Last Updated: February 16, 2021
Higher Education in Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth largest country in the world. It has the world's thirteenth-largest economy and tenth-highest per capita income in the world, thus providing ample of opportunities for students to have a better and successful life.
Australia falls under the
top 10 happiest countries in the world and witnessed an unprecedented growth in foreign students coming for higher education. It is a highly developed country with a huge economy which makes it one of the wealthiest in the world. It is ranked among the top countries regarding education and quality of living.
International Students in Australia
By pursuing higher studies in Australia, one allows himself/herself the opportunity to work in this country where high-paying job prospects are high, and high quality of living at affordable rates are the norm. Australia gives students the option to work part-time while studying. Australia is well developed in terms of ranking of educational institutions, student satisfaction, employability, quality of life and the student community. Sydney and Melbourne rank among the top five cities to study in.
Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS), the student rights are protected by law. These rights include:
- the well-being of all international students
- the quality of students' educational experience and
- the provision of up-to-date and accurate information.
These laws and prospects attract numerous students to Australia across the globe to achieve their desired educational goal and get established in life. According to recent study, international students represented a total of 26.7% of the student body in Australian Universities.
Education in Australia
Australia is the third most popular destination for international students (after US and UK). It also falls under the top 10 happiest countries in the world, thus creating a student friendly atmosphere for education. Higher education in Australia can be pursued under Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral programs. The country offers almost 22,000 courses in 1,100 institutions under 43 universities. The students are given a diverse and large variety of career options to choose from. The educational institutions in Australia are registered under National Regulatory, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Higher education providers in Australia are classified into different categories: Australian Universities, Australian University of Specialization, Overseas Universities and Other Higher Education Providers.
Why Study in Australia?
- Mode of education is English - English being the most widely spoken language in UK, US and India, Australia attracts a large number of students from these countries. It gives the students the ease and confidence to communicate in a foreign country and also helps them to have a proper understanding of concepts.
- Globally recognized quality education - Studying in Australia provides a great opportunity to pursue the best in class education from the renowned universities. Out of Australia's population of 25 million, 47% are either of overseas origin or have one parent born overseas. After UK and US, Australia is the most preferred country for higher education around the world.
- Cost of education is much less as compared to the USA - When it comes to providing world class education at cheaper rates when compared to US and UK. Though the cost varies with the kind of course pursued, international undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately between A$20,000 and A$45,000 (Australian Dollars) for the entire course which lasts between there and four years. A Master's degree would approximately cost around A$22,000 and A$55,000.
- Ranks among the top 10 happiest countries in the world - The factors determining happiness like Gross Domestic Product, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption play a major role for Australia to establish its happiness index. This gives a sense of assurance for foreign students to study without worrying about safety and security.
- Australia has a population of just 25 million - This is one of the important factors which attracts a number of international students to Australia. The population in Australia provides ample of vacancy and opportunities for students in Universities as well as jobs without having to face a tough competition.
- Mandarin is second most widely spoken language after English - This makes it easier for students from China, Taiwan and Indonesia to study without any language hindrances.
- Easier to get a student visa and permanent residency after education - Once the basic requirements are met, it is quite easy to get a student visa in Australia. Once the students get employed, they can get their wok-stream permanent visa in Australia.
- Most of the international students are from China, India and Nepal - Australia has a huge number of foreign students coming from China, India and Nepal mostly because of the languages widely used, i.e., English and Mandarin.
- Australia is one of the best places to live - According to the Human Development Index 2020, Australia ranks 8th in the world and has been in top 10 constantly. This gives a sense of satisfaction and confidence to students coming from abroad.
- Many Universities have international tie-ups and exchange programs which will allow the students to get a worldly exposure - Many Australian universities have tie-ups with American and Canadian universities which provide the students an international experience while studying from one country. It also increases the value of the students which henceforth gets added in their resume.
- Australia is a safe and friendly country - It is a home away from home for the students who want the best education and the simple visa procedures make it all the more appealing.
- Australian government provides many scholarships each year for international students - Deserving students can get from 50% to 100% scholarships from the Australian Government. This boosts the morale of foreign students who undergo a huge financial struggle to migrate to a different country for education.
- Australia has produced 15 Nobel prize laureates - Having a distinguished history of 15 Nobel Laureates in Science and Literature, Australia attracts a huge number of students across the world for their quality education and world class universities.
- Australia also provides the opportunity for students and their accompanying family members to work - The international students are allowed to work during their educational course. This enables the students to earn while studying and also gives them the required job experience, be that in any field. International students who are on student visa can work up to 20 hours per week while the university or college is in session. Family members who are accompanying the students are also eligible to work up to 20 hours a week. This provides ample of opportunities for the students and their family to earn a decent living in Australia. Many students who have classes at day time take up work during the night and vice-versa. Jobs for students are available in both day and night shifts.
Around 340,152 student visas were granted in the programming year 2019-2020.
Admission Tests
To get admission in a course falling under 'higher education' category a student is required to pass various English proficiency tests which analyze the student's English speaking and writing capabilities. There are various exams which are conducted for English language tests of students. Some of the recognized test providers are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE and OET. A score of six or more on IELTS (Some Universities or departments can ask for a better score) is preferable to get selected for admission in the top universities. For Vocational Studies and Training courses as well as for secondary school courses, an overall score between 5 and 6 is required. TOEFL is widely accepted now. Some Universities also accept Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Grades A or
B). Most postgraduate applications (MS/MSc) may take six weeks to process the applications for admission
Cost and Fees
The cost of studying in Australia for International students depends on a number of factors like the course of study, duration of the course and the university.
The average tuition fee per year for a:
- Bachelor's degree would be A$15,000-$33,000
- Master's degree would be A$14,000-$37,000
- Doctoral degree would be A$14,000-$37,000
- MBA would be A$11,000-A$121,000
When compared to universities in Canada, USA and UK, Australia has much cheaper tuition fees and provides affordable education for all. The academic quality at the universities is very high and their degrees are recognized globally. All these costs are for International students only. There is also the option to pay around A$300 per week for studying any English language program. For pursuing any vocational course like Certificates I to IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, a student is required to pay A$4,000 to A$22,000 depending on the level of study.
Australian education cost assessment
Top Universities of Australia
Australia has almost 43 universities with at least one main campus in each territory or state. The states include Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
According to a recent study, the following are the top 10 universities to choose from:
1
Australian National University (ANU) - It has a history of ranking at number 1 position among best universities in Australia. With a great academic reputation, international faculty and international students, ANU is definitely worth of studying at.
2
University of Sydney (USYD) - It is also regarded as Australia's first university with its establishment date going back to 1850. This prestigious university always ranks among the top 10 universities of Australia.
3
University of Melbourne (UM) - It is regarded as the highest ranked Australian university for both employer and academic reputation. International students constitute of about 42% of the students.
4
University of New South Wales (UNSW) It is one of the most renowned Universities in the country with its consistent ranking among the top 10.
5
University of Queensland (UQ) The university boasts two Nobel Laureates as its former students-Peter C. Dogerty and John Harsanyi. Academy Award Winner Geoffrey Rush has also graduated from this prestigious university. The university has also produced various distinguished leaders, researchers, lawyers and innovators of cervical cancer vaccine.
6
Monash University (MON) - Its main campus is based in Melbourne but it has five campuses in Victoria state and one campus each in Malaysia and South Africa.
7
University of Western Australia (UWA) - It has the highest number of international faculty members among all the universities in Australia. It is frequently featured among the top 10 universities of the country and provides excellent opportunities for international students.
8
University of Adelaide - It was established in 1874 and is Australia's third oldest university. It has almost 21,000 students out of which 7,800 are international students.
9
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - The university has an excellent score in citations per faculty, international students and employer reputation indicators. It was established in 1988 and is one of Australia's youngest universities.
10
University of Wollongong - It was founded in 1975 and has been constant to address society's environmental, economic, medical and social challenges.
Map of Australia
How to get visa after acceptance?
Getting student visa for Australia is much easier as compared to USA and Canada. A student receives an admission letter after being granted admission to a university. He/she is then required to submit evidence for 'Confirmation of Enrollment'. This is available to the students once they get admission and pay required fees to Australian University to the nominated diplomatic mission while applying for a student visa. There is also an option for getting a new student visa after changing the course of study or upgrading from Bachelor's to Master's. There is also the need to have sufficient health insurance cover for the duration of the course. This is mandatory for international students to obtain student visa. Students can enter Australia with their student visa up to 90 days before the commencement of the course.