Study in Australia

Sandy beaches, sparkling oceans, laid-back lifestyles, and sunny barbecues - these are just a few of the images that come to mind when you think of Australia. Beyond its iconic landscapes, the country boasts a world-class higher education system, recognised globally for its quality and rigour.

While the cost of living is higher than in Europe, there are plenty of ways to enjoy life on a budget. Surf, hike, or stroll along the beach for free, and explore diverse landscapes - from vibrant cities and idyllic coastlines to lush rainforests and the outback. With 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites, there's always an adventure to complement your studies.

Australian universities

The structure of higher education in Australia offers clear pathways through Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.

Universities typically run on a two-semester system (February to June and July to November), but some use trimesters, giving you more flexibility to fast-track your studies or balance part-time work with your classes.

When it comes to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Australian universities consistently rank among the best in the world, and nine feature in the top 100:

• The University of Melbourne - 9th
• University of New South Wales (UNSW) - 20th
• The University of Sydney - 25th
• Australian National University (ANU) - 32nd
• Monash University - 36th
• The University of Queensland - 42nd
• The University of Western Australia - 77th.

To explore all Australian universities by state, see Study Australia - List of universities.

You'll also hear about the Group of Eight (Go8) - Australia's oldest and most research-focused universities. They're known for tough entry standards, world-class research, and strong international connections.

Each member of the Go8 has its own area of expertise. Melbourne, for example, excels in life sciences and business, ANU is a leader in politics and international relations, while UNSW is highly regarded for engineering and technology. For a full list of members, see Group of Eight.

With 44 universities across the country, you can choose between the buzz of cities like Sydney or relaxed regional campuses such as the University of Wollongong. Melbourne is ranked Australia's best student city in the QS Best Student Cities 2026, with Sydney and Brisbane not far behind. Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra also rank in the global top 40.

Degree courses in Australia

Most Australian Bachelors degrees take three years to complete, but if you want to go further, you can add an extra year for an honours programme, which often includes a research project and can boost your chances of postgraduate study.

Some universities also offer accelerated pathways so you can graduate sooner, or combined Bachelors and Masters courses if you're keen to move directly into advanced study.

You'll also have the freedom to tailor your degree. You can choose electives, double majors, or even blend different disciplines. For example, you could combine a business degree with data analytics modules, or major in both creative arts and digital media to match your career goals.

Entry is competitive. You'll need to have completed A-levels or an international equivalent, and requirements vary by course and university. For example, to study at the University of Queensland you'd typically need the equivalent of a B grade at A-level (their 'High Achievement' standard).

For some courses, you'll also need specific subject backgrounds. For example, creative courses may require a portfolio or audition, while science, medicine, and engineering degrees often ask for prior study in:

• advanced maths
• biology
• chemistry.

Masters degrees

The most popular level of study for international students Down Under, Australian Masters degrees are recognised worldwide and highly valued by employers. Programmes usually take one to two years to complete, depending on the course and whether you study full time or part time. You'll be able to choose between a:

• taught Masters (like an MA or MSc), which focus on structured classes and coursework
• research-based Masters, where you'll take on independent research projects, often with the option to continue towards a PhD.

There are also several types of Masters degrees, so you can find an option that fits your goals and background:

• Change of direction Masters - ideal if you want to switch subject areas from your undergraduate degree.
• Pre-Masters Diploma - designed to prepare you for postgraduate study in a new field, giving you the foundation you'll need to succeed.
• Professional development Masters - focused on building specialist skills to help you progress in your career.

On top of this, you can consider shorter postgraduate qualifications such as Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas. These can be used as a stepping stone into a full Masters degree or to gain targeted skills in a shorter time.

To apply, you'll usually need a Bachelors degree (typically with a 2:1 or 2:2 equivalent, depending on the course). Some courses also ask for:

• an interview or written statement - to demonstrate your motivation and suitability
• a portfolio - for creative courses such as design or fine arts
• relevant work experience - common in fields like business, public health, or education.

PhDs

A PhD focuses on original research that contributes new knowledge to your field. Most PhDs in Australia take three to four years of full-time study and are usually pursued after completing a Masters degree.

Australia attracts researchers from around the world thanks to its world-class facilities, unique environments, and strong funding opportunities. Depending on your interests, you could:

• conduct marine biology research at the Great Barrier Reef
• explore anthropology or Indigenous studies at Uluru
• study geography, climate science, or environmental systems in some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Before you apply, it's important to contact potential research supervisors early. They can help you:

• ensure your interests align with their expertise
• identify any available funding
• shape your proposal.

Unlike in some other countries, you typically won't need to defend your PhD thesis in an oral exam. Instead, your work is assessed through a written submission and examiner review.

Completing a PhD in Australia is valued both nationally and internationally. After finishing, you could be eligible for a post-study work visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia for at least four years, allowing you to gain professional experience or continue in academia.

Student exchanges

If you want to gain international experience without extending your degree, you can study at an Australian university for one or two semesters while continuing to pay tuition at your home institution on a student exchange.

Many UK universities have established student exchange partnerships with Australian institutions. For example:

• The University of Edinburgh offers exchanges to six Australian universities, depending on your course.
• The University of Nottingham has links with universities in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
• The University of Sydney partners with The University of Glasgow and UCL.

While exchanges are traditionally aimed at undergraduates, many Australian universities now offer short-term exchanges for postgraduates too. For example, the Research Practicum at UNSW allows you to research at their campus for three to 12 months, with access to a supervisor, campus facilities and libraries. The application fee is AUD $330 (£160), and tuition is AUD $1,000 (£484) per four-month term.

Make sure to check with your own university to see which exchange opportunities are available to you.

Course fees

Tuition in Australia can be expensive, as universities set their own fees rather than relying on government funding. As an international student, you'll usually pay significantly more than domestic students, and most universities require full payment before your course starts.

Per year, you can expect to pay roughly:

• undergraduate course - AUD $20,000 to $45,000 (£9,680 to £21,840)
• Masters degree - AUD $20,000 to $37,000 (£9,680 to £17,888)
• PhD - AUD $14,000 to $37,000 (£6,771 to £17,888).

Some high-cost courses, such as veterinary science, medicine, or an MBA, can be considerably more expensive. Fees also vary depending on the university and the course, so it's essential to check the current fee structure for your chosen course.

Funding to study in Australia

As an international student, universities and the Australian government offer merit-based scholarships, research grants, and awards to help with the cost of study and accommodation.

Two of the major funding programmes include:

• Australia Awards - government-funded scholarships offered through agencies like the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
• The Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship - for UK students undertaking a postgraduate degree at an Australian university for up to three years.
• Research Training Programme (RTP) - grants administered by universities to support international students pursuing research Masters or Doctorate degrees.

Many universities also offer their own scholarships. For example:

• Monash University offers International Scholarships for Excellence.
• The University of Sydney holds the International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Competition for scholarships can be high, so it's important to apply early and prepare a strong application. To see what's available at your chosen university, contact their international office or see Study Australia - Scholarships.

As a student visa holder, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term time and full time during breaks, which can help cover living expenses and enhance your CV.

Living in Australia can be expensive, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable. On average, students spend around AUD $20,000 to $28,000 (£9,680 to £13,542) per year on accommodation, food, transport, and essentials, though this varies by city and lifestyle.

Accommodation options vary in cost:

• Homestays, where you live with a local family, typically cost AUD $350 to $450 (£169 to £218) per week, often including meals.
• On-campus rooms generally range from AUD $380 to $700 (£184 to £338) per week, depending on the university, city, and room type.
• Private rentals with shared rooms cost around AUD $250 to $500 (£121 to £242) per week, while one-bedroom apartments cost AUD $400 to $700 (£193 to £338) per week.

International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which gives access to medical care. The price varies depending on the provider and the length of your stay, but on average, you can expect to pay AUD $500 to $800 (£242 to £387) per year.

Get details on finding student housing at Study Australia - Accommodation.

Student visas

To study in Australia, you'll need a Student Visa (subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full time at a recognised institution for the duration of your course. The application fee is around AUD $2,000 (£968).

When applying, you'll need to have:

• a clear criminal record
• health insurance
• proof of English language proficiency
• your Confirmation of Enrolment or offer letter.

Meeting all requirements is essential to avoid delays or rejection, so it's best to apply well in advance of your course start date.

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has financial requirements for student visa applications - you'll need to prove you have the financial capacity to cover living costs of at least AUD $29,710 (£14,380) per year, as well as tuition fees and other expenses.

Your student visa also comes with conditions you must follow. You need to:

• ensure you do not overstay your visa
• hold health insurance for the entire duration of your stay
• meet your course requirements
• maintain satisfactory attendance and progression
• notify your education provider of your address within seven days of arriving in Australia.

Full guidance is available at DoHA - visas for studying in Australia.

It's important to note that as of 2025, Australia is capping new international student enrolments at 270,000 per year to manage migration levels. This cap addresses pressures on the housing market and ensures a high-quality experience for all students. The government plans to increase the cap to 295,000 in 2026, encouraging universities to develop new student housing options to support growth.

After completing their degree, many graduates apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa lets you stay in Australia for between one and four years, allowing you to gain work experience that supports your skills assessment for skilled migration visas - the main routes to permanent residency.

For detailed guidance, see DoHA - Temporary Graduate visa.

How to apply

If you want to study in Australia, you'll need to apply directly to your chosen university online - usually directly through the university's portal.

To successfully enrol, you'll typically need to:

1. submit your application through the university portal
2. receive a Letter of Offer from the university
3. obtain an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
4. apply for your student visa.

Once you receive your Letter of Offer, you'll need to formally accept it and pay your tuition fees. After this step, the university will issue your CoE, which is essential for your Student Visa application.

To ensure the application process goes smoothly, take the time to carefully review the entry requirements, including any prerequisite subjects or professional experience you may need for entry.

It's important to plan ahead and gather all required documents in advance, such as:

• certificates
• evidence of health insurance
• transcripts
• proof of funds.

Entry requirements and application deadlines vary between institutions, so it's important to check these carefully before you start. Some courses even accept applications all year round.

For further guidance, see Study in Australia - How to apply to study.

Language requirements

All degree courses in Australia are taught in English, so you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency before starting your studies.

Most universities accept internationally recognised tests such as:

• IELTS Academic
• Pearson PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT.

It's important to remember that the English level required by your university may be different from the standard needed for your Student Visa, so be sure to check both requirements carefully.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Australian degrees are broadly similar in structure to UK degrees, but the grading systems differ slightly. In Australia, grades typically range from:

• High Distinction (85 to 100%)
• Distinction (75 to 84%)
• Credit (65 to 74%)
• Pass (50 to 64%)
• Fail (below 50%).

Some Australian universities also use a GPA system on a 4 or 7-point scale. The exact conversion can vary between universities and courses, so it's important to check each institution's grading policies. For information on grading across Australian states, see aecc.

Australian degrees are globally recognised, so whether you aim to work internationally or continue your education elsewhere, your qualification will hold value. 

Coursework, assessment methods, and academic expectations are also comparable to those in the UK, with a strong emphasis on:

• independent learning
• practical experience
• research skills.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Australia.