StudyWorkGrow – Applying to university in Australia as an international student

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting close to a million international students each year. It has a strong university system, a multicultural culture, and a reputation for high quality of life. There’s no single national application system, so most international students apply directly to the university they want to attend, meaning the process can vary slightly from one institution to the next.

The Study Australia portal is a reliable place to explore courses, compare institutions, and get a clear picture of what studying in Australia involves.

Step 1 – Research your options

Australia has universities spread across its states and territories, from large research-intensive institutions in major cities to smaller universities in regional areas. Before you start any applications, it’s worth narrowing down not just what you want to study, but where and at which institution.

Think about the course, the city or region, the size of the university, and what support services are available for international students. Costs can also vary significantly between cities, with major urban centres generally being more expensive than regional areas. Starting this process at least 9 to 12 months before your intended start date is strongly recommended.

Step 2 – Check your eligibility

Most Australian universities expect international students to have completed secondary schooling to a standard equivalent to the Australian Year 12 certificate, though what counts as equivalent depends on your home country’s education system. Some programmes, particularly in medicine, dentistry, and law, may have additional requirements on top of general entry criteria, so always check the requirements for your specific course.

A note on the ATAR

Domestic Australian students use a score called the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) to apply for university. As an international student, you generally won’t be assessed using the ATAR. Instead, universities will assess you based on your home country qualifications and academic results. The exception is if you’ve completed Year 12 within Australia, in which case you may have an ATAR and could use it as part of your application.

Step 3 – Apply

For most international students, applications go directly through the university’s own online portal. Each institution has its own requirements and timelines, so read the instructions carefully for each one you apply to.

A note on tertiary admissions centres

If you’ve completed Year 12 within Australia, or studied the International Baccalaureate in Australia, you may be eligible to apply through a state-based tertiary admissions centre. For example, students in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory can apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Similar bodies exist in other states. Check with your school or chosen university about which pathway applies to you.

Intake dates

Australian universities typically offer two main intakes each year. Semester One starts in February or March and is the main intake, with applications generally closing between October and November of the previous year. Semester Two starts in July, though not all programmes are available at this intake. Some universities also offer a smaller third intake in November for select programmes.

What you’ll need to apply

While requirements vary, most universities will ask for certified academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, a copy of your passport, and a personal statement for some programmes. Creative or performance-based programmes may also require a portfolio or audition.

Since all teaching is in English, most international students need to demonstrate proficiency through a test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Minimum scores vary by institution and programme, so check the specific requirements for your course. Students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt.

Genuine Student requirement

You’ll also need to meet the Australian government’s Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which means demonstrating that your primary purpose in coming to Australia is to study. Some universities include a GS assessment as part of the application, typically involving questions about your study intentions and post-graduation plans.

Types of offers

Once assessed, you’ll receive an unconditional offer (confirmed place), a conditional offer (place subject to meeting certain conditions), or an unsuccessful outcome. If you receive a conditional offer, make sure you understand exactly what’s required and by when.

Step 4 – Accept your offer and get your Confirmation of Enrolment

Once you’ve chosen which offer to accept, you’ll formally accept it and pay any required deposit. Your university will then issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you’ll need before you can apply for your student visa.

Step 5 – Apply for your student visa

Most international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. Full information about eligibility, conditions, and how to apply is available on the official Subclass 500 visa page. You’ll apply online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system. Processing times vary, so apply as soon as you have your CoE and don’t make final travel plans until your visa is approved.

You’ll need your CoE, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, evidence of English language proficiency, and proof of Overseas Student Health Cover. Biometrics and a health examination may also be required.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Before lodging your visa application, you’ll need to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), a form of health insurance for international students covering basic medical and hospital costs during your stay. It’s a visa requirement. Your university may recommend a provider, or you can choose your own from the list of government-approved insurers. More information on the visa and OSHC is available via the Study Australia visa page.

Step 6 – Research scholarships and financial support

It’s worth looking into scholarships early, ideally during the research phase. Many universities offer scholarships for international students, ranging from partial tuition reductions to more substantial awards, and some are assessed automatically when you apply for admission. Check each university’s website for what’s available.

At a government level, the Australia Awards Scholarships are the flagship programme for international students, primarily aimed at students from developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region. They cover tuition, airfares, living expenses, and OSHC. More information is available on the Study Australia scholarships page. Scholarship deadlines often don’t align with application deadlines, so track both separately.

Step 7 – Plan your accommodation

Most Australian universities offer on-campus accommodation such as residential colleges or halls of residence, which can be a great option for your first year. Off-campus private accommodation is also widely available, though costs vary by city. Apply for on-campus accommodation as soon as you receive your offer, as places fill up quickly.

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