Studying in Australia
By Farouk Yahaya · Updated 5 October 2026
Australia is a major destination for international students. It has strong universities and a high quality of life, and its rules on working during study have been relatively generous. For most students it is also a long way from home and one of the more expensive places to live.
Universities and daily life
Australia has several highly ranked universities and a well-regarded education system, with teaching in English. The standard of living is good, much of the country has a warm climate, and there is a large, established international student community. Because the rules on working during study have historically been generous, many students use part-time work to help with living costs.
The large state capitals such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are the best known, but universities also operate in smaller cities and regional areas. The choice of city affects your rent, your chances of part-time work and how isolated you might feel far more than the choice of university does.
Costs
International tuition is high and varies by university and subject. Living costs are also high, particularly in the largest cities, and the distance adds to the bill because flights home are long and expensive. Budget for tuition, living costs and travel together. Choosing a smaller city can reduce living expenses considerably.
The visa rules give a useful baseline. On 5 October 2026 the Department of Home Affairs asked Student visa applicants to show AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, on top of the first year’s course fees and travel. Its guide figure for travel is AUD 3,000 for applicants coming from West Africa and AUD 2,500 from East or Southern Africa. Treat these as minimums for the visa, not as a comfortable budget, and confirm them on the Home Affairs site before you apply. Our guide to proving funds for a student visa explains how the evidence works.
Funding
Funding is available but competitive. Universities offer scholarships, many aimed at international students; there are government and national programmes, including awards for students from particular regions; and postgraduate students on research degrees can apply for research funding. Check each university’s scholarship pages, and note that some awards are specifically for students from developing countries.
| Route | Who it suits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Africa | Professionals from eligible African countries applying for a Masters | Run by the Australian Government as a development scholarship. Fully funded, with a requirement to return home after the course |
| University scholarships for international students | Strong applicants to a particular university | Often partial tuition reductions rather than full funding. Deadlines and criteria differ by university |
| Research degree scholarships | Masters by research and PhD applicants | Usually applied for alongside admission. A supervisor’s support helps; see our guide to finding a funded PhD |
| Home government or employer sponsorship | Public servants and staff of organisations with training budgets | Check what your sponsor letter must say for the visa |
If none of these covers the whole cost, our guide to funding your studies without a full scholarship sets out how to combine smaller sources.
Working during study
International students can work a limited number of hours during study, which can offset some living costs. The limits and conditions are set by immigration rules and change over time, so confirm the current allowance for your visa. It is safer to treat work as a supplement to your budget than as the whole plan, and to keep your studies first.
On 5 October 2026 the Student visa page said holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. The same page said students on a master's by research or a doctoral degree have no work limit. Check the conditions on your own visa grant, since breaching them can lead to cancellation.
Our guide to working while you study covers how to fit part-time work around a degree.
Visas and the Genuine Student requirement
International students generally study on a Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from an approved provider, proof of funds and health cover. Applicants also have to meet the Genuine Student requirement: in the online application you answer a set of questions, each with a 150-word limit, covering your current circumstances (family, community, employment and finances), why you want this course with this provider in Australia, and how completing it will benefit you. Home Affairs says it gives more weight to statements backed by evidence, so attach documents that support what you write. Vague answers are a common weakness.
"Australia has world-class universities and a high standard of living. I have always dreamed of studying there and this course will help my career."
"I have worked for three years as a water quality officer in Tamale. The course's modules on catchment management and its fieldwork placement cover the gaps I see in my current role. My employer has confirmed a position for me when I return." (Illustrative example.)
The stronger answer is specific, can be checked against your documents, and connects the course to a realistic plan.
Staying on after graduation
Australia has post-study work arrangements that let eligible graduates stay and work for a period. The main one is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which has a Post-Higher Education Work stream for university graduates and a Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The Home Affairs page lists an age limit of 35 or under at the time of application, with some exceptions. These rules have specific conditions and change regularly, so use the official Australian government sources for current details.
Other practical points
Health cover is required, usually through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian insurer, which your university or agent may arrange as part of your enrolment. Think realistically about how often you would travel home, given the time and cost involved. Teaching expects independent study alongside classes, with continuous assessment through the term. And while the lifestyle and climate are attractive, the cost of living is the price you pay for them.
Before committing, research the particular university, city and course, and check the current visa, work and post-study rules as they apply to you. If you are still choosing between countries, see how to choose which country to study in.