Australia is one of the top five countries in which international students pursue admission and is ranked among the most popular study abroad destinations. Australia welcomed 5,27,529 international students in 2022, of which approximately 1,00,009 were Indian.
Increasing numbers of international students are studying in Australia due to the high number of job openings in Business, Healthcare, Engineering, Medicine, etc., as well as the fact that Australia pays its workforce well.
Australian labour laws are stringent, so it is feasible for Indian pupils to work there after graduation.
Foreign students also have many other advantages by coming to Australia for higher education. The availability of over a 100,000+ worth of scholarships to cover educational expenses is one of Australia’s main selling points.
Besides this, there are also the following factors at play:
Australia is the third most common destination among English-speaking countries for international students. Only the United Kingdom and the United States of America have a higher global profile.
Students looking for a welcoming, multicultural environment with a prestigious education place a focus on this very factor.
There is a wide range of study options available at Australian institutions. Their course distributions are extremely extensive. Credible universities around the world offer programmes for international students with specialised hobbies.
In addition to developing professionally and personally, the students can broaden their horizons by travelling around Australia.
Every six to seven months, Australia adds over 64,000+ additional positions to attract new workers. The generous work-study hours are a major perk of learning in Australia.
Twenty hours of employment per week is allowed for international students. This is incredibly kind because it allows the students to start saving for college early, gives them the opportunity to see the world, and gives them first-hand experience working in a foreign country at a young age.
Australian culture is entirely distinct from the popular culture to which most American students are accustomed. Initially, the students may find Australia a little intimidating, but once they find their position in it, Australia reveals itself in a different light.
Unique in nature, the experience allows students to leave their comfort zone, embrace a different culture, and acquire knowledge.
Obtaining an Australian student visa is very different from obtaining an American student visa. It is quite simple. You will be able to adhere to the instructions without any difficulty if you read them.
| Total Universities | 43 | |
| Education Levels | Primary, Secondary, Tertiary | |
| ELP Test Scores Requirement | TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo | |
| Standardised Test Score Accepted | UG= SAT PG= GRE / GMAT |
|
| UG Admission Eligibility | ATAR (12th score) + entrance test score+ ELP score | |
| PG Admission Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree + entrance test score + ELP score | |
| Australian Qualification Recognised | Involves 140+ countries globally | |
| Australian University Acceptance Rate | Moderate to highly selective (90%) |
In 2022, Australia will rank fifth among countries offering the highest quality education to both domestic and international students. Over six million students enrol annually to study at top-ranked Australian universities.
In Australia, there are countless educational institutions and programs, ranging from elementary school to graduate school, as well as VET, English, and foundation courses. This is one of the reasons why UNICEF gives the Australian education system a grade of 39 out of 41 for 2022.
| Education in Australia Regulator | Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) |
| Education levels in Australia | Primary, Secondary, Tertiary |
| Total Universities in Australia | 43 |
| Courses Offered | 22,000+ |
| Total Higher Education Institutions | 1,100 |
| Areas of Study | Business, Architecture, Designing, Engineering, IT, Science, Arts etc. |
| Average Cost of Study | AUD 4,000- AUD 25,000 (Annually) |
There are 51 academic fields studied at Australian colleges, including engineering, business, arts & humanities, medicine, and the sciences.
Costs of education in Australia typically vary based on the disciplines pursued by international students. The cost of studying in Australia ranges from $300 per week to $50,000 per year.
The following is an estimate of the cost of studying in Australia based on the level of courses pursued by prospective international and Indian students:
| Level of Education in Australia | Costs for Indian Students |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree | INR 11.07 Lakhs – 24.90 Lakhs |
| Postgraduate Bachelor’s Degree | INR 12.18 Lakhs – 27.68 Lakhs |
| Doctoral Degree | INR 9.96 Lakhs – 23.25 Lakhs |
| English Language Courses ** | INR 16,600 (Per Week) |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET)** | INR 2.21 Lakhs – 12.18 Lakhs |
**In Australia, VET courses are offered at TAFE institutions. These institutions are distinct from universities in Australia.
**In Australia, English classes are referred to as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students).
The cost of living in Australia varies by city, way of life, and individual spending habits.
Here are some examples of common expenses in Australian dollars (AUD) and their Indian Rupee (INR) equivalents, based on the exchange rate of
| Expense | AUD Cost | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Accommodation) | $150-250/week | 7,875-13,125 INR/week |
| Groceries | $80-120/week | 4,200-6,300 INR/week |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | $100-200/month | 5,250-10,500 INR/week |
| Dining out (inexpensive restaurant) | $15-20/meal | 788-1,050 INR/meal |
| Movie Ticket | $15-20/ticket | 788-1,050 INR/ticket |
| Mobile Phone Plan | $30-50/month | 1,575-2,625 INR/month |
| Internet (monthly) | $60-80/month | 3,150-4,200 INR/month |
Please note that these are rough estimates and prices may vary based on location and other factors.
Students should also prepare for the fact that the expense of living in Australia may be higher than in their home country.
After receiving their confirmation of enrolment, international students who wish to study in Australia must file for a student visa.
A student visa can be applied for online to study in Australia. Subclass 500 visas are needed for international students applying to an undergraduate program in Australia, while subclass 485 visas are required for international students applying to a graduate program in Australia.
Subclass 500 visas in Australia have a AUD 650 fee (INR 36,030 approx.). Students who are accepted for a course in Australia on this visa can remain for up to five years.
In Australia, the category 485 Temporary Graduate visa will set you back 680 Australian dollars (INR 36,680 approx.). Those who are granted this visa can remain in the country for a maximum of four years.
Applicants in either category can apply for a visa renewal in Australia.
International students applying for a student visa in Australia must be prepared to submit a number of documents.
Australia requires the following documents for student visa applications:
The admission criteria for international students wishing to apply to Australian universities differ depending on their course level.
Typically, the following documents must be submitted by both groups of students:
If the applicant wishes to enrol in an undergraduate programme, he/she must submit SAT or MCAT / NEET UG scores in addition to either score and other prerequisites. Depending on the chosen course, they must meet the fundamental admission requirements equivalent to ATAR scores or class 12 scores.
In contrast, international candidates seeking admission to master’s programmes in Australia will be required to submit GRE/GMAT scores, or LSAT scores in the case of law programmes. In addition, applicants may be required to attend an interview and submit additional documents or portfolios.
Melbourne is the finest city in Australia for Indian students, Sydney is on par with Melbourne. Melbourne is at the top of the QS – Top Study City Rankings for 2023, while Canberra is ranked 35th.
Following is a list of the top Australian cities for international students to study in:
| Australian Cities | QS Best City Rankings 2023 |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | #5 |
| Sydney | #9 |
| Brisbane | #24 |
| Adelaide | #31 |
| Perth | #34 |
| Canberra | #35 |
The criteria for determining the best city in Australia for international students are employment opportunities after graduation, a low cost of living, and opportunities for career advancement and financial growth.
There are over 120,000 international student scholarships available for study in Australia. The following are the list of scholarships you can apply to study in Australia:
Across Australian universities, enrolment rates are increasing by 4 to 5 percent annually, and so is the demand for student loan applications. Students who wish to pursue higher education in Australia are required to pay their tuition in full prior to departure.
Thus, a list of only a few institutions that are on Australia’s acceptable list for offering educational loans to international students comes to their rescue. Visas and letters of admission offer are also contingent on the applicant’s ability to finance their studies in Australia.
Since higher education in Australia is incredibly expensive for students, particularly those from India, their only option is to apply for educational loans. An average Australian university will charge an Indian student around 20 and 35 Lakhs for one year of study.
Numerous public and private banks offer low-interest student loans to students who wish to study abroad.
Students and their guardians who wish to apply for an Education Loan today can do so from the comfort of their own homes. Today, it is straightforward to apply for an education loan, and every student should take advantage of this to study abroad.
However, prior to submitting an Education Loan application, certain details must be considered.
Nationalized banks such as State Bank of India (SBI) offer Education Loans of up to Rs. 30 Lakhs to students who desire to pursue higher education in Australia. Prior to the bank processing the loan amount, the individual must provide a list of documents (student). These consist of:
The loan granted by an institution would be used exclusively for educational expenses and not for personal expenses. The sanctioned loan amount would cover the expenses:
Students who have requested a loan between 4 and 7.50 lakhs have ten years to repay the full amount. And pupils who have been granted loans in excess of 7.5 lakhs have 20 years to repay the full amount. However, students should be aware that the length of the moratorium varies by loan provider.
In Australia, international students are permitted to work 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. After the pandemic restrictions were lifted and the borders were reopened, the 40-hour rule was implemented to reduce unemployment in Australia.
The average hourly wage for part-time workers in Australia ranges from AUD 25 to AUD 33. Some common part-time occupations in Australia include:
International graduates of Australian universities are eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate 485 (subclass) visa. This visa allows pupils to temporarily reside and work in Australia for a period of two to four years.
There are specific rules or eligibility requirements for obtaining this PSW visa in Australia, and they are as follows:
The Temporary Graduate 485 (subclass) visa in Australia costs AUD 1,730, and students are permitted to bring their families with them, though a separate application is required.
Students who completed an undergraduate programme at an Australian university and desire to work must first submit an application for a Temporary Graduate 485 (subclass) visa.
This visa would allow international or Indian students in Australia to seek employment or pursue post-graduate studies.
Recent job openings in roughly five to six industries of Australia’s economy have made them popular employment sectors in Australia.
A. There are nearly eight to nine affordable universities for international scholars in Australia. Course fees range from AUD 14,000 to AUD 17,00,000 for undergraduate programmes and from AUD 16,000 to AUD 38,000 for graduate programmes.
A. Most Australian universities do not charge international students application fees. Even if they submit independently or through agents. However, if students apply through agents, they may be required to pay a nominal fee, though in some cases they may not.
A. Some of Australia’s highest-paid professionals have medical credentials. Surgeons rank first among the highest paid specialists in Australia, earning an average of AUD 394,303 per year.
Anesthetists are the second highest-paid professionals in Australia, earning an average of AUD 386,060 per year.