Higher education in Australia

Briefly about Australia

Australia is a continent and a country known for its high standard of living, safety, diverse nature, and strong education system. It is the sixth largest country in the world and one of the global leaders in academic quality. Australia is among the top 3 most popular destinations for international students, along with the USA and the UK. A multicultural environment, English-language education, and employment prospects make Australia especially attractive for young people and their parents.

Education system in Australia

The Australian higher education system is built on three levels:

• Bachelor — 3–4 years;
• Master — 1–2 years;
• PhD — 3–4 years.

All programs are regulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), and for international students, they are accredited in the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) system, which guarantees the quality and transparency of educational services.

Features of education in Australia

• Flexibility: students can choose subjects, forming an individual study plan.
• Practice-oriented approach: education is connected with real cases and industry projects.
• Modern campuses: universities are equipped with the latest technology.
• Small study groups: this ensures closer contact with lecturers.
• English-speaking environment: students improve the language in both academic and everyday settings.

Advantages of education in Australia

1. Worldwide recognition of diplomas — Australian universities are included in international rankings such as QS and THE.
2. Part-time work during studies — up to 48 hours per two weeks (and unlimited during holidays).
3. Immigration opportunities — the Post-Study Work visa allows staying in the country for up to 6 years.
4. Safety and quality of life — Australia consistently ranks among the top countries with the best living conditions.
5. Innovative specialties — from climate engineering to artificial intelligence.

Disadvantages of education in Australia

• High cost — tuition and living expenses are not cheap.
• Distance from Europe — long flights and time adaptation.
• Climatic features — the seasons are opposite to those in Europe.
• Strict visa requirements — proof of financial and academic capability is required.

How to choose a university in Australia?

When choosing a university, it is important to consider:

Foundation — preparation for admission to higher education programs in Australia

Foundation is a preparatory program for international students, lasting from 8 to 12 months. It allows students to fill academic and language gaps for admission to a bachelor's degree.

Features:

• Intensive study of English and specialized subjects;
• Guaranteed admission upon successful completion;
• Cost — from 15,000 to 30,000 AUD per year.

Admission requirements for foundation programs:

• Academic: Completion of Year 11 or 12 (depending on country and institution).
• English: IELTS 5.0–5.5, TOEFL iBT 50–65, or PTE 42–46.
• Age: Minimum 16–17 years old at course start.
• Documents: Passport, transcripts (in English), certificate of completion, possibly a statement of purpose or portfolio.
• Visa: Subclass 500 with CoE, financial proof, GTE statement, and OSHC.

Bachelor's degree in Australia

Bachelor's degree is the first level of higher education. In most cases, it lasts 3 years, but for some professions (for example, engineering, medicine), the program may take 4–5 years. Honours programs are also available — an advanced 4th year of study, useful for admission to a master's degree or a research career.

Popular fields:

• Business and international relations
• Computer science and IT
• Psychology and biomedicine
• Engineering and construction
• Tourism and hospitality
• Arts and design

Admission requirements:

• High school certificate or Foundation diploma;
• IELTS from 6.0 (or TOEFL / PTE);
• Academic transcripts, motivation letter, portfolio (depending on the field).

Tuition fees: from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD per year, depending on the university and faculty.

Master's degree in Australia

Master's programs in Australia are divided into two types:

• Coursework — lecture-based and practice-oriented programs;
• Research — research courses with dissertation preparation.

Duration — from 1 to 2 years. A master's degree is especially valued when changing fields: many courses accept students with a non-related background.

Popular master's specialisations:

• Project management, finance
• Data analytics, artificial intelligence
• Education, social sciences
• Health, sports, public health
• Law and international law

Admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• IELTS 6.5–7.0;
• Recommendation letters, CV, motivation essay;
• Sometimes — portfolio or interview.

Tuition fees for master's programs: from 22,000 to 50,000 AUD per year.

Doctorate programs in Australia

PhD is the highest academic degree, focused on independent research. The study lasts 3–4 years and is often accompanied by a scholarship.

Advantages:

• Opportunity to publish in academic journals;
• Involvement in teaching;
• Participation in international projects.

Cost of PhD: from 20,000 to 42,000 AUD per year, but most students receive RTP scholarships covering full tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships in Australia for international students

Australia offers a wide range of scholarships and grants available for students at different levels — from Bachelor to PhD.

Government Scholarships:

• Australia Awards Scholarships — Full coverage of tuition, airfare, living expenses, and insurance. Requires excellent academic performance and social motivation.
• Destination Australia Program — Up to 15,000 AUD per year for studying at regional universities.
• Research Training Program (RTP) — Support for postgraduate students (PhD and MPhil), includes tuition coverage and a living allowance.

University Scholarships:

How to get a scholarship:

• Prepare a portfolio, resume, and motivation letter;
• Maintain a high GPA (80%+);
• Applications are submitted 6–12 months before the start of studies.

Student visa to Australia

International students need a Subclass 500 visa. It allows you to:

• Study in a full-time program;
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight;
• Travel within the country and abroad.

Required documents:

• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE);
• Proof of financial capacity (from 21,000 AUD for living expenses);
• IELTS/TOEFL results;
• OSHC — health insurance;
• Passport, application form, photo.

Job search and immigration to Australia

After graduation, students can stay in Australia on a Post-Study Work Visa:

• Up to 2 years — for bachelor's graduates;
• Up to 3–4 years — for master's and PhD graduates;
• Up to 6 years — if studied at a regional university.

Popular professions for immigration:

• IT, engineering;
• Education and teaching;
• Medicine, aged care;
• Architecture, construction.

Immigration visas: Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), and Temporary Graduate (485).

Frequently Asked Questions