Australia
Australia
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, and not only for its universities. It is consistently ranked among the safest countries, almost a third of residents were born overseas, and everything happens in English, which makes settling in easier than many students expect.
Most universities run two main intakes, in February and July, and the seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. Beyond the Group of Eight research universities, strong institutions like UTS, RMIT, QUT, and the regional universities offer excellent programs, often at a lower cost and sometimes with extra post-study work benefits for studying regionally.
At a glance
Australia, by the numbers
#19
University of Melbourne, Australia's highest-ranked
QS World University Rankings 2026
#20
UNSW Sydney, also in the world's top 20
QS World University Rankings 2026
9
Australian universities in the global top 100
QS World University Rankings 2026
2 yrs
Post-study work on the Temporary Graduate (485) visa
Department of Home Affairs
Field notes
- The seasons are flipped: summer runs December to February, so the big February intake starts in the middle of an Australian summer.
- Australia has one of the world's highest minimum wages, around AUD 24 to 25 an hour, so a part-time campus job stretches a long way.
Highlights
Why Australia
Australia pairs some of the world's top-ranked universities with one of the most laid-back lifestyles anywhere. You'll study in English from day one, in cities that are constantly ranked among the world's most liveable. Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer a mix of world-class campuses, incredible food scenes, and beaches and national parks on your doorstep. International students can work part-time while studying and stay on after graduation through Australia's well-known post-study work program.
Universities the world recognises
Nine institutions sit in the QS global top 100, with Melbourne and UNSW in the top 20.
Scholarships that cut the cost
From full Australia Awards to university merit awards and regional Destination Australia grants.
Safe, sunny, multicultural life
Among the world's safest countries, with beaches, brunch culture, and food from every corner of Asia.
A clear path to stay and work
The subclass 485 graduate visa lets you work two to three years after you finish, longer if you study regionally.
Budget planning
Cost of living in Australia
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Australia offers a world-class education but is not a budget destination. Living costs run about AUD 450 to 750 a week for most students, roughly AUD 2,300 to 5,000 a month, with rent the biggest expense everywhere. Sydney and Melbourne cost the most; Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and regional cities are noticeably cheaper.
On top of living costs, budget for international tuition, with undergraduate degrees typically AUD 30,000 to 60,000 a year, and mandatory OSHC of around AUD 500 to 700 a year. Scholarships, a more affordable city or regional campus, share housing, and part-time work all help bring the total down. Figures are approximate 2026 amounts; confirm current costs before you budget. USD figures on this page use an AUD to USD rate of about 0.71, as of mid-August 2026.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa Details
Visa Type
Student visa (subclass 500)
Processing Time
Varies by country
Key Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof of enrollment
- Financial statements
- Health insurance
Almost every full-time international student needs a Student visa (subclass 500). You first accept an offer from a CRICOS-registered course and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), then arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay before you lodge.
You must show genuine access to funds, currently about AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs plus your first year of tuition and a return airfare, and satisfy the Genuine Student requirement with honest, specific answers. The English minimum is usually IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or an accepted equivalent, taken at a secure test centre, though universities often ask for more.
The application charge rose to AUD 2,000 from 1 July 2025 and is non-refundable, so confirm the current fee and financial figures on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply. Students can generally work up to 48 hours a fortnight in term and unlimited hours in breaks, and under-18s need approved welfare arrangements, either a school CAAW or a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa. Home Affairs is the final authority on any decision.
Guides & Articles
Guides & articles for Australia
Complete GuideStudy Abroad in Australia
A complete guide to universities, visas, costs, and student life in Australia — from Melbourne to Sydney to the Gold Coast.
Read the guide
