Studying in Australia

Australia is attracting a growing number of international students – not only because of its excellent universities, but also due to its beautiful nature and multi-faceted culture. Studying in Australia offers a mix of modern cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and a diverse landscape. Whether at prestigious universities or vocation-oriented educational institutions, Australia offers a huge spectrum of degrees and courses, making it an attractive destination for academic and professional development. The country is known for its multicultural society, which provides an open and supportive environment for students from all over the world.

Before you sign up for a study programme in Australia, there are a few essential requirements to consider:

Language skills: To study in Australia, you will need excellent English skills. As a rule, you will have to demonstrate these skills by means of a recognised language certificate. The most common tests are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

University entrance qualification: As a rule, you need a high school diploma, such as Abitur, to study at an Australian university. Some courses require a certain grade point average, comparable to the German NC. An exception to this requirement are “VET programmes” (Vocational Education and Training) or associate degrees: many of these programmes require an intermediate university entrance qualification or professional experience rather than a university entrance qualification.  

Application process: The application process will vary depending on the university. In general, however, certificates, letters of recommendation and a personal statement are required. Depending on the university and course of study, you may also be required to undergo an aptitude test or interview.

Visa: To study in Australia, you will need the Subclass 500 student visa.

Tuition fees: The costs of studying in Australia vary from university to university. International students can expect to have to pay approximately 15,000 - 35,000 AUD (approx. 10,000 to 23,000 euros) annually.

Cost of living: International students are advised to budget for 1,500 - 2,500 AUD (894 to 1,490 euros) per month. The costs can vary depending on the region. Large metropolises such as Sydney or Melbourne tend to be more expensive than smaller cities and rural areas.

Additional costs: Make sure you plan in additional costs for insurance, study materials or any additional fees.

Life as a student in Australia brings with it a blend of academic challenges and an active, eclectic lifestyle. Many students choose to live in student residences, which can be found either on campus or near universities. They offer the advantage of proximity to the study courses and are a good opportunity to develop new friendships. But renting a private apartment or living in shared accommodation is also a common option. Another option is to homestay with an Australian family. Australia offers plenty of leisure options, from famous beaches and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking to a vibrant arts and culture scene in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Students also benefit from the multicultural atmosphere at the universities, which offer numerous clubs and events to build contacts and exchange ideas. A student visa also allows you to work up to 24 hours per week, which not only helps fund living expenses but also provides practical experience and insight into the Australian work environment.

Australia offers a wide range of educational opportunities. The flexible educational structure allows students to pursue both academic and vocational paths after high school, individually tailored to their career goals. In addition to the traditional universities that offer academic degrees such as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, you will also find VET (Vocational Education and Training) programmes, which aim to provide practical and career-oriented qualifications. VET comprises vocational training and technical programmes. The VET programmes and associate degrees offer attractive entry opportunities, especially for students without a high school diploma. Another special aspect of studying in Australia is the semester structure, which is based on the seasons there. The academic year usually starts in February/March and ends in November after the second semester. The semester break falls in the Australian summer from December to February.

You can pursue the following qualifications in Australia:

Bachelor’s degree: The Bachelor’s degree usually takes three to four years to complete and is offered at universities as well as some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions. After graduation, graduates have numerous options open to them, including direct career entry or further Master’s studies. For example, if you want to focus on medicine when studying in Australia, you can start with a Bachelor’s degree in health sciences before moving on to advanced courses such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma: The Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma are advanced qualifications that build on a Bachelor’s degree. They offer a specialisation or additional qualification in a specific area. While the Graduate Diploma is considered an academic qualification in Australia, it is often not recognised in Germany as a degree in itself. However, these programmes can facilitate the transition to a Master’s degree.

In Australia, universities offer Master’s and PhD programmes that offer students the opportunity to specialise and deepen their expertise. A Master’s degree typically takes one to two years to complete and can be both vocational and/or research-based. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree and usually requires three to five years of research. Both degrees are internationally recognised and offer graduates excellent career opportunities.

Associate degree: The associate degree is a two-year degree that is between a VET programme and a Bachelor’s degree. It is offered at universities and TAFE institutions and combines vocational training with an academic basis. This is particularly suitable for students without a high school diploma, as an associate degree also enables the transition to a Bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, an associate degree is not always recognised in Germany. In some cases, however, graduates can have credits already earned carried over when they switch to a Bachelor’s programme.

Diploma and advanced diploma (VET):

The diploma and advanced diploma are usually offered at TAFE institutions and private educational institutions and take one to two years. They provide training in areas such as health, IT, design and gastronomy. These programmes are particularly interesting for students without a high school diploma, as they often do not require a university entrance qualification. While these diplomas are highly recognised in Australia, in Germany they are considered further-education or vocational qualifications rather than academic degrees. In some cases, however, graduates of an advanced diploma can switch to a Bachelor’s programme and have credits already earned carried over into this new degree.

To study in Australia, international students require a Subclass 500 student visa. You will need this visa if you want to study full-time at an accredited Australian educational institution. The Subclass 500 allows you to stay in Australia and work (up to 24 hours per week) during your studies. You have to apply for the visa before entering Australia; this can be done online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Here are the key requirements:

• Admission to an Australian university: When you are admitted to study in Australia, you will receive an official written confirmation, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you will need for the visa.
• Health Insurance: All international students in Australia need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources: You must prove that you can afford travel expenses, tuition fees, and living expenses. The amount required may vary depending on the university and region.
• Language certificate: You must also demonstrate your English language skills for the visa. Tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are suitable here too.
• Genuine Student requirement: Here you have to answer a few questions that demonstrate the earnestness of your intention to study: current circumstances (family, career, financial situation), motivation for studying and understanding the requirements and life in Australia and benefits of the course for your future.
• Receipt for visa fees: You must prove that you have paid the fees for the visa of 1,600 AUD (956.41 euros).
• Valid passport
• Further documentation: You may be required to provide additional documents when applying, such as a police clearance certificate, vaccination certificate or proof of your health.