Australia is a sovereign country consisting of the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the largest country in Oceania and the world’s sixth-largest country by total area.

For higher study Australia has long been the preferred overseas. Australia is a safe multicultural country as well as more friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel easily and comfortably. Australia is in the third position for the highest number of international students in the world after the United Kingdom and the United States despite having a population of only 23 million.

Reasons for Study in Australia

Academic Excellence

Australia offers an educational experience that makes a real difference while graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. The Australian approach to vocational and technical education and training are now recognized as among the best and most innovative in the world which provides an international reputation

International Recognition

Australian Qualifications and Institutions are known globally for their high-quality education system. Graduates from Australia are very successful in building a decent career and hold prominent positions worldwide. Again, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities. Moreover, most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia are covered by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). It provides a system of learning which is authorized by the Australian government.

Opportunity for Research and Technology

Australia is in the top 10 countries for government spending on research and development (0.71% of GDP) and publishes around 250,000 scientific papers in a decade. This puts it at the forefront of new technology and innovations.

Value for Money

Australia also offers excellent value for money, with living expenses and tuition costs in Australia considerably less expensive than the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA), and a standard of living that is amongst the highest in the world. Furthermore, international students in Australia can work up to 20 hours a week, and during holidays students can work full time. This is a great opportunity for students who want to earn money to help with living expenses during their stay, and for students who want to gain work experience in their field of interest while they study.

Opportunities to work after graduation

The recent changes in government policy make it easier for international students to work in Australia once they complete their education (conditions apply) and hence they can add value to their résumés not only through international education but also through international work experience.

Popular Australian Institutes

1. University of Melbourne
3. The Australian National University
4. Monash University
5. The University of Queensland
6. The University of Sydney
7. RMIT University
8. UNSW Sydney
9. Griffith College, Mount Gravatt
11. The University of Adelaide
12. Victoria University

University tuition fees in Australia

Australia is one of the most expensive countries when it comes to university costs, as the average tuition fee for one academic year is 33,400 AUD.

Average tuition fees for full-time degrees:

• Bachelor’s degree: between 15,000 and 33,000 AUD/year
• Master’s and PhD degree: between 14,000 – 37,000 AUD/year

Most affordable universities in Australia

The list of Australian universities with the most affordable tuition fees:

• IPAG Business School – average tuition fees 15,000 AUD/year
• University of New England – average tuition fees 18,000 AUD/year
• University of Wollongong – average tuition fees 16,000 AUD/year
• Victoria University – average tuition fees 22,000 AUD/year

Tuition fees at top-ranked universities

Here is a list of average tuition fees at the top-ranked Australian universities:

• Australian National University – average tuition fees 36,000-37,000 AUD/year
• University of Sydney – average tuition fees 37,000 AUD/year
• University of Queensland – average tuition fees 32,000 AUD/year

Find detailed information about fees at best ranked Australian universities.

2. Costs of living in Australia for international students

Average living costs in Australian cities

Generally, students living in Australia would need between 1,500 and 2,500 AUD/month to cover all their living expenses, including accommodation, food and social activities.

Check the average budget you would need for each of the most popular student cities in Australia:

• Sydney: starting at 1,900 AUD/month
• Adelaide: starting at 1,300 AUD/month
• Brisbane: starting at 1,400 AUD/month
• Melbourne: starting at 1,500 AUD/month
• Canberra: starting at 1,400 AUD/month

Accommodation costs in Australia

Most universities only provide a small number of student dormitories for on-campus-accommodation in Australia. The majority of international students find housing in a homestay with a local family, a rental property or a guest house.

Most common accommodation options for students in Australia:

• Home stay: costs around 440 – 1,080 AUD/month
• Guest houses: prices are between 320 and 540 AUD/month
• Student halls of residence: rates start from cost 320 and lead up to 1,000 AUD/month
• Rent an apartment: average prices of 1,700 AUD/month

Prices also vary depending on the city; for instance, renting an apartment in Canberra can cost you between 1,400 and 1,700 AUD/month, while Sydney is the most expensive city, especially accommodation wise. Prices for rent for a single bedroom flat can reach up to 2,200 AUD/month.

Other costs associated with accommodation

Apart from rent, your accommodation requires some extra expenses, such as:

• utilities: up to 200 AUD/month
• internet pass: costs around 70 AUD/month

Food costs in Australia

Groceries are available in local supermarkets and usually require around 100 – 200 AUD/week. Save some money and do your shopping at the cheapest supermarkets, like Coles and Woolworths.

The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs 18 AUD while a three-course meal for two is 80 AUD.

Due to the fact that Australia counts a large number of Asian, Greek and Italian population, you can choose from plenty of Asian, Greek and Italian restaurants and taste the specific cuisine.

Transportation costs in Australia

Some universities have a private transport supplier that helps students who stay on campus or have to reach some difficult areas. The Australian government offers free transport to international students who enroll in the ACTION program.

• Depending on the area you are living in, you can benefit from other discounts from state programs such as QLD (Queensland), SA (South Australia) or VIC (Melbourne).
• Otherwise, a public transport pass for students would cost between 30 and 70 AUD/month, depending on the city.
• You can also get around the city using a bicycle and Melbourne is one of the most bike-friendly cities; you can rent a bicycle with around 40 AUD per day.

Extra costs

• Books, supplies, and other learning materials: from 500 to 1,000 AUD/year.
• Health insurance: rates start at 30 AUD/month

A-Z process at a glance

1. Decide on the course and where you want to study. Here’s a list of Australian universities for you to get started. If you can’t make up your mind and need help, get in touch with us for free counseling.
2. Submit your application and necessary documents to the institution.
3. Receive and accept a Letter of Offer from the institution.
4. Receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
5. Plan your travel to Australia.
6. Applying for your student visa.
7. Get student visa approval.
8. Fly to Australia!