Study in Australia

Seven of the world’s top 100 universities, a lifestyle built around sunshine and the outdoors, and a post-study work visa of two to four years — with 48 hours of work a fortnight while you study.

Australia has 43 universities and seven of them sit in the global top 100 — the highest hit rate of any country its size.

Degrees are practical and industry-linked, with two semesters a year so you can start in February or July. International students can work 48 hours a fortnight during term and full-time in breaks, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives bachelor’s and master’s graduates two years of post-study work — longer in regional Australia and for PhDs. Since 2024 Australia caps new international enrolments and asks for a Genuine Student statement, so a clear, early file matters. Gradsy drafts that statement with you.

Universities
43
In the global top 100
7
Post-study work
2–4 yrs
Graduate visa
485

Why australia

  • World rankings: Seven universities in the global top 100 (Top 100)
  • Work while studying: Every fortnight in term, full-time in breaks (48 hrs)
  • Post-study work: Temporary Graduate visa, no sponsor needed (2–4 yrs)
  • Two intakes a year: Start in either semester with full choice (Feb / Jul)

Intakes

  • Semester 1 — starts Feb – Mar — apply Aug – Nov of the prior year — The main intake — every program opens here, and most scholarships are decided.
  • Semester 2 — starts Jul – Aug — apply Feb – May same year — Nearly as wide as Semester 1 — a genuine equal alternative for most master’s.
  • Trimester 3 — starts Nov — apply Jul – Sep same year — Offered by trimester universities — mostly business and IT master’s.

What it costs: TUITION A$30–52K · LIVING A$22–28K · + OSHC A$0.6–0.9K

  • Bachelor’s tuition: A$30 – 50k / yr — Three years — Group of Eight universities and clinical degrees sit at the top of the range.
  • Master’s tuition: A$32 – 52k / yr — Usually 1.5–2 years — regional universities cost markedly less.
  • Living costs: A$22 – 28k / yr — Sydney and Melbourne rents drive the top; the visa financial-capacity figure is A$29,710.
  • Health cover (OSHC): A$0.6 – 0.9k / yr — Overseas Student Health Cover is required for your whole visa — usually arranged via your university.

Scholarships and funding

  • University scholarships: 10 – 50% TUITION — Most universities run automatic international merit awards — no separate application for many.
  • Destination Australia: A$15,000 / YR — Government award for studying at a regional campus — applied for through the university.
  • Research Training Program: FEES + STIPEND — Government-funded PhD and research master’s places — apply through your supervisor.

Tests you may need

  • English proficiency: Most programs — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge — minimums set per program and intake; the visa has its own floor.
  • Graduate entry: Rare — GMAT for a few top MBAs only — GRE is almost never asked for.
  • Undergraduate entry: Your school results — ATAR equivalents — your national board results mapped by each university.

Australian programs rarely ask for GRE or SAT — each program page lists exactly what its intake asks for.

Student visa (500) · four steps

  1. Confirmation of Enrolment: Your CoE is issued once you accept the offer and pay the first tuition instalment.
  2. Genuine Student statement: Answer the four GS questions on your goals — Gradsy drafts and reviews them with you.
  3. Show funds & OSHC: A$29,710 living costs plus first-year tuition and travel, and health cover for your full stay.
  4. Apply online + biometrics: The A$1,600 visa fee, health check and biometrics. Keep each document in your vault so it is ready when you apply.

Work while you study and after

  • Part-time work: Up to 48 hours a fortnight in term time, unlimited in scheduled breaks.
  • Work-integrated learning: Many degrees include paid placements or industry projects for credit.
  • Temporary Graduate visa: Subclass 485 — work at any employer after graduation; longer for regional study and PhDs.
  • Skilled migration: Australian study and work experience earn points toward permanent residency.

Typical graduate salaries

  • Software engineering: A$75k – 115k
  • Data & AI: A$80k – 120k
  • Engineering: A$70k – 100k
  • Business & finance: A$65k – 95k

Student cities

  • Sydney: Australia’s finance and tech capital — harbour, beaches and the most employers
  • Melbourne: Repeatedly voted the world’s best student city — culture, coffee and campus life
  • Brisbane: Sunny, affordable and gearing up for the 2032 Olympics
  • Perth: Mining, energy and engineering careers on the west coast
  • Adelaide: A regional-bonus city with defence and space industries and low rents
  • Canberra: The capital — government, policy and the national research labs

Questions students ask

Can I work while I study in Australia?

Yes — up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, on a Student visa (subclass 500). Many degrees also include paid work-integrated learning.

How long is the post-study work visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives bachelor’s and master’s graduates two years, PhDs three, with an extra one to two years for graduates of regional campuses. You can work for any employer without sponsorship.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

Since 2024 every applicant answers four short questions about their study plans, ties to home and how the course fits their career. It replaced the old GTE statement. Gradsy drafts and reviews your answers with you before you lodge.

How much money do I need to show?

A$29,710 for living costs, plus your first-year tuition and about A$2,500 for travel — more if family members join you. Bank statements, education loans and sponsor letters all count.

Search 43 Australia universities · Find your best-fit programs