Study in Australia 2025- Top Courses, Eligibility, Admission Process, Living Cost and More

Study in Australia is opted by many Indian students to possess a high standard education, wide range of culture, and lucrative career. Australia is a popular study abroad destination due to its globally recognized universities, wide variety of courses, and welcoming post study work policies, and is the second largest source of international student enrolments with more than 122,000 Indian students coming to Australia each year. In this guide, you will learn everything about study in Australia for Indian students after 12th or graduation. We have given minute details regarding the process of study in Australia, Study in Australia admission requirements, Study in Australia costs, Study in Australia scholarships, Study in Australia visa process, and more to make it easier for the Indian students opting for higher education.

Why Study in Australia for Indian Students?

Study in Australia for Indian students is a great option, as it provides high quality education as well as a safe and inclusive environment to study. Here’s why Australia stands out:

• Globally Recognized Degrees: Australian universities are among the top 100 universities in the world, with a total of 9 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

• Diverse Course Options: With over 22,000 courses from 1,100 institutions ranging from engineering and IT to business and health sciences, there’s a course for everyone.

• Post-Study Work Opportunities: Post study work visas (Subclass 485) of 2-6 years are available to graduates based on the course and location.

• Multicultural Environment: Melbourne and Sydney are cities where you will find huge Indian student communities and Australia generally is an inclusive society.

• Affordable Education: With more than 100,000 scholarships and a niche in cost effectiveness when compared to the USA or UK, Australia makes for an attractive study abroad destination.

• Part-Time Work Options: This means that international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, which can help to work off living expenses.

Top Reasons to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Here are the Top Reasons to Study in Australia for Indian Students discussed below:

Study in Australia After 12th: Opportunities and Requirements

Study in Australia after 12th is a desirable option for Indian students willing to start an academic life abroad. Australian universities provide bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and vocational courses, all suited for students straight out of high school.

Eligibility to Study in Australia After 12th

Indian students who want to study in Australia after 12th must fulfill the following criteria.

• Academic Requirements: 12th-grade exams (CBSE, ICSE, or state boards) with a minimum of 65-70%. For competitive courses such as medicine and engineering you may need 80% and above.

• English Proficiency: Overall IELTS (6.0-6.5), TOEFL (60-100), PTE (50-65), or DUOLINGO scores. However, some universities consider an English tongue as an alternative.

• Entrance Exams: You may need to take the SAT or ACT in order to get into some undergraduate programs while medical courses require NEET and there is no specific entrance test required for you to study there.

• Age: Before embarking on their degree, students must be at least 18, although there are exceptions with parental consent.

Popular Courses to Study in Australia After 12th

There are so many streams such as science, commerce, arts for Indian students to choose from. Here are some study in Australia after 12th top courses:

• Engineering: In Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and IT Engineering at universities such as the University of Melbourne and UNSW.

• Business and Management: Bachelor of Business (Wah, Monash University and the University of Sydney).

• Health Sciences: University of Queensland: Nursing, Medicine, Public Health.

• Information Technology: Currently working at RMIT University as a Software Developer, Cybersecurity, Data Science.

• Arts and Humanities: My education is in Design, Literature, and Media Studies at the University of New South Wales.

Top Courses After 12th and Their Duration

Here are the Top Courses After 12th and Their Duration discussed below:

Study in Australia After Graduation: Postgraduate Opportunities

Study in Australia allows Indian students to look for acquiring advanced qualifications such as master's degree, MBA or research program in their Study in Australia after Graduation. Its postgraduate programs are known around the world and have strong industry connections.

Eligibility to Study in Australia After Graduation

In order to have the ability to Study in Australia after Graduation, Indian students would require the following:

• Academic Requirements: A graduate in 3-year Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc., B.A., B.Com.) minimum 65% from a recognized Indian university. However, there are some programs which require either a 4 year degree like B.E., B.Tech. or Honours.

• English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5-7.0 overall), TOEFL (80-100), or PTE (58-65). Exemptions apply for English-medium graduates.

• Entrance Exams: GMAT: 550-650 (for MBA programs) or GRE (for specified master programs) 300+ Not mandatory for all courses.

• Work Experience: MBA or specialized master’s (most, 1-3 years), required for MBA or specialized master’s.

Study in Australia for MBA

Study in Australia for MBA is a top choice due to the reputation of its MBA programs overseas and its industry connection. Programs usually take 1 – 2 years to complete and provide an understanding of leadership, finance and international business.

• Top Universities: The three are University of Melbourne (Melbourne Business School), UNSW (AGSM), and Monash University.

• Eligibility: GMAT (550-650), IELTS (600-750) score, 2-3 years of work experience.

• Average Fees: AUD 40,000-80,000 per year.

• Career Prospects: There are high demands in consulting, finance and tech sectors with salaries starting from AUD 72,000.

Top MBA Programs in Australia

Here are the Top MBA Programs In Australia discussed below:

How to Get Admission in Australian Universities

We study the process of studying in Australia for an Indian student, which involves a number of stages, such as choosing a course or obtaining a visa. A step-by-step guide on how to get admission in Australian universities is down below:

1. Research Courses and Universities: Look at different programs on platforms such as www.studyaustralia.gov.au or university websites. Focus on CRICOS-registered institutions.

2. Check Eligibility: Confirm the academic and ELP requirements. Universities will give you prerequisites for their specific courses.

3. Prepare Documents: Transcripts, mark sheets, SOP, LORs, CV and test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) will be gathered.

4. Apply Online: Applications for university can be submitted through the university’s own portals or through agents such as IDP or AECC. Application fees are rare, and most universities don’t have them.

5. Receive Offer Letter: If it’s accepted then you would receive Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter.

6. Accept Offer and Pay Deposit: Pay a tuition deposit, get confirmed enrollment and a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).

7. Apply for Visa: You can apply for a Subclass 500 student visa using the CoE.

Study in Australia Without IELTS

For Indian students, however, they can actually study in Australia without IELTS under the following conditions:

• English-Medium Education: Those who have studied at institutions where previous education was delivered in English medium may be exempt.

• Alternative Tests: Scores are accepted by the universities from TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo or Cambridge English (CAE/CPE).

• English Language Courses: ELICOS or EAP programs of 4 – 12 weeks can be enrolled in at universities like the University of Melbourne or ANU.

• Exemptions: However, some universities will waive the IELTS requirements for alternative certifications or for students who have a good academic record such as the University of Queensland.

Study in Australia University Fees and Total Cost

The top expenditure while studying in Australia from India includes the tuition fees, living expenses, and all other expenses such as health insurance. Study in Australia costs will differ per course, university and city.

Study in Australia University Fees

• Undergraduate Programs: AUD 20,000-45,000 per year (INR 11-25 lakhs). Further along the higher end are engineering and medicine.

• Postgraduate Programs: AUD 22,000-50,000 per year (INR 12-28 lakhs). Specialized courses and MBAs can get expensive.

• Vocational Courses (TAFE): AUD 4,000-22,000 per year (INR 2-12 lakhs).

• Top Universities: The Group of Eight (Go8) are the universities which charge higher fees (AUD 30,000 to 50,000 per year).

Living Expenses in Australia

Living Expenses in Australia vary depending on the city, as well as on the lifestyle. The average monthly expense of an Indian student studying abroad ranges around AUD 1,500 - AUD 2,500 (INR 80,000 - INR 1.4 lakhs)

• Accommodation: Hostel rates, university housing as well as shared apartments all cost between AUD 600-2,100/month.

• Food and Groceries: AUD 300-500/month.

• Transport: AUD 100-200/month (public transport passes).

• Miscellaneous: AUD 200-400/month (entertainment, phone, internet).

Estimated Annual Costs for Indian Students

Here is the Study in Australia Costs discussed below:

Note: Conversion rate: 1 AUD ≈ INR 56 (as of May 2025).

How to Get Scholarships to Study in Australia

Indian students are able to greatly reduce the financial burden through scholarships. If you want to get scholarships to study in Australia, here’s what you should do:

• Australia Awards: Fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate students’ scholarships to cover tuition and living expenses, and also travel expenses.

• Endeavour Postgraduate Awards: AUD 30,000/year merit based scholarships for master’s and PhD programs.

• University-Specific Scholarships: Monash International Merit Scholarship (AUD 10,000/year), UQ International India Scholarship.

• Eligibility: A good academic record as well as leadership skills and a good IELTS score (if applicable). Most scholarships were not required to take any separate qualifying exams.

• Application Process: If you want to, apply through online portals of universities or www.australiaawards.gov.au.  Deadlines are different (for example, the ALA applications are closed in June).

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students

Here are some of the Popular Scholarships for Indian Students discussed below:

How to Get an Australia Study Visa from India

To be studying in Australia, a Subclass 500 student visa is necessary that actually lets students stay back in Australia for a maximum of 5 years as per the duration of the course. The procedure of how to get an Australian study visa from India is mentioned below.

Study in Australia Visa Requirements

• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): If offered a place, it is issued from a CRICOS registered institution.

• Valid Passport: Valid for at least for six months after arrival.

• English Proficiency: Unless exempt, an IELTS (5.5 overall) or TOEFL or PTE scores.

• Financial Proof: Evidence of funds to meet tuition, living and travel costs (AUD 24,505/year as at 2025).

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance required for the period of stay.

• Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: A statement that indicated an intent to study, not to migrate.

• Additional Documents: CV, SOP, academic transcripts, and two passport sized photos (51 mm x 51 mm).

Study Visa Australia Cost

• Subclass 500 Visa: AUD 650 (INR 36,400 approx.).

• Additional Costs: However, health checks (AUD 200-300), police certificates (AUD 50) and biometrics (AUD 50) will be required.

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa): Post study work AUD 1,895 (INR 1.06 lakh).

Application Process

1. Apply Online: You can submit your application using the Department of Home Affairs website (www.homeaffairs.gov.au)

2. Upload Documents: Include CoE, passport, financial proof and OSHC.

3. Pay Visa Fee: AUD 650, payable online.

4. Attend Biometrics and Health Checks: It follows as required by the Australian embassy.

5. Receive Visa Decision: Processing takes 4-8 weeks.

Which Course is Best to Study in Australia?

Selecting the best course to study in Australia depends on what kind of course you want to pursue, your career goals, market demand etc. Below mentioned are some of the top courses tailored for Indian students, in light of its employability and industry trends.

• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers in high demand. Average salary: AUD 80,000/year.

• Information Technology: The areas of specialization are cybersecurity, data science, and software development. Average salary: AUD 75,000/year.

• Business and Management: International programs in MBA, finance, marketing and many more with great career prospects. Average salary: AUD 72,000/year.

• Health Sciences: Courses in nursing and public health that will guarantee you a job. Average salary: AUD 65,000/year.

• Data Science: Needs quite a bit of analysts and AI specialists. Average salary: AUD 90,000/year.

Top Courses and Career Prospects

Here is the Top Courses and Career Prospects to Study in Australia discussed below:

Top Cities to Study in Australia for Indian Students

While the Indian students get the advantage of good education, India’s affordability and India’s Lifestyle on the one hand and good education lifestyle and India’s affordability on the other. Top Cities to Study in Australia for Indian Students are:

• Melbourne: University of Melbourne (QS Rank 13) is at home here. Vibrant Indian community, cultural events. Living cost: AUD 1,800-2,500/month.

• Sydney: QS Rank 18 hosts the University of Sydney. High job opportunities, iconic landmarks. Living cost: AUD 2,000-3,000/month.

• Brisbane: Much of affordable living (AUD 1,500 – 2,200/month) and warm climate. An area which is home to the University of Queensland.

• Adelaide: Relaxed lifestyle, lower costs (AUD 1,400-2,000/month). It is a top choice university.

• Perth: It is also a growing hub for engineering and IT students. Living cost: AUD 1,600-2,300/month.

Challenges and Tips for Indian Students

Studying in Australia from India is no cake walk but it can be doable if proper planning is involved.

• Cultural Adjustment: Build a support network among the Indian student organizations such as, the Sydney University Sikh Society.

• Financial Management: Start applying for scholarships earlier and look into working part time (minimum wage: AUD 23.23/hour).

• Visa Compliance: Keep yourself enrolled and follow work limits (48 hours/fortnight) or else this might cancel your visa.

• Academic Pressure: Make use of the university resources such as counseling and library to handle coursework.

Tips for Success

• Applications should be started 12-15 months before the intake (February or July).

• Do research for regional universities with lower fees and more available scholarships.

• Reach out to current students or alumni through a platform such as LinkedIn to find out.

• Use www.studyaustralia.gov.au to work out your budget using cost calculators. 

Conclusion

Study in Australia For Indian students, Australia is known for studying the transformational learning environment that provides world class education, various career prospects, and an exciting lifestyle. Indian students, with the proper planning, are sure to achieve their academic and professional goals from choosing the right course to making their way through the study in Australia process. Despite the fees charged, Australia is still considered as one of the best options for students after 12th or graduation with affordable fees and large number of scholarships, and also offers flexible visas. Research the courses, prepare the documents and apply for scholarships today and start your journey to study in Australia.