Why should students choose Australia for their Higher Education?
Some of the best ranked universities in the world find their home in Australia. In the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2026, 9 of the top 100 and 13 of the top 200 universities globally are Australian. This isn’t a feat easily matched by many countries. Furthermore, besides the traditionally well ranked universities such as the University of Melbourne, ANU, and the University of Sydney, there are numerous others which might have the same recognition but are equally good such as Queensland University of Technology, Deakin University, Curtin University and Southern Cross University. These institutions consistently rank high for academics, research and graduate employability churning out excellent engineers, business executives, data scientists, artists and more annually.
2. English Language Proficiency – IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
Australia is an English speaking country and demonstrating apt English proficiency is a must. Every university of note in Australia will accept IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL scores. Students must carefully go through the scores required for their program of choice and they have to prepare well. Eventually, a student’s score should reflect preparedness to learn in English.
Australia study visa updates showcase that students must show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, OSHC, living expenses and travel costs. For example, the approximate annual student cost of living in Australia is AUD 29,710. This proof of funds reassures the DHA that you can support yourself throughout your stay.
2. Australia Study Visa Application Process
Apply and receive an offer letter from your chosen university.
Accept the offer and pay the required deposit to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Government website.
Complete the student visa application (subclass 500) form online.
Upload required documents, including your CoE, passport, financial proof, health insurance (OSHC), and Genuine Student criteria (GS) questionnaire
Pay the Australia study visa fees 2025 and submit your application.
Valid passport
CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
Proof of funds
English test results
Health insurance (OSHC)
GS Criteria Questionnaire
Passport-size photographs
Over the past year, the typical Australia student visa processing timeframe has been between 4–8 weeks. However, this takes into account a student’s profile and the degree of completeness of your documents. The Australia study visa fee is approximately AUD 2,000 (July 2025).
The work rights for international students in Australia are carefully reviewed and designed to allow genuine students to make the most of their study experience in the country.
The new Australia study visa updates allow students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (14 days) during their study period. Students should make full use of this to gain industry exposure and professional preparedness.
It’s no secret that Australia has introduced stricter checks to ensure students are genuine applicants. This includes a very strong and strict assessment of their academic background, financial background, study gaps, professional experience (if any) and the relevance of their chosen field of study. Under the new Australia student visa requirements 2025, students may need to show higher financial capacity due to the rising cost of living. Additionally, students can still only work for 48 hours per 14 days, but with an added advantage. Students can now enjoy more flexibility during university breaks such as summer or winter breaks. During such times off, students can work for unlimited hours. While there are quite a few details, what students must keep at the forefront of their minds is that the process is definitely becoming more strict as compared to previous years.
An Australian education is an expensive affair which may be made more affordable by scholarships in )Australia for international students .
A few examples of Government-Funded Scholarship programs like the Australia Awards and Destination Australia Scholarships offer full or partial funding for deserving candidates based on merit and need.
Many universities provide academic excellence or faculty specific awards. Students should always check with their respective university while applying. For example, Deakin University offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious 100% Scholarship and the India 25% and 20% Merit Scholarships for academically strong students. Curtin University provides the John Curtin Global Excellence (up to 40% fee reduction) and Global Merit (20–25%) Scholarships. QUT offers the International Merit Scholarship (25% on tuition fee) and Southern Cross University offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship and the Global Regional Scholarship, both granting up to AUD 8,000 per year.
Making a successful application for an Australia study visa in 2025/2026 is more about displaying your profile in a holistic manner than merely collecting documents and applying.
Submitting incomplete documents
Providing inconsistent financial information
Ignoring updated visa guidelines
Applying too late (consider the Australia student visa processing time in your plan)
Your chosen program should be an organic continuation of your studies. If you wish to study Nursing or Medicine, then medical science as per the Indian curriculum should be your chosen stream in Grade 12. Similarly, if you wish to pursue an MBA, then you should ideally be a bachelor’s degree holder in business administration or commerce. While the odd case may be an exception to this, most universities put a great emphasis on continuity of relevant education.
Author Bio : Silver Fern
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