Australia has emerged as a sought-after destination for international students, renowned for its high-quality education, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. With world-class colleges and universities, the country offers a range of academic programs to suit various fields of study. In this article, we will explore the process of studying in Australia, including information on colleges, eligibility requirements, and available scholarships for aspiring international students.

Studying in Australia

Australia is home to several prestigious universities and colleges that provide a wide array of academic disciplines and programs. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, sciences, arts, or healthcare, Australian educational institutions offer excellent resources, cutting-edge facilities, and expert faculty members. The emphasis on practical learning, research, and industry relevance ensures that students gain valuable skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. Moreover, studying in Australia offers a unique cultural experience, allowing students to interact with diverse communities and explore the country’s natural beauty.

Eligibility for International Students

To study in Australia, international students must fulfill certain eligibility requirements. While specific criteria may vary among institutions and programs, here are some common prerequisites:

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs should have completed their secondary education or its equivalent. For postgraduate programs, a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is typically required.
2. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the English language is a crucial requirement for admission to Australian institutions. Students are usually required to provide English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson Test of English (PTE). Minimum score requirements may vary depending on the institution and program.
3. Financial Capacity: International students are required to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and healthcare costs. The Australian government sets financial benchmarks that applicants must meet, ensuring that students can support themselves throughout their studies.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): It is mandatory for international students to obtain OSHC, which provides access to medical and hospital services during their stay in Australia. Students must arrange this cover before commencing their studies.
5. Visa Requirements: International students must apply for a student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. Visa applications require a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian institution, proof of financial capacity, health insurance, and meeting character requirements.

It is important to note that specific requirements may differ between institutions and courses, so it is advisable to check the official websites of individual universities for detailed and up-to-date information.

Scholarships for International Students 

Australia offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. Here are some prominent scholarships available:

1. Australia Awards Scholarships: Funded by the Australian government, Australia Awards Scholarships provide financial support to outstanding students from eligible countries, enabling them to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate studies at participating Australian institutions.
2. Destination Australia Scholarships: These scholarships aim to attract and support international and domestic students to study in regional Australia. The scholarships offer financial assistance to students pursuing qualifications at participating regional institutions.
3. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships: RTP Scholarships provide financial support to domestic and international students undertaking research-based postgraduate degrees at participating Australian universities. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
4. University-specific Scholarships: Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically tailored for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership potential, or community involvement. Examples include the University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships and the University of Sydney International Scholarships (USydIS).
5. Discipline-specific Scholarships: Various organizations and institutions in Australia offer scholarships for specific fields of study. For instance, the Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship provides financial support to high-achieving students from around the world undertaking postgraduate coursework programs in priority areas.
6. Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship: This fellowship program supports female researchers from APEC economies to undertake research projects at Australian universities. The program aims to enhance the research capabilities and promote women’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.
7. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS): The IPRS program provides financial support to high-achieving international students pursuing a research-based master’s or doctoral degree in Australia. The scholarships cover tuition fees and health insurance costs.
8. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships: The RTP Stipend Scholarships provide financial support to domestic and international students undertaking research-based postgraduate degrees at participating Australian universities. The scholarships cover a stipend for living expenses and are awarded based on academic merit.
9. Endeavour Leadership Program: The Endeavour Leadership Program offers scholarships and fellowships for international students to undertake study, research, or professional development in Australia. The program aims to strengthen international partnerships and foster global mobility.
10. Institution-specific Scholarships: Many Australian universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, leadership potential, or specific criteria set by the institution. Examples include the University of Queensland International Scholarships and the Monash University International Merit Scholarships.
11. External Scholarships: Various organizations, foundations, and government bodies outside of universities also offer scholarships for international students studying in Australia. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures. Students can research and explore opportunities such as the Rotary Peace Fellowships or the Fulbright Scholarships for Australian and U.S. citizens.

Prospective students are advised to research and visit the official websites of their chosen institutions and scholarship providers for comprehensive and up-to-date information on available scholarships, application procedures, and deadlines.

Conclusion 

Studying in Australia offers international students a world-class education, a multicultural environment, and a chance to explore the country’s natural wonders. With a range of colleges and universities to choose from and numerous scholarship opportunities, aspiring students can make their academic dreams a reality in the land Down Under.

1. Letter of Offer

If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your chosen education provider.

• Read the Letter of Offer carefully before you accept it. It will include your course details, enrolment conditions and fees you will need to pay if you accept the offer.
• Make sure that you understand all your rights, including the refund arrangements; if you don’t start or finish your course, the agreement will be used to determine if you will receive a refund.
• Do not accept the Letter of Offer if you are not happy with any of its terms.
• Keep a copy of the Letter of Offer. You will need this copy so that you are aware of your rights and if you have to make a claim against the institution.

2. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document that will be issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course. The CoE will be sent to you after you have accepted your offer and paid your deposit.

You must include a copy of this document in your visa application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered in your declared course.

3. Proof of English Proficiency

If you are not a native English language speaker, you’ll need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test, because Australian educational courses are taught in English. This certificate will prove to the Australian Government that you meet the minimum English proficiency levels needed to succeed in your given course.

There are only certain tests you can take that will be accepted by the Australian Government, but all are easily accessible from around the world.

There are varying minimum requirements for each education level, and institutions sometimes set these requirements higher for certain courses.

See studying and training visas on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information and check the education provider’s website for English language requirements.

4. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

To meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must write a statement that addresses two criteria:

1) That you are genuinely coming to Australia to study and not for any other reason.

2) That you will only be residing in Australia temporarily (and not overstaying your visa).

In your statement, include details on your ties to home (such as your friends and family, or a job that you have to return to) as well as the value of the course to your future career or academic goals.

By including these details, it will prove both your intention to return home at the end of your visa and your true intention to study in Australia.

5. Proof of Sufficient Funds

To receive an Australian student visa, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay. There are two options for meeting this requirement:

• Provide bank statements, evidence of grants or scholarships. This will prove that you have enough money to cover all your costs and expenses through your course, such as travel, course fees and rent.
• Supply proof of your parent’s or partner’s annual income, which must be AUD$62,222 in the year immediately before you apply. If you bring family members, the annual income must be at least AUD$72,592.

For more information on the minimum required funds, head to the Department of Home Affairs website, and navigate to ‘Gather your documents’.

* Prices are correct as of 6 May 2021, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for current price information.

6. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As an international student in Australia, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

If you don’t provide proof that you have bought this insurance, your student visa application will be denied.

OSHC will help you:

• Pay for medical or hospital care while studying in Australia.
• Pay for most prescription medicines.
• Provide you with ambulance cover in emergencies.

While organising your health cover, also make sure you order an OSHC card for use at doctor appointments while you’re living in Australia. Read more on our insurance page.

You can find out more about OSHC cover, including where to purchase OSHC at PrivateHealth.gov.au.

7. Health Requirement

The Australian Government requires all international students to be in good health before entering the country. As a result, you may need to undergo a health examination and provide a medical certificate confirming that you meet these health requirements.

8. Character Requirement

There are also certain character requirements that you must meet if you want to study in Australia. In your application, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about your character and past conduct. In some cases, you may even need to provide a police background check

Arts:

Undergraduate:

1. Bachelor of Arts- Anthropology
2. Bachelor of Arts- Art History
3. Bachelor of Arts- Criminology, Law and Society
4. Bachelor of Arts- Religious Studies
5. Bachelor of Arts- Sociology
6. Bachelor of Arts- Archaeology
7. Bachelor of Creative Arts
8. Bachelor of Criminology
9. Bachelor of International Relations
10. Bachelor of media
11. Bachelor of, Politics and Economics
12. Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Economics.

Post-Graduation

1. Master of Philosophy
2. Master of Sociology
3. Master of Arts
4. Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies
5. Master of Teaching in Early Childhood
6. Master of Education in Arts Education

Commerce:

Undergraduate

1. Bachelor of Business
2. Bachelor of Commerce
3. Bachelor of Economics
4. Bachelor of Finance and Banking
5. Bachelor of Project Management
6. Bachelor of International Business
7. Diploma in business
8. Bachelor of Economics with Bachelor of Finance (Double Degree)

Post-Graduate

1. Master of Accounting
2. Master of Business Administration
3. Master of Finance
4. Master of Marketing
5. Master of Finance and Business Economics
6. Master of Professional Accounting
7. Master of Project Management
8. Graduate Diploma in Business Law

Medical:

Undergraduate:

1. Bachelor of Medicine
2. Bachelor of Medical Studies
3. Bachelor of Surgery
4. Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences

Post-Graduate:

1. Master of Minimally Invasive Surgery-Teaching Hospitals
2. Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies
3. Master of Philosophy (Medical Science/Ophthalmology/ Surgery)
4. Master of Health Economics and Policy
5. Master of Public Health
6. Master of Science in Addiction Studies
7. Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health

Non-Medical

Under-Graduate

1. Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)- Engineering Flexible
2. Bachelor of Engineering- Electronic and Communication Systems
3. Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)- Flexible
4. Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
5. Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)- Advanced Manufacturing

Post-Graduate

1. Master of Engineering
2. Master of Engineerig (Mechanical)
3. Master of Engineering (Civil)
4. Master of Architecture
5. Master of Architecutre- Housing

• LIST OF UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES WITH DETAILS Universities in Australia   University Type Campus State/Territory Australian Catholic University Public Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Ballarat, Melbourne, Rome  National Australian National University Public Canberra  ACT Avondale University Private (Australian) Lake Macquarie, Wahroonga  NSW Bond University Private (Australian) Gold Coast  QLD Carnegie Mellon University (Australia campus) Private (International) Adelaide  SA Central Queensland University Public Rockhampton, Mackay, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Townsville, Melbourne, Adelaide, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Noosa  QLD Charles Darwin University Public Darwin  NT Charles Sturt University Public Albury, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Port Macquarie, Brisbane, Sydney (For international students only), Melbourne  NSW Curtin University Public Perth, Singapore, Miri, Dubai, Mauritius  WA Deakin University Public Melbourne, Geelong, Warrnambool  VIC Edith Cowan University Public Perth  WA Federation University Australia Public Ballarat, Churchill, Berwick, Horsham  VIC Flinders University Public Adelaide  SA Griffith University Public Brisbane, Gold Coast  QLD James Cook University Public Cairns, Singapore and Townsville (main)  QLD La Trobe University Public Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton, Wodonga, Sydney  VIC Macquarie University Public Sydney  NSW Monash University Public Melbourne, Selangor  VIC Murdoch University Public Perth  WA Queensland University of Technology Public Brisbane  QLD RMIT University Public Melbourne  VIC Southern Cross University Public Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Tweed Heads, Gold Coast, Sydney (For international students only), Melbourne (For international students only)  NSW Swinburne University of Technology Public Melbourne, Kuching  VIC The University of Western Australia Public Perth  WA Torrens University Australia Private (International) Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Auckland  National,  New Zealand University of Adelaide Public Adelaide  SA University of Canberra Public Canberra  ACT University of Divinity Private (Australian) Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney  National University of Melbourne Public Melbourne  VIC University of New England Public Armidale, Sydney  NSW University of New South Wales Public Sydney, Canberra  NSW University of Newcastle Public Newcastle, Central Coast (Ourimbah), a suburb of Gosford, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Singapore  NSW University of Notre Dame Australia Private (Australian) Fremantle, Broome, Sydney  WA,  NSW University of Queensland Public Brisbane, Gatton  QLD University of South Australia Public Adelaide, Whyalla, Mount Gambier  SA University of Southern Queensland Public Ipswich, Springfield and Toowoomba  QLD University of Sydney Public Sydney  NSW University of Tasmania Public Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Sydney  TAS University of Technology Sydney[9] Public Sydney  NSW University of the Sunshine Coast Public Sunshine Coast  QLD University of Wollongong Public Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Bega, Moss Vale, Nowra, Sydney, Dubai, Subang Jaya  NSW Victoria University Public Melbourne, Sydney  VIC Western Sydney University Public Sydney  NSW

Visa Checklist for Australia

• All academic documents (Transcript, Degrees, Provisional, Character, Backlog, LOR’s)
• 2 recent passport-size colour photos with white background.
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Score
• Financial documents

• Educational Loan (supported by Letter of Bank that includes full details Purpose of Loan, mortgage details, address details, loan amount, university details, program detail etc. With a valuation report of property.
• Minimum 6 months old bank balance certificate & statement with evidence of income.
• Agriculture income Certificate/ Tehsildar Certificate with ITR’s reflecting Agriculture Income, J forms also as a source of income.
• FD copies with Balance Certificate
• EPF/ GPF/ CPF withdrawal/disbursement letters.
• Pension Payment Orders with Bank Statements
• Email IDs of Banks for Funds Verification Purpose.
• Income sources with supporting documents.
• Valuation of Property with supporting documents
• Tax Clearance Certificate
• CA Report

• In case of Sponsors:

• Affidavit of Support by all sponsors
• ID card of Sponsors.
• Valuation of Property with supporting documents of sponsors.
• Tax Clearance Certificate of sponsors
• CA Report of sponsors

• Gap Justification

• 6 months salary statements and Salary slips.
• Appointment Letter
• ITR Return
• Form 16
• Income Proof Certificate
• Genuine Experience letter
• Contact details of Employer

• Relationship certificate with sponsors and family members
• Birth Certificate
• Police Report
• Citizenship Certificate (translated in English)
• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from University/College
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Details of your health insurance policy (OSHC)

Spouse Case:

If you are applying with a spouse, evidence of the ‘genuine and continuing’ nature of your relationship with your spouse.

• Marriage certificate
• Marriage must be 1 year old.  (Recent marriages are not)
• Spouse’s Immigration History must be checked.
• Spouse must be Graduate
• Evidence of continuity of Relationship
• Evidence of joint financial assets or liabilities (if applicable) such as joint ownership of property or joint bank accounts
• Evidence of the social nature of the relationship such as photos together in various places, statements from friends/family members
• Funds to cover dependent’s living, travelling cost, Health Insurance.
• 157A Visa Application form
• Visa Application charge (Demand Draft)

Important Notes

• All the documents must be in the English Language or Translated into English.
• Each file must be in PDF format also less than 4MB in Size.