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Study in Australia: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, and Visa for Indian Students

Australia has quickly emerged as one of the top study-abroad destinations, attracting over 780,000 international students yearly from more than 192 countries. This growth is especially remarkable among Indian students, reaching 95,971 in recent years.

As a result, Australia is emerging as a global leader in international education. But what makes "Study in Australia" a preferred destination for students worldwide? Primarily, Australia's top and most affordable universities are internationally recognized for their academic excellence and provide students with world-class education.

Whether it’s the quality of education, the comparatively low cost of living, or the quality lifestyle offered, students are increasingly choosing to study in Australia for these key benefits.

Beyond academics, Australia offers exceptional career and personal growth opportunities, making it appealing for those looking to secure high-paying jobs and build a global career. In fact, today, Australia has produced over 3 million global graduates who have set new standards for education worldwide.

For international students, obtaining a study visa from India to Australia is a crucial step in studying in Australia. Fortunately, the Australian study visa process is straightforward and more accessible than in many other countries, making it easier for students to begin their educational journey in this vibrant and diverse nation.

With its top-notch education system, career opportunities, and friendly and amicable environment, it’s no surprise that Australia remains one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking to pursue higher education, gain international work experience, or explore a new culture, Australia offers everything you need for an enriching and successful academic experience.

Top Reasons to Study in Australia

High ranking universities: Australia has 38 globally recognized QS ranking universities that offer full-time full-importunities and internships.
It offers scholarships of almost AUD 20,000.
Affordability: It has affordable tuition fees and allows students to choose from 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions. Australia also offers scholarships of almost AUD 20,000.
Straightforward Australia student visa: It has a Quick and straightforward visa processing with an acceptance rate of 85% - 87%
Post study work opportunities: The high standard of education in Australia leads to growth in career and job opportunities Post-study works permit international students to work for 2-3 years.

Australian Education System

The education system in Australia is well-structured and typically divided into three parts: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Higher education in Australia includes vocational education and training (VET), English language courses, as well as undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates the education system, which was introduced in 1995 to standardize and ensure quality across all levels of education. The AQF governs all major levels of study, ranging from Level 1 to Level 10 in tertiary education. For international students, studying in Australia offers a wide variety of masters programs in Australia and PhD programs in Australia, ensuring a comprehensive and globally recognized education pathway

Structure of Education in Australia

There are 10 levels of degrees in the education system in Australia, starting from certificate 1 to doctorate, as follows:

Diploma (Level 5): Students gain the specialized knowledge and skills required for professional work and further learning. This course takes 1-2 years to complete.
Associate/Advanced Diploma (Level 6): Students receive knowledge and skills for paraprofessional skilled work, which takes about 1.5 – 2 years to complete.
Bachelors (Level 7): This is also called a postgraduate course, which lasts 3 – 4 years and provides knowledge about professional work.
Bachelor's Honors (Level 8): This specialized undergraduate degree provides advanced knowledge and skills for highly skilled work. This course takes 0.5 – 1 year to complete.
Masters (Level 9): After graduation, this expert-level degree takes 1 – 2 years to complete.
Doctorate (Level 10): A post-graduation degree that takes 3 – 4 years to complete.

There are different types of institutions to pursue higher education in Australia, which are as follows:

Public Universities: These are operated by the government and include some of the best universities in Australia, many renowned for their research capabilities and academic excellence.
Private Universities: These institutions offer shorter-term degrees and focus on specialized fields, including religious courses.
Institutes of Technology / Australian Technology Network (ATN): These universities focus on technology and practical education, providing students with hands-on experience in various fields.
TAFE (Technical and Further Education): Emphasizing vocational courses, apprenticeships, and work experience, TAFE offers practical learning opportunities for those pursuing a career-focused education in Australia.
Private Colleges: These institutions typically offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and cater to students looking for more specialized and flexible learning paths.

The education system in Australia provides a wide variety of options to students, and many of the best universities in Australia are globally recognized for their high standards of education and research. Whether you're looking for a vocational, professional, or advanced postgraduate qualification, Australia's higher education system offers something for everyone.

Top Universities and Courses to study in Australia

Australia is a top destination for international students, attracting over 700,000 students annually around the globe. Some of the most popular courses in Australia for international students include fields such as Accountancy, Business and Management, Engineering, Information Technology, and Health Sciences.

Australia is not home to many international students for nothing; it is because of an array of world-class universities that strongly rank world-class in all fields, like research output and teaching quality. Here is a compiled list of the best universities in Australia, along with their QS rankings, which are evaluated based on their faculty and research performance.

QS Ranking	Name of the University	Average annual tuition fees (AUD)
27	Australian National university	AUD 33,000 - 50,000
38	University of Sydney	AUD 30,000 - 59,000
37	University of Melbourne	AUD 30,000 - 48,000
43	University of New South Wales (UNSW)	AUD 16,000 - 40,000
47	University of Queensland (UQ)	AUD 30,000 - 43,000
58	Monash University	AUD 25,000 - 37,000
93	University of Western Australia	AUD 23,000 - 53,000
108	University of Adelaide	AUD 23,000 - 53,000
133	University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	AUD 20,000 - 37,000
193	University of Wollongong	AUD 20,000 - 30,000

Universities in Australia are ranked for various courses and programs across 51 disciplines of Engineering in Australia, Business courses, Arts & Humanities and Medicine courses in Australia, and Sciences to study in Australia. The top-ranking courses for international students to study in Australia are as follows:

Name of the course	Top Universities	Average Salary
Accountancy	University of Melbourne, Australian National University	AUD 50,000 - 90,000
Actuarial Science	Australian National University, University of New South Wales	AUD 60,000 - 10,000
Agricultural Sciences	University of Melbourne, University of Queensland	AUD 45,000 - 80,000
Architecture	University of Sydney, RMIT University	AUD 55,000 – 5,000
Biomedical Engineering	Monash University, University of New South Wales	AUD 60,000 - 10,000
Core Engineering	Australian National University, University of Melbourne	AUD 30,000 - 50,000
Earth sciences	University of Western Australia, Queensland University	AUD 30,000 - 45,000
Psychology	University of Sydney, Monash University	AUD 50,000 - 90,000
Computer Science & IT	Australian National University, University of Melbourne	AUD 40,000 - 60,000
Tourism & Hospitality	Griffith University, University of Queensland	AUD 45,000 - 70,000

*Confused about the course you should choose? Avail Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services to get personalized assistance!

Australia Student Visa:

Types of Australian Student Visas

Australia student visa (subclass 500): Lasts up to 5 years
Visitor visa (subclass 600,601,651): Maximum 3 months of study
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 and 462): Maximum 4 months of study
Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590): For a guardian accompanying the international student in Australia and has 3 months study
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485): Students completing education in Australia and staying back to gain work experience for 4.5 years
Training visa (subclass 407): Students coming to Australia on a temporary basis either for an occupational training or professional development

Y-Axis can help you to obtain an Australia Student Visa with the highest chance of success. Our expert consultants in Australian immigration processes help you navigate its challenging procedures. Y-Axis helps students identify the right course and college in Australia that can set them on the path to a successful career.

Australia New Visa Rules 2024/25.

On March 23, 2024, Australia brought in 5 major new changes in rules of the immigration laws for international students. These new rules primarily aim to identify and address genuine study-abroad students and skilled graduates. The rules are as follows:

Replacement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with the genuine student (GS): The student must answer a set of questions in 150 words or less for the immigration department so the student visa application can be evaluated. The set of questions include Current familial, career, and economic circumstances, Reason to select the preferred university and course in Australia, Career prospects of the chosen course, Previous employment and educational qualifications, Plans for the potential stay in Australia and History of immigration to Australia or any other country.

Revised Language eligibility scores: The minimum score required demonstrating English proficiency in IELTS or any equivalent examination has now been increased from 6.0 to 6.5. The validity of these tests has also reduced from duration of 3 years to 1 year.

Increased financial requirement: International students who wish to study in Australia must now demonstrate savings of at least $29,710, which reflects a 21% increase (AUD 5205) from previous savings amount. This change in amount is introduced because of increased cost of living for students studying in Australia.

Reduction of age limit: The maximum age limit for students applying for Australia student visa will be lowered to 35 years from 50 years.

Condition of ‘no further condition’: International students after finishing their study period and visa validity is not allowed to apply for work visa or permanent residency while in Australia except for specific conditions approved by government of Australia. To convert to another type of visa, international students must exit Australia and apply for it from their home country. Following are the condition where visa extension is not allowed:

Many international students, who find less probability for securing permanent residency, extend their student visa by moving from course to course, particularly to those courses that are below their current level of study, to extend their specified stay in Australia.
“Temporary Graduate Visa” holders will be restricted from transferring back to student visas while onshore.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia

Students can apply for an Australian student visa for a maximum of two months before the commencement of the course in Australia and travel to Australia 90 days before the beginning of the course. Below are the steps for international students applying for a study visa in Australia.

Step 1: Receive an unconditional offer letter from a recognized university in Australia.
Step 2: Collect all the required financial and personal documents.
Step 3: Apply by filling out the Australia student visa (Subclass 500) form and pay the required application fee.
Step 4: Schedule an appointment for biometrics and medical checkups approved by the Australian immigration panel physician.
Step 5: Await the approval of the Australia student visa, which is electronic and sent by email or postal address.

If you're unsure how to apply for a study visa in Australia, following these steps carefully will help ensure a smooth application process.

Australia Student Visa Fees

The fee for all Australian student visas is the same, irrespective of the type of subclass 500. The fee is AUD 620, with an additional fee charged that must be paid by the applicant. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are acceptable modes of payment. Total Australia student visa fees (as per the age of the student):

Under 18 years of Age	AUD 800
Above 18 years of Age	AUD 1090

For students from India, it’s important to check the Australia study visa fees in Indian rupees, as the exchange rate may vary. The above fees are typically calculated in Australian dollars, and converting them into Indian rupees will give you the exact cost to pay for the Australia student visa fees.

Australia Student Visa Processing Time

The Australian student visa processing time in 2024 is 53 days. All Australian student visa applications are under priority order Ministerial Direction no 107. They are processed in date order in each priority category, whereas the lower ones are processed later.

Therefore, it is highly advised to apply for the Australia visa processing time well in advance, that is, 124 days before the commencement of the course in Australia. Australia has multiple reasons for attracting international students from all around the world. Like all other countries, studying in Australia has become a little expensive.

Financial Considerations to Study in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia for international students is AUD 29,710 a year. While Australia has a steady influx of international students, the cost of living in Australia has also increased.

Australia has multiple reasons for attracting international students from all around the world. Like all other countries, studying in Australia has become a little expensive.

The tuition fees in Australia vary depending on the course and the international student's university. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia based on the level of courses pursued in Australia for international students:

Average Costs by Education Level in Australia

These figures do not include high-value courses such as veterinary or medical degrees, and their tuition fees in Australia can be slightly higher. According to the official fee estimates provided by the Australian National University, the total annual cost of studying in Australia for pursuing an undergraduate degree is around AUD 42,560 for a Bachelor of Arts program and AUD 47,940 for a Bachelor of Science or Medical Science program.

Level of education	Cost (AUD)
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree	AUD 20,000 – 45,000
Postgraduate Master’s degree	AUD 22,000 - 50,000
Doctoral degree	AUD 18,000 - 42,000
Vocational education and Training	AUD 4,000 - 22,000
English Language studies	AUD 50,000 - 90,000 per week

Living Expenses in Australia For Indian Students

Apart from studying in Australia, international students also have to consider the cost of living in Australia as a student. These costs vary based on the location and the type of accommodation. The following are the estimated costs per month based on the type of accommodation, food, utilities, and entertainment:

Expenses	Cost of expenses (per week)
Accommodation	AUD 160 – 440
Food and Groceries	AUD 140 – 280
Transportation	AUD 30 – 60
Gas and Electricity	AUD 10 – 20
Phone and Internet	AUD 15 – 30
Entertainment	AUD 80 – 150

Types of accommodation:

Type of Accommodation	Cost (AUD)
Hostel and guesthouses	AUD 90 – 150 per week
Shared Rental	AUD 95 – 215 per week
On campus	AUD 110 – 180 per week
Homestay	AUD 235 – 325 per week
Rental	AUD 185 – 440 per week
Boarding schools	AUD 11,000 – 22,000 a year

City-wise Cost of Studying in Australia

When listing Australian universities, applicants must always check out the Australian cities, location, and their cost of living in Australia. While some Australian cities can be expensive, others will be affordable.

Canberra, which is also the capital city of Australia, is the most costly city, and Darwin is the most inexpensive city in Australia. So, applicants who do not wish to spend much on living expenses can shortlist universities accordingly. Since Australia has some of the maximum footfall in its Melbourne and Sydney universities, it is important to consider the cost of living in Australia when deciding. The table below is presented to understand the city-wise living expense head in Australia for Indian students:

City	The average expense per week
Adelaide	AUD 571.5
Melbourne	AUD 643.5
Sydney	AUD 690.5
Perth	AUD 619.5
Brisbane	AUD 610.5
Canberra	AUD 700.5
Hobart	AUD 583.5
Darwin	AUD 546.5

Scholarships available to study in Australia

As a student who wants to save money, do you want to start your study adventure in Australia? A number of scholarships to Australia are available for international students. More than 1000 Australian scholarships for international students are available at top Australian universities for the academic year 2025-2026.

These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of AUD $20,000, tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance. More than 120,000+ scholarships to Australia are available for international students to study in Australia. Universities or government-funded scholarships offer these opportunities. Following is a list of scholarships in Australia for Indian students:

*Also read…

Which scholarships can I get to study in Australia?

Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefits
Australia Award Scholarship	Graduates applying for engineering, construction, energy, and resources	Full tuition fee, some part of living expenses, Overseas student health care cover, and Air travel
Global Excellence Scholarship	Under graduation and Post-graduation	Varies by university
Australian Government Research and Training Program	undergraduate and graduate courses in the department of education by certain universities	Full tuition fee + Partial stipend
Destination Australia International scholarship	research, postgraduate, and undergraduate studies in regional Australian Universities	45,000 AUD – 60,000 AUD
Australia APEC women in research fellowship	Women researchers in field of science, math, Technology and Engineering	AUD 300 a month + establishment and travel allowance
International postgraduate research fellowships	Students pursuing postgraduate research degree	Covers tuition fee + health insurance

Education loans to study in Australia

Enrolment rates in Australian universities are increasing by 4-5% each year. International Students who wish to study in Australia for higher education must pay total tuition fees before leaving their country of departure. Only a limited number of banks on Australia's acceptable list can offer educational loans to international students. Other than scholarships, students choose education loans to study in Australia. Here is a list of secured and unsecured loans for Australia.

Secured Education loans for Australia

Name of the Lender

Maximum Loan Amount (INR)

Rate of Interest

Margin Money

SBI

Up to 1.5 CR

10.65% (for girls)

11.50% (for boys)

10%

UBI

Up to 1.5 CR

10.5% - 10.85%

10% (listed university)

15% (non – listed university)

Unsecured Education Loans for Australia

Name of the Lender	Maximum Loan Amount (INR)	Rate of Interest	Margin Money
Axis Bank	Up to 50 L	11- 13.5%	5%
ICICI Bank	Up to 50 L	10.85% - 12.5%	0% -15%
IDFC First Bank	Up to 35 L	11.75% - 13.25%	-
HDFC Credilla	Up to 20 L (Only STEM courses)	12% – 13%	-
Avanse	Up to 20 L (Only STEM courses)	12.75% – 13.25%	-
Prodigy Finance	Up to 100,000 USD	12% – 14%	-

Eligibility criteria to apply for an education loan to study in Australia

The student must be a citizen of India
The student must have obtained confirmation of acceptance from a recognized university belonging to Australia.
The candidate must have a strong academic record.
The student must have a minimum age of 18.

Work opportunities for students who study in Australia

An individual requires a new visa if they wish to stay and work part-time while studying in Australia upon completion of studies. After completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral degree, an individual is eligible for post-study work in Australia for the temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa stream. In many cases, the employer also sponsors the new visa.

After availing of the Australia student visa (subclass 500), students can work part-time while studying in Australia in any field during their stay. They can work 20 hours a week while their term classes are going on. During breaks, international students can work for unlimited hours in Australia. However, research and PhD students can work part-time for unlimited hours during their research period.

Recently, the government of Australia has permitted international students to work even before the commencement of the course. International students get to work with the best brands in the market that can help them advance their careers. With part-time work while studying in Australia, international students can earn an average hourly pay of AUD 34.64.

Part-Time Work Regulations

International students studying in Australia are permitted to work part-time while studying in Australia for 20 hours a week or 40 hours a fortnight.
Students can take up employment until their session begins.
If the fieldwork is a normal part of the curriculum of the course they are studying and they are enrolled in, then this limit does not apply. This is applicable in the case of compulsory internships of integrated courses.
Research and PhD students can work part-time while studying in Australia for unlimited hours during their research period.
Students enrolled in an Australia student visa cannot apply for a Post Study Work in Australia permit.

Post Study Work Permit in Australia

For International students

Regions	Bachelors	Masters (Coursework and Research)	Phd.
Major cities	2 years	3 years	4 years
Cities and major regional centers	3 years	4 years	5 years
Regional centers and Others	4 years	5 years	6 years

Overview of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) processing time

Australia has launched new measures for temporary graduate visas (TGV) for international students. Graduate visas are provided to former Australian student visa holders, offering international students full work rights and allowing them to gain work experience while they study in Australia. The work rights are also extended up to 6 years for international students who want to study in Australia. Students do not need a job offer to apply for post-study work in Australia.

Estimated time to process the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)	Applications Processed
72 days	25%
4 months	50%
10 months	75%
13 months	90%

*Looking to work in Australia? Get top consultation from experts at Y-Axis.

Australia work permits visa fees

Visa Category	Type of applicant	Current Visa Fee
Subclass 189	Main applicant Applicant above 18 years Applicant below 18 years	AUD 4115 AUD 2055 AUD 1030
Subclass 190	Main applicant Applicant above 18 years Applicant below 18 years	AUD 4115 AUD 2060 AUD 1030
Subclass 491	Main applicant Applicant above 18 years Applicant below 18 years	AUD 4115 AUD 2060 AUD 1030

Eligibility criteria required for the post-study work in Australia

The students must apply within 6 months of completing their studies.
Students are required a minimum of 16 months of Australia stay-back period.
They must complete 92 weeks of the course, which must be registered with the
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
A standalone diploma is not accepted for eligibility for the stream.
It must have been undertaken at an Australian university with an Australian student visa, and the course must be taught in English.
Must be above 18 years and below 35 years of age.
Must have sufficient health coverage for the duration of stay.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Documents required for the post-study work in Australia

A valid passport
Completion of study certificate letter that must have a course CRICOS code, commencement and completion date from the education provider
Medical certificate and health insurance from the health provider
Character certificate

Step-by-step process of applying for the post-study work in Australia permit

Step 1: Visit the official website of Australian Government immigration and citizenship
Step 2: Create a new account and select the type of post-study work in Australia permit to apply
Step 3: Fill out the application form completely as required
Step 4: Provide biometric details and all the documents required and pay the required application fee
Step 5: Appear for the visa interview

Admission Requirements to study in Australia

The admission requirements for Australia for international students who want to study at Australian universities vary based on their level of course and the specific university. Mentioned below is a list of all Australian student visa requirements after the 12th:

Electronic confirmation of enrollment (eCoE) certificate
Statement proving the intention of the student to study in Australia and not settle down
A valid passport
Visa application fee
Work experience and academic documents
Four recently clicked passport–sized photographs
Proof of financial ability (living expenses, expenses of documents, tuition fees)
2 – 3 Letters of recommendation
Health Insurance policy (OSHC)
Overseas student Health cover, which the Australian government must approve
English language proficiency test scores like TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duo lingo

These admission requirements for Australia ensure that students meet the necessary criteria for both university admission and fulfill the Australian student visa requirements after the 12th, enabling a smooth transition to study in Australia.

Living in Australia For Indians

There are multiple reasons Australia has been witnessing rapid growth and offering the best experience to international students. According to the QS rankings of cities, Australian cities are ranked in the top 100 best cities for studying in Australia and the world. Here is a compilation of Australia's best cities for studying, top universities, and average cost of living.

Best Cities for International Students to Study in Australia

Melbourne: Melbourne is a vibrant southeastern Australian city that is also Australia’s education and sports capital. This is where research and innovation integrate to solve global challenges. It is ranked as the world's fourth-best city and considered one of the best cities for studying in Australia. Melbourne is also the most inhabited city in the world for international students. Some reasons it is one of the best cities for studying in Australia are the exceptional public transport system, excellent healthcare, prestigious universities, and availability of sports courses.
Sydney: Sydney is ranked as the 7th best city in the world and has a score of 96.1. Sydney has around 50,000 international students every year, and they experience a culturally inclusive environment and excellent employment prospects because of the presence of dynamic companies. The average cost of living in Sydney is AUD 30,000 – 45,000. The top universities in Sydney are the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and Western Sydney University. Sydney is often considered one of Australia's best cities for studying due to its global reputation and diverse opportunities.
Brisbane: Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and ranks fourth as the fourth most affordable student city in Australia. Students in Brisbane also receive a 50% discount on public transportation. Brisbane offers its international students the best study experience and is ranked among the 20 best cities for studying in Australia. It is also home to world-renowned universities like the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and James Cook University.
Adelaide: Adelaide is also known as the economic hub of South Australia. It is world-renowned for enabling international students to grow personally and professionally. Adelaide is also a budget-friendly city, as the cost of living is AUD 20,000 – 30,000. It is known for its wine business courses, which are among the best in Australia. Adelaide is one of the best cities for studying in Australia, particularly for students interested in a more relaxed yet high-quality educational experience.
Canberra: Canberra is the capital of Australia and ranked as the 30th QS best city in the world, with an overall score of 83.9. Its average cost of living is AUD 25,000 – 30,000, and universities like the University of Canberra and Charles Sturt University are present. With its government-centric focus and thriving student community, Canberra is considered one of the best cities for students interested in public policy, research, and public service to study in Australia.

Name of the city	Top Universities	Average cost of Living
Melbourne	University of Melbourne, Monash University, Deakin University, Victoria University	AUD 30,000 – 40,000
Sydney	University of Sydney, Macquerie University, Western Sydney University	AUD 30,000 – 45,000
Brisbane	University of Queensland, Griffith University, James Cook University	AUD 24,000 – 35,000
Adelaide	University of Adelaide and Flinders University	AUD 20,000 – 30,000
Canberra	University of Canberra, Charles Sturt University	AUD 25,000 – 30,000

Australia has firmly established itself as one of the top study abroad destinations, attracting students from around the globe. With its world-class universities, affordable living costs, and vibrant student life, it offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence and personal growth opportunities.

For Indian students seeking quality education and a pathway to global career opportunities, Australia is an ideal choice.

The straightforward study visa process and the country’s reputation for producing globally competitive graduates make it easier than ever for students to embark on their educational journey.

Whether pursuing higher education, seeking work experience, or immersing yourself in a new culture, Australia provides a rich, rewarding experience that ensures academic and personal success.

If you're ready to take the next step in your study abroad journey, Y-Axis can help you navigate the process of applying for an Australian student visa and choosing the best university for your goals. Contact us today to begin your path to a bright future in Australia!