Entry requirements

Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in Australia. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

English language proficiency

English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa (see table below). The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS entry levels required by the education institution. 

Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. You should check the entry requirements with your proposed institution.

* IELTS test to have been conducted not more than 24 months before the day on which the application was made

Academic

Undergraduate

Undergraduate courses require an Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects.

Postgraduate

Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Demonstrated research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.

Vocational education and training

Usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. However some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience. 

Schools

Entry requirements can vary between schools throughout Australia. Academic performance and ability is taken into consideration during the selection process. Some schools are more selective in their student intake and place higher emphasis on academic or sporting excellence. School enrolments may be limited simply because the availability of spaces is at a premium.

What if you do not meet the entry requirements?

If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, there are many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. All Australian universities have their own English language centre or have links with English language colleges.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for further study you can enrol in secondary school in Australia. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course.  Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. It is recommended that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.

Tuition fees

International students are charged up-front tuition fees in Australia. These fees are very affordable and are consistently less expensive than the UK or USA.

Some Institutions make an additional charge to cover other student costs. These may include student organisation membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. You may also have to pay a specific charge for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material for some courses. These costs will vary depending on the course or institution therefore average costs are provided below and should only be used as a guide. All school tuition fees are exempt from Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Institutions will advise you how to pay and when to pay your tuition fees.

University

such as university entrance, preparatory and bridging courses

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Vocational education and training

School

English language training