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
Master of Management
The University of Western AustraliaYou will be exposed to the most recent theory and practice thanks to top-notch academics and influential industry partners. In addition, you will have the chance to participate in extracurricular activities, such as networking events and career fairs, student organizations, professional development…
Master of Advanced Social Work
The University of Western AustraliaThis is a course of supervised independent research assessed on the basis of a thesis.
Master of Applied Finance
The University of Western AustraliaThis specialized master's program covers a broad range of applied finance topics and prepares students for employment in corporate banking and finance, stock market trading, insurance, investment management, and other applied finance fields.
For graduates who are already employed in the…
Master of Bioinformatics
The University of Western AustraliaThe study and practice of biology and medicine are undergoing fast change due to the recent boom of data and technology. This pertains to developments in genetics and genomics as well as the vast array of phenotypic data being produced, which covers topics ranging from medication development and the…
Master of International Law
The University of Western AustraliaLearn international law and get jobs in government, non-government, intergovernmental, and private organizations that apply it.
After training by a diverse set of international law specialists with extensive practice and research experience, our award-winning teaching faculty brings a practical,…
Master of Architecture (Design)
The University of Western AustraliaThe Master of Architecture (Design) is a program of independent, supervised research leading to the presentation of an exhibition of architectural design equivalent in scope to the schematic design of a building of major cultural significance.
Master of Physics
The University of Western AustraliaYou will develop a combination of high-level research, analytical and problem-solving skills which are highly valued by industry and government employers.
The Master of Physics can be undertaken in one of the following:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics (astronomy techniques,…
Master of Geoscience
The University of Western AustraliaUnderstanding the creation and evolution of Earth, its ancient ecosystems and temperatures, natural hazards, and the formation of resources like petroleum, mineral deposits, and groundwater are all goals of geoscience, the study of our dynamic planet. Understanding earth processes from the past and…
Master of Business Psychology
The University of Western AustraliaGain knowledge of how to apply psychological theories and concepts to work environments in order to enhance productivity and create safer, healthier, and happier work environments. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in any field are eligible to enroll in this course, which is especially pertinent…
Master of Biotechnology
The University of Western AustraliaIn our daily lives, biotechnology is essential. As the world's population grows over the next few decades, the use of plants, animals, and bacteria—enhanced by fields like genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology—gives rise to new methods for producing food, fiber, and biochemicals as well as new…
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.