Australia is home to nearly 40 universities that attract students from all over the world. The country ranks third when it comes to international students studying here, after the UK and the US. Factors such as well-recognized universities, quality education, immense career opportunities, and a pleasant climate, make the country most desirable for international students to pursue higher education.
According to the report of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, Australia ranked for having nearly 37 universities. Out of these universities, six are featured among the top 100 universities in the world.
If you wish to pursue higher education and study in Australia, then we’re here to offer a useful checklist.
Factors to consider when pursuing higher education in Australia
1. Different types of Universities in Australia
The Australian education system is home to various world-class universities, leading research institutions, technical colleges, art schools and many more.
These top Universities are majorly located on the east coast, having a total of 21 institutions in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and other towns in the states of Queensland and New South Wales.
Australia is known for the Group of Eight, also referred to as the Go8, which is an association of the leading Australian research universities, akin to the Russell Group in the UK or the Ivy League in the US. The Universities that are listed in the Go8 are;
- The University of Adelaide,
- Australian National University,
- the University of Melbourne,
- Monash University,
- UNSW Sydney,
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia.
Not just the traditional universities, but also many younger Australian institutions, are paving the path to making a splash on the global stage. You will be glad to know that more than a quarter of Australian universities in THE’s top 100 universities are under 50 years old. To name a couple of these up-and-coming institutions:
- Charles Darwin University
- The Queensland University of Technology
Talking about the technological aspect of Australian universities, there is an Australian Technology Network, which is an association of universities with a firm history in engineering, design and technological innovation. The following are the five universities in the network:
- Curtin University
- RMIT University
- University of South Australia
- University of Technology Sydney
- Deakin University
Due to the industrial connection, the mentioned institutions also, at times, help the students secure good placement opportunities.
2. Working System of Australian Universities
It is very usual in Australia for students to pursue combined degrees such as engineering and commerce, law and arts, arts and science, or any other combination of subjects. The specified time period for completing any undergraduate degree course is three years, whereas the combined degree programs take longer than usual.
Australian education institutions allow students to take up a range of courses in the first year, as many as four subjects per semester. Students have the flexibility of opting for the subjects of their choice.
While studying in Australia, international students will get ample opportunities to gain work experience too. This is because Australian universities put emphasis on work experience as a part of the enrolled degree programs. Institutes encourage students to pursue internships through the period of educational courses.
3. Process of Applying to Australian Universities
Since there is no centralised application system in Australia, therefore, as an international student, you will have to apply to each university, individually. One can use the online mode or apply by post, to any of the universities based on the eligibility criteria.
For applying to any university in Australia, international students will need to submit academic transcripts, and course preferences and, if applicable, the student will also have to provide a summary of employment experience.
Even though it is not mandatory for the students to write a personal statement, they may be asked to attach a letter of interest outlining their motivation to study in Australia. This is maybe asked when the students apply for student visas.
As per the Australian system of education, the first semester starts in March and the second semester starts in July. Students can start their educational courses at the university either from the beginning of the first or second semester.
If international students wish to start in the first semester in February, they should apply to the university by November. Many students get their application way earlier, and it is often advisable to do so, as the universities can return with a decision just a few weeks later.
4. Language Test
To study at an English-speaking university in Australia, international students need to be proficient in their English language skills. To meet the demands and expectations of different subjects taught at different universities in Australia, students need to be well-prepared.
In order to get student admission to any university in Australia, International students are required to secure a minimum score in the English Language Proficiency tests such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (Toefl) or the International English Language Test System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A), or any other equivalent language proficiency exam. However, the required scores may be reduced, if the students opt for intensive language courses or are intending to apply for a foundation year.
NOTE: the scores may vary depending on the university the students are applying to.
5. Applying For Student Visa
To study in Australia, students will need to apply for a student visa. Except for the research-driven post-graduation degree program, all other courses require the students to apply for a student visa subclass 500.
For availing of a student visa, applicants are required to present proof showing that they have the course fees for at least twelve months in their bank account. Along with this they also are needed to prove that they have a minimum of A$21,041 for living costs, and travel costs of up to A$3,000. Students can also present the annual income of A$62,222 of their parents or partners while applying for the student visa. Applicants may also have to pay additional fees for their health checks, police certificates and biometrics
The international students will also need to provide either their offer letter or enrolment letter along with the application.
Depending on the duration and start date of the course, students will be able to stay one or two months in Australia after the completion of the degree. During the study period, students can leave and come back to Australia at any time.
If you wish to gain experience while studying in Australia, you can work for 40 hours every two weeks. You will get unlimited hours of working when you are outside the study term.
The student visa is processed within four months. It is advisable to apply in advance, that is before the start date of the course, as soon as you receive your offer letter from the university.
6. Scholarships for International Students
There are various types of scholarships and grants available for international students in Australia. This includes scholarships directly from the universities and merit-based, some scholarships are even offered by the Australian government, which are private and country-based initiatives to offer international students. If you are interested, you can check how to get a full scholarship to study in Australia.
Government scholarships include:
- Australia Awards, which are available to international students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific. This scholarship covers the full tuition fees, return air travel, a contribution to living expenses and health costs. The applications tend to close by the month of April, but this may vary for different countries.
- Destination Australia is a scholarship provided to both domestic and international students to study and live in Australia. The objective of this scholarship is to fill the skill gap in Australia by providing students with the opportunity to pursue those courses that are in alignment with the Australian Government’s Skills Priority List.
The following are the postgraduate-level scholarships:
- The Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards
- The International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
The above two scholarships are offered with the intention to provide financial support to international students seeking to do a master’s or PhD in any field of study in Australia.
A majority of universities and colleges offer scholarships to international students to pursue a better career in Australia. We hope these six factors help you decide the University in Australia best suited to your requirements, study and career goals.