Why should I study in Australia?

Australia offers high academic standards, globally ranked universities, strong employment prospects and an excellent quality of life. It is also known for its multicultural environment and welcoming student communities.

Do I need IELTS to study in Australia?

Yes, most Australian universities require proof of English proficiency. IELTS is widely accepted and is often a key requirement for admission.

What IELTS score is required to study in Australia?

The IELTS score required depends on the university and course, but most institutions require an overall score of 6.0 to 7.0, with minimum scores in each section.

What are the requirements for the Subclass 500 Student visa?

To apply for a Subclass 500 visa, you must be enrolled in an Australian course, meet English language requirements, have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate that you can cover tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs.

Do international students need health insurance in Australia?

Yes, international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in Australia, as public healthcare (Medicare) usually does not cover them.

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, the Subclass 500 Student visa allows you to work while studying. You can take part-time or full-time work, internships, and volunteering opportunities depending on visa conditions.

Which IELTS test should I take for studying in Australia?

Most universities accept IELTS Academic for study purposes. This test is designed to assess whether you are ready to study in an English-speaking academic environment.

Can I stay in Australia after graduation?

Yes, after graduating, you can apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia for a limited time.

IELTS guide to studying in Australia

Q: What visa do I need to study in Australia?

You need a Subclass 500 Student visa to study in Australia. This visa allows you to study full-time, travel in and out of the country, and work while studying.

Q: How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Undergraduate tuition fees typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. Postgraduate degrees usually cost between AUD 22,000 and AUD 55,000, while doctoral degrees can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 60,000 annually.

Q: How much does it cost to live in Australia as a student?

The cost of living varies by city, with Sydney and other major cities being more expensive. However, Australia is generally considered more affordable than some other English-speaking countries.

Q: Are scholarships available to study in Australia?

Yes, scholarships are available from universities and the Australian government. Examples include university-specific scholarships and government-funded programmes such as Australia Awards.

Australia is home to many top-ranked universities, attracting thousands of students from all over the world. Learn more about this top study abroad destination, and taking IELTS for Australia study.

Download Australia Study Guide Book your IELTS test

Smiling student sitting outdoors holding study materials near a bicycle.

Why study in Australia?

Australia is known for a high standard of living and a relaxed attitude to life. Multicultural and friendly, it’s a welcoming place to live and study.

High academic standards and good employment prospects

Many Australian universities, including Melbourne, Sydney and Monash, rank among the world’s best. They consistently meet industry expectations, making sure students graduate with the necessary skills for employment. A lot of programmes offer practical or work-based learning, allowing you to gain real work experience and develop professional networks while you study.

Quality of life

Student life in Australia offers a diverse urban culture with easy access to beaches, parks and outdoor activities. Many consider its cities as some of the best to live in the world, with festivals, arts, sports and multicultural foodie scenes.

Download your Guide to Studying in Australia

Get your copy of Guide to Studying in Australia to learn more about living in Australia. Find out more about the university admission process, student life and how IELTS can help you achieve your goal of studying in Australia.

Download guide

Which are the best Australian universities by industry?

Australia is a great place to continue with your studies and give your career a head start thanks to its top-class education and links to research and industry.

Check IELTS requirements for your university

account_balance

Business and Finance

Australia is home to highly ranked business schools such as Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne, UNSW Business School and the University of Queensland Business School. They are all recognised in global rankings for accounting, finance and management teaching.

experiment

Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences

Leading institutions for life sciences and medical research include the University of Sydney, Monash University and the University of Queensland. These rank high for areas such as medicine, pharmacy and biological sciences, and partner with major pharmaceutical companies and research institutes.

biotech

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

STEM courses are very popular in Australia, with fast growth in employment in this field in recent years. The University of Melbourne ranks highly for driving research and innovation. The University of Western Australia and the Australian National University also rank in the world’s top 100 for engineering programmes.

health_cross

Healthcare and Social Assistance

The healthcare and social assistance industry is the largest in Australia, making it a popular career choice. As a result, Australian universities perform strongly in fields such as public health and social care. Alongside leading institutions in Sydney and Melbourne, the universities of Newcastle and South Australia rank highly for nursing degrees.

school

Education and Teaching

Australia is home to many world-class institutions offering education qualifications and a chance to shape the next generation of change-makers. As well as the ‘big three’ (Sydney, Melbourne and Monash), the University of Queensland and Deakin University rank high in global listings.

sports_and_outdoors

Sports science

As you might expect for this outdoor-loving country, Australia has a reputation for excellence in sports science. The University of Western Australia, the University of Newcastle and the University of South Australia rank among the world’s top 100 in this fast-growing field.

What visa do I need to study in Australia?

To study in Australia, you need to apply for a Subclass 500 Student visa. This visa allows you to study in Australia, travel to and from the country and work while you study.

To stay in Australia after graduation, you’ll need a Subclass 485 visa (Temporary Graduate Visa). This allows you to temporarily live and work in Australia.

Young woman walking through a city street with a shoulder bag on a sunny day

Applying for the Subclass 500 visa

To apply for this visa, you have to:

school

Be enrolled in a course in an Australian university

translate

Meet the English language requirements

account_balance_wallet

Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

attach_money

Show that you can pay tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs.

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Tuition fees in Australia vary by university and programme, with top-ranked institutions typically charging the most.

south

Undergraduate tuition fees

For an undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree, you can expect to pay AUD $20,000-45,000 per year. On average, a BA in arts costs AUD $38,500, while a subject like veterinary science will cost more, around AUD $51,500.

north

Postgraduate tuition fees

Master’s degrees in Australia typically cost between AUD $22,000 and AUD $55,000, depending on the subject. Doctoral degrees are likely to cost AUD $30,000-60,000/year.

How much does it cost to live in Australia as a student?

Australia is a more affordable study destination than other English-speaking countries like the USA. However, major cities like Sydney still rank among some of the most expensive in the world.

house

Accommodation

On-campus: AUD $440-1,120 p/m; shared, off-campus: AUD $740-1,760 p/m

grocery

Groceries

AUD $140-280 p/w; Eating out: AUD $20-60 depending on location

train

Travel

Monthly public transport pass: AUD $75-200. Student discounts may apply

Download our guide to studying in Australia

Are scholarships available to study in Australia?

school

University-sponsored scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships to study in Australia. For example, the University of Western Australia’s Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students from around the world.

account_balance

Government-sponsored scholarships

The Australian government offers several scholarships, including the Australia Awards. This offers grants to students from certain developing countries who show leadership potential and a drive for change. The Australia for ASEAN scholarships also give students from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in a priority area for the region.

You should also research scholarship opportunities that may be on offer from the government in your home country.

local_library

Intense competition for scholarships

Scholarships are in high demand, and the application process is highly competitive. It’s a good idea to have a backup financial plan in case you can’t get a scholarship.

Can I work in Australia while I study?

Working while you study is a great way to get experience, earn money and meet new people.

storefront

Full- or part-time work

If you are an undergraduate student on an Australian student visa (subclass 500), you can typically work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year. If you are a post-graduate student, you can work unlimited hours if you meet certain conditions.

factory

Internships and industry placements

Your educational institution may organise internships or work placements so you can apply the skills and knowledge you gained in the classroom. Companies in Australia may also offer internships directly to students or graduates, helping to open doors in their industry.

volunteer_activism

Join a volunteering programme

Volunteering is a great way to build skills and gain practical experience while supporting causes you care about. The Study Australia website lists volunteering opportunities by state, helping you find a placement that suits you.

Healthcare in Australia

Australia has high-quality healthcare, called Medicare. However, it does not usually cover international students, which is why you need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before you arrive in Australia. You can ask your college or university to help you arrange your OSHC cover, which allows you to visit healthcare providers that accept OSHC. You will normally pay treatment fees upfront before submitting a claim to your OSHC provider for reimbursement.

Three friends smiling while looking at a mobile phone together.

Study in Australia with IELTS

The British Council has the expertise to help you get the IELTS score you need for your application. Plus, when you book with us, you get free access to our IELTS Ready Premium preparation platform.

Book your IELTS test now Get free preparation resources