Study in Australia for International Students 2025
Table of Contents
Thinking about studying abroad in 2025? Australia might just tick all the right boxes! Whether you’re dreaming of top-ranked universities, vibrant cities, warm weather, or a chilled-out lifestyle—Australia offers the perfect balance of academic excellence and life experience. Thanks to extended post-study work rights, new scholarships, and globally recognized degrees, Australia is expected to see an 8–10% rise in international student enrolments in 2025 (Study Australia, 2024).
Plus, five Aussie cities—including Melbourne and Sydney—are ranked among the top 50 best student cities worldwide. Whether you’re looking to pursue nursing, business, IT, or environmental science—this guide has got you covered. From top universities and trending courses to scholarships and visa tips, let’s explore everything you need to know about studying in Australia in 2025!
Why Study in Australia? Benefits for International Students in 2025
Thinking about studying abroad in 2025? Australia is still one of the best choices. With world-class universities, exciting career opportunities, and a safe, multicultural environment, Australia attracts over 600,000 international students every year. According to the Australian Government’s Study Australia platform, that number is expected to rise by 8–10% in 2025 due to expanded post-study visa options and growing global interest. Plus, five Australian cities—Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide—were ranked among the top 50 best student cities in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2024). Below are various reasons as to why students are choosing Australia in 2025:
- World-Class Education: 7 of the Australian universities rank in the Top 100 globally (QS World Rankings 2025).
- Multicultural Environment: Students from 190+ countries study in Australia—expect a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
- Post-Study Work Rights: Up to 4 years post-study work visa available (even more for certain master’s and PhD programs).
- High Quality of Life: Melbourne and Sydney ranked among the Top 10 Most Livable Cities in the world (EIU Global Liveability Index).
- Safety and Student Support: Australia ranks as one of the safest countries with strong student protection and health coverage (OSHC).
Top Universities in Australia for International Students in 2025
Australia isn’t just about beaches and barbecues—it’s home to some of the world’s top-ranking universities. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in medicine, business, law, engineering, or the arts, Australia’s universities offer globally respected qualifications, flexible course structures, and plenty of hands-on learning. The country is ranked #3 worldwide for the number of international students (after the US and UK). In addition to this, over 5,000+ scholarships are available for international students across these institutions. Following are the key details of top universities in Australia for international students:
University | Global Ranking (2025) | Location | Top Programs for International Students |
University of Melbourne | #14 globally, #1 in AUS | Melbourne, Victoria | Arts, Science, Medicine, Business, Engineering |
Monash University | #37 globally, #2 in AUS | Melbourne, Victoria | Pharmacy, IT, Nursing, Engineering, Education |
University of Sydney | #38 globally, #3 in AUS | Sydney, New South Wales | Law, Business, Medicine, Health Sciences |
Australian National University (ANU) | #42 globally, #4 in AUS | Canberra, ACT | Politics, International Relations, Economics, Public Policy |
University of Queensland (UQ) | #47 globally, #5 in AUS | Brisbane, Queensland | Environmental Science, Psychology, Biotechnology, Business |
UNSW Sydney | #50 globally, #6 in AUS | Sydney, New South Wales | Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science |
University of Western Australia (UWA) | #72 globally | Perth, Western Australia | Earth Sciences, Agriculture, Marine Biology |
Popular Courses to Study in Australia for International Students
Australia has become a magnet for international students, offering a diverse range of courses that align with global job market trends. The Australian Department of Education’s recent data indicates that fields such as Nursing, Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Business and Management, and Environmental Science are among the top choices for international students. These disciplines not only offer robust academic training but also present promising career prospects in Australia’s dynamic economy. Below is an overview of popular courses for international Students in Australia (2025):
Field of Study | Average Starting Salary (AUD) | Projected Industry Growth |
Nursing and Healthcare | $75,000 – $95,000 | Strong growth due to aging population and healthcare demand |
Information Technology (IT) | $80,000 – $120,000 | High demand driven by technological advancements |
Engineering | $70,000 – $100,000 | Steady growth with infrastructure projects |
Business and Management | $60,000 – $90,000 | Consistent demand across sectors |
Environmental Science | $65,000 – $85,000 | Growing focus on sustainability and conservation |
Australia Student Visa Requirements and Process for 2025
Planning to study in Australia in 2025? You’ll need a Student Visa (subclass 500)—this visa allows you to live, study, and even work part-time while you’re enrolled in a full-time course in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know, broken down step by step:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Before you can apply for your visa, you must be accepted into a CRICOS-registered course (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Once accepted, your institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)—a digital certificate that confirms your place.
- Financial Requirements: You’ll need to prove you have enough funds to cover your stay in Australia. As of 2025, the minimum financial requirement for international students is:
- AUD 29,710 per year (for living expenses)
- Plus tuition fees for your course
- Plus return airfare (approx. AUD 2,000 depending on location)
- English Language Proficiency: To study in Australia, you must meet English language standards unless you’re from an exempt country or have previously studied in English. Acceptable tests include: IELTS (minimum 6.0 overall), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (CAE).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): This is mandatory for all international students in Australia. OSHC covers hospital visits, doctor fees, limited prescriptions, and emergency ambulance. Its costs start at around AUD 500–AUD 600/year depending on the provider.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: The GTE statement is your chance to explain why you’re coming to Australia—and that your primary reason is study, not permanent migration. Your statement should include:
- Why you chose your course and institution
- How it fits into your future goals
- Evidence of ties to your home country (family, job, assets)
- Visa Application Fee: As of 2025, the base visa application fee for subclass 500 is AUD 710 (for the primary applicant). Plus, additional fees for partners or children. This fee increased in mid-2023 by about 13%, and more fee hikes may occur depending on policy changes.
Scholarships to Study in Australia for International Students in 2025
Studying abroad can be expensive, but Australia offers a wide range of scholarships that can help ease the financial burden for international students. In fact, according to the Australian Government, over 3,000 international students receive fully or partially funded scholarships every year.
Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, there are multiple scholarship options available based on merit, need, region, or field of study. Many Australian universities also provide generous funding through their own internal scholarships, while national and government-backed programs support students from eligible developing nations. So, if you’re wondering, “Can I get a scholarship to study in Australia in 2025?”—the answer is yes, and here’s how:
Scholarship Name | Who Can Apply? | What It Covers | Application Deadline |
Australia Awards Scholarships | Students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific | Full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, OSHC | February–April 2025 (varies by country) |
Destination Australia Program | International students studying in regional Australia | Up to AUD 15,000/year for tuition and living expenses | March–May 2025 |
Research Training Program (RTP) | Master’s and PhD students | Tuition fees, living stipend, and research costs | Open year-round (via universities) |
Commonwealth Scholarships | Students from Commonwealth countries | Full tuition, travel costs, and living stipend | June 2025 |
University-Specific Scholarships | Offered by individual universities | Varies: partial to full funding based on merit, financial need, or faculty choice | Varies by university |
Conclusion
Australia isn’t just a study destination—it’s a life-changing experience. With world-class universities, an open and diverse culture, beautiful cities, and incredible job opportunities, it’s no surprise that more and more students are choosing Australia for their higher education in 2025.
Add to that generous scholarships, simplified visa processes, and strong student support systems—and you’ve got a winning formula for your academic journey. So, what’s next? Start researching your dream university, shortlist some scholarships, and prepare your visa documents. Your Aussie adventure awaits—and trust us, it’s going to be one of the best chapters of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Australia a good option for international students in 2025?
Absolutely! Australia is one of the top destinations for international students thanks to its globally ranked universities, post-study work opportunities, and welcoming multicultural environment. Over 600,000 international students choose Australia every year—and that number is expected to grow in 2025.
What are the best universities in Australia for international students in 2025?
Some of the top universities for international students in Australia include:
University of Melbourne
Monash University
University of Sydney
Australian National University (ANU)
University of Queensland
These universities rank in the Top 100 globally (QS World Rankings 2025) and offer strong academic support for international students.
What are the most popular courses for international students in Australia?
Trending courses among international students in Australia in 2025 include:
Nursing and Healthcare
Information Technology (IT)
Engineering (civil, mechanical, software)
Business and Management
Environmental Science
These fields are in high demand and offer strong post-study work prospects in Australia.
How much does it cost to study in Australia as an international student?
On average, tuition fees for international students in Australia range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year depending on the course and university. Living expenses are estimated at AUD 29,710 per year (as per the 2025 student visa requirements).
What are the requirements for an Australia student visa in 2025?
To apply for a student visa in Australia (Subclass 500), you’ll need:
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian university
Proof of funds (~AUD 29,710/year)
English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Visa application fee of AUD 710 (for the main applicant)
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Yes! As of 2025, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. This helps offset living costs and offers practical experience.