Globally recognised
The Australian Qualifications Framework connects every level of education in one national system, so employers and providers worldwide can compare what you hold.
Study destination · Australia
Study in Australia.
Career focused.
Build a globally focused education journey through internationally recognised qualifications, practical learning, and diverse study options.
CRICOSprovider and course registration a student visa requires
Feb & Julythe main intakes, with extra dates at some providers
48 hoursper fortnight work limit while your course is in session*
2–3 yearspossible Temporary Graduate visa for eligible graduates*
Why Australia
Regulated.
Recognised.
Quality-assured providers
A student visa requires a provider and course registered on CRICOS, which must meet government requirements for education quality, student information, and support.
Rights and protections
Australian law protects international students in education and employment, and the Tuition Protection Service may assist eligible students if a provider cannot deliver their course. Read your rights.
Your Australia journey
Clear steps.
One trusted team.
Define and compare
Identify the subjects, skills, and career areas that genuinely interest you, then compare modules, fees, duration, location, entry requirements, and professional accreditation. Start several months before your intended February or July intake.
Check and apply
Confirm your academic background and English ability meet the course requirements, then submit accurate academic and personal documents to your chosen provider. Meeting a minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.
Offer and CoE
Read every condition, tuition fee, and refund term before accepting. Once you meet the provider’s acceptance requirements, eligible students receive a Confirmation of Enrolment.
Visa and departure
Complete your Genuine Student information with the required financial, health, identity, and enrolment evidence, then arrange accommodation, travel, and health cover. See the current subclass 500 requirements.
Education system
Study levels available
in Australia.
01
English-language courses
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students help you develop academic or general English. Where permitted, an English course may be packaged with a pathway, vocational or higher-education program.
02
Foundation & pathway programs
Foundation studies, bridging programs and diploma pathways help students who do not yet meet the direct academic requirements for a degree. Successful completion may provide progression to a specified qualification, subject to pathway conditions.
03
Vocational Education & Training
VET programs focus on practical, occupation-related skills and lead to Certificates, Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas. Check course quality, CRICOS registration, progression arrangements and whether the qualification supports your genuine study goals.
04
Undergraduate degrees
Bachelor’s degrees generally require three to four years of full-time study, although duration varies by discipline, professional requirements and course structure.
05
Postgraduate coursework
Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees develop advanced or specialised knowledge. A coursework Master’s commonly takes one to two years, depending on the program and previous qualifications.
06
Postgraduate research
Research Master’s and doctoral programs are designed for advanced research. Entry commonly requires a strong academic record and an appropriate research proposal or supervisory arrangement.
Universities & providers
Universities and
education providers.
Use the official Study Australia course search to explore CRICOS-registered courses, providers, fees, start dates and scholarships.
What to compare
- Course content and specialisations.
- Entry requirements and progression conditions.
- Tuition fees and additional course costs.
- Campus location and living expenses.
- Available intakes at the provider.
- Professional accreditation for your intended field.
- Internship or placement components.
- Student support and accommodation options.
- Scholarship eligibility.
- Graduate outcomes.
Study acrossAustralia
Where to study
Find the place
that feels right.
Intakes
When to
start.
| Intake | Availability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| February / March | Commonly the largest intake, with the widest selection of courses | Start several months ahead so assessment, documents, finances and your visa all fit the timeline. |
| July | A major mid-year entry point, although some programs may not be available | Confirm your chosen course actually starts in this intake before planning around it. |
| Additional intakes | Trimester or multiple-intake systems may offer selected courses later in the year | Availability depends on the institution, campus and program — check directly with the provider. |
Admission requirements
What Australian
universities look for.
A valid passport.
Academic transcripts and certificates.
Evidence of English-language proficiency.
A statement of purpose or personal statement.
A curriculum vitae for selected postgraduate courses.
A portfolio for creative programs.
Relevant work-experience documents.
References or recommendation letters.
A research proposal for research degrees.
Additional documents requested by the provider.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission
Providers assess each application individually, and entry requirements are only the baseline for consideration.
Fees & budget
Cost of studying
in Australia.
| Study level | Indicative tuition | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| English-language course | Usually charged per week | Duration and package arrangements affect the total. |
| Vocational program | Approx. AUD 8,000–25,000 per year | Fees vary widely by qualification and provider. |
| Undergraduate degree | Approx. AUD 20,000–50,000 per year | Clinical and laboratory programs may cost more. |
| Postgraduate coursework | Approx. AUD 22,000–60,000 per year | Program length and discipline affect the total. |
| Research degree | Varies by institution | Scholarship support may be available to eligible applicants. |
Living costs & proof of funds
Living costs and
financial preparation.
Prepare a realistic personal budget and do not depend on part-time work to pay tuition or essential living costs.
Student visa financial-capacity amount
AUD 29,710
12-month living-cost amount for the primary student · reviewed 27 July 2026
The Department of Home Affairs currently uses this figure in financial-capacity calculations. Additional amounts apply when a partner or child accompanies you, and applicants may also need to show access to funds for tuition, travel and school-age dependants.
This is a visa-related minimum, not a guarantee that it covers your actual expenses.
Study Australia living & education costsScholarships & funding
Scholarships in
Australia.
01
Academic merit scholarships
Awarded on the strength of academic achievement.
02
Research scholarships
Support postgraduate research study.
03
Country- or region-specific scholarships
May target students from particular countries or regions.
04
Faculty and course scholarships
Tied to a specific faculty or program of study.
05
Regional study scholarships
Encourage study in regional locations.
06
Tuition-fee reductions
Discounts applied directly against course fees.
07
Australia Awards Scholarships
Highly competitive; available only to eligible applicants from participating countries.
08
Research Training Program support
Supports eligible research Master’s and doctoral students via participating universities.
Check the conditions before you rely on an award
Scholarship amounts, deadlines and eligibility conditions vary, and applications are made separately where required. Explore official scholarship information for international students.
Student visa
Australia Student visa:
practical overview.
Offer ≠
visa
An offer or CoE
alone does not
guarantee a visa.
Enrolment ≠ visa approval
The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application against the rules applying at that time.
What the Student visa may require
01
Offer & Confirmation of Enrolment
An offer and a valid Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider.
02
English-language ability
Evidence of English-language ability where required by the course and current visa rules.
03
Genuine Student responses
Credible, accurate responses explaining your circumstances, course choice and how the study relates to your future goals.
04
Financial capacity
Evidence of sufficient financial capacity for tuition, travel and living costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.
05
Overseas Student Health Cover
Appropriate health cover maintained for the required period, unless an exemption applies.
06
Health, character & welfare
Health examinations, character-related documents and welfare arrangements for students under 18, where required.
07
Other checklist evidence
Any additional evidence identified by the official document checklist for your circumstances.
Standard primary-applicant visa charge
AUD 2,500*
from 1 July 2026 · concessions apply to certain eligible applicants
Additional costs may apply for dependants, health examinations, police checks and biometrics.
Genuine Student requirement
This assesses whether studying is the primary reason for your visa application. Explain your circumstances, course choice, education history and how the proposed study relates to your future goals accurately.
Genuine Student requirementCheck before you apply
Review the current Student visa subclass 500 requirements before applying. An institutional offer or Confirmation of Enrolment does not guarantee a visa.
Work while you study
Working while
studying.
During your course
48hours / fortnight
while your course is in session.
During scheduled breaks
No
limit
Research Master’s and doctoral students are not subject to the same work-hour limit after their course has commenced.
Keep in mind
01
Check your conditions
Always check your individual visa conditions before starting employment.
02
Funding
Work is not guaranteed and should not be treated as the main source of education funding.
03
Workplace rights
Australian workplace laws apply, including minimum pay and safety. Read the Fair Work Ombudsman guidance for visa holders.
Work can support your experience. It should not be your financial plan.
After graduation
Opportunities after
graduation.
| Qualification | Standard stay period |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree, including honours | Two years |
| Master’s degree by coursework or extended Master’s | Two years |
| Master’s degree by research | Three years |
| Doctoral degree | Three years |
Check the current Post-Higher Education Work stream requirements before planning around a specific stay period.
Completing a course does not guarantee outcomes
An Australian qualification does not guarantee employment, permanent residency or another visa.
Migration options
Understanding migration
options after study.
Studying in Australia may allow eligible graduates to explore temporary work or migration options after completing their qualification. However, studying in Australia does not automatically lead to permanent residency — your options depend on your circumstances and the migration rules in effect at the time.
Your options may depend on
- 01Qualification and field of study
- 02Age and English-language ability
- 03Work experience and skills assessment
- 04Occupation eligibility
- 05Study location
- 06Employer or state nomination
- 07Current Australian migration rules
- 08Individual visa circumstances
01
Temporary Graduate visa
Eligible international graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which can allow living, working and studying in Australia temporarily. Eligibility requirements, age limits, visa duration and available streams can change, and completing an Australian qualification does not guarantee eligibility.
02
Skilled migration options
Some graduates may later explore skilled migration pathways if they meet the relevant requirements, including skilled independent, state- or territory-nominated, regional skilled and employer-sponsored visas. An occupation appearing on a skilled occupation list does not guarantee a visa invitation, nomination, employment or permanent residency.
03
Regional study and migration
Studying in an eligible regional area may provide certain graduates with additional opportunities under current migration programs. Regional study alone does not guarantee an extended visa, state nomination or permanent residency.
04
Get advice from an authorised professional
Australian immigration laws and eligibility requirements can change. Students requiring personalised migration advice should consult a registered migration agent, Australian legal practitioner or another professional legally authorised to provide Australian immigration assistance.
Important disclaimer
Studying in Australia, completing a qualification or studying in a regional location does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, another visa or permanent residency. All visa decisions are made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Migration agents are regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Grace support
How Grace International
can support you.
Course and institution comparison.
Application-document guidance.
Scholarship-option assessment.
Offer and enrolment support.
Student visa documentation guidance.
English-test preparation.
Pre-departure information.
Responsible guidance: Admissions, scholarships and visa decisions are made by the relevant education provider or government authority. Grace International does not guarantee admission, scholarships, employment, visas or permanent residency.
FAQs
Frequently asked
questions.
Is Australia a good destination for international students?
Australia offers recognised qualifications, regulated education providers, diverse courses and legal protections for international students. Whether it is suitable for you depends on your academic goals, financial capacity, preferred course and long-term plans.
What are the main intakes in Australia?
February or March and July are the main intakes. Some providers offer additional intakes for selected courses under trimester or multiple-intake systems.
How early should I apply to study in Australia?
Students should ideally begin several months before their preferred intake. The right timeline depends on course availability, document readiness, provider assessment, financial preparation and visa processing. Applying early does not guarantee admission or a visa, but it can provide more time to complete each requirement correctly.
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Indicative tuition may range from about AUD 8,000 per year for some vocational programs to more than AUD 50,000 per year for certain university degrees. Actual fees depend on the provider, qualification and discipline. Students must also budget for health cover, accommodation, transport, food, course materials, visa charges and travel.
What is the financial requirement for an Australian Student visa?
Applicants may need to show access to funds for travel, 12 months of tuition, living expenses and any accompanying family members. As reviewed on 27 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs uses AUD 29,710 as the 12-month living-cost amount for the primary student. Current requirements must be checked before applying.
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Different conditions apply to students undertaking a Master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree. Every student should check their own visa conditions.
Are scholarships available to international students?
Yes. Scholarships may be offered by the Australian Government, universities, education providers and other organisations. Eligibility, value and deadlines vary, and admission does not automatically include a scholarship.
Is IELTS compulsory for studying in Australia?
Not in every case. Accepted tests, required scores and possible exemptions depend on the course, provider and current visa rules. Students must meet the English requirements that apply to their individual application.
Can I study in Australia after completing high school?
Yes, if you meet the relevant academic and English requirements. Depending on your qualifications, you may enter a Bachelor’s degree directly or begin with a foundation, diploma or other pathway program.
Can I study in Australia with an academic gap?
There is no single gap rule that applies to every provider or visa application. Education history, work experience, the reason for the gap, course relevance and supporting evidence may all be considered. A gap should be explained accurately and supported with genuine documents where possible.
Can I bring my family while studying in Australia?
Eligible family members may be included in or later added to a Student visa application, subject to current rules, additional charges, financial evidence, health cover and other requirements. Applicants must declare relevant family members as required.
Is Overseas Student Health Cover mandatory?
Most Student visa applicants and accompanying family members must maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover for the required period, unless a specific exemption applies.
Can I change my course or education provider after arriving?
Course or provider changes are subject to visa conditions, provider policies and the National Code. Students should obtain accurate advice and understand the academic, financial and visa implications before making a change.
Can I stay in Australia after graduation?
Eligible graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa or another appropriate visa. Eligibility is not automatic and depends on the qualification, age, Australian study requirement and rules in effect when the application is made.
Does studying in Australia guarantee permanent residency?
No. Studying in Australia does not guarantee employment, permanent residency or any future visa. Migration requirements can change, and every application is assessed against the rules applying at that time.
How can Grace International help with my Australia application?
Grace International can help you compare suitable courses and providers, understand document requirements, assess available scholarship options, prepare education applications and plan your next steps. Final admission, scholarship and visa decisions remain with the relevant institution or government authority.
Official resources
Australian Qualifications Framework·CRICOS·Student visa subclass 500·Genuine Student requirement·Scholarships·Post-study work·Living & education costs·Fair Work Ombudsman·Course search
Information last reviewed: 27 July 2026. Visa charges, financial-capacity figures and post-study arrangements change — verify before applying.
Start your Australia journey
Start your study
journey in Australia.
Choosing the right course, provider, and location shapes your entire international education experience. Speak with a Grace counsellor about options that suit your academic profile, goals, and budget. Admission, scholarship, and visa decisions rest with the provider or government authority.
Book free counselling