How to Study In Australia As An International Student

by Moni Vuong

Published on 10/01/2025
Last Updated 10/01/2025

How to study in Australia as an international student?

This blog by PTE Magic discusses the 5 things that every international student needs to prepare for their Australian dream.

We also mention other important factors that can affect your study abroad, so stay tuned!

Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

It’s crucial to do thorough research regarding courses and universities that you want to apply to.
PTE Magic recommends students research global university rankings to find the best universities in Australia.
If you’re international students that have learned English from other accents such as British English or American English, be prepared for what you’ll encounter here.

Related:

5 Things You Must Prepare Before Studying In Australia

Study Options

First, ask yourself: What type of education suits you best? Depending on your ambition, the options will vary.

For example, if you want to study in a practical environment with many training programs, Adelaide can be your go-to place.

Some students might struggle with the vast choices they have: from arts to engineering to medicine, among hundreds of universities and thousands of programs. Therefore, it’s crucial to do thorough research regarding courses and universities that you want to apply to. Australia is a big country, so choose wisely to dream big.

Institution Application

After deciding on your study field, the next step is choosing an institution. This is also important because it can entirely change your study dream.

PTE Magic recommends students research global university rankings to find the best universities in Australia for international students. Seeing the ranking can help you have a better understanding of which school is good for your chosen subject.

Another thing to keep in mind after finding your suitable institution: the application deadline. Normally, each institution will have specific requirements. Students often have to create an online account to upload and submit documents through their platform. Therefore, pay attention to the timing of your application process to avoid missing any important updates.

Student Visa

You must fulfill one crucial step if you want to study in Australia, which is having a valid student visa (subclass 500). Although the application process is straightforward for this visa, it requires online submission before your studies begin. The good thing is you can submit it everywhere, no matter if you’re inside or outside of Australia.

Here’s what you need to apply:

A Confirmation of Enrolment from your chosen institution
Proof that you meet the Genuine Student requirement
Proof of appropriate funds
Overseas Student Health Cover for your course duration unless exempt
Proof of your English proficiency
Proof that you meet the health requirement

Additionally, this visa is valid for up to five years. Accordingly, Australia allows international students to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying; however, this doesn’t apply to students who are pursuing a master’s in research or a doctorate.

What’s more, this visa allows you to bring your family members to Australia if they are eligible.

Overall, if you’re struggling with the visa requirements, reach out to education agents. Many of them were international students themselves, so their experience and insights can help you navigate your study journey more effectively and easily.

Prove Your Budget

If you want to study in Australia, you must prove that you have enough money to cover all the important costs. These usually are course fees, airplane tickets, and living expenses. How much you have to prove depends on your chosen study journey and your study level.

An average international student has to prove they own at least more than AUD 21,000 per year in their account to pay for living costs. The officer in charge will check to see if you can pay for rent, groceries, public transport, and other required fees.

Another important requirement is your health insurance. As mentioned above, a student must provide Overseas Student Health Cover for their course duration. The price of this insurance depends on how long you’ll stay in Australia and your current situation.

Study Fund

You can find scholarships to reduce the financial stress when planning to study in Australia. International students should research to access scholarships from Australian universities, the Government, organisations, and NGOs.

However, it’s not easy to achieve these scholarships. Many are based on the student’s financial situation and/or academic performance. Therefore, make sure to check out the requirements to qualify for all of them before applying for an Australian scholarship.

Other Important Factors

Australia’s Weather

Australia’s weather can change vastly from north to south. If you’re heading to Australia from the northern summer, prepare proper clothes because the winter in the south is much colder.

Additionally, Sydney’s coldest month is July. The daily highs averaging around 17°C and lows dipping to 8°C here. Furthermore, July is also when Melbourne gets to its coldest month, with highs around 13°C and lows reaching 7°C. Therefore, aside from sunscreen – which is a must when going to Australia – make sure to pack some additional clothing as well.

Common Rules

You might need to rent a car while you’re studying in Australia. Before the ride, remember that Australia drives on the left side of the road. Plus, pay attention while you’re driving because traffic cameras are everywhere here.

One more thing, avoid driving at dawn or dusk because these are the times the kangaroos are most active on the road. In low lights, it’s harder to spot the kangaroos, which might lead to traffic accidents. Therefore, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Slangs

More than just an English accent, Australian English might make visitors struggle with their frequently used slang. If you’re international students that have learned English from other accents such as British English or American English, be prepared for what you’ll encounter here.

While Australian people use some terms similar to British English (for example, “lift” for elevator or “chips” for fries), they still have their way of saying their language. Therefore, it’s best to listen to the accent beforehand via YouTube or podcast to get yourself familiar with this playful Aussie accent.

Conclusion

So, how to study in Australia as an international student? Make sure you understand the basic requirements and conditions to prepare your best for what’s coming ahead.

Check out other PTE Magic blogs for deeper insights regarding the requirements for your English proficiency proof.

Cheers!

Last updated on 10/01/2025