Australia – Essential Guide for International Students

By
Content Team
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International students researching their options for study are faced with numerous – often confusing – options and factors to consider. Is the climate right for me? Do I want to live in a Central Business District or a coastal area? Which territory do I want to study in – Western Australia, Queensland or even the Australian Capital Territory? We’re here to help you answer such questions, and ensure that the process of choosing a path for study is smoother and more intuitive for students, parents and counsellors alike.

This guide will prepare all international students for living and learning in Australia. Find out everything you need to know about studying down under such as living costs, student visas, top universities, things to do and much more. Let’s start with the basics.

General Information

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) (1.45 AUD to every 1 USD)

Language: English

Capital: Canberra

Population: 25,399,300

Geography: South of East Asia

Annual Costs (approx.)

Study Australia predicts that your 12-month costs will be:

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree (AUD): 20,000 – 45,000

Postgraduate Masters Degree (AUD): 22,000 – 50,000

Cost of Living (AUD): 21,041

Total (USD): 42,093

Want to know more? Use this Cost of Living Calculator to work out how much money you’ll need for your accommodation, transport, food and lifestyle.

Top Universities

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, these are the top 5 universities in Australia.

  1. University of Melbourne – Melbourne
  2. = Australian National University – Canberra
  3. = The University of Queensland – Brisbane
  4. Monash University – Melbourne
  5. University of Sydney – Sydney

Visas

If you want to visit Australia to explore or attend a university Open Day, you will need a visitor visa. This will allow you to look around your chosen universities and get a proper feel for what it’s like to live and learn in Australia. This is also an excellent opportunity to look for housing or visit different neighbourhoods to see what your options are for accommodation.

Once you apply for a place at university and are accepted onto a course, you can apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa. This visa costs AUD630 and will allow you to study in Australia for the duration of your course, up to five years. It also allows you to work alongside your studies for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight. To explore your options and for more information, visit the Australian Government website. 

Things you HAVE to do

  • Great Barrier Reef – Rent a scuba diving kit and prepare to be amazed by the Great Barrier Reef. It is insanely beautiful, vast, varied, and totally alien to anything else you would have ever seen. The perfect activity to do on your own or go exploring with your new friends.
  • The Great Ocean Road, Victoria – The road trip of a lifetime. Rent a car and drive along this 150-mile stretch. It’s a very popular activity and a must-do for any tourist hoping to make the most of their time in Australia.
  • Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory – Australia is known for its unique and amazing wildlife. Kakadu National Park is the home to so many different kinds of birds and reptiles found solely in Australia and the tours are very highly rated.
  • Red Centre, Northern Territory – The backdrop to so many Hollywood blockbusters, the Red centre embodies that classic Aussie outback. Let out your inner Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and take a hike around the beautiful red sands and rocks.
  • Bondi Beach – One of the world’s most famous beaches, and the epicentre of surfboarding. A beautiful beach surrounded by quiet secluded coves, white silky sand and clear blue sea.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales – Climb over the bridge for a fantastic view of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Going over at night promises a breathtaking view of the city with a light show.

Useful links:

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