Studying in Australia
Australia hosts more than 700,000 international students across nearly 1,200 institutions. This is the complete guide — visas, cities, courses, costs, and the institutes worth applying to.
Explore Australia
Visas
Student 500, work and holiday 462, post-study 485, employer-sponsored 482, and pathways to PR.
Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other major study cities.
Courses
By category — graphic design, business, IT, hospitality, trades, and more.
Institutes
Universities, colleges, and RTOs accepting international students.
Working
Work hour limits, post-study work rights, and finding a job.
Cost of living
What you'll actually spend on rent, food, and transport.
Accommodation
Student housing, share houses, and homestays.
Healthcare
OSHC, Medicare reciprocal arrangements, and how it works.
Culture
What life as an international student in Australia is really like.
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Frequently asked questions
What do I need to qualify for an Australian student visa?
To qualify for the Subclass 500 student visa you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in a full-time CRICOS-registered course, evidence that you meet the Genuine Student requirement, approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and proof of English proficiency. You'll also need to show sufficient funds — Home Affairs guidance is roughly AUD $29,710 per year in living costs on top of tuition and travel. See our full cost of living breakdown, and check our full Australia FAQ for more visa questions.
Can international students work unlimited hours during university holidays in Australia?
Yes — once your course reaches a scheduled break, there's no cap on how many hours you can work. During term time, Subclass 500 holders are limited to 48 hours per fortnight, but that limit disappears completely outside scheduled course periods. See our full guide to working in Australia for how the hours are counted.
How long can I stay in Australia after I finish my degree?
It depends on your qualification level. Graduates of a bachelor degree or masters by coursework can generally stay 2 years on a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, masters by research and doctoral graduates get 3 years, and graduates of a CRICOS-registered diploma or trade qualification typically get 18 months to 2 years. Regional campus graduates may qualify for extra time. See all the Australian visa pathways for what comes next.
Does Medicare cover international students in Australia, or do I need separate health insurance?
International students on a Subclass 500 visa need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — it's a mandatory visa condition, not optional, and covers GP visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and some prescriptions. Students from a handful of countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Medicare — including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands — may not need OSHC for the duration of their stay. Read our full OSHC and healthcare guide.
What can international students study in Australia, and where?
Course options span everything from graphic design and business to IT, hospitality, and trades, offered by universities, colleges, and RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) across the country. Browse options by category in our courses guide, or compare providers in our institutes directory.
Which Australian cities are best for international students?
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth are the major study destinations, though costs vary a lot between them — Sydney is consistently the most expensive, while Hobart and Adelaide are the most affordable. Compare the major study cities and check student accommodation options before you commit to a city.
Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Many Australian universities and colleges offer scholarships and fee reductions for international students, often based on academic merit or the course you're enrolling in. Because eligibility and amounts vary by institution, it's worth checking directly with your shortlisted institutes as well as our scholarships guide.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.