Facts about Australia

Australia is the third most popular international student destination in the world.

It might be a small country of 24.5 million people, but they are world leaders in education. Australia is soon expected to take over the UK as the world’s second most popular study destination, just behind the US, according to the University College of London’s Centre for Global Higher Education.

Australia is currently home to nearly 700,000 international students. That’s an 11% increase in international student numbers from 2017. Our high-quality education, easy access to student support services, multicultural society, and a fantastic lifestyle make Australia an attractive study destination.

Australia have six of the world’s top 100 universities. The education institutions may be relatively young compared with universities such as the UK’s Oxford or the US’s Harvard, but they are up there with the best. The University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales and Monash University were all ranked in the top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.

We have one of the best higher education systems in the world. Australia has an outstanding higher education system. With over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions, their system is ranked 8th in the Universities 2019 U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems, higher than France, Germany, Norway, and Japan.

An emphasis on student experience and graduate outcomes. International students report almost 90% satisfaction scores for their living and study experience in Australia according to the 2018 Department of Education International Student Survey.

Seven of the best student cities in the world are in Australia. According to QS Best Student Cities 2019, almost all the major cities – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast – are in the world’s top 100 student cities.

The Australian Government has invested over A$300 million in scholarships for international students.

Australia offered over 3,000 Australia Awards scholarships and short courses to students from over 55 countries in 2019. You could be eligible for one in 2020.

Our universities rank in the world’s top 50 in a huge range of study areas. Australia provides world-leading education in many study areas. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020 rated the institutions highly in the following fields:

Arts & Humanities Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health Engineering & Technology Life Sciences Physical Sciences Social Sciences

We have over 2.5 million international alumni making a global difference. Over the past 50 years, 2.5 million international students have graduated from Australian educational institutions, according to the International Education Association of Australia. These graduates are now part of a global alumni network that is making an impact around the world.

Australia’s universities have produced 15 Nobel laureates. From the 1945 prize for the discovery of penicillin to the most recent prize in 2017 for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Australian graduates are high achievers. Will you be Australia’s next Nobel laureate?

Reasons to study in Australia

Discover how to be an innovative and an agile thinker. Australian universities, colleges and schools are committed to equipping you with practical skills and knowledge to help you succeed in your chosen industry. As global demand booms for entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers, Australian education providers have re-engineered their approaches to teaching and learning to inspire thought-leading creativity among students in every discipline.

Australian universities, colleges, and schools will teach you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to help you succeed in a fast-changing world and remain agile in uncertain times.

Study at globally ranked institutions

Australia is setting international standards for excellence in education.

The Australian education sector comprises world-leading education institutions, premium training facilities, and outstanding lecturers and student support services.

If you’re looking for unbiased proof that Australian universities truly are world-class, look at independent global rankings such as Times Higher Education, QS, and Shanghai Rankings. These organizations consistently rank Australian institutions in the world’s top 100 universities year after year.

Gain work experience while you study

Australian institutions provide an education designed to help you succeed in the global workforce. An Australian qualification will make you very attractive to potential employers in Australia, at home, and around the world.

Many Australian degrees and vocational courses include work experience programs and internships so you can gain hands-on industry experience and grow your professional network while you study. Once you complete your degree, you may also be eligible to stay and work in Australia.

While studying, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the semester break. This can be a great way to find study-related work or simply pay for your lifestyle in Australia.

Access extensive student support services

Australian institutions offer a huge range of student support services to help you settle into your new life in Australia. Education providers must comply with strict quality control and government accreditation measures so you can be assured you will receive only the best service. In several cities and towns, there are dedicated international student support centers, each offering practical advice, and support on issues like legal rights, job skills and opportunities to meet and socialize with other local and international students.

Australia's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS ACT) framework enforces by law the best-practice protection for the rights of international students studying in Australia.

Live and study in safety

Australian cities have some of the lowest crime rates in the world, and the streets and public spaces are open and safe. There are many options for accommodation: you can live in purpose-built student villages, homestays, private rentals, share-houses or boarding school accommodation.

Feel welcome in a multicultural society

Australia is a friendly and welcoming country. The nation values individual freedoms, and the rights of citizens and visitors are protected under a transparent legal system.

Australia is also a multicultural society with respect for others no matter who they are or where they come from. Did you know almost 30% of Australians are born overseas? This has made the country rich with nationalities and cultures from all over the world.

When you study in Australia, you will join more than half a million international students from 192 countries who have been welcomed into Australian life.

Make the most out of Australia’s great outdoors with a unique mix of thriving cities and regional centers, vast open spaces and spectacular landscapes, it’s no wonder Australia attracts people from all over the world.

The first thing you will notice when you land in Australia is our fresh air and blue skies. They have a long history of protecting the beauty and sustainability of environment. The result? Clean and sustainable cities and regional centers with plenty of green spaces and relatively low air pollution.

Our diverse natural environment offers a range of experiences – you can relax on golden beaches, venture into national parks to see unique plants and animals; and explore the untamed outback.

Australian institutions also place great importance on teaching students the value of sustainability and how to apply it in all areas of industry.

Enjoy a high standard of living

Australian cities are consistently ranked as some of the most livable in the world. Their quality of education, healthcare, transport, infrastructure, and government services are rated well above international averages.

Australia is a technologically advanced country with a strong, globally competitive economy. You will enjoy all the benefits of high-quality services, transportation, and infrastructure in the towns and cities.

Employment opportunities

The educational institutions make students work-ready and understand what it takes to succeed in the global workforce. An Australian qualification will make you a very attractive potential employee to employers in Australia, at home and around the world.

Bringing your children

The requirements for enrolling students and school fees vary across Australian states and territories, and schools. Following is a summary of the fee arrangements for public schools in each of Australia’s states and territories.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

From 1 January 2016, the children of Higher Degree by Research (Masters and Doctoral) international students studying in Canberra are eligible to have their fees waived in ACT Government schools, and holders of some other temporary visas are also eligible to apply for a fee‐waiver for school-aged dependents. Please see the ACT Government Education and Training Directorate website for full details on school fees, including eligibility and application criteria.

New South Wales (NSW)

School fees apply to most dependents of temporary residents in New South Wales. There are some exceptions, for further information visit the DEC International website.

Northern Territory (NT)

Dependents of Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students are treated as international students and pay full fees. The only exceptions are dependents of Australian Aid students and some Ph.D. home country scholarship students as agreed with Charles Darwin University. Further information can be found at the NT Department of Education website.

Queensland (QLD)

The Department of Education, Training, and Employment offers fee exemptions for eligible dependent students of temporary visa holders whose parents are studying in Queensland tertiary institutions. This policy is available on the Education Queensland International website and it sets out the requirements for assessing eligibility for fee exemptions for dependents of temporary visa holders.

South Australia (SA)

Dependents of international tertiary students studying an award course in a South Australian university or tertiary institution can be enrolled in a South Australian government school. Further information can be found on the South Australian Government Schools website.

The South Australian Government provides a fee waiver for dependents of Higher Degree by Research students studying at South Australian Universities who meet the necessary criteria. Further information can be found on the Children of SA Government Endorsed Scholarship Holders page on the SA Government International Students website.

Victoria (VIC)

Tuition fees are the same for all Victorian Government schools. There are discounts for students who have a parent studying at a Victorian tertiary institute. More details can be found on the Victorian Government Schools website.

Tasmania (TAS)

Most dependent students are required to pay tuition fees to attend a Tasmanian Government School. For full information please visit the Tasmanian Government Department of Education website.

Western Australia (WA)

In Western Australia, students can access subsidized schooling in government schools. Eligible children can access government schooling at the same fee levels applied to local students.

For more information about government schooling for children of international higher degree students visit the WA Education and Training International website.

What is the cost of living?

Students should be aware that the costs of studying in Australia will depend on your education provider, the level of study you choose and your study location in Australia.

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars).

The costs below are an approximate guide only and don't consider your budget and spending habits.

Accommodation

Hostels and Guesthouses - $90 to $150 per week.
Shared Rental - $95 to $215 per week.
On campus - $110 to $280 per week.
Homestay - $235 to $325 per week.
Rental - $185 to $440 per week.
Boarding schools - $11,000 to $22,000 a year.
Other living expenses:
Groceries and eating out - $140 to $280 per week.
Gas, electricity - $10 to $20 per week.
Phone and Internet - $15 to $30 per week.
Public transport - $30 to $60 per week.
Car (after purchase) - $150 to $260 per week.
Entertainment - $80 to $150 per week.

Cost of living

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet to receive a student visa for Australia.

Refer to the step by step Student Visa Subclass 500 application and Document Checklist Tool for details on how to provide the evidence required to cover the costs of your stay, including your travel, study, and living expenses.

As of October 2019, the 12-month living costs are; For students or guardians - AUD$21,041 For partners coming with you - AUD$7,362 For a child coming with you - AUD$3,152

The Home Affairs website covers in more detail how to work out how much money you might need to cover the costs of your stay in Australia as an international student.

The Insider Guides 'Cost of Living Calculator' is also a useful, practical tool to help estimate your cost of living in Australia www.insiderguides.com.au/cost-of-living-calculator/.

If you experience financial trouble while in Australia, talk to your institution’s international student support and student accommodation services staff for assistance.

Course and study costs in Australia will depend on the education provider and level of study you choose.

Use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities.

Students should refer to their provider's payment conditions for specific advice.

Education costs

The list below gives you a broad indication of the range of course costs (yearly) for different 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’s degree - $20,000 to $45,000*. Postgraduate Master’s Degree - $22,000 to $50,000*. Doctoral Degree - $18,000 to $42,000*. * Note: This does not include high cost of delivery courses such as veterinary and medical. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses. All costs are per year in Australian dollars.

Explore study options

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code) provide nationally consistent standards for providers of education and training for international students.

As an international student on a student visa, you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the institution at which you study meet the high standards expected by international students.

Along with the ESOS Act and National Code, there are also regulatory and quality assurance organizations for higher education and VET institutions. These government organizations are responsible for registration/re-registration of institutions and accreditation/re-accreditation of courses. These organizations are:

Higher education - Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) VET - Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). So, no matter the type, of course, you want to study, how long you want to study for or where you want to study, you can be assured that in Australia you will have a high quality and rewarding study experience.