Global Study Compass
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Destination guide

Australia

Group of Eight universities, generous work rights, and a quality-of-life premium.

Australia balances strong research output with relaxed living. The Subclass 500 visa lets you work 48 hrs/fortnight during term, and post-study work rights stretch from 2 to 6 years depending on degree and city.

Tuition
AUD 30,000 – 50,000 / year
Living cost
AUD 21,041 / year (govt min.)
Intakes
February (semester 1) · July (semester 2)

Subclass 500 Student Visa

Application fee
AUD 1,600
Processing time
4–6 weeks
Work rights
48 hours per fortnight during term
Post-study
Temporary Graduate (485) — 2 to 6 years

Application timeline

  1. 1Apply to universities and accept your offer
  2. 2Pay deposit and receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  3. 3Buy OSHC health cover for entire visa duration
  4. 4Write your Genuine Student (GS) statement
  5. 5Lodge Subclass 500 online via ImmiAccount
  6. 6Complete health and biometrics if requested

Insider tips

  • GS statement is critical post-2024 reforms — be specific and honest.
  • Regional study (outside Sydney/Melbourne) gives an extra post-study year.
  • OSHC is mandatory — Bupa, Allianz and Medibank are the main providers.
  • Show ~AUD 29,710 + tuition in funds for a 12-month course.

Tests accepted

IELTSTOEFLPTE Academic

Official resources

Cost of studying in Australia

Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.

Subclass 500 Student Visa document checklist

Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.

Studying in Australia — FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Tuition typically runs AUD 30,000 – 50,000 / year, and living costs come to roughly A$2,000 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹37.6 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the Australia cost calculator to model your own numbers.

What visa do I need to study in Australia?

You need the Subclass 500 Student Visa. The application fee is AUD 1,600 and processing usually takes 4–6 weeks. Apply once you hold your CoE — most decisions land in 4-8 weeks.

Can I work while studying in Australia?

48 hours per fortnight during term After graduating: Temporary Graduate (485) — 2 to 6 years

Which tests do universities in Australia accept?

Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic. Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.

When are the intakes for Australia?

February (semester 1) · July (semester 2) Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.

How much money do I need to show for a Australia student visa?

Tuition, travel and about A$29,710 per year in living costs for a single student.