Why Should You Study in Australia: A Guide

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has quickly become a top choice for international students, particularly Indians, due to its world-class education system, strong economy, and multicultural society. The country is home to six of the world’s top universities, with 38 universities ranked among the top 1000 globally, including nine in the top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2024). Additionally, the affordability of living, extensive student support systems, and straightforward visa process make Australia a highly desirable destination for students seeking academic and professional success.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should study in Australia.

1. Extensive Education System

Australia boasts a high-quality education system with a comprehensive curriculum taught by highly qualified teachers. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) distinguishes its education, outlining how various qualifications relate across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

2. Top-Ranked Universities

Home to six of the world’s top universities, Australia is renowned for its academic excellence and research capabilities. According to the QS World University Ranking 2024, 38 Australian universities are among the top 1000 globally, with nine ranked in the top 100. Institutions such as the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University have produced 15 Nobel Laureates.

3. Multilingual Society

While English is widely spoken, Australia is culturally rich, with over 200 languages represented. The top five languages spoken include Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Italian, and Vietnamese, creating a vibrant and diverse environment for international students.

4. Research Opportunities

Australia is globally recognized for its research initiatives, with many universities consistently ranking in the top 100 for research quality. Approximately 30% of research degree students in Australia are international students, highlighting the country’s collaborative environment for scholarly work.

5. Affordable Cost of Living

Australia offers a relatively low cost of living and tuition fees compared to many other countries without compromising on quality. Living expenses vary by city, and students can work part-time, enabling them to support themselves financially while gaining valuable work experience.

In conclusion, these factors highlight the five reasons why you should study in Australia, making it an ideal destination for international students seeking quality education and a supportive environment.

Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in Australia

Top Ranked Universities in Australia

Australia boasts an excellent education system and is home to 41 universities, 38 of which rank among the top 1000 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2024. A degree from these institutions significantly enhances employment prospects, making it clear why studying in Australia is an excellent choice for international students.

Australian Universities	QS World Universities Rankings 2025	The World Universities Ranking 2024
Australian National University	#30	#62
The University of Melbourne	#13	#34
The University of Sydney	#18	#54
The University of New South Wales	#19	#71
The University of Queensland	#40	#53
Monash University	#37	#44
The University of Western Australia	#77	#131
The University of Adelaide	#82	#88
University Technology of Sydney	#88	#133
RMIT University	#123	201-250

Top Courses in Australia

Australian universities provide a diverse array of subjects, enabling students to study a combination of fields. Some institutions even offer over 700 course combinations. A total of 34 Australian universities are featured in the QS subject rankings across 48 different fields of study. Below are some of the top courses, along with their best-ranked universities, showcasing why studying in Australia is a great choice for diverse academic opportunities:

Also Read: Top courses in Australia for international students in 2024

Top Courses in Australia	Universities
Nursing	University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Melbourne, and 17 more universities
Computer Science	University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of New South Wales, and 19 more universities
Business and Management Studies	ANU, UNSW, University of Technology Sydney, Curtin University, and 18 more universities
Architecture	University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, RMIT University, and 14 more universities
Accounting and Finance	UNSW, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and 15 more universities
Psychology	University of Melbourne, UNSW, Queensland University of Technology, and 20 more universities
Agriculture Science	University of Queensland, ANU, University of Adelaide, and 20 more universities
Tourism and Hospitality Management	University of Queensland, Griffith University, James Cook University, and 7 more universities

Tuition Fees for Studying in Australia

The table below provides a general overview of the tuition fees you can expect when planning to study in Australia. These costs highlight why studying in Australia is a financially viable option for international students:

Education Program	Average Tuition Costs (INR)
Vocational Education and Training (VET)	2.24 lakhs to 12 lakhs
Technical and Further Education (TAFE)	2.24 lakhs to 12 lakhs
Foundation Courses	8.41 lakhs to 21 lakhs
Undergraduate	8.41 lakhs to 18 lakhs
Postgraduate	11.22 lakhs to 20 lakhs
Doctoral Degree	7 lakhs to 20 lakhs

Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students

Studying in Australia can be costly, but various scholarships, bursaries, and loans are available to provide financial support. Here are some popular scholarships for international students pursuing their studies in Australia:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Award
Australia Awards	Open to students from Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific, and Africa	Covers full tuition fees, Overseas Health Cover (OHSC), return airfare, and an establishment allowance.
Endeavor Postgraduate Scholarship Awards	Must be enrolled in a postgraduate program	Up to AUD 272,500, along with health insurance and an establishment allowance.
Australia Government Research Training Program (AGRTP)	Based on academic merit and research potential	Covers tuition fees for up to 3 years, with a stipend of AUD 35,000 per annum.
Destination Australia	For international students commencing a full-time course of 1 to 4 years	Up to AUD 15,000 per year.

These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of studying abroad, making it more accessible for students from India and other countries.

Top Australian Cities for Students in 2025

Australia is home to some of the most student-friendly cities globally. Several Australian cities are featured in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, which evaluates factors such as desirability, affordability, and student satisfaction. Here is a list of the student-friendly cities in Australia and their respective rankings in the QS Best Student Cities 2025:

City	QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025
Melbourne	5
Sydney	6
Brisbane	25
Adelaide	28
Canberra	29
Perth	36
Gold Coast	93

How to Study in Australia

Studying in Australia offers a world-class education and diverse cultural experiences for international students. To ensure a smooth application process, it’s essential to understand the requirements for your desired program.

1. Shortlist Your Universities

Begin by identifying the universities you wish to apply to. Visit their official websites to find detailed admission requirements, as some criteria are consistent across different programs and institutions.

2. Requirements for Undergraduate Courses

To apply for undergraduate programs, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• A high school diploma.
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Aptitude test scores (SAT or ACT).
• A college essay.

3. Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

For postgraduate courses, universities generally require:

• Academic transcripts.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• A Resume.
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Aptitude test scores (GMAT or GRE).
• A Portfolio (for disciplines such as Fine Arts, Architecture, etc.).

4. Document Preparation Timeline

• It is advisable to start preparing these documents at least six months before the application deadlines.

5. Application Process

• After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a response. If shortlisted, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you can then use to apply for a student visa.

Australian Student Visa Process (Subclass 500)

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) supports the complete duration of your study program, allowing you to stay in Australia for up to five years, aligned with your enrollment date.

Also Read: How to Apply for Australian Student Visa: 6 Easy Steps

Steps to Apply for the Visa:

1. Visit the Department of Home Affairs Website: Enter your details to find a list of required documents.
2. Gather Required Documents: Compile all necessary paperwork and prepare copies.
3. Create an ImmiAccount: Log in to the website, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents.
4. Review Your Application: Double-check all the information entered before submitting your application.
5. Pay Visa Fees: The cost of the Australian student visa is approximately 710 AUD (approximately 38,300 INR).
6. Additional Requirements: You may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as biometrics, police certificates, and health exam results, which will increase your overall visa cost.
7. Track Your Application: Use your ImmiAccount to monitor your application status and wait for the visa decision.

Important Note: Since visa processing can take several weeks, it is advisable to apply at least six months before your course start date.

Want to Study Abroad: Check These Countries

Study in UK	Study in USA
Study in Netherlands	Study in New Zealand
Study in Canada	Study in Ireland

Part-Time Working Opportunities in Australia

Studying in Australia provides international students, including Indian students, with valuable part-time work opportunities.

• Work Hours: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and an unrestricted number of hours during vacations. Those pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees face no work-hour restrictions.
• Job Opportunities: Part-time jobs are available on university campuses and in retail, grocery stores, cafes, and more, with a minimum wage of about 18 AUD per hour.
• Benefits: Working part-time helps students develop essential skills while earning money to cover living expenses, such as accommodation and food. After graduation, Indian students can apply for up to 8 years of work in Australia, enhancing their career prospects.

Jobs After Studying in Australia

Australia has become a top destination for job-seeking Indians thanks to its strong economy, high quality of life, and diverse work sectors. The average salary in Australia is 91,200 AUD per year (approximately INR 5,151,801), with salaries ranging between 23,000 AUD (approximately INR 1,298,040) to 405,000 AUD (approximately INR 22,858,200), depending on the role and company. High-paying roles in Australia for graduates include:

• Data Analyst: AUD 85,000 – 100,000 (INR 4,795,800 – 5,648,000)
• Business Development Manager: AUD 90,000 – 115,000 (INR 5,086,320 – 6,498,200)
• Web Developer: AUD 95,000 – 115,000 (INR 5,359,600 – 6,498,200)
• Digital Marketing Manager: AUD 100,000 – 120,000 (INR 5,648,000 – 6,767,600)
• Construction Supervisor: AUD 100,000 – 120,000 (INR 5,648,000 – 6,767,600)

These opportunities highlight why studying in Australia is a wise investment for international students looking to advance their careers.

Key Takeaways

• Australia stands as a global education leader, with 38 universities ranked among the top 1000, including nine in the top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2024). Graduates benefit from international recognition and strong job prospects in fields like Data Analysis and Digital Marketing.
• Over 90% of international students find employment shortly after graduating, with salaries ranging from 23,000 AUD (approximately INR 1,297,220) to 405,000 AUD (approximately INR 22,826,730). 
• Australia offers affordable tuition fees, with undergraduate programs costing between 8.41 lakhs and 18 lakhs, while postgraduate programs range from 11.22 lakhs to 20 lakhs. Additionally, students can offset living costs through part-time work opportunities with wages starting at 44 AUD( INR 2,487) per hour.
• The Australian government provides extensive support through scholarships like the Australia Awards and the Government Research Training Program (AGRTP), which cover full tuition and offer stipends. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to work for up to 8 years post-graduation, enhancing their career prospects.

If you aren’t convinced that Australia is a great (and safe) destination, or if you have any queries about studying abroad, reach out to us and please feel free to drop a comment.

FAQs

1. Why choose Australia over other countries for studying?

Ans: Australia stands out for its world-class universities, offering globally recognized degrees and strong research opportunities. It provides a multicultural, inclusive environment with vibrant student cities and stunning natural landscapes. Additionally, affordable living costs, extensive scholarships, and a streamlined visa process make it a top choice for international students.

2. How flexible is the job market for international students in Australia?

Ans: The job market for international students in Australia is relatively flexible, offering various part-time and casual employment opportunities across sectors like hospitality, retail, and education. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year and unlimited hours during breaks. 

3. What are the key steps in the Australian student visa application process?

Ans: To apply for an Australian student visa, first research and select your preferred course and institution, meeting the necessary academic and English language requirements. Then, apply for admission and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Finally, gather the required documents, create an ImmiAccount, and complete the online application form.