Study Abroad Universities Study in Australia

Study in Australia: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Course Fees and Job Opportunities

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Study in Australia- Highlights

Australia saw a steady increase in its population, reaching around 26.4 million by 2023. Indian students studying in Australia surged significantly from 96,000 in 2022 to 120,000 by July 2023. With more than 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses on offer, students have plenty of options. Aussie universities also rank high globally, with seven in the top 300. Despite the expenses, the potential for good salaries in sectors like Business Management, IT & Computer Science, Healthcare, Statistics/Data Science, and Education & Training, ranging from AUD 70,000 to AUD 145,000 a year, makes studying in Australia beneficial.

Core Facts About Australia

Education in Australia

Universities and Colleges 42

Indian Students in Australia (2023) 120,000+

Post-Study Work Permit Yes

Permanent Residence Yes

University / College Stats

Students Placed 64,500+

Primary Language English

Popular Course Business and Management

Scholarships 31

Why Study in Australia?

Australia is one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students. For Indian students considering studying abroad in Australia, it's essential to be aware of the recent policy changes. Starting in 2025, the Australian government plans to cap the number of new international students at 270,000 annually to manage migration and housing pressures according to the Financial Times. Despite these changes, Australia remains committed to supporting international students. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to work in Australia for 2-4 years, depending on their qualifications, providing valuable work experience.

World-Class Education: Australian universities, such as the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, are globally recognized for their high education standards, promoting student innovation and critical thinking.
Multicultural Environment: With a diverse population and inclusive culture, Australia provides a welcoming environment for Indian students to thrive and adapt themselves to a multicultural society.
Post-Study Work Opportunities: Graduates from Australian institutions can access post-study work visas, enabling them to gain valuable work experience and enhance their career prospects.
Affordability: Despite offering world-class education, Australia remains relatively affordable for Indian students, with various scholarship options available to ease financial burdens.
Safety and Security: Australia is known for its safety and security, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience for Indian students studying abroad.

Top Universities to Study in Australia

If an Indian student, decides to study in Australia, it is important to consider the university's world rankings. Australia is home to 7 universities ranked in the top 100 globally, reflecting its strong commitment to higher education. The University of Melbourne has over 65,000 students, including 30,000 international students from more than 130 countries. Below are the top 5 universities in Australia for Indian students that offer a diverse range of programs and research opportunities, making Australia a preferred destination for international students seeking quality education and global exposure.

1. University of Melbourne

Overview: Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia's second-oldest university and consistently ranks among the world's top institutions.
Rankings: Ranked 14th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Notable Programs: Known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and engineering.

2. University of Sydney

Overview: Founded in 1850, it is Australia's first university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight.
Rankings: Placed 18th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Notable Programs: Excels in arts and humanities, social sciences, and health sciences.

3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Overview: Located in Sydney, UNSW is renowned for its research output and strong industry connections.
Rankings: Ranked 19th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Notable Programs: Offers leading programs in engineering, business, and law.

4. Australian National University (ANU)

Overview: Based in Canberra, ANU is known for its research excellence and high academic standards.
Rankings: Placed 30th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Notable Programs: Specializes in politics, international relations, and earth sciences.

5. Monash University

Overview: As one of Australia's largest universities, Monash offers a wide range of programs and has a strong international presence.
Rankings: Ranked 37th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Notable Programs: Known for pharmacy, engineering, and business courses.

Below are the top 10 universities in Australia with QS rankings, THE rankings, and the number of international students percentage.

Universities	QS Rankings	Times Higher Education Ranking	International Students Percentage
Australian National University (ANU)	31	62	25
University of Sydney	40	54	38.2
University of Melbourne	41	34	27.1
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	44	71	25.1
University of Queensland	46	53	23.6
Monash University	55	44	39
University of Western Australia (UWA)	92	99	38
University of Adelaide	106	88	30
University of Technology Sydney	133	133	26.7
University of Wollongong	196	201	40.5
University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	197	201	21
Macquarie University	214	175	26
Curtin University	217	201	32.3
Queensland University of Technology	223	201	40
RMIT University	275	503	46.3
Deakin University	295	251	27
University of Southern Australia (UniSA)	303	601	18
Griffith University	372	251	21.3
University of Tasmania	398	401	25
Swinburne University of Technology	414	352	28.4

Top Courses to Study in Australia for International Students

According to statistics, In 2021, courses related to management and commerce were the most popular among international students in Australia, with enrollments exceeding 123,000. As of 2023, Australia hosted over 619,000 international students, reflecting an 8% increase from the previous year. Below are the top courses in Australia for the Indian students.

Business and Management: Australian universities are renowned for their business programs, focusing on global perspectives and practical skills. Institutions like the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney offer comprehensive courses in this field.
Engineering: With a strong focus on innovation and research, Australian universities provide top-tier engineering programs. Specializations include civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
Information Technology (IT): The IT sector in Australia is rapidly growing, with courses in cybersecurity, data science, and software development being one of the top courses in Australia for International students.
Health and Nursing: Australia's healthcare education is globally recognized, offering programs in nursing, public health, and medical sciences. The demand for healthcare professionals has surged, making these courses in Australia demanding.
Hospitality and Tourism Management: Given Australia's thriving tourism industry, courses in hospitality and tourism management provide practical experience and open doors to global career opportunities.

Earth Science in Australia

Tourism and Hospitality in Australia

Computer Science and Information Technology in Australia

Core Engineering in Australia

Psychology in Australia

Agricultural Sciences in Australia

Architecture in Australia

Biomedical Engineering in Australia

Actuarial Science in Australia

Accountancy in Australia

Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

The cost of Studying in Australia depends on the type of accommodation, level of education, and living expenses. Understing the cost of studying in Australia is crucial for Indian students to have effective financial planning. Approximately 16% of the international students studying in Australia are from India. Indian students predominantly choose fields of study such as Engineering, Management, Health Sciences, and Information Technology.

Tuition Fees: Australia fees for Indian students can vary significantly depending on the type of institution and the course of study. On an average:

Undergraduate Courses: Fees can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per annum.
Postgraduate Courses: Fees typically range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per annum.
Doctoral Degrees: Fees generally range from AUD 18,000 to AUD 42,000 per annum.

Level of Study	Indian Students (INR)
Undergraduate	₹11,00,000 – ₹24,75,000 per year
Postgraduate	₹12,10,000 – ₹27,50,000 per year
Doctoral	₹9,90,000 – ₹23,10,000 per year

Living Expenses: The Australian Government estimates the average living expenses for international students to be about AUD 21,041 per year. In INR, this translates to approximately INR 11,57,255 per year. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other incidental costs.

Expense Category	Estimated Annual Cost (INR)	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)
Accommodation	₹4,40,000 – ₹8,80,000	AUD 8,000 – AUD 16,000
Food	₹1,65,000 – ₹2,75,000	AUD 3,000 – AUD 5,000
Transport	₹55,000 – ₹1,10,000	AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000
Miscellaneous	₹1,10,000 – ₹2,20,000	AUD 2,000 – AUD 4,000
Total	₹7,70,000 – ₹14,85,000	AUD 14,000 – AUD 27,000

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students

For international students from countries other than India, the cost of studying in Australia shares similarities but can vary based on the country of origin due to factors like exchange rates and specific international scholarships. International education is Australia’s third-largest export sector, contributing significantly to the economy. Australia hosts over 600,000 international students each year, with strong representation from China, India, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Tuition Fees: Like Australia fees for Indian students, international students face varying tuition costs:

Undergraduate Programs: Generally, fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 annually.
Postgraduate Programs: Fees are usually between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 annually.
Vocational Education and Training: Costs about AUD 4,000 to AUD 22,000 per year.

Level of Study	Indian Students (INR)
Undergraduate	AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
Postgraduate	AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 per year
Doctoral	AUD 18,000 – AUD 42,000 per year

Additional costs for studying in Australia - Both International and Indian students

Indian and International students should also budget for one-time costs such as airfare, student visa fees (approximately AUD 630 or INR 34,650), health insurance, and university application fees, which can add a significant amount to the initial expenses. Understanding these costs will help Indian students prepare financially ensuring a smooth transition. OSHC is mandatory for all international students who arestudying in Australiaand must bemaintained for the duration of the student visa.

Expense	Estimated Cost (INR)	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Student Visa Fee	₹34,650	AUD 630
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	₹33,000 – ₹55,000 per year	AUD 600 – AUD 1,000 per year
Airfare (one-way)	₹55,000 – ₹1,10,000	AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000

Intakes in Australia

Australia offers multiple academic intakes annually, providing flexibility for international students planning their studies. While tuition fees remain consistent across intakes, the study in Australiafor Indian students such as accommodation and living expenses can vary depending on the time of year and location. For instance, starting in February may coincide with the beginning of lease cycles for student accommodations, potentially offering more housing options. Additionally, some universities may offer early-bird discounts or incentives for certain intakes, so it's advisable to check with the specific institution.

February Intake (Semester 1):

Application Period: Typically from August to November of the previous year.
Program Availability: Most programs are available during this intake.
Advantages: Aligns with the start of the academic year, offering a wide range of courses and scholarship opportunities

July Intake (Semester 2):

Application Period: Generally between late February/early March and late May.
Program Availability: Many programs are available, though fewer than in February.
Advantages: Provides an alternative for students who missed the February intake, with slightly less competition.

November Intake (Semester 3):

Application Period: Deadlines are generally in late July/early August to September.
Program Availability: Limited courses and universities offer this intake.
Advantages: Suitable for students seeking to commence studies without waiting for the main intakes.

Know more about Australia intakes here

Application Tips:

Early Preparation: Begin preparations 10 to 11 months before the application deadline to allow time for required tests and document preparation.
Check Specific Deadlines: Application deadlines vary by university and program; always verify with the institution.
Consider Program Availability: Not all programs are available in every intake; plan accordingly.

Cost of Living in Australia

The cost of living in Australia can be subjective and it depends on the city you live in and your lifestyle. According to the most recent Human Development Index and Quality-of-Life Index, Australia routinely ranks among the top countries. Australia's strengths in GDP, education, and purchasing power parity are highlighted by this award. Australians have first-rate living conditions due to a high income level, first-rate healthcare, and political stability. By budgeting for the below categories, Indian students can effectively manage their finances while studying in Australia.

Category	Estimated Monthly Expense (AUD)	Estimated Monthly Expense (INR)
Accommodation	380 – 1,300	20,900 – 71,500
Food and Groceries	300 – 500	16,500 – 27,500
Transportation	120 – 240	6,600 – 13,200
Utilities	160 – 280	8,800 – 15,400
Internet	20 – 80	1,100 – 4,400
Entertainment	80 – 150	4,400 – 8,250
Health Insurance	40 – 50	2,200 – 2,750

Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

If you want to study in Australia with scholarships, Australia offers many scholarships to Indian students, helping reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are provided by universities, the Australian Government, and other organizations to attract talented students and support academic excellence. Over 15% of Indian students in Australia receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, or fee waivers. According to the Australian Department of Education, the number of Indian students in Australia grew by 21% in 2023, leading to increased competition for scholarships.

Here are some of the popular scholarships for Indian students if you wish to study in Australia:

Scholarship name	Maximum Amount	More information
Australia Awards Scholarships	Full tuition fee coverage	Australia Awards Scholarships
Destination Australia Scholarship	Up to AUD 15,000 per year	Destination Australia Program
University of Sydney International Scholarships	AUD 35,000 per annum.	University of Sydney Scholarships
ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship:	25% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of the Program	ANU Scholarships
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	50% or 100% tuition fee reduction throughout the course duration.	Deakin Scholarships
Monash International Merit Scholarship	AUD 10,000 per annum, paid as a tuition fee reduction for the duration of the degree.	Monash Scholarships
Macquarie University India Scholarship	AUD 10,000 per year is applied towards tuition fees for the length of the course.	Macquarie Scholarships
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships	-A living allowance of AUD 31,200 per year -Relocation grant of AUD 2,000 for students -Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership	University of Melbourne Scholarships
UNSW Future of Change India Scholarship	AUD 10,000 per annum, paid directly towards tuition fees	UNSW Scholarships
RMIT University India Scholarship	20% tuition fee reduction for the entire program duration.	RMIT Scholarships

Student Visa requirements in Australia

To study in Australia, international students must obtain a Student Visa (subclass 500). This visa permits students to study and work in australia. Below are the key requirements and considerations for Indian students:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement.
Financial Capacity.
English Language Proficiency
Health and Character Requirements.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Visa Application Fee
Work Conditions

In July 2024, the Australian government increased the student visa fee to AUD 1,600 and raised the financial capacity requirement to AUD 29,710 to manage migration levels and housing pressures.

Cost of Visa Application	(subclass 500) AUD650
When to Apply?	6-8 weeks weeks before your course begins
Visa Processing Time	Four weeks.

Required Entrance Exams

IELTS-To avail of admission to Australian universities, candidates must have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5. The candidates are considered competent with a band score of 7.0 and above.
TOEFL-The candidates must have a TOEFL-iBT score of 90 to be considered for admission. Candidates with a score range of 100-110 have better chances of admission to Australian universities.
PTE-In the PTE exams, a score range of 74-84 is considered a competitive score to avail admission to Australian universities. The candidates can still apply if they score 72, which is considered decent.
The candidates must have a C1 level certificate with a score range of 60-79 to avail admission. Candidates with a score above 80 have higher admission possibilities.
The candidates applying for undergraduate programs must have an SAT score of 1200. Candidates with SAT scores above 1500 will be given priority during admissions.
The validity of this exam is five years. The candidates must clear this exam to get admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and it is conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
The minimum ACT score required to acquire admission to undergraduate courses is 28 and above.ACT can be taken as an alternative exam for the SAT
The candidates applying for undergraduate programs must have a minimum ISAT score of 60. This exam is valid for one year.
The candidates applying for top business institutions in Australia must have a GMAT score of 680 and above. This exam is taken by students who seek admission to programs based on management.
Apart from these exams, some of the other significant foreign entrance exams are MCAT, LSAT, and UMAT.

Work Opportunities in Australia

Australia is the 14th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. As per data, 87.3% of international graduates from Australian universities find employment within six months of completing their studies. The average starting salary for graduates in Australia is AUD 63,000 per year, equivalent to approximately INR 34,65,000.

Indian students studying in Australia have access to a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. Some of the top career opportunities where Indian students can find employment include:

Job Roles (Top 5)	Salary per annum
IT & Software Development	AUD 116,755
Engineer	AUD 112, 358
Finance & Accounting	AUD 102,103
HR	AUD 99,642
Hospitality	AUD 67,533

Work Policies and Benefits for Indian Students

Part-Time Work Rights

Indian students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during breaks. This helps students gain practical experience and manage living expenses.

Post-Study Work Visa Extensions:

In 2023, Australia introduced extended post-study work rights for graduates in high-demand fields. Master’s degree holders can now stay for 3-5 years, while PhD graduates are eligible for 6 years.

FAQs

1. What are the requirements for international students to study in Australia?

To study in Australia, international students must meet several requirements:

Academic Qualifications: Completion of a recognized secondary education qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12 certificate.
English Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Financial Capacity: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory health insurance for your stay.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Demonstrating a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study purposes.

2. How much does it cost for international students to study in Australia?

The cost of studying in Australia varies depending on the course, institution, and lifestyle choices:

Tuition Fees:

Undergraduate Degrees: AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
Postgraduate Degrees: AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.
Living Expenses: Approximately AUD 21,041 per year, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs.
Health Insurance (OSHC): Around AUD 480 to AUD 600 annually.

3. Can international students work while studying in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia can work part-time while studying:

Work Hours: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Types of Work: Opportunities include roles in retail, hospitality, and administration.
Tax File Number (TFN): Required to work legally and for tax purposes.

4. What are the top universities in Australia for international students?

Australia is home to several top-ranked universities renowned for their academic excellence:

University of Melbourne
Australian National University (ANU)
University of Sydney
University of Queensland (UQ)
University of New South Wales (UNSW)

These institutions offer many courses and have strong global reputations, making them popular choices for international students.

5. How can I apply for a student visa to study in Australia?

To apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500):

Enroll in a Course: Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution.
Create an ImmiAccount: Register online to manage your visa application.
Prepare Documents: Include your CoE, passport, English proficiency test results, financial statements, and health insurance details.
Submit Application: Complete the online application and pay the visa fee.
Attend Health Examination: If required, undergo a medical check-up.
Await Decision: Processing times vary; monitor your ImmiAccount for updates.