Study in Australia - Applications, Fees & Visas

Australian university admissions & fees 

There is no federal or state-level application system for international students applying to universities in Australia, so you will need to apply directly to the university, usually online and often for a fee.

Australian universities certainly aren’t cheap, with average tuition fees for international students hovering above the US$10,500 mark. This will vary from university to university and subject to subject – a humanities student will pay substantially less than someone studying medicine. If cost is going to be an issue, then make sure you do some research.

Australian student visa requirements 

The Australian student visa you need will depend on what type of course you’re going to study. In order to study for an undergraduate degree (or a taught master’s degree) in Australia you will need a Higher Education Sector: Temporary Visa (Subclass 573). If you’re studying a master’s degree by research or a doctorate, the Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574) is the visa you need.

The process you need to follow will depend on which assessment level citizens of your country fall under. Students from New Zealand are not classed as international students and therefore will not need a visa to study in Australia.

Applications of streamlined visa processing are now available for those who are eligible (studying a higher education advanced diploma, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree by coursework). If you are eligible for streamlined student visa processing, you are not assigned an assessment level, as students eligible for this service are automatically determined to be low immigration risk. Eligible students will also have reduced evidentiary requirements for their student visa application.

You will also need a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement to state your genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of study. You may need to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy for this.

Here's a quick checklist of what it takes to get an Australian student visa: 

• Acceptance on a course

Australian visa requirements for students mean you must first be accepted to study a course which is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). You’ll need an online code and a copy of your confirmation of enrolment or an offer letter to serve as proof of this. You will be able to change course afterwards, but it must be to one of the same level, or else you will need to be apply for a new visa.

• Proof of finances

Students who fall into assessment level 1 will simply need to attest that they have enough money, while students at all other levels are required to prove that they have at least enough money to cover the living expenses of the first year of their stay. At present this is deemed to be A$18,610 (in addition to tuition fees), which is around US$13,000. Accommodation fees paid to your institution in advance can be deducted from the total. If you are receiving full funding you simply need to provide proof of this.

• Medical check-ups/ health insurance

You may be required to take a medical and/or a radiological check-up to show that you are in good health, but you shouldn’t do this unless you are specifically advised that you must. If you are told to take a test then you must attend an appointment with a doctor who has been approved by the Australian immigration department.

You are also obliged to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC – unless you are from Belgium, Norway or Sweden, though Swedes must be covered by CSN or Kammarkollegiet for this to apply. You may purchase this cover through your university, or directly from one of the five approved providers. These are Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, OSHC Worldwide and nib OSHC. The cost of this insurance is A$437 for a single person for a year, which is around US$300.

• Proof of English proficiency

​English language requirements for those not from Anglophone countries are set by universities for level 1 and 2 candidates. Level 3 and 4 candidates will need to prove their proficiency with certified test results (the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website lists eligible tests). The score you will need will depend on whether you are starting a full degree, studying a foundation course, or enrolling on a preliminary English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), which you will have a maximum of 30 weeks to complete.

• Criminal record checks

You will also need to show that you don’t have a substantial criminal record, and your past and present conduct must not suggest you will engage in criminal activity or incite discord in Australia. You may need to acquire penal clearance or get a police statement for this purpose. You will also need to declare fidelity to Australian values by signing an Australian Values Statement.

• Visa applications

Level 1 students can apply online or in person, whereas students from levels 2-4 must apply in post or in person at an Australian embassy if applying for the first time.

You will need to submit evidence of all the above along with application form 157A, four passport pictures and proof of your academic record. All documents should be translated into English. Applications must be made no more than 124 days (around four months) before your course starts. You may be asked to attend an interview at a local visa office.

If you would like to support yourself with a part-time job while in Australia, you will have permission to work included with your visa. You can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours in the holidays. You cannot commence work until you have started your course.

Resource: www.topuniversities.com