Study in Australia: Requirements, Costs, Intakes & Scholarships

Introduction

For decades, Australia has remained one of the most desirable destinations for international students. With world-class universities, a welcoming community, and pathways to global careers, it’s easy to see why so many young people dream of studying here.

But if you are asking yourself how to study in Australia, the first step is to understand the full picture: what the study in Australia requirements are, how to check your eligibility to study in Australia, and what it really takes to prepare as an international student.

This guide will walk you through all the requirements to study in Australia, from academic and language qualifications to costs, intakes, scholarships, and the student visa process. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to turn your study-abroad dream into reality.

Why Study in Australia for International Students?

Australia is a country where education meets lifestyle. International students not only gain access to universities consistently ranked among the top 100 in the world, but also to a multicultural society that values diversity.

Some of the strongest reasons for choosing Australia include:

• World-class institutions: The University of Sydney, Australian National University, Monash, and UNSW are globally recognized.
• Straightforward eligibility to study in Australia: The entry system is clear, with transparent academic and language requirements.
• Opportunities after graduation: Post-study work visas allow students to stay between 2–6 years depending on qualifications, giving them the chance to gain real-world experience.
• Student-friendly lifestyle: Whether you prefer Melbourne’s arts and coffee culture, Sydney’s beaches, or the affordability of Adelaide, Australia has something for everyone.

For many international students, Australia is more than just a study destination—it’s a gateway to a brighter future.

Study in Australia Requirements

Understanding the requirements to study in Australia is the key to starting your application successfully. These requirements fall into three categories: academic, English language, and visa.

Academic Requirements

Every course level comes with its own academic expectations.

Program	Requirement	Notes
Undergraduate	Completion of Year 12 (high school)	Equivalent to Vietnamese Grade 12
Master’s	Recognized bachelor’s degree	GPA requirements vary
PhD	Master’s degree + research background	Strong academic portfolio needed

Universities may also require a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, or portfolios for specific programs such as design, architecture, or research-based degrees.

English Language Requirements

To prove your eligibility to study in Australia, you need to demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include.

Level / Visa Type	IELTS	TOEFL iBT	Required PTE Score (after 7 August 2025)	Purpose / Note
Superior English (+20 PR points)	~8.0	110	L: 69, R: 70, W: 85, S: 88	Required for permanent residency and high-skilled migration
Proficient English (+10 PR points)	~7.0	94	L: 58, R: 59, W: 69, S: 76	Common for skilled migration and postgraduate applicants
Competent English (Visa 500, 186)	~6.0	60	Overall: 47	Minimum level for student visa and general migration
Vocational English (Visa 482)	~5.0	35	L: 33, R: 36, W: 29, S: 24	Entry requirement for certain working visas
Functional English (Visa 462)	~4.5	32	Overall: 24	For specific temporary and working holiday visas
Temporary Graduate Visa (485)	~6.5	79	L: 40, R: 42, W: 41, S: 39	Required for post-study work pathways

 

Tip: Many international students now prefer PTE Academic because the results come faster, it’s computer-based, and it aligns well with Australian visa requirements.

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a Subclass 500 Student Visa. The process is transparent but requires planning:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
• Proof of funds (~AUD 21,000/year for living costs + tuition).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Medical and police clearance.

These study in Australia requirements ensure that only serious and well-prepared students are granted entry, maintaining Australia’s reputation as a safe and high-quality study destination.

Requirements to Study in Australia: Costs

Finances are one of the biggest considerations for international students. Knowing the requirements to study in Australia also means preparing for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and additional costs.

Tuition Fees

Program	Average Tuition per Year
Undergraduate	AUD 20,000 – 45,000
Postgraduate	AUD 22,000 – 50,000
VET Courses	AUD 4,000 – 22,000

Living Costs

• Accommodation: AUD 450–1,200/month.
• Food & groceries: AUD 300–600/month.
• Public transport: AUD 150–200/month.
• Miscellaneous (internet, phone, leisure): AUD 100–200/month.

Other Costs

• OSHC: ~AUD 500/year.
• Books & supplies: AUD 500–1,000/year.

Overall, most international students spend between AUD 25,000–35,000 per year. Choosing regional cities like Adelaide, Hobart, or Perth can help reduce expenses compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

Intakes in Australia

Another part of the study in Australia requirements is knowing when to apply. Australian universities have three main intakes:

Intake	Months	Notes
Semester 1	February/March	Largest intake, widest choice of programs
Semester 2	July	Second biggest intake
Trimester	November	Limited programs, offered by some unis

Applications should be submitted 6–9 months in advance to allow time for offers and visa approval.

Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships help reduce the financial requirements to study in Australia and are open to high-achieving students.

Government Scholarships

• Australia Awards: Covers full tuition, stipend, and travel costs.
• Research Training Program (RTP): For postgraduate research candidates, includes tuition and living stipend.

University Scholarships

• Monash International Merit Scholarship.
• ANU Global Diversity Award.
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships.

Scholarship	Coverage	Who can apply?
Australia Awards	Full tuition + stipend	Students from developing nations
RTP	Tuition + stipend	Master’s/PhD candidates
Monash Merit	25–50% tuition	International high-achievers

Many international students combine partial scholarships with part-time work to meet their living costs.

How to Study in Australia: Student Visa Process

To fully meet the requirements to study in Australia, you must apply for a visa. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Apply and receive a CoE from your university.
2. Gather documents: financial proof, English scores, health insurance.
3. Submit your application online for Subclass 500.
4. Pay the fee (AUD 710).
5. Provide biometrics and complete medical exams.
6. Wait 1–3 months for approval.

Following these steps carefully ensures you meet the eligibility to study in Australia as required by the government.

Tips for International Students

Preparing for Australia can feel overwhelming, but here are practical tips:

• Start early: Preparing for language tests like PTE or IELTS 9–12 months in advance will make the process smoother.
• Budget realistically: Consider both tuition and living costs; have a backup financial plan.
• Explore scholarships: Even partial funding can significantly ease financial pressure.
• Join student communities: Many international students find housing and job tips through Facebook groups or alumni networks.
• Choose your city wisely: Smaller cities may offer lower living costs and additional regional benefits.

FAQs

Question	Answer
What are the requirements to study in Australia?	Academic qualifications, English scores, financial proof, and a Subclass 500 Visa.
Who has eligibility to study in Australia?	Any international student who meets the academic, English, and financial criteria.
How to study in Australia as an international student?	Apply to a university, secure a CoE, prepare visa documents, and follow the visa process.

ABOUT PTE MAGIC

PTE MAGIC is not just a training center – it’s a global community built on passion, innovation, and proven success. Since its establishment, PTE MAGIC has empowered thousands of students worldwide to achieve their dream PTE scores and reach study or migration goals in Australia, the UK, and beyond. With a strong focus on quality coaching and technological excellence, PTE MAGIC stands as a pioneer in modern English test preparation.

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• PTE MAGIC’s team of certified trainers and former high-scorers have developed a structured coaching methodology aligned with the latest PTE Academic updates.
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• As one of the first PTE learning platforms to integrate AI-powered evaluation, PTE MAGIC offers instant, detailed performance insights on every attempt.
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• With students from over 58 countries, PTE MAGIC has created an inclusive learning environment that connects test takers all over the world.
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With PTE MAGIC, achieving the study in Australia requirements becomes less stressful and more achievable.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia offers not only top-tier education but also the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. By fully understanding the requirements to study in Australia, checking your eligibility to study in Australia, and preparing for costs, intakes, scholarships, and the visa process, you can confidently pursue your dream.

And with support from PTE MAGIC, every international student gains the tools to succeed—not just in tests, but in their journey of how to study in Australia.

Cheer!