Study in Australia: Comprehensive 2023 Guide

Australia is a big, exciting country with 8 states namely Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory (Canberra), Queensland, and Northern Territory, each offering an incredibly diverse range of experiences to Indian students. Pursuing higher education in Australia is the best way to advance your learning and career prospects globally. Apart from the Group Eight Universities, the island nation is packed with some of the leading academic institutions offering quality education across domains. A sovereign country that has cultural diversity, picturesque islands, state-of-the-art educational infrastructure, and innumerable employment opportunities should be on the list of countries to start your career abroad! Are you still looking for reasons to why study in Australia? Read on to explore more!

Here’s a detailed guide to know more about how Australia is Easing Travel Restrictions for International Students!

Latest Study in Australia Updates 2023

• 9 March 2023: The PM of Australia, Albanese was in India to Speak at a Programme where he stated that the Deakin University of Australia would be Developing an International Branch Campus in GIFT City.
• 16 March 2023: The Australian government stated that Australian universities have witnessed a massive increase in international student admission, which is 111% more than the previous year.
• 20 March 2023: The Monash University from Australia as well as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in India introduced double master’s degrees for students who have plans to pursue higher education.
• 17 April 2023: Australia has become the new study-abroad destination as a large number of international students are choosing to pursue higher studies there.
• 21 April 2023: The University of Wollongong has denied any claims regarding the bans or restrictions on students from Indian states.
• 25 April 2023: Charles Sturt University announced agreements with five popular educational institutions in India to achieve a higher position in terms of global ranking and reputation. 
• 28 April 2023: The University of Canberra announced scholarships worth up to INR 40 Lakh for international students for the year 2023-2024.

Study in Australia Statistics

Why Study in Australia?

Here are the major reasons to choose Australia as a study destination in 2023:

Global Recognition– Australia is home to world-class academic institutions offering a wide range of courses that are valued professionally across the globe. Australia maintains a high standard of providing top-notch education through a regulated system that aims to produce field-ready graduates with real-world skills.

Education at its Best- The Australian education system involves strategies that allow students to develop industry-level skills. The University of Queensland in Australia is one of the best universities which are globally accredited and has developed new learning programs to fulfill the varying needs of its students.

Immense Work Opportunities– Australia allows international students to explore full-time or part-time job prospects. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours during semester time and full time during vacations. Australian universities also offer various placement sessions to help students find employment at the end of their program.

Cost of Living– In comparison to other countries like the USA, Germany, the UK, and Canada, the tuition fees, as well as the living costs, are quite low in Australia. Moreover, an array of scholarship programs are also offered by academic institutions in the country to provide financial assistance to deserving students. For example, The University of Queensland which is ranked at 50th place in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2023 offers a large number of scholarships like the prestigious UQ High Achievers Scholarship for Indian students aimed at helping students pursue their education comfortably in a large number of fields. 

Research-oriented Programs– The universities in Australia spend a significant amount of their entire budget on fostering research and development to ensure the progress of every field that can help in bringing about a better world. The country is well-known for developing WiFi, cochlear implants, Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, penicillin, and the black box flight recorder. The emphasis on research sets the universities in Australia apart. For instance, The University of Queensland is the only institution tasked by  Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop a vaccine for Covid-19. The university offers an array of fellowships to students to encourage them to undertake research in the area of their choice which has given the impetus to push the university into the top 50 universities of the world.

Interesting Fact: If you get a D while studying in Australia, fear not, you haven’t failed. Surprisingly it is the second-highest grade in their grading system which stands for Distinction.

Values and Visions– Most universities located in Australia do not believe in a one-dimensional form of learning that comes only with textbooks. It engages students in the pursuit of their passion by laying a strong foundation for the area in which they wish to excel. For instance, The University of Queensland believes in harboring the values of excellence and creativity and offers the space to develop independent thinking in an environment that is nurturing and inclusive.

Education System of Australia

If you are planning to study in Australia, you will be surprised to know that there are over 1,000 institutions and more than 20,000 courses in diverse fields for international students. You can take up primary, secondary, or tertiary education while you study in Australia. English is the official medium of instruction (MOI) in the education system, even though there are many institutions offering bilingual programs.

Grading System in Australia

Here is a guide to understanding the grading system in Australia:

Grade	Scale	Scale 2	Description	Division	US Grade
HD	7.00	83.00 – 100.00	High Distinction (A+)	A+	A+
D	6.00 – 6.99	73.00 – 82.99	Distinction (A)	Second Class, Upper Division	A
C	5.00 – 5.99	63.00 – 72.99	Credit (B)Second	Lower Division	B
P	4.00 – 4.99	50.00 – 62.99	Pass (C)	Pass (C)Third Class	C
N	0.00 – 3.99	0.00 – 49.99	Fail		F

To know more, read our comprehensive blog on the Australian Education System.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies are intensive preparatory courses that will provide you with the necessary skills to enter an undergraduate course at Australian colleges. These include streams such as science and business and English language support is also available. Students are allocated a provisional place in a bachelor’s program assuming they will achieve the prescribed marks.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Whether you preparing to develop your skills to enter the workforce or higher studies, vocational education can be a great option! Your training will have the elements of on-site training with a genuine work environment. Have a look at the table below to know more about VET qualifications and possible career outcomes recognized by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):

Qualification	Duration	Career Outcome
Certificate I	4 to 6 months	Competent Operator
Certificate II	About 1 year	Advanced Operator
Certificate III	About 1 year	Qualified Technician
Diploma	18 to 24 months	Para-professional
Advanced Diploma	24 to 36 months	Junior Manager

Higher Education Qualifications

Higher education in Australia can be taken at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Besides this, the institutions in the country offer an option to take up double bachelor’s in diverse domains. Australian universities are prominently recognized for Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Environmental Science, Accounting, and Finance. Your study in Australia will fall into the categories that have been discussed in the table given below:

Name of the Degree	Duration	Eligibility	Details
Associate Degree	2 years	10+2 or equivalents, Certificate III or Certificate IV	This is a short-cycle foundation degree that can act as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma. It covers broad theory and allows you to develop basic employment skills.
Bachelor Degree	3 to 5 years (depending on the program)	10+2 or  equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV	It is the basic qualification to enter any field, providing you with a knowledge of the underlying principles and techniques you’ll need to work in the chosen field of study. From here you can further move on to pursue postgraduate studies.
Bachelor’s Degree (Hons)	4 years	Bachelor Degree	If you are excelling well in your bachelor’s degree, your institution might allow you to enter an additional year of study and help you graduate with honors.
Graduate Certificate	6 months	Bachelor Degree	This will provide you with the skills that you already have from a bachelor’s program. Besides this, you can also develop your knowledge in a new field.
Graduate Diploma	1 year	Bachelor Degree	These allow you to apply your knowledge in a range of contexts so that you can undertake professional or highly skilled work and broaden your learning perspective.
Masters’s Degree (Coursework)	1 to 2 years	Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor Degree (Hons)	It involves traditional coursework that will build your expertise in your field of interest.
Masters’s Degree (Research)	Typically 2 years	Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor Degree (Hons)	This is a master’s degree offering you the opportunity to conduct independent research. It will provide you with expertise in your chosen field of study.
Doctoral Degree	Typically 3 to 4 years	Masters Degree	Intensive research programs in Australia have three components:- A review of literature, experimentation, and a methodical approach to study.- An original research project that contributes to the knowledge in your field.- A substantial, well-written thesis that shows the relationship between your research and field of study.

Research Opportunities

Even though the country has a relatively smaller population, its research, and development have made a big impact on the world. From developing WiFi, cochlear implant, Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, penicillin, and the black box flight recorder, the experience to study in Australia is nurtured with fast-track practical and applied research in every sphere.

Cost of Studying & Living in Australia

Being consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world makes studying in Australia an ideal choice. Furthermore, Keeping in mind the distance of your stay from the campus and whether it is easily accessible by public transport, international students can consider options like renting a property, purpose-built student accommodation (studio apartments or shared rooms), short-term accommodation (hostels, hotels or temporary housing), university-managed facilities, residential colleges, and homestay. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia.

Categories	Details	Charges [AUS Dollars]	Charges [Indian Rupees]
Tuition Fees	Vocational Training Bachelor Level Programs   Master Level Courses	4,000 – 22,000 20,000 to 45,000  20,000 to 55,000	2,00,000 – 10,70,000 9,70,000 – 21,89,000 9,72,500 – 26,70,000
Accommodation	Hostels/Guest House Shared Apartments On-campus	90-150 95-220 110-300	4,000 – 7,000 4,600 – 11,000 5,000 – 14,000
Other Expenses	Gas, Electricity, Entertainment, Transportation, Internet, etc.	270-540	13,000 – 26,000

Note: The accommodation charges are on a weekly basis. Please note that these are approximate charges and can vary with a change in conversion rates.

Here’s A Guide On Different Types of Student Accommodation in Australia

Popular Intakes in Australia

To study in Australia, candidates can opt for the two major intakes offered by the universities, in February and July. February intake is the primary intake for Australian universities as most programs are offered during this intake as well as most international students apply for it. But as the Feb and July intakes are closed you can still apply for September and November intakes. These intakes allow students to opt for vocational courses. 

Intake	Applications Begin
February intake	October-November
July intake	April-May
Multiple intakes	September & November

Top Courses in Australia in 2023

Australia is amongst the top-ranked study destinations in the world. The country offers a myriad of courses to students across the globe and encourages them to choose the right program and course. Here is a list of courses:

MBA	Hospitality and Tourism	Architecture
Artificial Intelligence	Accounting & Finance	Engineering
Actuarial Science	Nursing	Psychology

Know more about the Cheapest MBA Programs in Australia

Top Universities to Study in Australia

Australian universities provide ample choices for international students to pursue higher education across several disciplines. And when it comes to world education rankings, the country has always proven itself. A few of the prime reasons why Indians choose to study in Australia include global reputation, quality of education, and student satisfaction.

Universities	Global Ranking [QS 2023 Rankings]
Australian National University	30
The University of Melbourne	33
The University of Sydney	41
University of New South Wales	45
The University of Queensland	50
Monash University	57
The University of Western Australia	90
The University of Adelaide	109
University of Technology Sydney	137
The University of Newcastle	192
University of Wollongong	185
Queensland University of Technology	222
Curtin University	193
Macquarie University	195
RMIT University	190
Deakin University	266
University of South Australia	363
University of Tasmania	293
Griffith University	300
James Cook University	461

Here’s a blog to know more about the 10 Oldest Universities in Australia

Study in Australia After 12th 

Candidates interested in studying in Australia after the 12th can opt for a number of courses ranging from diploma, foundational, and bachelor’s programs in an array of specializations. Top colleges and universities in Australia offer programs to students planning to pursue higher education after the 12th. A medium of instruction for these programs is English which means international students from across the world apply and study at some of the world’s best universities. The admissions to most programs are based on marks in previous exams like 10th and 12th, English proficiency tests, and in some cases interviews. Some of the most popular courses opted for by students after the 12th are:

• Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Computer Application
• BSc in Nursing
• Bachelor’s in Medicine
• Engineering in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Pharmacy
• Accounting and Finance
• Business and Management
• Business and Commerce
• Law
• International Business
• Bachelor of Hotel Management
• Bachelor of Visual Arts
• Bachelor of Creative Arts
• Bachelor of Media with Bachelor of Arts

Diploma Courses after 12th in Australia

International students can pursue short-term diploma courses in a particular field after finishing their 12th exams. These courses are designed to help students gain experience, skills, and training in their desired fields. Diploma courses are budget-friendly and provide immense exposure in the desired course as well as global exposure. Diploma courses are also a great way to decide whether a field is a right fit for the candidate or not. Here are some diploma courses after the 12th to pursue in the country-

• Diploma of Marketing and Communication
• Diploma of Leadership and Management
• Diploma in Psychology
• Diploma in the Digital Enterprise
• Diploma in Australian Law
• Diploma in Business (Commerce)
• Diploma of Legal Practice
• Diploma of Business  Administration
• Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science
• Diploma in Journalism
• Diploma of Network Engineering
• Diploma in Health Research
• Diploma in Data Science

Study in Australia Without IELTS

Here is a list of universities, you can apply to in Australia without the stress of giving IELTS! Candidates can submit scores of other English proficiency or can get an English language certificate from their respective schools and programs. Here is a list of universities to check out:

• Australian National University 
• University of Southern Queensland  
• University of South Australia 
• University of Adelaide 
• Bond University

Study Visa Application [Subclass 500]

Even though there are many types of Australian Visas, in order to study in Australia, one needs to apply for a SUBCLASS 500 visa. The application cost of a Subclass 500 visa is AUD 620 [Rs 34,169 approximately]. Below listed are the different types of the study included on this visa:

• Primary and Secondary schools
• Vocational education and training
• Independent English-language intensive courses for overseas students.
• Higher education
• Postgraduate research
• International students are sponsored by the foreign affairs and defense department.
• Non-award courses

Work Visa [Subclass 485]

This visa is applicable to those international students who have completed their education in Australia and want to work after completing their courses. Based on your educational qualifications, one can work between 18 months-4 years. However, the applicant must have had a valid student visa in the last 6 months. The application cost for this is AUD 1,650 [Rs 90,936 approximately].

Application Process to Study in Australia

There are two intakes for admission in the universities – February and July, with some offering intakes in September and November, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to process an application so you must apply at least 6 months prior to the intake. The first step is to apply for the course you wish to study in Australia. In case you are applying for courses at different universities, then you will have to submit a separate application to each university.

Entry Requirements

English Language Requirements	Courses in Australia are prominently taught in English, which requires students to provide results of English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. However, the English language skills required may differ for the institution and student visa application.
Academic Requirements	Varies from one course to another.
Visa Requirements	Subclass 500 Visa

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Confirmation of Enrolment

Once you’ve completed your application, you will receive a “Letter of Offer” confirming the offer for enrollment. In return, you are required to sign and send an acceptance to the concerned institution. These contracts contain the following:

• Course you have applied for
• Enrolment conditions
• Fees you have to pay
• Refund payable, in case you do not complete your course with the concerned provider.

You will then receive an eCoE by mail once you have accepted your offer.

Insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) includes cover for doctor’s visits, ambulance, limited pharmaceuticals (medicines), and hospital treatment. Besides having health coverage, you also have access to private health, home, travel, and vehicle insurance in Australia.

Scholarships to Study In Australia

A handful of the scholarships provided by the Australian government are listed below. Numerous additional institutions and colleges give scholarships to overseas students.

• Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)
• Australian Award Scholarship
• International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

Best Cities in Australia

Here are the best student-friendly cities to study in Australia:

• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Canberra
• Brisbane
• Adelaide

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FAQs

Visa options and requirements are subject to change and to ensure that you have accurate information, stay up to date on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. If you are sure to study in Australia, get ready to experience a cutting-edge education combined with a world of learning and career opportunities in a safe and welcoming setting. Also, you can reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu, who can help you with your visa and course application.