Costs
Tuition
AUD 25,000–50,000/year for most programmes. Medicine and MBA higher. Regional universities generally cheaper.
Living Costs
AUD 1,600–2,200/month. Sydney and Melbourne most expensive. Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth more affordable. Proof of funds: AUD 24,505/year.
Total Annual Cost
€28,000–52,000/year. Higher than most, but earning potential partially offsets costs.
Part-Time Work
Unlimited hours (no cap since July 2023). Average student earnings: AUD 1,000–1,500/month. Minimum wage: AUD 23.23/hour — highest in the world.
Post-Study & Immigration
Post-Study Work Visa
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): 2 years for bachelor's, 3 years for master's by research, 4 years for PhD. Regional study adds 1–2 years. Must apply within 6 months of completion.
Path to Permanent Residency
Points-based system (subclass 189/190). Education in Australia adds points. Regional study/work adds bonus points. Skills assessment required. Typical timeline: study (2yr) + post-study work (2yr) + PR application. State nomination (190) easier than independent (189).
Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0–6.5 for most programmes (some require 7.0). PTE Academic widely accepted. TOEFL accepted. Duolingo growing acceptance.
Visa Processing
4–6 weeks standard (can be longer from some countries). Online application (ImmiAccount). GTE statement required. Health exam and police clearance.
Top Universities
| University | QS 2025 | Tuition (Int'l) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #13 | AUD 35,000–50,000 | Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering |
| University of Sydney | #18 | AUD 40,000–55,000 | Health Sciences, Architecture, Arts |
| UNSW Sydney | #19 | AUD 35,000–50,000 | Engineering, Business, Law, Science |
| ANU | #26 | AUD 35,000–50,000 | Politics, International Relations, Science |
| Monash University | #37 | AUD 35,000–50,000 | Pharmacy, Education, Engineering |
Scholarships
Australia Awards (DFAT)
Award: Full tuition + AUD 3,400/month + flights
Eligibility: Developing countries · Deadline: Apr–May
Australian government's flagship. Must return home for 2 years after.
Eligibility: Developing countries · Deadline: Apr–May
Australian government's flagship. Must return home for 2 years after.
Research Training Program (RTP)
Award: Full tuition + AUD 32,000/year stipend
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
For master's by research and PhD. Australia's main research scholarship.
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
For master's by research and PhD. Australia's main research scholarship.
Destination Australia
Award: AUD 15,000/year
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
For study in regional Australia. Stackable with other scholarships.
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
For study in regional Australia. Stackable with other scholarships.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research
Award: Full tuition + AUD 37,000/year
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: October
For research degrees at Melbourne.
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: October
For research degrees at Melbourne.
UQ International Scholarship
Award: 25–100% tuition reduction
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
University of Queensland merit scholarship.
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: Varies
University of Queensland merit scholarship.
2026 Policy Updates
What changed: Unlimited student work hours made permanent. GTE requirement being reformed to 'Genuine Student' test — focus on academic intent rather than temporary stay. Visa processing times improving. Regional incentives strengthened (extra post-study visa years, PR points). ESOS framework updates for student welfare.
Best For
Students wanting to earn significantly while studying. Healthcare and nursing students (strong job market + PR pathway). Research students (generous RTP funding). Students targeting PR through regional pathways.
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