Why Study in Australia as an International Student?

Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses to choose from. With specialised courses in IT, Medicine, Teaching, and more – there is bound to be a course that is right for your interests, as well as potential permanent residency pathways.

Regardless of what or how long you are planning to study, Australia’s laws promote quality education and protection for international students, all of which is recognised globally by businesses and institutions alike.

Think about what you’d like to study, the school, college or university you’d like to attend and the city that suits your lifestyle and budget. A quick guide to some of the largest cities in Australia is below:

• Melbourne, which houses the second top ranked University in Australia, The University of Melbourne, as well as boasts some of the best café culture, bars, and nightlife globally.
• Sydney, coming in a close third with the University of Sydney, also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, as well as loads of postcard attractions - Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach etc.
• Brisbane, with the 5th best university in Australia, University of Queensland, has a more laid-back lifestyle, with rainforests, beaches, and a much more humid climate.
• Adelaide, often referred to as a mini version of Melbourne due to having similar food & wine culture, but a smaller, quieter layout, also boasts a top 10 Australian university – the University of Adelaide.
• And lastly, Perth, which also hosts a top 10 University, the University of Western Australia, has wide open spaces, arguably the best beaches in Australia, and can shave some time off flights abroad to some destinations due to its geographic location (e.g. Europe)

Get an idea of the subject areas that interest you the most. You might also look at some course descriptions, university reviews and their locations. Start a wish list of your preferences and begin to narrow down your selection.

When you’re ready, make an appointment with an IDP counsellor. Our counsellors are professionally certified and many have been international students themselves. They’re a friendly face and a wealth of first-hand professional advice and personal experience from different study locations all over the world. 

Take your wish-list and course preferences along with you to your appointment as a starting point. Your counsellor will work through all the big and small details to ensure the best possible fit between you, your future university and your area of study.

After you’ve chosen your course and university, college or school, it’s time to apply. Your IDP counsellor will support your application. We take our job very seriously and follow the strictest legal and ethical standards. 

Your counsellor will personally contact your chosen university, college or school to make sure they support your application to improve your chances of acceptance.

If you need to take an English test to qualify for your course, don’t assume you’ll get the grade without practise. In a test such as IELTS you will need good grammar and spelling, as well as a wide range of vocabulary. Even the best English speakers can have bad habits so remember to practise these skills.

Once the university or school receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. It can take a few weeks (or longer for postgraduate courses) for your application to be processed. 

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting your offer, your counsellor will read it carefully through with you and check any conditions that may apply.

If you are accepted for more than one course or school, we'll help you decide which option is best for you.

It’s natural to be nervous as you wait for the outcome of your course applications. If you are feeling anxious, we want you to tell us. This is perfectly normal and we can help you feel more confident. 

It’s always a good idea to brush up your English skills to ensure you can keep up with what your lecturers are saying, especially if English is not your first language. Try watching things like TV news and talk shows, reading books or listening to podcasts where the English is more formal.

Have some fun learning the local slang in Australia. For example, Australians (or ‘Aussies’ as they call themselves) have lots of different words (and accents) even though they all speak English.

Now that you have been accepted, it’s time to apply for your student visa. IDP can provide you with some information to help make sure you are well positioned to navigate this process with the authorised migration departments. 

Congratulations! You’re off on a huge adventure. There are lots of things to think about during this time and your IDP counsellor will help out along the way with advice on matters such as exchanging money, insurance, SIM cards and opening a bank account.

The costs of studying in Australia will depend on the institution and the level of study you choose. The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for several types of qualifications.

School - $7,800 to $30,000

English language studies - Around $300 per week depending on course length

Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) - $4,000 to $22,000

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree - $15,000 to $33,000*

Postgraduate Masters Degree - $20,000 to $37,000*

Doctoral Degree - $14,000 to $37,000*

* This does not include high value courses such as veterinary and medical studies etc. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses.

Many scholarships are available to students of all nationalities, however all scholarships conditions are set by the institution or organisation offering the scholarship. Applications have to be done directly with the scholarship provider and to find out if you are eligible to receive a scholarship you must contact the organisation offering the scholarship.