Frequently asked questions about studying in Australia

The four countries differ on how long a degree takes, what graduates are allowed to do afterwards, and how likely a student visa is to be granted. Those differences matter more to the outcome than a ranking table. I compare them in detail in Which is the best country to study abroad?.

Australia offers world-class education across a diverse range of universities. Some are research intensive, and others focus on hands-on learning that prepares students for work after graduation. Students from over 190 countries study in Australia, so students meet, learn and work with people from many different backgrounds. That builds global thinking and lifelong connections, and prepares students for the working world.

Sources: The four-destinations article and the Why Australia page on this site.

Australia has forty-two universities: thirty-six public and six private. Every one of them is regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Any provider that teaches international students must also be registered on CRICOS, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. If a provider cannot deliver a course for any reason, the government-backed Tuition Protection Service places the student at another provider or refunds the unused fees. Before applying, check that the course you want is listed on CRICOS.

Sources: Study Australia list of Australian universities; TEQSA; CRICOS; Tuition Protection Service.

There is no single best city. The choice is driven by what you want to study, the kind of experience you want and what you want to do after graduating. Sydney has the largest job market and the most universities. Melbourne has nine universities and a large student population. Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are smaller cities with strong universities, local communities and industries. Canberra is home to the Australian National University. Hobart and Darwin each have one university.

Six Australian cities are in the top forty of the QS Best Student Cities 2027: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. QS ranks cities on the quality of their universities, the student mix, employer activity, affordability and what current students say. Each city page gives you more information about the city. Choose the city and the course together, not one after the other.

Sources: QS Best Student Cities 2027; the city pages on this site; Study Australia university list.

Yes. Australian universities commonly accept all the main curricula taught in the UAE: the CBSE (All India Senior School Certificate), the ISC (CISCE), the IB Diploma, British A levels, and the American high school diploma with SAT, ACT or AP results. Each university publishes how it assesses each qualification. The IB Diploma, for example, is converted to an ATAR-equivalent score, and A levels are commonly assessed on the best two to four subjects. Entry scores differ by university and by course, and they change between intakes. Check the current entry requirements for the specific course on the university's own website.

Sources: University of Sydney, Recognised qualifications; University of Melbourne, US High School Diploma and SAT/ACT; UNSW, Undergraduate entry requirements.

The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is the ranking that Australian Year 12 students receive, from 0 to 99.95. Students at UAE schools do not receive an ATAR. Universities convert their results into an equivalent instead. For the IB Diploma, the universities in New South Wales and the ACT use a national conversion that UAC (the Universities Admissions Centre) publishes each year. For other curricula, each university sets its own equivalents. When a course lists a minimum ATAR, ask the university what that means for your curriculum.

Sources: UAC; University of Sydney, Recognised qualifications; IB Australasia, University entrance.

Requirements differ by university, but some patterns are common.

• Engineering. Mathematics at an advanced level is commonly a prerequisite, a mandatory requirement, and physics or chemistry is often assumed knowledge.
• Medicine. Undergraduate medicine is limited to a few universities. It commonly requires a solid grounding in the sciences, especially chemistry, biology and physics, a very high academic result, the UCAT ANZ or ISAT admissions test, and an interview. Many other universities teach medicine as a graduate degree, entered after a bachelor's.
• Nursing. Fewer subject prerequisites, though a higher level of English is commonly required.
• Business and commerce. Mathematics is often assumed knowledge rather than a prerequisite.

A prerequisite is mandatory, and without it the application does not proceed. Assumed knowledge means the student can enrol but will need to catch up. In the UAE these subject decisions are made as early as the end of Year 9, so it is important to check the university requirements before choosing subjects. I explain this in The subject choices in Year 10. Always check with the university rather than assuming.

Sources: The subject-choice article on this site; UCAT ANZ; university course handbooks.

There are usually other routes. Many universities offer foundation programs, diplomas or bridging courses that lead into the second year of a related degree, or that cover the missing subject. Some universities set a subject as assumed knowledge where another sets it as a prerequisite, so the same degree can be open at one university and closed at another. These routes add time and cost, so it is essential to model and understand the full pathway before choosing one.

Sources: The subject-choice article on this site; university pathway college pages.

Commonly, yes. Australian universities usually assess the American high school diploma together with SAT or ACT scores, or with an aggregate of three or four AP exam results. They also look at the high school GPA and any subject prerequisites. Unlike in the US system, many universities do not consider personal statements, extracurricular activities or references for undergraduate entry. Check each university's page for the American qualification, because the minimum scores differ.

Sources: University of Melbourne, US High School Diploma and SAT/ACT; University of Western Australia, International and overseas qualifications; University of Sydney, Recognised qualifications.

For admission, Australian universities commonly recognise English studied at high school, for example a qualifying grade in the school's English subject or a Cambridge C1 result. The student visa has its own English requirements, which are strict, so I advise taking an accepted English test regardless of the curriculum studied or the language of instruction. Citizens of some English-speaking countries are exempt from this requirement, though this also varies by university.

Sources: University English language requirements (UNSW, University of Sydney, Monash University); Department of Home Affairs.

The tests most commonly accepted are IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency). Each university sets its own minimum score overall and for each section, and some courses, such as education, nursing and health science degrees, set higher scores. Some universities do not accept the at-home or online versions of a test, so check before booking one. Results are commonly valid for two years.

Sources: University of Sydney English Language Proficiency tables; Monash University English language proficiency; UNSW English language requirements.

Most universities have two main intakes: February and July. A few universities follow a trimester system and also have an intake around November. Some undergraduate courses, such as medicine and other health science degrees, have only one intake, in February.

Sources: UNSW, About trimesters; university academic calendars.

Most UAE students can choose between the July and February intakes. CBSE results commonly arrive in May, IB results in early July and A level results in mid August, and many universities make offers on predicted IB and A level grades. For a February start, I advise applying by August or September of the year before, to allow enough time for scholarship assessments and the student visa application. Decide early which intake you are aiming for, because test planning, applications and deadlines all depend on it.

Sources: International Baccalaureate Organization results release; JCQ A level results day; CBSE results notices; university application deadlines.

International students need a Student visa (subclass 500). The application is made online, usually from outside Australia, after the university has issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Applicants commonly need to hold Overseas Student Health Cover for their stay, meet the Genuine Student requirement, and provide evidence of English, finances, health and character. The Student visa currently allows students to work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. The requirements, conditions and costs are set by the Department of Home Affairs and change from time to time, so check the official Student visa (subclass 500) page before applying.

Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500).

Many international graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies. Graduates with a degree from an Australian institution apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and graduates with a diploma or trade qualification apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s age, the qualification, the time spent studying in Australia and other criteria. How long a graduate can stay depends mainly on the qualification, and graduates from institutions in regional areas may be able to apply for a second visa. These rules change from time to time, so check the official Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) page, and consider this visa when choosing the program, its length and where to study.

Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Yes. Most master's degrees by coursework are designed with students coming straight from a bachelor's in mind. Universities commonly admit students with a recognised bachelor's degree and a minimum grade average, without work experience. Some programs do require work experience, such as MBAs and some management, education and health degrees. Universities assess bachelor's degrees from overseas against their own standards, and the outcome can affect both entry and the length of the master's.

Sources: University postgraduate entry requirements (Monash University, University of Melbourne).

Commonly one to two years full time. The length often depends on the student's earlier study. A student whose bachelor's is in a related field can often take a shorter entry point, while a student changing field takes the full length. Professional master's degrees such as engineering are commonly two years. This also varies by university and depends on how the bachelor's degree is assessed. The length of study also affects the post-study work visa, so choose the program, its length and where you study carefully.

Sources: Monash University graduate FAQs and course entry levels; University of Melbourne course pages.

The annual tuition fee on a university website is only part of the cost. The full cost includes tuition for every year of the degree, since most universities review international fees each year. It also includes living costs, which depend heavily on the city, health cover, the student visa application, and the costs of the first month. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar and the Australian dollar is not, so the exchange rate also moves the total. I explain how to add these up in How do you calculate the cost to study in Australia?.

Sources: The cost-to-graduation article on this site.

Yes. Most come from the universities themselves and are based on academic merit. They are commonly a fixed amount or a percentage off the tuition fee, sometimes for the whole degree, and some are awarded automatically with the offer. Some universities offer full scholarships to a very small number of international students, assessed competitively and often with a separate application and deadline. The amounts, the eligibility rules and the deadlines change every year. Check each university's scholarship page at the time of applying, and apply early, because many awards go to students with an offer in hand.

Sources: University scholarship pages (for example University of Queensland, Monash University); Study Australia scholarships search.

Yes. I advise on studying in Australia only, because that is where my experience lies. I have been an international student myself, I have worked in senior leadership roles in admissions and international recruitment at Australian universities, and in international engagement and partnerships for an Australian state government. I can tell you with confidence whether Australia is the right fit for you.

Sources: The About page on this site.

The first call is thirty minutes on Google Meet, free and with no obligation. When you book a student call, you get a confirmation email with a short form, so I can get to know the student before we talk. On the call we look at the student's background and whether Australia is the right choice. You come away with a clear idea of the likely costs, what the degree can lead to, and the key facts about studying in Australia.

Sources: The Contact page on this site.