Study in Australia
Up to 3 years
Post-study work for Indian master's graduates
48 hours a fortnight
Work during term
February and July
Main intakes
₹20 – 37 lakh / year
Indicative tuition
Studying in Australia: the overview
Australia has been one of the most popular choices for Indian students for more than two decades, and for good reason. Its universities are publicly regulated, its courses are built around employability, and the student visa lets you work alongside your studies. Cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have large Indian communities, so food, festivals and familiar faces are never far away.
Every provider that teaches international students must be registered on CRICOS, the Commonwealth register of institutions and courses. That registration comes with legal protections under the ESOS Act, including tuition protection if a provider closes. Before you pay any fee, check that both the institution and the exact course are listed on CRICOS.
The picture has changed since 2024. The government now manages new international enrolments through planning levels for each provider, the visa application fee has risen sharply, and the Genuine Student requirement asks you to explain clearly why this course, in this place, makes sense for your career. None of this shuts the door, but it rewards students who plan early, choose courses with a clear logic and present honest, well-documented finances.
For Indian nationals there is a specific advantage. Under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian graduates can receive longer post-study work stays than many other nationalities, including up to three years after a master's degree and up to four years after a PhD.
- Student visa
- Student visa (subclass 500)
- Visa fee
- AUD 2,000 or more (base fee rose in 2024 and again in 2026; check Home Affairs)
- Living funds to show
- AUD 29,710 for 12 months, plus tuition and travel
- Work during study
- 48 hours per fortnight in term, unlimited in breaks
- Post-study work
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), 2 – 4 years for Indian nationals
- Intakes
- February/March (main), July (second), some November
- English tests accepted
- IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and others; Duolingo at some universities for admission only
- Health cover
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory
- Academic year
- February to November, in two semesters or three trimesters
Why Indian students choose Australia
Longer stays for Indian graduates
Under AI-ECTA, Indian nationals can receive up to 2 years after a bachelor's degree, 3 years after a bachelor's with first-class honours in STEM or ICT, 3 years after a master's and 4 years after a PhD on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), subject to eligibility.
Degrees built around jobs
Most courses include industry projects, placements or work-integrated learning, and professional bodies such as Engineers Australia and CPA Australia accredit many programmes.
Earn while you learn
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and without a limit during official breaks. Australia's national minimum wage is among the highest in the world.
Strong student protections
The ESOS framework and CRICOS registration protect your tuition, set standards for how providers treat you and give you a route to complain to the Overseas Students Ombudsman.
Regional study rewards
Studying and living in a designated regional area can add one or two extra years of post-study work through a second Temporary Graduate visa, and regional cities are usually cheaper to live in.
A familiar community
Indian students form one of the largest international student groups in Australia, and every major city has Indian grocers, temples, gurdwaras, cricket clubs and student associations.
Popular courses in Australia
Information technology and computer science
Consistent demand for software, cloud and cyber security skills, and many courses are accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Engineering
Civil, electrical and mechanical engineers are needed for Australia's infrastructure and energy transition projects. Look for Engineers Australia accreditation.
Nursing and allied health
Registered nurses remain in short supply. Courses lead to registration with AHPRA, though they carry high English requirements.
Business analytics and data science
A popular choice for commerce and engineering graduates who want quantitative roles in finance, consulting and retail.
Accounting and finance
Degrees accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ give a recognised professional pathway.
Education and early childhood
Teacher shortages across several states have made teaching qualifications a practical choice.
Agriculture and environmental science
Australia is a global leader in dryland farming, water management and climate research, with strong regional study options.
Top student cities
Melbourne
Often called the student capital of Australia, with a large Indian community, excellent trams and a strong arts and café culture. Rent is high close to the city.
Sydney
Australia's largest city and financial hub, with the widest job market and the highest rents. Budget carefully if you plan to study here.
Brisbane
Warm weather, a growing tech and infrastructure economy ahead of the 2032 Olympics, and living costs a little below Sydney and Melbourne.
Adelaide
A calmer, more affordable city with a strong defence, health and space-industry presence. Counted as regional for post-study work purposes.
Perth
Mining and energy drive the economy. The city is relaxed and sunny, and also counts as regional for migration purposes.
Canberra
The national capital, home to government departments and research institutes. Small, safe and quieter than the big coastal cities.
Intakes and deadlines
Semester 1
February – March
Apply by: Apply by October – November of the previous year
The largest intake, with the widest choice of courses and scholarships. Leave at least 8 – 10 weeks for the visa after your CoE is issued.
Semester 2
July – August
Apply by: Apply by March – April
Most universities run a full mid-year intake, though some specialised courses, such as nursing and some health degrees, start only in February.
Trimester 3 / summer
October – November
Apply by: Apply by July – August
Offered by trimester-based universities and some vocational providers. Course choice is narrow, so treat it as a backup rather than a plan.
Cost of studying in Australia
Converted at about ₹67 to 1 AUD. Your bank's rate on the day you pay will differ.
| Item | In AUD | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational diploma (VET) | AUD 18,000 – 32,000 / year | ₹12 – 21 lakh / year |
| Bachelor's degree | AUD 30,000 – 50,000 / year | ₹20 – 34 lakh / year |
| Master's degree (coursework) | AUD 32,000 – 55,000 / year | ₹21 – 37 lakh / year |
| Doctoral degree | AUD 30,000 – 50,000 / year (often covered by a scholarship) | ₹20 – 34 lakh / year |
| Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science | AUD 60,000 – 90,000 / year | ₹40 – 60 lakh / year |
| Item | In AUD | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared room) | AUD 1,000 – 1,900 / month | ₹67,000 – 1.3 lakh / month |
| Groceries and eating out | AUD 450 – 750 / month | ₹30,000 – 50,000 / month |
| Public transport | AUD 120 – 250 / month | ₹8,000 – 17,000 / month |
| Phone, internet and utilities | AUD 150 – 300 / month | ₹10,000 – 20,000 / month |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | AUD 600 – 800 / year (single cover) | ₹40,000 – 54,000 / year |
| Books, entertainment and personal | AUD 150 – 350 / month | ₹10,000 – 23,000 / month |
Fees, costs and visa rules change often. Figures here are indicative and were last reviewed in September 2026. Always confirm with the university and the official government website before you pay or apply.
Admission requirements
Academic entry
- Undergraduate: Class 12 with roughly 60 – 80% depending on the university and course. Some courses ask for specific subjects, such as mathematics for engineering.
- Postgraduate: a recognised three- or four-year bachelor's degree, usually with 55 – 70% or equivalent. Some universities accept three-year Indian degrees for most master's courses.
- Vocational diplomas: Class 12 pass with an acceptable English score.
- Research degrees: a master's or honours degree with a research component and an agreed supervisor.
English language
Most universities ask for an IELTS Academic overall of 6.0 – 6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 – 7.0 for postgraduate, with no band below 6.0. Nursing, teaching and some health courses ask for 7.0 or higher in every band.
PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted. Home Affairs also sets its own minimum English scores for the visa, which are separate from the university's entry requirement, so check both.
Documents you will need
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates
- Degree certificate, consolidated or semester-wise marksheets and provisional certificate (for postgraduate)
- English test score report
- Passport
- Statement of purpose or Genuine Student responses
- Work experience letters and CV, if relevant
- Two academic or professional references for some courses
Student visa (subclass 500)
The subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the length of your course, usually plus a short period after it ends. You apply online through ImmiAccount after your university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Assessment looks at your enrolment, finances, English, health, character and whether you are a genuine student.
- 1Accept your offer and receive a CoEPay the deposit your university asks for, arrange Overseas Student Health Cover and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment.
- 2Prepare your Genuine Student answersWrite clear, specific answers about your background, why you chose this course and provider, and how it fits your career plans in India or elsewhere.
- 3Gather financial evidenceShow funds for 12 months of living costs, your first year of tuition and travel. Education loans, savings and fixed deposits in your or your parents' names are common.
- 4Apply online through ImmiAccountUpload documents, pay the visa application charge and submit. Book biometrics at a VFS centre when asked.
- 5Complete your health examinationBook your medical with a Home Affairs panel physician in India after you receive your HAP ID.
- 6Receive your grant and plan travelRead your visa conditions carefully, including work limits and the need to keep enrolment and health cover valid.
Documents you will usually need
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student responses and supporting evidence
- Proof of funds: bank statements, loan sanction letter, fixed deposits, income tax returns of sponsors
- English test score, if requested
- Overseas Student Health Cover certificate
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Police clearance and medical results, if requested
Proof of funds
From May 2024 the living-cost figure has been set at AUD 29,710 for 12 months for a single student (about ₹20 lakh). You also need your first year's tuition and return travel. Add more if a partner or child is coming with you. Home Affairs can ask for evidence that the money is genuinely available to you, so large recent deposits should be explained.
Processing time
Often 3 – 8 weeks for complete applications, though Home Affairs processes some providers' applicants faster under a ministerial direction linked to enrolment planning levels. Apply as soon as you have your CoE.
Work while you study, and after
During your course
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
After you graduate
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream. For Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: up to 2 years after a bachelor's, 3 years after a bachelor's with first-class honours in STEM or ICT, 3 years after a master's and 4 years after a PhD. The age limit is generally 35, and the application fee rose sharply in 2026.
- Work limits apply from the day your course starts, not before.
- Unpaid work that is a required part of your course, such as a nursing placement, does not count toward the fortnightly limit.
- Graduates of regional campuses may be eligible for a second 485 visa of 1 – 2 years.
- The 485 requires an English score of IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with at least 5.5 in each band, plus health insurance and the Australian study requirement.
- Employers must pay at least the national minimum wage and applicable award rates. Cash-in-hand jobs below award rates are illegal, so report them to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Careers and graduate salaries
| Sector | Typical roles | Indicative salary |
|---|---|---|
| Information technology | Software engineer, cloud engineer, cyber security analyst | AUD 75,000 – 110,000 / year at entry level |
| Engineering and construction | Graduate civil, electrical or mechanical engineer | AUD 70,000 – 90,000 / year |
| Health | Registered nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist | AUD 70,000 – 90,000 / year |
| Accounting and finance | Graduate accountant, financial analyst, auditor | AUD 60,000 – 80,000 / year |
| Education | Primary or secondary teacher, early childhood teacher | AUD 75,000 – 85,000 / year |
| Data and analytics | Data analyst, business intelligence analyst | AUD 70,000 – 95,000 / year |
Universities in Australia
Monash University
Melbourne · Public · Founded 1958
Member of the Group of Eight research-intensive universities
The University of Melbourne
Melbourne · Public · Founded 1853
Member of the Group of Eight; Australia's second-oldest university
UNSW Sydney
Sydney · Public · Founded 1949
Member of the Group of Eight research-intensive universities
Deakin University
Melbourne and Geelong · Public · Founded 1974
Large public university known for strong student satisfaction and industry links
RMIT University
Melbourne · Public · Founded 1887
Dual-sector university offering both vocational and degree programmes
Griffith University
Brisbane and Gold Coast · Public · Founded 1971
Comprehensive public university across south-east Queensland
Courses to explore
Scholarships for Australia
Australian scholarships are mostly awarded by universities, and many are automatic merit awards of 10 – 30% of tuition for strong academic records. The Australian Government Research Training Program supports research students, and Destination Australia funds study at regional campuses. Full scholarships are rare and competitive, so plan your budget without assuming you will win one.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Full tuition offset, a tax-free living stipend and overseas student health cover for research degrees
UniversityGraduate Research Scholarships
Full fee offset, living allowance, relocation grant and overseas student health cover
UniversityMonash International Merit Scholarship
A fixed annual amount towards tuition for the standard length of the degree (recently AUD 10,000–15,000 a year; confirm the current figure)
UniversityInternational Scientia Coursework Scholarship
Full tuition or AUD 20,000 a year for the length of the degree
Studying in Australia: FAQs
How much does it cost an Indian student to study in Australia each year?
Plan on roughly ₹35 – 60 lakh a year once you add tuition for most bachelor's or master's degrees to living costs of about ₹15 – 22 lakh. Regional cities and vocational diplomas can bring this down. These are indicative ranges; your university's fee statement is the final word.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
Since March 2024 it has replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant test. You answer targeted questions about your circumstances, your course choice and how it supports your future, with evidence where you can. Honest, specific answers matter more than polished language.
How many hours can I work while studying?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks. Breaching the limit can lead to visa cancellation.
How long can I stay after graduating?
Indian nationals on the Temporary Graduate visa can receive up to 2 years after a bachelor's, 3 years after a master's and 4 years after a PhD, with extra time possible for regional study. Always check the current rules on the Home Affairs website before you apply.
Can my spouse come with me?
In most cases a spouse can be included as a dependant on a student visa, with full work rights if you are studying a master's or doctorate. You must show extra funds for them, and dependants add to the scrutiny of your application.
Is IELTS compulsory?
No. Most universities and Home Affairs also accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and some other tests. A few universities accept Duolingo for admission, but check whether it satisfies the visa.
What is CRICOS and why does it matter?
CRICOS is the government register of institutions and courses approved for international students. If a course is not on CRICOS you cannot get a student visa for it. Check the provider and course code before paying.
Do I need a gap explanation?
Yes, if you have a gap after Class 12 or your degree, explain it honestly with evidence such as work letters or course certificates. Gaps are not automatically a problem, but unexplained ones raise questions.
Does regional study really help?
It can. Regional campuses are often cheaper to live near, and graduates who studied and lived in eligible regional areas may qualify for a second post-study work visa. The list of regional areas is set by the government and can change.
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