When people think of Australia, they see wide open spaces of outback bush, kangaroos, koalas, and clean air and water. Australia has much more to offer than the usual expectations. Many international students are choosing to study in Australia because of its friendly, laid-back nature, excellent education system, and high standard of living.
Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world, behind the United States and the UK. Many international students choose to study there because of the cultural diversity, friendly natives, and high quality of education.
Graduates from Australian schools are highly sought after due to the impressive international reputation of the Australian education system. This system is carefully regulated by the government in order to maintain the high standards of education associated with the country.
Australia’s standard of living is amongst the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs are considerably lower in Australia than they are in the United States and United Kingdom. International students are able to work part time while they study, allowing them to offset their living costs. There is also the possibility of scholarships, which helps to lower the cost of studying for international students.
Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that are right for them. The first decision international students have to make when choosing a degree program is which school caters most to their needs and interests. Students can choose between universities, vocational education, and English language training. If necessary, it is easy for students to move between one qualification level and from one institution to another.
One of the most appealing aspects of Australia for international students is the emphasis on scientific research. Australia is at the forefront of new technology and innovations. Students who study in Australia can take advantage of the country’s impressive technology and resources.
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. This is a great opportunity for those who want to earn money to offset living expenses during their stay, and for students who want to gain work experience in their field of interest while they study. Find out some important things to keep in mind for the working student in Oz.
There are different visas that allow you to study in Australia. Find out which one applies to you.
As an international student in Australia, or a non-Australian citizen visiting the country, you may be required to hold an Australian visa. Below is a summary of the different types of visas available, or you can visit the Department of Home Affairs’ Studying in Australia site to explore which visa is right for you.
Australia offers a Student Visa (subclass 500) which allows you to:
Australian student visa holders currently have no restriction on the number of hours that they can work while studying in Australia. It also means that students who have already arrived in Australia can start working even before the start of their course.
The temporary removal of restrictions on working hours does not change the requirement that international students must still meet satisfactory course progress requirements, and balance work and study commitments. Students must still:
See latest for more on this topic in Frequently Asked Visa questions.
For more information on Australian student visas, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Australia offers several visas for international students – who intend to stay for a shorter period of time – which allow you to work while studying. These include:
1. Visitor Visa (Subclasses 600, 601, 651)
Allows you to study in Australia for up to three months.
2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417, 462)
Allows you to study in Australia for up to four months and remain in Australia for the eight months following the completion of your course.
3. Student Guardian (Subclass 590)
Relevant for a parent or guardian to reside with a student in Australia, where the student requires a guardian (i.e. the student is under 18 years of age). It allows you to study in Australia for up to three months or complete English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) study for up to 20 hours per week.
Visa requirements are subject to change. For the most recent information on visa requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.