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Requirements for Australia

Find out more how to apply:

Who Can Apply in Australia?
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Australian Universities welcome students from around the world.

Admission criteria differ based on whether you are:

  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident

  • An international student 

Applications for Australian Universities are accepted for undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional programs. 

 

Where to Apply? 

Australian university application platforms are quite confusing, there is no one application system used for all of Australia, instead, the systems differ by state/territory.

 
UAC (Universities Admissions Centre)

The UAC is the application system for all universities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The UAC is available for domestic students and UAC International is available for international students. 

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Eligibility:
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Domestic Students

  • Domestic students must be Australian citizens or permanent residents applying to universities that reside ONLY in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.​​

International students

  • International students must be citizens of qualifying Asia-Pacific countries (China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and others in the region) applying to universities that reside ONLY in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

  • Must choose a course and university open for applications through UAC International.

  • Must pay the $200 AUD fee (INTERNATIONAL ONLY).


 

Other University Application Systems:


As mentioned before the university application systems differ depending on where you are in Australia. The process is nearly identical the few differences being;

  • Application Dates

  • Application Fees (International Students Only)

  • Course Specific Variations

  • International Student Documents (They may differ e.g. Personal statements, portfolios, etc.)​​


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State/Territory - Application System 

Victoria - VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre)

Tasmania UTAS - (University of Tasmania) (direct)

Queensland QTAC - (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre)

South Australia  SATAC - (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre)

Western Australia TISC - (Tertiary Institutions Service Centre)

Australian Capital Territory UAC - (University Admissions Centre)

New South Wales UAC - (University Admissions Centre)

Northern Territory SATAC - (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre)

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The main difference between each application system is that it is state/territory specific.

Visa and Immigration Process
 

International students must obtain an Australian student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia.

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Eligibility ​
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  • Must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia 

  • Must hold an overseas student health cover (OSHC)

  • Must meet character requirements (Found on the immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website)

  • Must meet English language requirements 

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Cost​
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Ranging from AUD 1,600 (unless exempt).

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With this visa, you can
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  • Participate in an eligible course of study in Australia 

  • Travel in and out of Australia 

  • Work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course or training is in session 

  • Stay in Australia for up to 5 years and in line with your enrollment 

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Steps to obtain a student visa:
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  1. Apply online through the ImmiAccount portal.

  2. Apply for a visa with enough time before your course starts. (immediately after you get your university acceptance)

  3. Submit required documents
    - Identity Documents
    - Confirmation of enrolment for all intended courses
    - Student documents
    - Provide a response in English to a set of questions in an online application each question has a 150-word limit to address the genuine student criteria
    - Meet student visa English requirements
    - Evidence of money for your stay
    - Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover
    - Polio Vaccination Certificate 

  4.  After you apply you must Undergo medical exams and biometrics if requested.

 

Language Requirements
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Proof of English proficiency is required unless you have completed previous studies in English. Common tests include:

English Language Requirements

  1. IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 overall with no band lower than 6.0 is typical for most programs.
     

  2. TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80–90 is usually required.

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Application Process
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  1. Research Programs: Review university websites to explore programs and their entry requirements.
     

  2. Create an Account: Register on UAC or the university-specific portal.
     

  3. Submit Documents: Upload academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and any other required documents.
     

  4. Pay Fees: Pay application fees as required by UAC or the specific university.
     

  5. Monitor Application: Track your application status and respond promptly to any requests from the university.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid
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Australia offers numerous scholarships for domestic and international students.

University Specific Scholarships:
Go to your desired university webpage navigate to their scholarships page and apply for any scholarships you are eligible for. 

Australian Government Funded Scholarships:
Head to studyaustralia.gov.au  and browse through a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries that can help support you financially.

Examples include:

  1. Australia Awards Scholarships
     

  2. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship.
     

  3. Rotary Peace Fellowships
     

  4. Australian Government Research Training Program
     

Are All Programs Taught in English?

Almost all programs are taught in English, except for a range of language classes. 

 

Application Tips From An Australian Student

Below I have outlined some tips I have received from teachers and mentors.

 

#1 Apply using the University Webpage

  • Every teacher I have talked to has recommended skipping the common apps and applying directly from the university’s webpage and only using the state/territory-specific common apps if you are planning to go to a university in that state/territory. 

 

#2 Accommodation 

  • Accommodation is a big factor when moving. I recommend applying for residential college-specific scholarships. I also strongly recommend that you apply to be a resident assistant (RA). RA’s get better rooms, it looks amazing on your resume and you meet a lot of people who can turn into lifelong connections.

 

#3 Industry Connections

  • So many universities have amazing internships or placement programs that aren’t widely advertised. Take advantage of these programs. They are a great way to get experience in your field and network.

Check out Australian Universities!

Click below to find information about universities in Australia!

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