Studying in Australia for Students

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for students around the world and home to a number of prestigious educational institutions while boasting some of the world's most livable cities in Sydney and Melbourne, where students can enjoy an affordable cost of living while pursuing their academic and professional goals.
When it comes to quality of life, high-quality education, and promising opportunities for students, Australia is always the perfect choice. Here's why:
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Quality of Education
Australia is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. What’s more important is that the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency oversees Australia's higher education system (TEQSA).
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Quality of Life
The quality of life in Australia ranks behind Norway as the greatest in the world. With advanced infrastructure, world-class healthcare services, a diverse range of public transportation, numerous student services, and a comparatively affordable cost of living, Australia is truly a home for students.
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After Graduation opportunities
Post-graduation, many students can extend their stay in Australia. The temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) permits you to stay in Australia after finishing your studies to live, study, or work.
Admission requirements vary depending on the degree and from university to university, although some basic requirements for students are similar across all universities and include:
- Academic transcripts
- Health insurance for overseas students
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose (Personal statement)
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How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and the university or school you opt for. For instance, veterinary and medical degrees cost substantially more than other degrees. The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between $15,000 - 20,000 a year.
Sr No Study Program Average Annual Fees in Australian Dollar ($) 1. School $7,800 to $30,000 annually 2. English language studies $300/week (varies as per course length) 3. Vocational Education and Training
(Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma)$4000 - $22,000 annually 4. Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree $15,000 - $33,000 annually 5. Postgraduate Master’s Degree $20,000 - $37,000 annually 6. Doctoral Degree $14,000 - $37,000 annually Source: Australian Government website, please note all figures are indicative
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What is the cheapest university in Australia for students?
If you’re asking this question, then you should know that the answer depends on many factors, such as your preferred field of study, type of program or qualification, and the university. However, some universities offer lower tuition fees than others.
These are the top 5 most affordable Australian universities for students:University of Sunshine Coast Average annual cost in Australian Dollar ($) University of Sunshine Coast $23,000 – $29,000 Australian Catholic University $23,000 – $28,000 Federation University $22,000 – $29,000 Western Sydney University $25,000 – $32,000 Edith Cowan University $26,000 – $32,000
Most universities in Australia offer on-campus residence facilities to students. You can also opt for an off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students or stay with a local Australian family. The rent is usually paid every two weeks in advance. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.
The table below shows the average weekly costs of most accommodation options, according to the Australian Government website. Your IDP Education counsellor can help choose the best accommodation option that fits your budget.
Accommodation Type | Cost per week in Australian Dollar |
Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 |
Shared Rental | $95 to $215 |
On campus | $110 to $280 |
Homestay | $235 to $325 |
Rental | $185 to $440 |
It is an important part of your financial preparation to have a general idea of how much it costs to live as an student in Australia. Among other factors, the cost of living depends on which city you reside in. Consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
Living expenses | Weekly budget |
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Groceries and eating out | $140 to $280 AUD |
Gas, electricity | $10 to $20 AUD |
Phone and Internet | $15 to $30 AUD |
Public transport | $30 to $60 AUD |
Car (after purchase) | $150 to $260 AUD |
Entertainment | $80 to $150 AUD |
When deciding which university to study at, it is crucial that you also look at the world university rankings along with the general fee structure depending on the course you wish to study. This helps you compare and understand where a university ranks, how your desired institution fares on the global map and how the costs of study programs vary across different institutions.
University | THE ranking | Annual tuition fees in AUD (Undergraduate) | Annual tuition fees in AUD (Graduate) |
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The University of Melbourne | 34 | 42,000 – 67,368 AUD | 42,000 – 53,696 AUD |
Monash University | 44 | 36,000 – 79,700 AUD | 39,000 – 46,000 AUD |
The University of Queensland | 53 | 44,000 – 77,456 AUD | 42,000– 47,264 AUD |
The University of Sydney | 54 | 44,000 – 68,000 AUD | 44,000 – 54,000 AUD |
The Australian National University | 62 | 48,000– 79,000 AUD | 49,000– 54,880 AUD |
Here are some of the most popular scholarships for students to study in Australia:
Scholarship Name | Value |
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UTS College to UTS Pathway Scholarship | Up to 50% of fees |
Trinity College Residential College Scholarships | Up to 30,000 AUD |
Director’s Scholarships for Academic Excellence | Up to 7,500 AUD |
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to 4,000 AUD |
ASTRO 3D Science PhB Advanced Studies Course Award | Up to 3,000 AUD |
The type of visa you require in Australia will be determined by the level of study, the field of study, and the length of the program you intend to enrol in. Regardless of your study program, university of choice, or tuition fees, you will require a student (subclass 500) visa as an international student.
To apply for a student visa to study in Australia, you will typically need the following:- A valid passport
- Polio certificate
- Visa application fee
- Passport-sized pictures
- Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE)
- A Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Details of health insurance policy (OSHC)
- Financial proof that you can afford living expenses, tuition fees, return airfare, expenses for dependents