Study in Australia

About Australia

Australia combines world-ranked universities with a high quality of life, a warm climate and a large Indian community. Main study cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Main intakes are February and July, with some November intakes. The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD).

Why study in Australia

• Seven universities in the global top 100 (Group of Eight)
• Work up to 48 hours a fortnight while you study
• 2–3 years of post-study work, plus 1–2 extra years for regional study
• Skilled migration pathways to permanent residence
• High minimum wage

Popular fields of study

IT and computer science, engineering, nursing and health sciences, accounting and business, data science, mining and environmental science, and hospitality.

Student visa, step by step

Student visa: Subclass 500.

1. Get an offer from a CRICOS-registered institution and accept it.
2. Pay your deposit and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
3. Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay.
4. Show funds for tuition, travel and AUD 29,710 a year for living costs.
5. Write your Genuine Student (GS) statement, explaining why this course and why Australia.
6. Apply online in ImmiAccount, pay the fee, and give biometrics and a medical exam if asked.

After you get your visa

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours in official breaks. Master's by research and PhD students have no limit.
• Get a Tax File Number (TFN) before you start work.
• Check your visa conditions on VEVO, keep up attendance and keep your OSHC active.

Work and staying on

Working while you study

Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours in official breaks. Master's by research and PhD students have no limit. Get a Tax File Number (TFN) before you start work.

After you graduate

2–3 years (Subclass 485) The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485, Post-Higher Education Work stream) lets you work full-time. Bachelor's and Master's by coursework: 2 years Master's by research and PhD: 3 years Study in a regional area can add 1–2 years You must be 35 or under and apply within 6 months of finishing your course.

Settling long term

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482): an employer-sponsored work visa that can lead to PR through the Subclass 186. Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491): points-tested routes for occupations on the skills lists. Citizenship: possible after 4 years of residence, including 1 year as a PR.

Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.

Visa expenses

Average salary

Graduates typically start at about AUD 65,000–AUD 75,000 a year (approximate). Engineering, IT and mining pay more.

Good to know

• Australia limits new international student numbers each year (295,000 for 2026).
• Students on visitor or 485 visas can't apply for a student visa from inside Australia.