STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

Many students dream of taking a gap year in Australia, but how about studying there instead? From the bright lights of Sydney to the café culture of Melbourne  and the natural beauty of Perth, this 7,692,024km² island has a diverse terrain, character and appeal that keeps international students returning year after year.

Australian universities are widely respected around the world, and attract students in many academic disciplines. Australia remains an especially popular choice for those studying natural sciences such as biology, zoology and chemistry, as well as mathematics, engineering, the social sciences and medical fields. Overall, international students account for almost a quarter of enrolments, and at some universities they constitute close to half of the student body. This makes for a diverse experience, with classes and campus life taking on a truly global outlook.

Particularly famous around the world are the elite “Group of Eight” – a kind of equivalent to the US Ivy League or UK Russell Group – which comprises the Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, the University of Western Australia and the University of Adelaide. All eight of these hold strong positions in the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017, with a further 27 Australian universities featured in the ranking.

There are also over 1,100 accredited vocational and technical higher education institutions in Australia. These offer technical and further education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). Here you can study short courses, certificates I through IV, diplomas, and advanced diplomas in industry training designed to prepare you for a specific job. 

As in many countries, pursuing an internship alongside study is encouraged in Australia. For some courses, such as education, nursing, engineering, IT, accounting and communication, completing work experience may be a requirement. Internships can be pretty competitive, so get your applications in early to ensure you get a good place.

Applications & visas

Each higher education institution is unique in the programs offered, entry requirements, cost and lifestyle. Do your research thoroughly, and then apply to each of your chosen universities by following the information provided on the official website. In addition to submitting your academic record, you may also need to provide proof of proficiency in the English language, as well as completing any set tests or interviews.

The beginning of the academic year in Australia is February, although it may also be possible to commence studies in July, at the start of the second semester. You can usually apply between three and 18 months before a course starts, but the earlier the better.

You will need a visa to study in Australia. Australian student visas were previously categorized differently depending on your study level, but were recently simplified, meaning all international students will apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500), which you must apply for online through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). You’ll need to prove that you’re a genuine student, of good character, proficient in English, and have enough money to support yourself while you study in Australia.

Tuition fees, living costs & funding

The cost of studying in Australia varies significantly depending on the institution, study level and subject. Programs in fields such as engineering and medicine are typically at the higher end of the scale. As a rough guideline, you can expect master’s degrees to cost around AU$20,000-37,000 (~US$14,890-27,540) per year, and doctoral degrees in the region of AU$14,000-37,000 (~US$10,420-27,540).

There are 35 Australian universities now ranked among the world’s best, Six of these are in the top 100 while a further nine are in the top 300. Have a look on a few of them-

1.    AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY(ANU)

Australian National University is ranked 1st in Australia and 22nd in the world this year, and is located in Canberra, the country’s capital. The only university to be created by the Parliament of Australia, ANU is home to over 22,500 students and counts six Nobel Laureates among its alumni and faculty.

2.    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Retaining its position of 42^nd in the world, the University of Melbourne is the second-oldest university in Australia(founded in 1853). It’s alumni community includes four Australian prime ministers, and it’s also been associated with nine Nobel Laureate.

3.    UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Ranked 3rd among Australian universities and joint 46th in the world along with New York University in the US, the University of Sydney is Australia’s first university, founded in 1850. It’s particularly strong in the fields of law, education, medicine, accounting and finance.

      4. UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES(UNSW)

The University of New South Wales is ranked joint 49th in the world this year and is a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research universities. UNSW is located in Sydney and has produced more millionaires than any other Australian university.

-NISHTHA KAPOOR