Interested in studying in Australia? You’re not alone! With its laid-back lifestyle and beautiful landscapes, Australia is a popular destination for international students. The benefits of studying in Australia include a world-class education system, excellent job opportunities after graduation and lots of support.
In this article, we’ll discuss your course options, visa requirements and how to apply to university in Australia. Let’s get started!
What are my study options?
Once you’ve decided to study in Australia, it’s time to pick your university. You have plenty of options. Australia is home to 43 universities, including Curtin University, which ranks in the top 1% in the world.
If you are leaving high school, your next step is most likely an undergraduate degree or a pathway program (such as the English language pathway programs offered by Curtin English). If you already hold an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate degree (depending on your qualifications).
The length of your course depends on the study area. A Bachelor of Arts may take three years, while a Bachelor of Medicine may take up to seven.
No matter what you choose to study, you’ll be able to find a course in Australia.
How do I apply to study at an Australian university?
Now comes the fun part! Generally, applying to university in Australia as an international student takes only a few steps.
- Choose your course – Decide where and what you want to study. There may be certain requirements for your course, including subjects you need to have studied in high school or certain grades you must have achieved.
- Get your documents ready – This includes your ID, high school transcripts, evidence of English language proficiency, letters of recommendation and personal statements.
- Apply – You can apply directly via the Curtin website, by mail or by email.
- Accept your offer – Yes, you got in! Your university will send you an offer for you to accept or reject. Once you have accepted and fulfilled the conditions of your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
And that’s it! Once you are enrolled, you’ll be able to apply for a student visa; we’ll talk more about this in the following section.
Don’t forget that every university’s application process is slightly different. It’s best to visit your chosen university’s website to understand its application system.
If you are not confident about applying on your own, you can use an education agent to guide you through the process.
What requirements do I need to meet as an international student?
Once you’ve been accepted by an Australian education provider, you can apply for a Student (subclass 500) visa. This is going to be your ticket to pursuing your academic dreams in the land Down Under.
Here are just a few of the requirements you’ll need to meet to be eligible for a student visa:
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – This is the document you’ll need to prove you are enrolled in an Australian university – a requirement to get the visa.
- English proficiency – In general, you will also need to demonstrate your English skills by taking a test such as the International English Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE), and achieving a minimum score. Passport holders from certain countries are exempt from this requirement; be sure to double-check if this step is required of you via the Department of Home Affairs.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – As an international student, you’re required to have health insurance for your entire stay in Australia. You can buy OSHC from a variety of insurance providers.
Remember: this is just an overview of some common student visa requirements. Take your time to review the rest of the conditions and ensure you meet all of them before you apply.
Important dates and timelines
The Australian academic year generally runs from February to November. For many courses, the academic year is split into two semesters: February to June, and July to November. There are regular breaks throughout the year plus a longer midyear break between semesters.
Other courses may operate on a trimester-based system. This means the academic year is broken down into three terms. Here at Curtin, the first trimester runs from January to April, the second from May to August, and the third from September to December, with brief breaks between each.
Application deadlines vary between universities and even between courses. At Curtin, applications open around May each year and close in early February (a few weeks before classes start). That might seem like a lot of time, but it’s best to get in early to avoid any last-minute panic!
Take a look at our academic calendar for more information.
Apply to study at Curtin
Curtin University is home to over 13,000 international students, and we would love for you to join our academic community.
Apply to Curtin today and experience the advantages of studying in Australia. If you’re not sure where to start, visit our website for a list of experienced education agents who can help you with your application.
