Study in Australia

The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and tertiary education.

School education (Primary and Secondary)

School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:

• Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7.
• Secondary school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10.
• Senior secondary school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.

Tertiary education

Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).

The average tuition fee for international undergraduate students was AU$29,235 (~US$23,400) per year in 2018. Study in Australia, the official government site for international students, gives the typical annual tuition fees for international graduate students as:

Master’s degree – AU$20,000 (US$16,000) to $37,000 (US$29,600);

Doctoral degree – AU$14,000 (US$11,200) to $37,000 (US$29,600).

These figures do not include high-value courses such as veterinary or medical degrees, which can cost significantly more. Tuition fees at Australian universities are generally calculated per unit, not per year. Each unit falls into a fee band, and as most students will be studying a combination of units from different bands, fees will be different for everybody. Some universities in Australia publish official fees estimates, including Australian National University (ANU), which is the nation’s highest-ranked institution (20th in the QS World University Rankings® 2018). The yearly cost of an international undergraduate degree from ANU ranges from AU$32,640 (~US$26,135) for some Bachelor of Arts programs, up to AU$43,632 (~US$34,900) for Bachelor of Science or Medical Science programs. For graduate degree programs, annual fees start from AU$32,640 (~US$26,100) for a few master’s programs and reach up to AU$43,632 (~US$34,900).

PhD programs are priced similarly, with the majority at the higher end of the scale at AU$39,024 (~US$31,200). In a league of its own, however, is ANU’s Doctorate of Medicine and Surgery degree, which costs AU$72,480 (~US$58,000).

Another cost to consider is the Student Services and Amenities fee, which is a charge for services and amenities of a non-academic nature, up to a maximum of AU$294 (~US$235) in 2017. Not all universities in Australia charge this, but make sure you check beforehand so it’s not an unexpected expense.

• Hostels and Guesthouses - $90 to $150 per week
• Shared Rental - $85 to $215 per week
• On campus - $90 to $280 per week
• Homestay - $235 to $325 per week
• Rental - $165 to $440 per week
• Boarding schools - $11,000 to $22,000 a year

• Groceries and eating out - $80 to $280 per week
• Gas, electricity - $35 to $140 per week
• Phone and Internet - $20 to $55 per week
• Public transport - $15 to $55 per week
• Car (after purchase) - $150 to $260 per week
• Entertainment - $80 to $150 per week

The Department of Home Affairs (opens in a new window) has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. From 1st February 2018 the 12 month living cost is:

• You - $20,290
• Partner or spouse - $7,100
• Child - $3,040

• Construction
• Education and training
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Public administration.

The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need to study in Australia will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information .Here is some general guidance on entry requirements for the different levels of study:

• English language - Entry requirements vary between institutions, and according to the level of English language course you want to study.
• Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the application process.
• Vocational education and training - In most cases there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.
• Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.
• Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.

The student visa you need depends on your chosen course of study. As a guide, the typical key requirements you will need to meet are

• Issued an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment certificate.
• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
• Sufficient funds for airfares, course fees and living costs.
• English language proficiency.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).