Study in Australia Guide for Indian Students in 2026

Australia Country Highlights 2026

International Students Studying in Australia in 2025	833,041
Total Universities in Australia	43
Admission Criteria	UG: High school certificate/mark sheets + ELP test scores of TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo / PTE PG: Bachelor's mark sheet + GRE / GMAT + ELP test scores + SOP + LOR + Resume
Types of Financial Aids in Australia	Merit-Based and External Scholarships
Average Scholarship Offered in 2024 in Australia	AUD 10,000 to AUD 20,000 (annually)
Part-Time Working Hours	48 hours a fortnight
Australia Student Visa Fee	Subclass 500 Fee: AUD 2,000
Procedure for Obtaining an Australia Study Visa	Obtain the CoE upon acceptance at an Australian university, apply for a student visa interview, attend the interview and obtain a study visa.
Post Study Stay Back Period	2 - 6 years
Average Pay Per Hour in Australia	AUD 40

Education System in Australia for International Students

Australia has the third-highest international students in the world, after the United Kingdom and the United States. Australia also has seven of the top 100 universities in the world. Australia's national quality assurance system is unique in its structure and rigour. The government has set up the Australian Quality Training Framework to strengthen the quality assurance processes in education. The Education System in Australia is also divided into different categories just like other education systems globally. Higher education in Australia falls under the tertiary level of study.

College Fit in Australia

Students have a wide range of options when they choose a college or university at the higher education level. Although some agencies attempt to rank colleges and universities, “fit” is also important. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture influence a prospective student’s decision. Some colleges and universities are publicly funded, while others are privately supported.

*GPA means grade point average. It is the average of all grades received.

Check: CRICOS Code in Australia

Top Universities in Australia for International Students

The top universities in Australia are not just limited to single digits; rather, there is a list of top-ranking universities in Australia that attract numerous admissions applications. As per recent stats, some of the popular Australian universities are as follows:

Australian Universities	QS - WUR 2026
The University of Melbourne	#19
The University of New South Wales	#20
The University of Sydney	#25
Australian National University	#32
Monash University	#36
The University of Queensland	#42
The University of Western Australia	#77
The University of Adelaide	#82

Most Australian universities are among the top 100 universities globally, per QS in 2026. Admission to these universities is also prestigious because they are both Level 1 Universities of Australia and Go8 Universities. 

These are in no particular order. The area of New South Wales on the east coast of Australia is the centre of all its renowned academic institutes. Most of the country's top colleges are located in cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Approximately 122,209 Indian students are studying in Australia from the academic year 2024 to July (latest data for 2025 is awaited from Indian MEA). Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare, Information Technology, and Hotel Management are the popular courses that Indian students pursue in Australia.

Read: Best Student Cities in Australia

Safety in Australia

Australia is a multicultural society that welcomes people from other cultures, countries, and backgrounds. While the majority of Indian students studying in Australia have a positive experience of living and studying in Australia, there were several incidents of assault as well as robbery during 2009 and 2010, which affected not only Indian students but also members of the larger Indian community in Australia. Presently, no such incidents have been reported and the Australian government has made active efforts to prevent such untoward incidents from happening in the future.

Read: Australia emerging as a favourite study abroad destination among Indian aspirants

Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. It is located in the southern hemisphere, which means its summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics, where the average temperatures are mid-20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.

• Australian Capital Territory – This region covers Canberra. It has hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional fog and frequent frosts. The average temperature in summers would be around 30°C to 15°C; in winters, it would be around 11°C to 0°C.
• New South Wales – This region covers Sydney, and its weather is very relaxing all year. The average temperature in summers would be around 22°C to 40°C; in winters, it would be around 17°C to 8°C.
• Northern Territory – This region has a tropical climate and two distinct seasons, the 'Wet' and the 'Dry'. The Wet season spans from November until April and is characterised by increased humidity, followed by monsoonal rains and storms. From May until October, the 'Dry’ season is characterised by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. This region covers Darwin. The average temperature in the wet season would be around 33°C to 25°C; in the dry season, it would be around 35°C to 21°C.
• Queensland—This region covers Brisbane and has warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 20°C to 30°C, and in winter, it is around 20°C to 10°C.
• South Australia—This region experiences mild weather with sunshine all year round and covers Adelaide. The average temperature in summer is around 17°C to 30°C; in winter, it is around 15°C to 6°C.
• Tasmania—Snow falls in the mountains in winter. However, most people in Tasmania live in towns and cities near the coast. The ocean moderates the temperatures there. It covers cities like Hobart and Devonport. The average temperature in summer is around 25°C to 10°C; in winter, it is around 11°C to 4°C.
• Victoria—This region covers Melbourne. It enjoys warm summers, pleasant springs, mild autumns, and crisp winters. The average temperature in summers is around 26°C to 15°C; in winters, it is around 13°C to 6°C.
• Western Australia—This region covers Perth and is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies, and brilliant beaches. The average temperature in summer is around 31°C to 18°C; in winter, it is around 17°C to 7°C.

Lifestyle Tips for Indian Students in Australia

Australians are known to be friendly, helpful, and humorous. They are considered one of the most competitive nations on Earth, and this applies to all areas of life, including the workplace. While English is Australia’s national language, some words and expressions have come to be regarded as uniquely Australian through common usage. Some of them might seem strange to non-Australians.

Australians love their sports, both playing and watching them. The most loved sports in Australia include Australian football, rugby, and cricket. This relatively benign climate has resulted in a country where people spend much time outdoors at beaches, in the countryside, or on sporting fields as spectators or participants.

Check: Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Indians Living in Australia

Nearly 916,000 to 976,000 Indian immigrants will live in Australia in 2025, nearly 3.4% of the country's total population. They represent the third-largest immigrant community by country of origin, after the UK and China. Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in Victoria.

Accommodation for International Students in Australia

Firstly, you must decide whether to live in university-managed accommodation or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also give you a catered or self-catered option. Catered accommodation offers the benefits of having your meals cooked for you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.

Suppose you have an idea about what you prefer. In that case, the accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what accommodation they have available - so that’s where to start. If you are considering renting from a private landlord or if your chosen university can’t offer you anything in its residential facility, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Regardless of where you choose to live, it is essential to understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most cases, you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you should read thoroughly before you sign.

Read: Living Cost in Australia for International Students

Orientation in Australian Universities

Orientation week is mandatory for international students, so ensure you arrive before it starts. This is the time when you will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as enrol in your classes. You must read your guidebook, which the college provides. The guide explains each part of the admission process.

Activities in Australia

Along with sports, colleges offer extra-curricular activities that provide students various experiences. Music, drama, science, and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres, concerts, and places relevant to the courses of study, such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies, and projects, are all part of college life.

Admission Requirements for International Students in Australia

These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students must meet a minimum English language requirement. A minimum academic record of 65% and above in class XII will also be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 before joining a degree program.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes; they may differ from university to university.

The following documents must also be submitted as part of your admission process.

• Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• If you have work experience, then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT / GRE and IELTS / TOEFL scores
• Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds to support education

Applicants must note, that SAT or ACT exam scores are not accepted for undergraduate admissions in Australia from Indian applicants. Based on their class XII percentage score the score is collated on the ATAR level and then admissions are offered. However, English language poficiency tests are equally important aspect of the admission process. 

Timeline for Applying to Australian Universities

Most universities in Australia accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. This account will inform you about the application process and its stages. Please refer to the websites of the colleges of your choice to learn about the application process.

Application fee: Not all colleges in Australia require you to pay an application fee while applying. Only 6-7 universities in Australia accept application fees from students. The fee will differ depending on the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.

Steps to Apply for Admission to Australian Universities

The common steps to applying for admission are as follows:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like SAT or GMAT / GRE and TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews with the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a student visa

SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It must highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why it should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should also reflect your personality. Read: Sample SOP for Australia

Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are a crucial component of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays and a few optional ones. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the prospective student's qualities, characteristics, and capabilities to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager, etc.

Intake Seasons for Australia

Australia generally has two intakes i.e. February and July, with few universities offering multiple intakes in September & November. You should start your admission process around six months before the application deadline. Typically, most universities have three deadlines during one intake. It is up to the convenience of the students to decide which deadline to aim for. You should finish your language and aptitude tests three months before the deadline. The last three months should be dedicated to properly filling application form.

It is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process, appearing for interviews and visa application procedures, should be complete by Nov-Dec for the February intake. If you want to get admission into vocational courses, some courses may have admissions open in January and perhaps even May or July.

Australia February Intake 2027

Usually, for the February intake at Australian universities, students must submit their applications by the end of November or the start of December. The February intake deadlines for Australian universities vary. Hence, it's advised that international students should begin shortlisting their courses and universities in August and sit for the necessary English language and standardised tests so that they can be submitted along with the application.  

Australia July Intake 2026

After the February intake at various universities in Australia, students who are willing to apply for the July intake begin their preparations. For Australia July intake, international students should begin researching their desired courses and universities in March. The application deadline for international students in Australia for July intake varies between mid-June and July. Students must ensure they appear for the relevant English and standardised tests by January. 

Australia November Intake 2026

This is an infamous intake in Australia, also known as the November intake in Australia. Applicants who cannot apply to February or July intakes of Australia can apply for this intake. However, applicants should know that there are fewer university and course options during this intake. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardised language tests, which are required to be taken to get admission into colleges. These follow different formats, structures, and result bands. These tests are different in various ways but many colleges ask for anyone of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for.

Repetition of exams: You can take the IELTS an unlimited number of times, and you can take the PTE as many times as you desire. However, you must wait to receive your PTE scores before you can book your next test. In a year, PTE can be attempted only 12 times. TOEFL can be re-taken unlimited times, but only after a 3-day cooling period after appearing for the exam. 

Fee: The fee for these exams is tabulated below for reference:

Exams	Exam Fee for Indian Students
IELTS	INR 18,000
TOEFL	INR 16,900
PTE	INR 17,000
GRE	INR 22,550 | Subject Test Fee: INR 14,500
GMAT	GMAT Test Centre: INR 23,978.30 | GMAT Online: INR 26,158.14

Time to apply: Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake, you should appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The universities you will apply to will mention which exam results they will accept. But if they give you a choice to go for either of these, then the choice depends on you. The time required to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would depend on the existing English language proficiency. You may require 2 to 4 months of preparation before the exam date.

Read: Exams needed to study in Australia

Standardised Tests Required for Australia

GMAT - The Graduate Management Aptitude Test measures the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in business or management. It measures the student's mathematical, English, and reasoning skills.

GRE - The Graduate Record Examination is another test required by students applying to graduate schools to pursue an MA or MS. Increasingly, many business schools are also accepting GRE scores to grant admission to an MBA program.

Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake, you should appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The preparatory duration generally ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average Scores: The average GMAT score accepted across universities is 645. The average GRE score is 145 for Verbal, 160 for Quantitative, and 4.0 for Writing.

Candidates should note that the minimum percentage required to study in Australia is just for reference purposes; the numbers may differ from university to university.

Cost of Living in Australia

Applicants must show AUD 29,710 in their accounts to be admitted to Australia as part of the cost of living in Australia parameter. The cost of living depends heavily on what part of Australia you will live in and how much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in Australia are:

• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for travelling back to India

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rental and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection

Living Costs in Australia

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet to receive a student visa. You must have AUD 29,710 per year to study in Australia.

Health insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory, and you cannot apply for a student visa until you have purchased a policy recommended by your host university. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for their time in Australia.

Cost of Studying in Australia

The tuition fee varies according to different universities, courses, and the city. The tuition expenses in Australia might be up to 14.35 Lacs per year for an undergraduate course. If you are considering applying to a postgraduate course, the cost would be approximately 17.30 Lacs per year. Read: Cost of Studying in Australia

Cost of Studying in Australia 

BTech	Average Tuition Fees: 30.08 Lakhs	Average Living Expenses: 16.57 Lakhs
MS	Average Tuition Fees: 25.98 Lakhs	Average Living Expenses: 16.57 Lakhs

Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Fee waivers are awarded to international students based on the merit and need criteria. Scholarships in Australia are offered to those candidates with strong academics, good performance in standardized exams, and extracurricular achievements who would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance.

There are not just merit or need based scholarships, but also fully funded scholarships in Australia for Indian students. Most of them are for PhD applicants. These scholarships cover 100% tuition fee, a monthly or annual stipend for living, travel allowances, and health insurance in some cases.

To benefit from these opportunities, one must send all the required documents by particular deadlines. In addition, the application's presentation is also important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents required: The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows, although the requirements may differ:

• Academic records and photocopies 
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference

Education Loans for International Students in Australia

Student Eligibility Criteria: The first thing to consider is whether you can apply for a loan in Australia to study. The general eligibility criteria that all the banks follow are –

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to professional, technical, or other courses of study. Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented.
• You must have secured admission to foreign university institutions.
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail of the loan.

Eligibility for the course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS, and also diplomas
• These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer a loan of 80%, and you will have to put in the balance of 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount banks offer for studies abroad is around Rs 20 lakh.

If your tuition fee is Rs 30 lakh, you’ll have to manage the rest of the funds yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don’t. it may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you 1% as a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you’ll have to cover.

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the University reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record.

All banks have different documentation requirements, so you must confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student got employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment. If the student cannot complete the course within the scheduled time, an extension of time for completion may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan. Applicants can also apply for a loan through Shiksha.

Student Visa in Australia

You will need a student visa  if you want to attend a university or college in Australia. The following documents will be required as part of the application process for your Australia Study Visa. Ensure you do not miss any of them and have updated or valid and authentic documents:

• Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Australia.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Application fee payment receipt, as you are required to pay before your interview
• Confirmation of Enrolment Form (COE) To obtain a visa to study in Australia, you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrollment (COE)”. The Australian institution issues these forms you will be attending. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.
• An acceptance letter from your host university will include the proposed study plan
• Letter from your current institution confirming your status as a Study Abroad Student
• Overseas health insurance receipt
• 2 or 4 passport-sized photographs

Note: Additional Documentation may be required. During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status will be needed to be uploaded on ImmIAccount -

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests that your college required, such as the TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intent to depart Australia upon completion of the course of study
• How you will pay for all educational, living, and travel costs

Read: Documents Needed to Start Your Student Visa Application for Australia

Application Process for Student Visa in Australia

The average time taken by the Australian High Commission for the visa procedure is between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual’s background, so the students must apply for their visas at least three months before their course commencement.

As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum course duration listed on your CoE. You must leave Australia after completing your studies. If you wish to stay in Australia for your graduation ceremony, you may need to apply for a visitor class visa.

Work Permit in Australia While Studying

Student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying in Australia. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours. If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it is not included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight. Part-time work in Australia offers an hourly wage of AUD 40 which can vary with the employer and working conditions. There are ample part time work options for students to look to pursue while studying at Australian universities.

Your checklist before you leave for Australia should include the following items, reminders, necessary documents and other important things. Ensure you keep extra copies of documents and extra money in different places to avoid getting studk. Check also the following essential items that are not to be missed: 

• Book airline tickets
• Arrange accommodation in Australia
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Australia
• Arrange your banking – consider buying traveller’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
5. Key addresses and phone numbers
6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
8. Traveller’s cheques—if applicable
9. Medical and immunization records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

Apart from the above-given documents and instructions, students usually going for a year or two have questions regarding the required luggage to carry for 2 years MS course for example. The simple answer to this question is that students can first check the temperature predictions and pack accordingly. Along with the necessities, carry clothing and accessories as per requirement and climate in Australia. 

After arriving in Australia, international students may have some difficulty adjusting to the weather, travelling, people, etc. There are a few key pointers that international students must note to cope with the new environment:

Homesickness

Homesickness is a predictable problem most students face at one point or another. It may occur at the beginning or even well into your year. Homesickness will pass. Be patient. Give it at least two weeks. If you are feeling sad, explain what is happening to your friends. Do not hide in your room; the homesickness will only worsen if you do. Find your counsellor on staff with whom you can talk about homesickness or other problems.

Homesickness might be made worse by frequent, long telephone calls home. Most homesick students feel more homesick after a call home than before they picked up the phone. Try to limit yourself to one call home every week. The sooner you integrate into the university experience, the sooner your homesickness will pass.

Shopping in Australia

Large shopping malls and supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Target in Australia are one-stop shops for your daily needs. Be vigilant to ensure that all of your shopping is properly billed and that you always keep the bills with you.

Learning basic cooking

Cooking for yourself will save you money. Indian food is expensive in Australia. It will also satisfy your urge to eat ‘your food’ during moments of cultural shock. Indian spices are not commonly available in smaller cities, but shops on campus often offer ingredients used in most Indian food. Read: Student life in Australia: Iconic foods to try

Travel

Each large city has and provides different methods of public transportation, such as buses, taxis, or trains. You might wish to rely on a private car for transportation. Even with the rising cost of petrol, private cars are the most economical and convenient mode of transportation because you get a lot of flexibility and freedom in your car. You can travel wherever and whenever you want, and don't have to depend on the public transport schedule. However, before you buy your own car, you will have to use public transportation or ask friends for rides.

Staying on Student Visa

When you enter Australia, you may remain there as long as you are enrolled in the school to complete your academic program. After the program ends you may apply for the temporary graduate visa through either the new post-study workstream or the graduate work stream provided you meet the specific eligibility requirements. The duration of the subclass 485 visa you are granted will depend on the qualification that you have used to qualify for the arrangements.

Job Opportunities in Australia

Indian students are used to campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs. There is no concept of placements in Australia, like most other countries. Most Australian universities have a cell called a Career Services Center, which helps you get jobs and prepare for interviews. The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through the university do not offer a job directly. What they offer is an internship or co-op. Companies like to see your work for a few months before they hire you full-time. Plus, there are various highest-paying jobs in Australia that applicants can take up. The average pay in Australia is around AUD 100,016. 

Related Reads

• How to get PR in Australia with Student Visa?
• Life after MBA from Australia: Placements and Job Prospects

Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa or now known as post higher education work visa in Australia. Graduates who have completed a Master’s by research degree or a Doctorate may be eligible to apply for a three or four-year post-study work visa respectively. Other graduates may be eligible to apply for an 18-month subclass 485 Visa through the graduate work stream.

Read: Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia

Cities with an additional year of PSWR are:

• Adelaide
• Perth
• Gold Coast
• Wollongong/Illawarra Geelong
• Hobart
• Sunshine Coast Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie

If you are looking for assistance with Australian university admissions, you can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors by signing up at Shiksha Counselling Service.