Student guide
Australia combines globally ranked universities with a structured student visa (subclass 500). You must show you are a Genuine Student (GS), hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and have funds for tuition and living. Regional campuses can offer extra work or scholarship advantages. A counsellor will map course, city, and GS evidence together — not as three separate tasks.
Main intakes
February · July
Student visa
Subclass 500
After study
Temporary Graduate visa
Health cover
OSHC required
Why students choose Australia
- Group of Eight and other ranked universities in engineering, health, and business.
- Post-study work options for eligible qualifications (length depends on level and location).
- English-speaking campuses with a large Indian student community.
- Regional study can reduce living cost and, in some cases, add extra stay or points later.
Popular programmes
These are common choices, not a ranking. A counsellor will match courses to your marks, budget, and career plan.
- Information Technology
- Nursing & Health
- Engineering
- Business & Accounting
- Education
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Public Health
- Data Analytics
Intakes and when to apply
| Intake |
Starts |
When students should begin |
| Semester 1 (main) |
February / March |
Apply 8–10 months earlier. Main scholarship window. |
| Semester 2 |
July |
Apply by March–April. Wide MS and bachelor’s availability. |
| November (limited) |
November |
Some pathway or vocational courses only. |
What you typically need
- Offer / CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) after you accept and pay the initial tuition.
- GS statement: why this course, this university, and how it fits your career in home or host country.
- Academic transcripts, English score (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL as accepted), and passport.
- OSHC for the full visa period and proof of funds (bank, loan, or sponsor).
- GTE-style supporting evidence is still useful even though the test is now GS.
Indicative cost
Tuition (indicative)
AUD 25,000–45,000 / year
Living (indicative)
AUD 21,000+ / year
Key extra
OSHC + visa application charge
The Department of Home Affairs publishes a minimum annual living-cost figure. Sydney and Melbourne usually cost more than Adelaide, Perth, or regional cities.
Visa in simple steps
Subclass 500 student visa
- Accept the offer, pay the deposit, and receive the CoE.
- Buy OSHC and prepare GS + funds documents.
- Lodge the subclass 500 application and complete biometrics / health if requested.
- Travel after grant; keep CoE and OSHC valid for the full stay.
Work while you study
Student-visa work hours are capped during scheduled course time (check the current fortnightly limit). You can usually work more during scheduled breaks.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates apply for a Temporary Graduate visa. Length depends on qualification level and whether you studied in a regional area. Rules are updated often — confirm before you enrol.
Scholarships and funding
- University international scholarships (percentage off tuition).
- Australia Awards (competitive, limited).
- Education loans against offer + CoE cost sheet.
How Trencher helps
Start 8–10 months before February or July. Leave 4–8 weeks after CoE for GS writing and visa lodgement.
- Course and city shortlist, including regional options.
- GS statement, funds plan, and CoE timeline.
- Visa checklist and counsellor review before you lodge.
Figures and visa steps here are a student-friendly overview. Official amounts, work hours, and forms change. A counsellor will confirm the current embassy / university rules for your case.
