Doc Summary
Australia welcomes international students to world‑class universities, TAFE and vocational colleges, and English language schools. If you are asking “Can I study in Australia?”, the short answer is yes—provided you meet entry criteria, choose a CRICOS-registered course, and satisfy the Student visa (subclass 500) requirements. This guide explains eligibility, English and financial requirements, costs, work rights, and the application process—plus how Skills Campus can support your journey.
Who Is Eligible to Study in Australia? #
- Offer of enrolment: You must secure a place in a CRICOS‑registered course and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Genuine Student (GS): You must show you are a genuine student with a study‑focused intention in Australia (the GS requirement replaced GTE in 2024). See the Student visa guidance for details.
- English proficiency: Most providers accept IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent. Student visa English thresholds were strengthened in 2024; check the latest standards on Home Affairs and your provider’s entry requirements.
- Financial capacity: You must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs and travel. Benchmarks are updated periodically—verify current figures on Home Affairs before applying.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the visa period. Learn more about OSHC here.
- Welfare for under 18s: Extra arrangements apply if you are under 18.
What Can You Study? #
- English language (ELICOS)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) and TAFE diplomas
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Graduate certificates/diplomas and research degrees
Programs must be registered on CRICOS. If you have prior work experience or overseas study, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may shorten your program and reduce costs—ask Skills Campus to assess your RPL options.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia? #
- Tuition: Varies by level and field. Indicatively, vocational courses may start from AUD 8,000–20,000 per year; university tuition can range from AUD 20,000–45,000+ per year.
- Living costs: Home Affairs publishes minimum living cost benchmarks for visa assessment; your actual budget depends on lifestyle and city.
- Health insurance: OSHC premiums depend on provider and duration.
Explore government guidance on study and budgeting at Study Australia and check scholarships here. Skills Campus can also pinpoint scholarships and promotions offered by partner institutions.
Work Rights While You Study #
- During study periods: International students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight (subject to current policy).
- During scheduled breaks: Full‑time work is usually permitted.
- Your partner (if included as a dependent) may also have work rights depending on your course level.
Always confirm current work settings on the official Student visa page as policy can change.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply #
- Define your goal: Choose a field, qualification level and city.
- Select a CRICOS course/provider: Compare entry criteria, tuition, intakes and support services.
- Prepare documents: Passport, academic transcripts, English test, CV, Statement of Purpose/Genuine Student responses, financial evidence, and any portfolio or references required.
- Receive your offer and CoE: After meeting entry requirements and paying any deposit.
- Arrange OSHC: Ensure coverage for your entire visa length.
- Lodge Student visa (subclass 500): Apply online via Home Affairs with your CoE and supporting documents. An application charge applies, and biometrics/health checks may be required.
- Plan arrival: Book flights, accommodation and attend orientation.
Skills Campus streamlines each step—from course matching and GTE/GS guidance to documentation, RPL assessment, and visa preparation—so you can apply with confidence.
Popular Intakes and Processing Times #
- Intakes: Major intakes typically occur in February/March and July; some providers offer additional terms (e.g., November).
- Processing: Visa and offer processing times vary by country and case complexity. Apply early to secure a seat and allow time for OSHC and visa decisions.
After Graduation: Post‑Study Pathways #
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa to gain post‑study work experience in Australia (eligibility and durations change periodically; verify current rules here). Strategic study choices aligned to skills demand can strengthen long‑term career and migration goals. Skills Campus can advise on course selection and RPL to align with future opportunities.
Quick Answers (Featured Snippet Ready) #
- Can I study in Australia without IELTS? Yes—some providers accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or other tests. Foundation/ELICOS pathways may be available if you need to build English skills.
- How much money do I need? You must show financial capacity for tuition, living costs and travel. Benchmarks are updated—check the latest on Home Affairs.
- How many hours can I work? Generally up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full‑time during breaks (confirm current settings before you apply).
- Is OSHC mandatory? Yes, for the entire visa period.
- Do I need a CRICOS course? Yes, your course and provider must be CRICOS‑registered.
Trusted Official Resources #
- Student visa (subclass 500): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
- CRICOS search: https://cricos.education.gov.au/
- Study Australia: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/
- OSHC overview: https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_student_health_cover.htm
Get Personalised Help #
If you want to study in Australia, Skills Campus can help you choose the right CRICOS course, assess RPL to reduce time and cost, prepare Genuine Student responses, arrange OSHC and support your Student visa application. Start with a free consultation: https://skillscampus.com.au/. To speak with an advisor now, contact us at https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
