Australia
Australia
At a glance
Australia, by the numbers
#13
University of Melbourne — Australia’s top university
QS World University Rankings 2026
#18
University of Sydney
QS World University Rankings 2026
#19
UNSW Sydney
QS World University Rankings 2026
6 in the top 50
Australian universities ranked among the world’s best
QS World University Rankings 2026
Field notes
- Melbourne has been named the world's most liveable city seven times by the Economist Intelligence Unit
- Australia has 20,000+ kilometres of coastline, over 10,000 beaches — and almost none of them are crowded
Highlights
Why Australia
Australia pairs some of the world's top-ranked universities with one of the most laid-back lifestyles anywhere. You'll study in English from day one, in cities that are constantly ranked among the world's most liveable. Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer a mix of world-class campuses, incredible food scenes, and beaches and national parks on your doorstep. International students can work part-time while studying and stay on after graduation through Australia's well-known post-study work program.
Top-ranked, taught in English
Melbourne, Sydney, and UNSW sit in the world's top 20.
Beach + city life
Bondi, St Kilda, and weekend road trips to the coast.
Work while you study
Up to 48 hours a fortnight during term, unlimited in breaks.
Safe, liveable cities
Melbourne and Sydney are routinely ranked among the most liveable on Earth.
Budget planning
Cost of living in Australia
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
Visitor visa (subclass 600) or ETA/eVisitor where eligible
- Processing time
- Check current processing guide before travel
- Work rights
- No work on ETA/eVisitor or Visitor visa
- an internship is work unless the visa conditions and purpose expressly permit it
- Funds needed
- Enough funds for the whole visit, course, accommodation and onward travel
- no universal short-stay USD threshold
- A Visitor visa is not a substitute for a Student visa. Study must remain within the selected visitor route and its conditions.
Key requirements
- Entry assessment — Check Visitor visa, ETA or eVisitor eligibility before booking
- Enrolment confirmation — Letter from the short-course provider stating course dates
- Financial capacity — Funds for the visit, course and onward travel
- Passport copy — Valid travel document and identity evidence
- Health and character — Evidence if requested by Home Affairs
- Application fee — Current charge for the selected visitor route, if applicable
Verified 2026-09-02 · Sources: Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Home Affairs — Applying for a student visa · Home Affairs — ImmiAccount · Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) work conditions · Home Affairs — Visa pricing estimator · Home Affairs — Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Guides & Articles
Guides & articles for Australia
Complete GuideStudy Abroad in Australia
A complete guide to universities, visas, costs, and student life in Australia — from Melbourne to Sydney to the Gold Coast.
Read the guide
