How to Study in Australia
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Australia is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world, attracting more than 800,000 foreign students between 2024 and 2025—and it’s easy to see why.
Aside from sun, sea, and sand, international students in Australia can also explore vibrant cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, and study at some of the world's top universities and business schools. Australia is also known for the quality of its higher education system, so you’re bound to improve your career prospects when you study in the country.
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Australia, this guide is for you. We’ll take you through everything you need to know to study abroad in Australia, including:
- The best places to study in Australia
- The application process for Australian universities
- How to apply for an Australian student visa
- The costs of studying in Australia
- What scholarships are available for international students in Australia
Why Study Abroad in Australia?
Australia offers a work-life balance that many other countries can only dream of. Here, you can spend your days learning at a top-ranked university (six Australian universities feature in the global top 100) before unwinding on the beach. It makes sense that Australia is ranked the 11th-happiest country in the world.
The country is also renowned for its diversity of attractions. In cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, there is a lively nightlife and cultural scene, but international students in Australia can also explore incredible nature. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, visit the Great Barrier Reef, or unwind on idyllic Fraser Island: there’s plenty to explore.
If English isn’t your first language, while living in Australia, you’ll enjoy invaluable opportunities to practice your English skills in both the classroom and your everyday life.
Finally, Australian cities are ranked among the best in the world for quality of life—and that’s despite Australia having a relatively high cost of living. Sydney, for example, ranks 12th in the world for quality of life, beating popular study destinations such as Paris, San Francisco, and Dublin.
Which Are the Top-Ranked Business Schools in Australia?
Australia is also a valuable study abroad option for students who want to explore career opportunities in business. With convenient travel links to global business hubs in Asia, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing, studying business in Australia could be the start of an international career.
One Australian MBA makes it into the Financial Times ranking of the best in the world, and it’s at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW Sydney. The QS Global MBA Rankings include more Australian programs in the top 100, including those at the Melbourne Business School and the University of Sydney Business School.
If you’re considering a Master's in Management program, Australia is a great destination: the flagship program at the University of Sydney is ranked 21st in the world, ahead of high-ranking business schools in Germany, the UK, and the US.
Some of the top industries in Australia include finance, construction, manufacturing, and a growing tech sector. Sydney and Melbourne have startup ecosystems that are ranked among the best in the world, while Brisbane is designated an emerging startup ecosystem.
How do I Apply to Universities in Australia as an International Student?
Applications to business schools and universities in Australia follow a similar process to that of other study destinations. You’ll complete an application directly through your chosen school, providing the following documents are part of your application:
- Academic transcripts
- Résumé
- Statement of motivation
- Passport
- Professional references
If you’re a non-native English speaker, you will also need to supply an English language exam score—the IELTS and TOEFL exams are the most widely accepted.
For entrance into some business master’s and most MBA programs, you will also have to take the GMAT exam. This can be done online or at a test center located near you.
How Can I Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Australia?
The Australian student visa is known as the Student Visa (Subclass 500) and costs AU$2,000 (approx. US$1,300). All international students apply for the same visa, no matter the length of their course.
You can’t apply for your Australian student visa until you’ve been accepted to an institution, but you should apply at least eight weeks before your course starts. For your visa application, you’ll need:
- Copy of your passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university or business school
- Academic transcripts
- Résumé
- Proof of English language proficiency
You’ll also need to provide proof that you have the funds to support yourself while studying in Australia. The minimum you’ll require for living costs is AU$29,710 (approximately US$19,600), which is the average living cost for 12 months. However, you’ll also have to provide evidence that you can cover 12 months of your tuition and fees, and travel costs.
Finally, you must also show that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). If you don’t, your visa application will be denied.
What are the Living Costs for International Students in Australia?
Though Australia isn’t cheap when it comes to the cost of living, it’s considered more affordable than other study destinations such as Switzerland, the US, and Singpaore.
Naturally, your living costs will be higher living in a city than in a smaller town. Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia and globally; Melbourne isn’t far behind. However, it’s still possible to study in Australia for less if you budget well.
The average monthly living costs for international students in Australia range from AU$1,400 (US$925) to AU$2,500 (US$1,650), depending on your study location. Study Australia has a handy calculator to help you estimate your cost of living in various cities, taking into account your accommodation and lifestyle preferences.
If you’re wondering how to study in Australia for less, here are some approximate monthly costs for typical living expenses in the country.
- Rent: US$450-US$1,200
- Groceries: US$130–US$200
- Transport: US$50-US$70
- Restaurant meal: US$17
- Gym membership: US$50
Data gathered from numbeo.com, studyaustralia.gov.au.
Australian Scholarships and Loans
Average tuition fees in Australia are consistent with those of other international business schools. This means bachelor's programs could carry tuition fees of around US$30,000 for international students.
Master’s programs are more expensive, but are shorter than bachelor’s programs, so you’ll only pay tuition fees for one or two years. As a result, Master’s programs in Australia could cost between US$26,000 and US$45,000. Costs for a Master’s in Management typically fall within this cost bracket—the best MiM program in Australia at the University of Sydney costs approximately US$36,000.
An MBA program is one of the most expensive business degrees available—but it also offers a significant return on investment (ROI). A top-ranked MBA program in Australia typically lasts one year, compared to the standard two years in the US, resulting in lower total costs of around US$60,000.
Where can I Find Scholarships to Study in Australia?
If you’re concerned about the cost of studying in Australia, you should first reach out to your target business school or university. Most institutions offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages for international students, although these may be competitive.
The Australian government offers various scholarships to international students, including the Australia Awards Scholarships (open to students from select countries) and the Australia for ASEAN Scholarships. However, carefully review the requirements and eligibility for each scholarship, as they can vary. For example, the ASEAN scholarships are only available to students pursuing a Master’s degree that will impact one of four key areas: maritime, connectivity, economic development, and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Although international students in Australia can’t apply for government student loans, there are other options. For example, universities sometimes offer short-term or emergency loans to students who are struggling, and some traditional banks and fintech platforms, including Prodigy Finance, provide long-term loans to international students in Australia.
TL;DR: How to Study Abroad in Australia
- Australia attracts more than 800,000 international students each year thanks to its top-ranked universities, diverse cities, and high quality of life.
- To study here, you’ll need to meet English language requirements and secure a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which requires proof of funds and health insurance. Planning and preparing documents early will make the process much smoother.
- Living costs in Australia average between AU$1,400 and AU$2,500 per month, with tuition fees ranging from US$26,000 to US$45,000 for most master’s programs and around US$60,000 for an MBA. Students can reduce the cost by studying outside of Australia’s biggest —and most expensive—cities.
- Scholarships are available through universities and the Australian government, including the competitive Australia Awards Scholarships. However, most governmental scholarships have specific eligibility requirements, so you should review these carefully before applying.
