How to Study in Australia: Complete Guide

How studying in Australia works

Australia is a popular destination for international students, with universities, vocational (VET) providers, and English-language colleges across the country. Most international students follow a clear sequence: pick a course and institution, meet the entry requirements, receive and accept an offer, get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and then apply for a student visa before travelling.

There is no single national application portal for international students applying to Australian universities. In most cases you apply directly to each university (or through that university's authorised channels). The state-based Tertiary Admission Centres are mainly pathways for domestic school-leavers, not the usual route for international applicants.

Step 1 — Choose your course and institution

Decide what you want to study and at what level (undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or research). Then shortlist institutions that offer it. The official Study Australia website lets you search courses and providers, and every university publishes its programs, entry requirements, intakes, and fees on its own website.

When comparing universities, you may see global rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education (THE). Treat these as one input among many — alongside the specific course content, location, and entry requirements — and always confirm details on the university's own site.

• Confirm the course is offered to international students at your chosen campus
• Check the level and duration, and whether it is a coursework or research degree
• Note the intake (Semester 1 or Semester 2) and the application lead time

Step 2 — Check entry requirements and apply

Each course sets its own academic prerequisites and English-language requirements. Common evidence of English proficiency includes IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other tests the university and the Department of Home Affairs accept — the accepted tests and required scores vary by course and visa, so check both the university page and the official immigration guidance.

Apply directly through the university's international application system, submitting your academic transcripts, proof of English, identification, and any course-specific documents. If you meet the conditions, the university issues a Letter of Offer.

Step 3 — Accept your offer and get a CoE

After you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course. The CoE is the official enrolment document you need for your student visa application. International students are generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay — your institution can explain the arrangements.

Visa requirements, health-cover rules, and accepted documents are set by the Australian Government and can change. This is general information, not immigration advice — always verify the current requirements on the official government source before acting.

Step 4 — Apply for the Student visa (subclass 500)

International students studying a registered full-time course usually apply for the Student visa (subclass 500). Applications are made through the Department of Home Affairs. As part of the application, applicants must meet the requirements the Department sets — these have included the Genuine Student requirement, evidence of enrolment (your CoE), health cover, and financial capacity.

The exact criteria, fees, processing times, and conditions are determined by the Department of Home Affairs and change from time to time. Confirm everything on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before you apply, and remember this is general information, not immigration advice.

• Apply through the Department of Home Affairs once you have your CoE
• Meet the Genuine Student and other requirements set by the Department
• Verify current fees, conditions, and processing times on the official site

Step 5 — Prepare to arrive and study

Once your visa is granted, plan your arrival around your course start date. Arrange accommodation, understand your visa conditions (including any limits on work while studying, which the Department of Home Affairs sets and updates), and complete your enrolment with the university.

Give yourself time for each stage — choosing, applying, accepting, the visa, and travel can take several months in total, so start early and work backwards from your intended intake.