Australia promotes innovation, creativity, and independent thinking throughout its universities. International students who study and live in Australia soon find that their education is challenging, fun, and rewarding. As an international student in Australia, you can expect to live, grow, and learn in a young, friendly country full of opportunities. For those international students who successfully complete their degree, they will soon find that they are competitive in today’s international job market.

Degree courses in Australia

Bachelor’s programmes typically take three years to complete (four years for an honours degree). They’re generally split into two semesters, although some universities offer three.

An undergraduate degree helps to develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work in your chosen field and enables you to pursue postgraduate studies.

Entry into Australian higher education programmes is competitive and to gain a place on a course you’ll need a high school leaver’s certificate or equivalent. You’ll also need to prove your level of English proficiency if it’s not your first language. Additional entry requirements for some programmes may include the successful completion of work experience, a portfolio or an audition.

Masters degrees

Australian Masters follow a similar format to those in the UK and usually take one or two years to complete. Qualifications awarded from Australian institutions are globally recognised and well respected by employers, standing you in good stead upon graduation.

Institutions in the country offer a range of taught and research-based Masters in areas such as creative arts, engineering, health, education and sciences to name just a few. Like in the UK, you’ll be able to study a Masters of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc). Courses focus on either traditional coursework (taught courses) or independent research (research courses), or a combination of both.

In Australia, you’ll also be able to study a ‘Change of direction’ Master – for students looking to change subject pathways and a ‘Professional development’ Master – for students looking to further their careers through additional training.

Entry requirements for Masters’s programmes in Australia vary depending on your university and subject but basic requirements include the successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, with most looking for students who hold a minimum of a 2:1 or 2:2 grade.

Other postgraduate qualifications on offer include:

• Graduate certificates
• Graduate Diplomas
• Doctoral degrees.

Course fees

The cost of higher education in Australia is among the most expensive in the world. Fees are set by universities, not the government so the cost of postgraduate study can vary widely. International students will pay considerably more than Australian students and foreign students are also required to pay their tuition fees before they start their course.

Despite the increased cost of study, the country remains popular with foreign students.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $20,000 to $37,000 (£10,748 to £19,883) for a Masters’s degree and $14,000 to $37,000 for a Doctoral degree (£7,523 to £19,883). All costs are per year in Australian dollars.

These estimates do not include high-value courses such as veterinary science, medicine and the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) where you should expect to pay considerably more.

Student visas

To study in Australia you must obtain a student visa.

All international students need to apply for the Student visa (subclass 500) online, which enables them to study full-time in Australia in a recognised education institution. This visa lasts up to five years and costs around $575 Australian dollars (£309).

To secure one you must:

• provide evidence that you’ve been accepted onto a course, be this a copy of your confirmation of enrolment or an offer letter
• provide proof of your finances
• possess English language proficiency skills
• have health insurance
• not have a substantial criminal record.

For more details on Australian student visas, visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection – Visa finder.

Language requirements

Programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels are taught in English. In some cases, you may need to provide proof of your proficiency in the language through a recognised English language test.

Be aware of the fact that the skill level required by institutions can differ from the level required on your student visa application.

How to apply

To study a postgraduate degree in Australia you’ll need to apply directly to your chosen institution online. Entry requirements vary between universities so check these details before you begin the application process. Closing dates differ depending on your course and some programmes may accept applications all year round.

To gain a place on a course you must:

• submit an application form to your chosen university
• receive a Letter of Offer
• receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
• apply for a student visa.

In order for your application to be successful you will need to provide evidence of:

• academic achievements (transcripts, certificates)
• English language proficiency
• funds to support your study
• overseas student health cover.