Higher education in Australia
- Briefly about Australia
- Education system in Australia
- Features of education in Australia
- Advantages of education in Australia
- Disadvantages of education in Australia
- How to choose a university in Australia?
- Foundation — preparation for admission to higher education programs in Australia
- Bachelor's degree in Australia
- Master's degree in Australia
- Doctorate programs in Australia
- Scholarships in Australia for international students
- Student visa to Australia
- Job search and immigration to Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor of Business - Business Management
The University of Western AustraliaBusiness and organizational management fundamentals are covered in this major. It will provide you with a foundational understanding of business by covering theoretical and practical topics including business reporting, economics, marketing, and management principles, and by emphasizing data literacy…
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
The University of Western AustraliaEarth and biological sciences are both covered by the Environmental Science degree. Given the diversity and complexity of environmental problems, it is imperative that we employ an interdisciplinary strategy to find effective solutions. In order to find workable answers to these issues, you will hone…
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Pharmacology
The University of Western AustraliaWhen you study pharmacology as an undergraduate, you'll find out how many popular medications work by binding to and activating particular receptors in various bodily tissues. Additionally, you will delve into the main metabolic processes that are set in motion when medications bind to their specific…
Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Hons) - Artificial Intelligence
The University of Western AustraliaYou will gain knowledge of the skills necessary to create and implement AI systems that have a positive impact on society, businesses, and the economy at large. The course will examine the practical, legal, and philosophical aspects of AI. By collaborating with visionary academics and business leaders,…
Bachelor of Science - Data Science
The University of Western AustraliaDistinguished professors from across the world will teach you the ropes in this major, and you'll also work in small groups in tutorials and labs to put what you've learned in the classroom into practice with cutting-edge equipment. In this course, you will learn how to collect, convert, analyze,…
Bachelor of Biomedicine - Medical Science
The University of Western AustraliaYou can tailor your education to your own interests by choosing from a variety of biological specializations offered by the Medical Science Extended Major. Aborigines' health and wellbeing, genetics, human biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, toxicology, microbiology, immunology,…
Bachelor of Arts - Asian Studies
The University of Western AustraliaMost of the world's most interesting and vibrant cultures are located in Asia, which is also home to the majority of the world's inhabitants.
Learning about and gaining an appreciation for the rich variety of Asian civilizations, political systems, and cultural practices is the goal of Asian…
Bachelor of Arts - History of Art
The University of Western AustraliaYou will gain historical knowledge, analytical prowess, and the ability to articulately critique visual form through this major's examination of the making, receiving, and moving of art objects through different cultures and time periods. If you want to know how art has influenced the development…
Bachelor of Science - Sport Science
The University of Western AustraliaWhich group would you like to serve as a health and fitness professional: professional athletes or regular people? A degree in Sport Science from our university will set you up for a prosperous future in the leisure and sports sectors. The education you receive will equip you with the background you…
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
The University of Western AustraliaYou'll gain transferable skills applicable in any field as you learn about organizational behavior, HR planning, negotiation, conflict resolution, occupational health and safety, training and development, performance management, selection and recruitment, and employment relations systems and processes.
You…
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
- Worldwide recognition of diplomas — Australian universities are included in international rankings such as QS and THE.
- Part-time work during studies — up to 48 hours per two weeks (and unlimited during holidays).
- Immigration opportunities — the Post-Study Work visa allows staying in the country for up to 6 years.
- Safety and quality of life — Australia consistently ranks among the top countries with the best living conditions.
- 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:
| Criterion | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Ranking | QS, THE, ARWU — university positions by subject |
| Cost | Tuition and living — from 20,000 to 50,000 AUD per year |
| Geography | Cities and regions — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, regional campuses |
| Specialty | Availability of a program that matches career goals |
| Scholarships | What grants and discounts are available |
| Internship opportunities | Partnerships with companies, professional practice |
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:
| University | Scholarship and Conditions |
|---|---|
| University of Sydney | International Scholarships (up to 40,000 AUD) |
| Monash University | International Merit / Leadership Scholarships (up to 100%) |
| University of Melbourne | Graduate Research Scholarships (full grant + accommodation) |
| UNSW Sydney | Future of Change / Global Academic Scholarships |
| Griffith University | International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship (25–50%) |
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
From 20,000 to 50,000 AUD per year, depending on the level and specialty.
Some universities do not require SAT/GMAT, but English proficiency must be confirmed.
Completely free education is only possible through scholarships — competition is high.
Yes, officially allowed up to 48 hours per two weeks, which helps cover part of the expenses.
If you have all the documents, finances, and academic justification — the chances are high.