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 Arts - Music: Electronic Music and Sound Design
The University of Western AustraliaThis creative-focused degree allows you to combine your interests in music and technology. Majoring in electronic music and sound design allows students to delve into both the creative and technical sides of the discipline, preparing them to compose digital and electronic music at a professional level.
Your…
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
The University of Western AustraliaIn order to effectively address health challenges, students are urged to combine their biological knowledge with their awareness of Aboriginal ways of looking at health and disease.
Because of its emphasis on health, the major is part of the Bachelor of Science degree. The Medical School's…
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Studies
The University of Western AustraliaModern mediation and communication tools and practices are changing how we conceive about our identities, relationships, and communities, from language to screen and emoji to social networks. This major combines theoretical knowledge with practical communication and digital media skills to help you…
Bachelor of Arts - English and Literary Studies
The University of Western AustraliaFrom the creative writing and performance studies to the extensive history of western literary tradition, this dynamic major allows students to personalize their education according to their interests and future job goals. The works of great western literary figures like Shakespeare, Austen, and Woolf—who…
Bachelor of Arts - Art History and Curatorial Studies
The University of Western AustraliaIn Western Australia, the sole degree of this kind is the Bachelor of Art History and Curatorial Studies. By fusing curatorial techniques with art history, this degree prepares students for employment in art management, museum and gallery curation, and art criticism and research.
Critical…
Bachelor of Environmental Design - Environmental Geography and Planning
The University of Western AustraliaStudents in this major learn about the responsiveness and future-planning capabilities of various ecosystems. To accomplish this, one must have an in-depth understanding of environmental planning and design concepts and their versatile applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject,…
Bachelor of Arts - Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage
The University of Western AustraliaIndigenous Knowledge, History, and Heritage is an interdisciplinary major that teaches Indigenous Australian history, culture, and philosophy. Indigenous philosophy will be examined.
The units allow you to critically engage with themes across disciplines and connect to contemporary Australian…
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Anatomy and Human Biology
The University of Western AustraliaIn what ways are we uniquely human? By integrating studies of human biology, behavior, and education with contemporary social and ethical concerns, students in the Anatomy and Human Biology major delve into the intriguing question of human nature. A wide range of subjects are covered in the units,…
Bachelor of Arts - Work and Employment Relations
The University of Western AustraliaWork organization, employee management, unions, conflict management, negotiation, and the development of cooperation and negotiation are all topics covered in this major. Institutional and sociological viewpoints are used to analyze the characteristics of work interactions in many countries, including…
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) - Biomedical Engineering
The University of Western AustraliaIf you want to be on the cutting edge of this dynamic, interdisciplinary field in fields like biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, medical device and equipment, healthcare research and innovation, and more, this is the major for you. By gaining knowledge and experience in the field of biomedical…
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.