Study in Australia

The academic year in Australia varies depending on the type of study you are undertaking.

Many institutions also offer a mid-year, or second semester start. Start dates and the number of semesters vary by course and institution, so please check directly on your institution’s website for details.

Below is a general guide on the academic year for the different levels of study in Australia:

Schools

• Length – 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12)
• Semesters – 4 (usually called terms’)
• Starts – Late January/early February

English

• Length – From 5 weeks to 1 year
• Semesters – The year is split into weeks
• Starts – Throughout the year

Foundation

• Length – 1 year
• Semesters – The semester breaks will depend on your course
• Starts – February but can vary by course and institutions

Vocational Education and Training

• Length – 1 to 4 years
• Semesters – Two
• Starts – February, but can vary by course and institutions

Undergraduate

• Length – Typically 3 years (4 years for honours degree)
• Semesters – Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
• Starts – Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Postgraduate

• Length – 1 to 2 years
• Semesters – Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
• Starts – Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Doctoral

• Length – 3 years
• Semesters – As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semester
• Starts – Your start date will be negotiated with your supervisor

#Source: Study in Australia

The costs of studying in Australia depend on the institution and the level of study you choose.

Tuition

As an international student, your tuition fees are payable before you study. You can use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities.

The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications.

• School – $7,800 to $30,000
• English language studies – Around $300 per week depending on course length
• Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
• Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $15,000 to $33,000*
• Postgraduate Masters Degree – $20,000 to $37,000*
• Doctoral Degree – $14,000 to $37,000*

Living

From July 2016, the amount you need to prove you have for living costs (separate from tuition and travel) is set at AU$19,830 (~US$15,170) for a year.

Australian student visa documents

The DIBP website has a document checklist feature that will provide you with a list of documents required for your specific circumstances. Typically, students must submit the following:

• Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
•  Paid visa application fee – currently AU$550 (~US$420 in most cases)
•  Copy of passport bio data page (some students may be asked to physically provide their passport)
•  Certificate of Enrolment or Letter of Offer
•  Evidence of sufficient funds
•  Evidence of health insurance cover
•  English proficiency test results
•  Criminal record check results
•  Four recent passport-sized photographs

Part-time

Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break, but before you undertake any paid work you need to make sure your visa allows you to work.

Post Study Work permit

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to work in Australia temporarily after they finish their studies. It has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream.

• The Graduate Work stream is for international students who graduate with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation considered in demand in the Australian labour market, as indicated in the list of eligible skilled occupations. A visa in this stream is generally granted for 18 months.
• The Post-Study Work stream offers extended options for working in Australia to eligible graduates of a higher education degree. Under this stream, successful applicants are granted a visa with a visa period of two, three or four years’ duration, depending on the highest educational qualification they have obtained.