Australia offers an exceptional study abroad experience with world-class universities, stunning natural environments, and excellent post-study work opportunities. With 171+ partner institutions in our network and strong pathways to permanent residency, Australia is an increasingly popular choice for international students. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Australia in 2026.
Why Study in Australia?
World-Class Universities
Australia punches above its weight in global rankings, with 7 universities in the world’s top 100:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #13 |
| University of Sydney | #18 |
| UNSW Sydney | #19 |
| ANU | #30 |
| Monash University | #37 |
| University of Queensland | #40 |
| University of Western Australia | #77 |
Post-Study Work Rights
Australia offers generous post-study work visas:
| Qualification | Work Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years |
| Master’s (Coursework) | 3 years |
| Master’s (Research) | 3 years |
| PhD | 4 years |
| Regional study bonus | +1-2 years |
Quality of Life
Australia consistently ranks top globally for:
- Safety: Low crime rates, stable society
- Healthcare: Universal healthcare access
- Climate: Sunny weather, beautiful beaches
- Work-Life Balance: Relaxed culture
- Multiculturalism: Diverse, welcoming society
Top Universities in Australia
Group of Eight (Go8)
Australia’s research-intensive universities:
University of Melbourne
- Australia’s #1 ranked university
- Melbourne Model: broad undergraduate education
- Notable programs: Business, Medicine, Law, Engineering
- Strong industry connections
University of Sydney
- Oldest university in Australia (1850)
- Beautiful historic campus
- Notable programs: Medicine, Law, Architecture
- Strong research output
UNSW Sydney
- Engineering and technology focus
- Co-op programs available
- Notable programs: Engineering, Commerce, Design
- Strong industry partnerships
Australian National University (ANU)
- Australia’s national university (Canberra)
- Research-focused
- Notable programs: International Relations, Science, Law
- Government connections
University of Queensland (UQ)
- Brisbane’s premier university
- Strong research in life sciences
- Notable programs: Medicine, Agriculture, Environmental Science
- Beautiful campus
Monash University
- Largest university in Australia
- Multiple campuses (including Malaysia, South Africa)
- Notable programs: Pharmacy, Engineering, Business
- Strong international focus
University of Western Australia (UWA)
- Perth’s leading university
- Mining and energy focus
- Notable programs: Mining Engineering, Marine Science
- Lower living costs
University of Adelaide
- South Australia’s oldest university
- Wine and food science expertise
- Notable programs: Dentistry, Music, Health Sciences
- Lower living costs, regional bonuses
Other Excellent Universities
| University | Location | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| UTS | Sydney | Technology, Design |
| RMIT | Melbourne | Design, Engineering |
| Macquarie | Sydney | Business, Languages |
| QUT | Brisbane | Creative Industries, Business |
| Deakin | Melbourne | Sport Science, Education |
| Griffith | Brisbane/Gold Coast | Tourism, Criminology |
| Curtin | Perth | Mining, Health |
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Year 12 equivalent (varies by country)
- ATAR equivalent: 70-99 depending on program
- Prerequisite subjects for specific programs
English Proficiency:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0-7.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 79-100 |
| PTE Academic | 58-65 |
| Cambridge | 169-185 |
Graduate Requirements
Master’s (Coursework):
- Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years)
- GPA: 60-75% depending on program
- Work experience for some programs (MBA)
Master’s (Research) / PhD:
- Relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Research proposal
- Supervisor connection
- Research experience advantageous
Foundation Programs
Major pathway providers:
- Navitas: Multiple university partnerships
- Study Group: University preparation programs
- Kaplan: Foundation and diploma programs
- University-owned colleges: Trinity, UNSW Global, etc.
Foundation programs typically:
- Duration: 8-12 months
- Guarantee entry to partner university
- Develop academic English and study skills
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Visa Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CoE | Confirmation of Enrolment from CRICOS provider |
| GTE | Genuine Temporary Entrant statement |
| Financial Capacity | AUD 24,505/year living costs (2026) |
| OSHC | Overseas Student Health Cover |
| English Proficiency | As per institution requirements |
| Health & Character | Medical exam, police clearance |
Financial Requirements (2026)
| Component | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Living costs | 24,505/year |
| Tuition fees | Full course fees OR 1 year |
| School-age children | 8,296/year each |
| Partner/spouse | 8,574/year |
| Return airfare | ~2,000-3,000 |
GTE Requirement
You must demonstrate genuine intention to:
- Study temporarily in Australia
- Return home after studies
- Meet visa conditions
GTE considers:
- Circumstances in home country
- Immigration history
- Value of course to career
- Potential circumstances in Australia
Work Rights
Student visa holders can work:
- 48 hours per fortnight during semester
- Unlimited hours during semester breaks
- Your partner can work unlimited hours (if eligible)
Cost of Studying in Australia
Tuition Fees
| Program Type | Annual Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 22,000-35,000 |
| Bachelor’s (Arts) | 25,000-40,000 |
| Bachelor’s (Science/Engineering) | 35,000-50,000 |
| Bachelor’s (Medicine) | 60,000-80,000 |
| Master’s (Coursework) | 30,000-50,000 |
| MBA | 50,000-90,000 |
| PhD | 30,000-50,000 |
Living Costs by City
| City | Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | 2,200-3,500 |
| Melbourne | 2,000-3,000 |
| Brisbane | 1,600-2,400 |
| Perth | 1,500-2,300 |
| Adelaide | 1,400-2,000 |
| Canberra | 1,800-2,500 |
| Gold Coast | 1,500-2,200 |
| Hobart | 1,300-1,800 |
Budget breakdown:
- Rent: AUD 800-2,000
- Food: AUD 300-500
- Transport: AUD 100-200
- OSHC: AUD 50-80
- Utilities: AUD 80-150
- Entertainment: AUD 100-200
Scholarships for International Students
Government Scholarships
Australia Awards
- Full scholarship for students from eligible countries
- Covers tuition, living, travel, OSHC
- Highly competitive
- For undergraduate and postgraduate
Destination Australia
- AUD 15,000/year
- For study in regional areas
- Encourages regional development
University Scholarships
University of Melbourne:
- Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (50-100% fee reduction)
- Graduate Research Scholarships
University of Sydney:
- Sydney Scholars Awards (up to full tuition)
- Postgraduate Research Scholarships
UNSW:
- International Scientia Coursework Scholarships
- University International Scholarships
Monash:
- Monash International Leadership Scholarships (up to AUD 60,000)
- Faculty-specific awards
Tips for Scholarship Success
- Apply 12-18 months before enrollment
- Check eligibility carefully (some are country-specific)
- Strong academic record essential
- Community involvement valued
- Leadership experience advantageous
- Regional universities often have more funding
Application Timeline for 2026 Entry
February 2026 Intake (Semester 1)
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March-May 2025 | Research programs |
| June-August 2025 | Submit applications |
| August-October 2025 | Receive offers |
| October-November 2025 | Accept offer, pay deposit |
| November-December 2025 | Apply for visa |
| January 2026 | Travel to Australia |
July 2026 Intake (Semester 2)
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| September-November 2025 | Research programs |
| December 2025-February 2026 | Submit applications |
| February-April 2026 | Receive offers |
| April-May 2026 | Accept offer, pay deposit |
| May-June 2026 | Apply for visa |
| June-July 2026 | Travel to Australia |
Study Destinations
New South Wales
Sydney:
- Australia’s largest city
- Multiple excellent universities
- High living costs but great opportunities
- Business and finance hub
Victoria
Melbourne:
- Australia’s cultural capital
- High student population
- Arts, food, sports scene
- Slightly lower costs than Sydney
Queensland
Brisbane & Gold Coast:
- Warm climate year-round
- Lower living costs
- Growing tech sector
- Beach lifestyle
Other States
Perth (Western Australia):
- Mining industry opportunities
- Lower competition
- Beautiful beaches
- Regional bonus for visa
Adelaide (South Australia):
- Regional bonus eligible
- Wine country
- Lower living costs
- Relaxed lifestyle
Hobart (Tasmania):
- Regional bonus eligible
- Lowest living costs
- Natural environment
- Growing tech/creative sector
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Skilled Migration
After graduation, pathways include:
Temporary Graduate Visa (485):
- 2-4 years depending on qualification
- Open work rights
- Regional study = bonus years
Skilled Nominated (190):
- State-sponsored skilled migration
- Occupation on skilled list
- Points-based selection
Skilled Independent (189):
- Points-based, no state sponsorship
- Highly competitive
- Occupation in demand
Regional Pathways
Regional study and work provides advantages:
- Additional 1-2 years on graduate visa
- Priority processing for PR
- Lower points threshold
- Less competitive
Key Takeaways
- Strong post-study work rights - 2-4 years after graduation
- High quality of life - Safe, welcoming, great weather
- Regional options - Lower costs, PR advantages
- Foundation programs - Clear pathway to degree
- Work while studying - 48 hours per fortnight
- PR pathway exists - Skilled migration is achievable
Next Steps
Ready to begin your Australian education journey?
- Explore Australian universities in our school directory
- Check your eligibility with our admission calculator
- Compare costs using our cost calculator
- Get personalized guidance through our contact form
This guide is updated regularly. Last updated: January 2026.
Have questions? Chat with our AI advisor or contact us directly for personalized guidance.
Topics covered
Australia student visa universities Group of Eight scholarships 2026 study abroad post-study work
