. Universities, the Australian Government, and numerous private organizations provide these scholarships. Notable scholarships in Australia include the Australia Awards Scholarships, Australia for ASEAN scholarships, Research Training Program, Study in Australia's Northern Territory Scholarship program, Griffith Remarkable Scholarship, Deakin University scholarships, and more. They can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs of studying in Australia.

Health Insurance in Australia (OSHC)

An international student must obtain health insurance and have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) from an approved Australian health insurance provider to cover any medical or hospital expenses incurred during their stay. The OSHC policy should be valid for the entire duration of their visa, as the student visa is granted based on the OSHC coverage period. It should also indicate the student's arrival date in Australia, typically one week or month before the course commences. The OSHC must remain valid until the last day of the visa, usually one or two months after the course completion. However, Norway, Sweden, and Belgium students may be exempt from this requirement if they have alternative health coverage. Some of the registered health insurers offering OSHC include Ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia (Peoplecare), BUPA Australia, CBHS International Health, Medibank Private, and NIB OSHC.

Working While Studying in Australia

The Subclass 500 visa permits students to work for a maximum of 48 hours every fortnight following the commencement of their course and allows for unlimited working hours during vacation periods. There is no requirement for an additional work permit to be employed in Australia. The 40-hour work limitation does not apply to students enrolled in master's by research or doctoral programs. Furthermore, hours spent volunteering do not contribute to the 40-hour restriction. Any employment undertaken by the student that is part of their course and sanctioned by their educational institution for practical training is also exempt from the 40-hour restriction. Students holding a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) can work for up to six months in a single job without additional hourly limitations.

Visa Regulations

To study in Australia, international students must apply for a student visa through the Australian embassy. They must then enroll in an Australian University and obtain a CoE. Additionally, they must demonstrate English Language Proficiency, good health and character, get health insurance, meet the GS (or GTE) requirements, and provide proof of financial resources to support their education in Australia. Finally, they must sign the Australian Values Statement.

Australia has enacted significant alterations to student visa regulations and the conversion of other visas into student visas. These changes involve increased financial resource requirements, English proficiency standards, and the transition from GTE to GS criteria, typically consisting of questions that applicants must address. Individuals holding certain visas other than student visas can now not apply for a student visa.

Map of Australia