Study in Australia 2025 – Universities, Fees & Visa

Country	Australia
Popular Degrees	Engineering, IT, Business, Nursing, Education, Accounting
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS Required	✓ Yes — IELTS 6.0–6.5 typically
UG Duration	3 years (Bachelor's)
PG Duration	1.5–2 years (Master's)
Post-Study Work Visa	✓ Subclass 485 — 2 to 4 Years
Work During Studies	✓ 48 hrs/fortnight (unlimited in some sectors)
Student Visa	Subclass 500 Student Visa
Intakes	February (main) · July (second)
PR Pathway	Available — via skilled migration
Currency	Australian Dollar (AUD) — 1 AUD ≈ ₹55

Why Study in Australia?

Australia is home to the Group of Eight (Go8) — eight of the world's leading research universities including the University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Sydney, and UNSW. A degree from a Go8 university is globally recognised and highly valued by Indian employers and graduate schools alike.

Australia's student visa (Subclass 500) allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during semester, and unlimited hours during vacation periods. This means students can earn AUD 1,200–2,000 per month working in hospitality, retail, or IT roles — significantly offsetting living expenses. Australia's minimum wage is one of the highest globally at AUD 24+ per hour.

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) lets graduates stay and work in Australia for 2–4 years after completing their degree, depending on the institution's location and whether the study was in a regional area. This post-study work experience then forms the basis for skilled migration (PR) through the points-based system.

Regional Study Bonus: Studying in a regional Australian city (Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast) gives additional points toward PR and longer post-study work visa duration — a smart strategic choice for PR-focused students.

Fee Structure & Cost Breakdown

Expense Head	Annual (INR approx.)	Notes
Tuition Fee — Go8 UG	₹25 – 42 Lakhs	AUD 32,000–52,000/yr for top universities
Tuition Fee — Other Universities	₹18 – 28 Lakhs	AUD 22,000–34,000/yr
Accommodation	₹7 – 14 Lakhs	Sydney/Melbourne higher; regional cities lower
Food & Living	₹3 – 5 Lakhs	Indian grocery stores in all major cities
Visa & OSHC Insurance	₹80K – 1.5 Lakhs	OSHC (health cover) is mandatory
Travel (India ↔ Australia)	₹60K – 1.2 Lakhs	1–2 return trips per year
Estimated Annual Total	₹30 – 65 Lakhs	Work earnings offset living costs significantly

* AUD/INR rate subject to fluctuation. Part-time work (48 hrs/fortnight) can generate AUD 1,200–2,000/month net.

Top Universities in Australia

University of Melbourne

📍 Melbourne, Victoria

Go8QS Top 15Research

University of Sydney

📍 Sydney, NSW

Go8QS Top 20Medicine

UNSW Sydney

📍 Sydney, NSW

Go8EngineeringBusiness

Australian National University

📍 Canberra, ACT

Go8Regional BonusResearch

University of Adelaide

📍 Adelaide, SA

Go8RegionalAffordable City

Deakin University

📍 Geelong / Melbourne

Popular with IndiansBusinessRegional Option

Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 completion with 65–80% aggregate (Go8 universities more competitive)
IELTS Academic: 6.0–6.5 overall (no individual band below 6.0 for most programs)
Proof of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) — statement demonstrating intent to study and return to India
Financial proof: AUD 29,710 minimum in accessible savings (bank statements)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for entire study duration
Valid Indian passport and Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Admission & Visa Process

Select University & Course

Apply directly to Australian universities. February intake applications close Oct–Nov; July intake closes Feb–April. Apply to 3–4 universities for best chances.

Receive Offer Letter & CoE

Accept offer, pay deposit. University issues Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — the key document for student visa application.

Purchase OSHC Insurance

Buy Overseas Student Health Cover for your full study duration — mandatory requirement before visa application. Cost: approx. AUD 600–700 per year.

Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Apply online via Australian Department of Home Affairs. Submit CoE, OSHC, financial proof, GTE statement, IELTS, passport. Processing: 4–8 weeks.

Arrive in Australia

Fly to your university city. Attend orientation. Register with university health and welfare services. Begin part-time work search immediately if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours can I work while studying in Australia?

Students on a Subclass 500 visa can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester. During vacation periods, there is no cap on working hours. Australia's minimum wage is among the highest globally, making part-time work a meaningful income source.

What is the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)?

After completing your Australian degree, you can apply for a Subclass 485 visa to stay and work in Australia for 2–4 years. The duration depends on your degree level and whether you studied regionally. This work experience then contributes to your points score for skilled migration (PR).

Is Sydney or Melbourne better for Indian students?

Both cities have large Indian communities and excellent universities. Sydney is slightly more expensive but has stronger finance and tech job markets. Melbourne is often rated the most livable city globally and has a thriving Indian community. Regional cities like Adelaide and Canberra offer lower costs and PR advantages.

Has Australia tightened its student visa process?

Australia strengthened GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements in 2024, requiring applicants to demonstrate stronger intent to study and comply with visa conditions. Our counsellors will help you prepare a GTE statement that clearly meets current DOHA requirements.