Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for education among Indian students, not only because of its world recognised qualifications but also due to the quality of education offered with research and the post masters opportunities available for students.
Seven Australian universities feature among the world’s best in the latest QS World University Rankings. While seven universities are in the global top 100, another 10 are in the top 300. Five Australian institutions claimed a place among the top 25 places in the Times Higher Education ranking of the international universities. Emphasis on Scientific research by Australian Universities is one major factor which made most of the universities get into the top QS World rankings, which is one of the major factors which attracts a large number of international students.
Along with that students can work while studying which can help them earn their living costs. With spectacular sights and weather Melbourne and Sydney are ranked among the top 10 preferred destinations for students in the world.
Australia has an integrated education system, which seamlessly connects primary, secondary, tertiary (or as we say higher) education and vocational opportunities. This system enables students to move from one stage to the other without feeling at sea. The cornerstone of the education system is the “Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)”, which is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. Given AQF’s reputation, Australian degrees are recognized across the world. With fewer universities in the country, Australian Government has complete control over the universities.
Besides, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework protects the rights of international students studying in Australia, including your right to receive, before enrolling, current and accurate information about the courses, fees, modes of study, and other information from your institution and your institution’s agent.
Cost of living
While the cost of living is comparably higher in Australian cities than in other cities across the world, Students are allowed to work in Australia for 20 hours per week during semester and full time during the breaks. This will help students earn enough money to cover their living expenses and still leave plenty of time to cover their studies. Even with a part time job, the student can have ample time for their academics.
However, in order to maintain a basic standard living, a student would need at least $600 – $800 per month. This again varies with the location where the student is willing to pursue his education and student lifestyle.
Australia also has a system called Fair Work Ombudsman, which is an independent statutory office, that will not only help you look for work but also ensure that you know about workplace rights and that you are not exploited. Effective from July 2019, The Fair work commission has announced a new national minimum wage as $19.49 per hour.
Tuition cost
Tuition fees for international students range from $20,000 to $26,000. Few top ranked Universities even have higher Tuition fees. The fee will also depend on the course opted, ranking of the university; for instance, a university, which features among the top 10 universities in the world and ranked by a recognized and prestigious authority will certainly have a steeper tuition fee. International students are offered few scholarships which are selective.
English Test Required
To be admitted into Australian Universities student needs to have one of the following examinations along with academic credentials
IELTS (The International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
PTE (The Pearson Test of English)
CAE (The Cambridge English)
OET (Occupational English Test)
Major Intakes
Australian universities majorly focus on two intakes
February Intake (Also referred as Semester 1)
July Intake (Semester 2)
Few Intakes offer limited programs for September & November Intakes. July being the major intake in Australia which most of the Indian students prefer. Both July and February intakes are equally good for most of the programs.
Process Flow
Course and University Selection
Check University Requirements
Apply Online – Complete Application Process
Submit Financial Summary to University
Pay 1st Semester Tuition Fee
Receive Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)
Apply for VISA
Application Checklist
Application Form
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Exam Score photocopies
Academic Certificates (Scanned Copies)
SSC, Inter, Bachelor’s certificate
Photocopies of first and last pages of passport
Experience certificates (If Applicable)
Visa checklist
Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)
Proof of Funds - Return Air Fare, Course Fee, Living Costs
Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
Meet health and character requirements.
Provide evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover
The length of your stay will depend on the course you intend to study. Additional time may be granted at the end of the course depending on its length. However, the length of stay for a postgraduate research student is usually 6 months longer than the usual relevant period set out for a course.
Popular Courses
Among the most sought after courses in Australia are
Engineering: Mining and construction combined has contributed to around 24% of Industry output for 2019 in Australia. This shows the demand for core engineering graduates in Australia. Computer and IT: In 2019, 23 Australian institutions were ranked in the world’s top 500 universities for computer science
Business: Every organisation in the world looks for business graduates for the development of Organisation and MBA from Australian Universities have got great return on Investment. Programs like Business Analytics are in great demand these days. Companies are looking for analysts who can compile and analyse the available data and help organisations make decisions.
Pharmacy and Health Science: Eight of Australia’s nineteen universities have featured in the world’s top 100 medical school ranking. 13% of the Australia Industrial share Output is from Health and Education.
Environment Studies: Australia contributes 2.4% of the global stock of knowledge with regard to environmental science and 4% of all environmental science publications in the world
Accounting: It is the fastest-growing profession in Australia
Popular Universities:
Federation University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
Southern Cross University
Swinburne University
Charles Sturt University
Central Queensland University
University of Technology Sydney
University of Sunshine Coast
Melbourne Institute of Technology
New visa rules starting from 16th November 2019 allows international students to avail post study work visa up to 4 years. This confers right to international students to live up to 4 years in Australia after completion of bachelors or masters in regional universities. Few major cities like Canberra, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Macquarie etc offer additional one-year PSWV (Total 3 Years). New Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) Norms
2 Years PSWV, If Student studies in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
3 Years PSWV, If Student studies in Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Hobart, Geelong, Sunshine Coast
4 Years PWSV, if Student studies in Darwin, Rockhampton, Goldstone, Toowoomba, Bendigo, Cairns
With this new 485 post study work visa, you will have more time to live in the country which gives you more time to plan your career in a better way. There are three factors to keep in mind when you finish your education in Australia
Given the reputation of Australian universities abroad, their degrees and certificates are recognized across the world. So, once you are equipped with the necessary degrees and skills you could apply for work anywhere in the world.
If you wish to return to your home country to work, besides your degree being recognized, companies will take into account that you have grit, experience, mettle and are open-minded. To move out of one’ comfort zone, acclimatize in another setup and then excel at the work at hand takes effort and most companies recognize that.
If you wish to stay back in Australia then there are two options, either you pick a visa from the website of ministry of home affairs, depending on the time you want to spend and the kind of work you want to do (Australia has a large market for skilled labour) or apply for permanent residency.