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Australia and New Zealand, capital Canberra

How to Apply to Universities in Australia (2027): Step by Step

Australia teaches almost entirely in English on a two-semester academic year, February/March to November, with a smaller July intake at most universities. International undergraduate tuition runs roughly AUD 26,000 to 61,000 a year depending on the university and course, and a student visa (subclass 500) is required for full-time study.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources
Public tuition, per year
A$26,000 to A$60,960
international students
Living cost, per month
A$2,480
typical range
Work during study
24 h
per week
Post study work
2 yr
after graduation
Intakes
Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3
main application cycles

Bachelor (undergraduate)

  1. Choose a university and course, and check its specific academic and English language entry requirements; some pathway or foundation programs exist for applicants who fall short.
  2. Prepare academic transcripts, an accepted English language test result (or evidence of prior study taught in English), and a copy of the passport identity page.
  3. Apply directly through the university's own application portal, through an authorised education agent, or in some states through a centralised admissions centre (for example UAC in New South Wales or QTAC in Queensland), and pay the application fee if one applies.
  4. Track the application, respond to any request for more documents, and receive an offer (conditional or unconditional).
  5. Accept the offer and pay the required deposit or first semester fees by the university's payment date.
  6. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full length of the student visa.
  7. Apply for the Student visa (subclass 500) through ImmiAccount once the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued, providing evidence of financial capacity and meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
  8. Once the visa is granted, arrange accommodation and travel ahead of orientation.

Postgraduate (master's and above)

The process mirrors the undergraduate steps above; postgraduate applicants instead show a completed bachelor degree (or, for some research degrees, a further qualification or research proposal) as the academic entry requirement, and English language and visa requirements are the same subclass 500 process.

Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/student-visa-subclass-500
  2. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/visa-application-process
  3. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply-to-study.html
  4. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/tips-and-advice-for-students/understanding-mid-year-entry
  5. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
  6. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc
  7. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/temporary-graduate-visa-subclass-485
  8. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/tips-and-advice-for-students/6-tips-for-a-better-student-visa-application-for-australia