Introduction
At a glance
- Tuition per yearUG A$30,000–50,000 · PG A$32,000–55,000about ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh for a master's
- Living cost per yearA$29,710–40,000about ₹19.3 lakh – ₹26 lakh
- IntakesFebruary, July, November (selected courses)
- Part-time work48 hrs/fortnight in term
- Post-study workSubclass 485: Indians up to 3 years after a master's
- Usual IELTS (overall)Bachelor's 6.0–6.5 · Master's 6.5
Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.
Quick read
- Australia is one of the largest destinations for Indian students, and people born in India are now the biggest overseas-born group in the country.
- Expect tuition of around A$32,000–A$60,000 a year for a master's, and show at least A$29,710 a year for living costs on your visa application.
- The Student visa (subclass 500) costs A$2,500 from 1 July 2026, and you need Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay.
- You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and without a limit during scheduled breaks.
- From 2 October 2026, most new bachelor's and master's students can no longer bring a partner or children on their Student visa; PhD students are exempt.
- After graduating, Indian nationals can usually get a Temporary Graduate visa of up to 3 years after a master's and up to 4 years after a PhD.
Australia has 40-plus universities, most of them public, spread across big cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and smaller centres such as Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Hobart. Every provider that teaches international students must be registered on CRICOS, and the ESOS framework sets out legal protections for overseas students, including tuition protection if a provider closes.
Courses are practical and often linked to industry, with placements and projects built in. Most universities admit students in February and July. A master's usually takes 1.5 to 2 years, which is longer than in the UK but matters later, because the post-study work visa needs at least two academic years of study in Australia.
Australia has also tightened its student visa settings since 2024: higher visa fees, a stronger Genuine Student test, a national planning level for new students, and new limits on bringing family. None of this closes the door, but it does mean families should plan the budget, the course choice and the visa file carefully.
Why Indian students choose Australia
India and Australia have strong education ties. The two countries signed the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which gives Indian graduates longer post-study work periods than most other nationalities. Some Australian universities also run branch campuses in India, such as at GIFT City in Gujarat.
There is a large Indian community in every major city, so Indian food, festivals, temples and community groups are easy to find. For many families, that support network is as important as the course itself.
Students also like the clear structure of the system: two main intakes, published entry requirements for Indian qualifications, and work rights that let you earn some of your living costs. The trade-off is cost, and job outcomes for international graduates are weaker than for local graduates, so the choice of course and city matters.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| People born in India living in Australia (June 2025) | 971,020, the largest overseas-born group | Australian Bureau of Statistics, Apr 2026 |
| Indian students in Australian universities and tertiary institutions (as on 1 January 2025) | 138,579 | Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2025 |
| India's share of all international students in Australia (year to February 2026) | 16%, second after China | Australian Department of Education, 2026 |
| National Planning Level for new international student commencements, 2026 and 2027 | 295,000 each year | Study Australia, Jul 2026 |
| Full-time employment of onshore international postgraduate coursework graduates (2025) | 52.2% (domestic graduates: 88.3%) | QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025 |
| Median full-time salary of international postgraduate coursework graduates working in Australia (2025) | A$69,400 a year | QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025 |
Top universities in Australia
Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.
Photo: Bob Tan, CC BY 4.0 PublicThe University of Melbourne
Melbourne, AustraliaOften chosen for Life Sciences, Law, Business & Management
Photo: Rob Deutscher from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0 PublicMonash University
Melbourne, AustraliaOften chosen for Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering, Data Science & AI
Photo: J Bar, CC BY-SA 3.0 PublicUNSW Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Finance & Accounting
Photo: Donaldytong, Public domain PublicDeakin University
Melbourne and Geelong, AustraliaOften chosen for Nursing & Allied Health, Computer Science & IT, Business & Management
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. KittySaturn~commonswiki assumed (based o…, Public domain PublicThe University of Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaOften chosen for Business & Management, Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences
Photo: BobTanGo, CC BY 4.0 PublicThe University of Queensland
Brisbane, AustraliaOften chosen for Life Sciences, Engineering, Business & Management
Photo: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0 PublicRMIT University
Melbourne, AustraliaOften chosen for Arts, Design & Media, Engineering, Computer Science & IT
Photo: Yu Chu Chin, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicAdelaide University
Adelaide, AustraliaOften chosen for Engineering, Life Sciences, Business & Management
Photo: Mw12310, CC BY-SA 3.0 PublicMacquarie University
Sydney, AustraliaOften chosen for Business & Management, Finance & Accounting, Computer Science & IT
Photo: J Bar, CC BY 3.0 PublicUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Sydney, AustraliaOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Data Science & AI
Photo: www.brisbaneishome.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicGriffith University
Brisbane, AustraliaOften chosen for Nursing & Allied Health, Business & Management, Hospitality & Tourism
Photo: Phil Lees, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicLa Trobe University
Melbourne, AustraliaOften chosen for Nursing & Allied Health, Computer Science & IT, Business & Management
- Public
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, AustraliaOften chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Arts, Design & Media
Photo: Kookyrabbit, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicCurtin University
Perth, AustraliaOften chosen for Engineering, Business & Management, Nursing & Allied Health
Popular courses
Programmes Indian students commonly choose in Australia. Exact course names, fees and entry rules vary by university.
- PostgraduateMaster of Information TechnologyComputer Science & IT
- PostgraduateMaster of Data ScienceData Science & AI
- PostgraduateMaster of Professional AccountingFinance & Accounting
- PostgraduateMaster of Business Administration (MBA)Business & Management
- PostgraduateMaster of Professional EngineeringEngineering
- PostgraduateMaster of Public HealthMedicine & Health Sciences
- UndergraduateBachelor of NursingNursing & Allied Health
- UndergraduateBachelor of Information TechnologyComputer Science & IT
Looking for something specific? Try the Course Finder.
Explore course guides: what each course covers, costs by country and careers
Benefits of studying in Australia
- 01
Longer post-study work for Indians
Under AI-ECTA, Indian graduates can usually stay up to 3 years after a master's and up to 4 years after a PhD on the Temporary Graduate visa.
- 02
Generous work rights while studying
You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight in term and without a limit in scheduled breaks, at Australian minimum wage rates or above.
- 03
Strong student protections
Providers must be CRICOS-registered and follow the ESOS rules, which cover course information, student support and tuition protection.
- 04
Practical, industry-linked courses
Many degrees include placements, internships or industry projects, which help when you look for your first job.
- 05
Choice of city and lifestyle
You can pick a large city like Sydney or Melbourne, or a smaller, often cheaper city such as Adelaide, Hobart or Geelong.
- 06
Large Indian community
Indian food, groceries, temples, gurdwaras and community groups are easy to find, which makes settling in easier.
Eligibility and English tests
| Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Class 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board). Leading universities often ask for around 70%–85% or more; others accept lower marks. | A recognised bachelor's degree. Many universities accept 3-year Indian degrees; some courses ask for a 4-year degree or a minimum percentage based on your college. |
| Subject prerequisites | Mathematics, physics or chemistry for engineering, IT and science; biology or chemistry for health courses. | A related bachelor's for engineering, IT, nursing and accounting; many business and data courses accept any discipline. |
| English (university entry) | Usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an equal PTE or TOEFL score. | Usually IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0; nursing, teaching and law ask for more. |
| Work experience | Not needed. | Not needed for most courses; MBA programmes usually want 2–5 years of full-time work. |
| Typical course length | 3 years for most degrees; 4 years for engineering and honours degrees. | 1.5–2 years for most coursework master's; 1-year options exist but may not qualify you for post-study work. |
| Other documents | Mark sheets, passport, English test result, and a short statement for some courses. | Degree certificate and transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and references for some courses. |
English tests commonly accepted
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (some universities, for admission only; not accepted for the visa)
- To get the Temporary Graduate visa later, you must meet the Australian study requirement: at least two academic years (92 CRICOS-registered weeks) of study in Australia. A 1-year master's on its own will not meet it.
- Your university and Home Affairs both check that you are a genuine student. Gaps in study, an unrelated course change or weak finances need a clear explanation.
- For the visa itself, the usual minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE Academic 47 or TOEFL iBT 67 (lower if you add an English course). Duolingo is accepted by some universities for entry, but not for the visa.
- Nursing graduates need registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to work as nurses, and the Board sets its own, higher English standard.
Intakes and application timeline
Main intakes: February, July, November (selected courses).
Shortlist courses and universities
10–12 months before intake
Take an English test
8–10 months before intake
Submit applications
5–8 months before intake
Accept an offer, pay the deposit and receive your CoE
3–4 months before intake
Apply for the Student visa (subclass 500) and arrange OSHC
2–3 months before intake
Cost of studying in Australia
Fees are set by each university and differ by course and city. Business, IT and engineering master's degrees at the best-known universities are at the top of the range; regional and newer universities are usually cheaper. Fees usually rise a little each year.
| Tuition | In AUD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degreeScience, engineering and IT are usually at the higher end. | A$30,000–55,000per year | ≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh |
| Master's degree (coursework) | A$32,000–60,000per year | ≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹39 lakh |
| MBASome MBA programmes charge a total programme fee instead. | A$40,000–75,000per year | ≈ ₹26 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh |
| Medicine, dentistry and veterinary science | A$70,000–95,000per year | ≈ ₹45.5 lakh – ₹61.8 lakh |
| Vocational diploma (VET) | A$8,000–25,000per year | ≈ ₹5.2 lakh – ₹16.3 lakh |
Other costs before you fly
| Item | In AUD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (subclass 500) application chargeFrom 1 July 2026, for most applicants. | A$2,500one-off | ≈ ₹1.6 lakh |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (single)Usually paid upfront for the whole course; prices differ by insurer. | A$600–900per year | ≈ ₹39,000 – ₹58,500 |
| Living costs you must show for the visaPlus your first year's tuition and travel costs. | A$29,710per year | ≈ ₹19.3 lakh |
| Tuition deposit to receive your CoEOften one semester's fees; counted towards your tuition. | A$10,000–30,000one-off | ≈ ₹6.5 lakh – ₹19.5 lakh |
| Rental bond and setting-up costsA bond is usually four weeks' rent, refunded when you leave. | A$1,500–4,000one-off | ≈ ₹97,500 – ₹2.6 lakh |
| One-way flight from India | A$700–1,500one-off | ≈ ₹45,500 – ₹97,500 |
Tuition figures are typical ranges from university fee pages in 2026. Always check the exact fee for your course and intake on the university website before you apply. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCost of living in Australia
Home Affairs asks you to show at least A$29,710 a year for living costs, which is about A$2,475 a month. In practice, most single students in Sydney or Melbourne spend around A$2,400–A$3,500 a month; costs are lower in Adelaide, Hobart and regional cities.
| Per month | In AUD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared house or flatSydney and inner Melbourne are at the top of the range. | A$1,100–2,000per month | ≈ ₹71,500 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| Student accommodation or on-campus room | A$1,600–2,800per month | ≈ ₹1 lakh – ₹1.8 lakh |
| Groceries and eating out | A$400–700per month | ≈ ₹26,000 – ₹45,500 |
| Public transportSome states give international students a concession fare. | A$100–220per month | ≈ ₹6,500 – ₹14,300 |
| Mobile phone and internet | A$40–90per month | ≈ ₹2,600 – ₹5,850 |
| Electricity, gas and waterOften included in student accommodation. | A$80–180per month | ≈ ₹5,200 – ₹11,700 |
| Personal costs and leisure | A$150–350per month | ≈ ₹9,750 – ₹22,750 |
| Rough monthly total | A$3,470–6,340 | ≈ ₹2.3 lakh – ₹4.1 lakh |
These are our estimates for a single student based on typical 2026 prices. Your own costs depend on your city, housing and lifestyle; the Study Australia cost-of-living calculator is a useful check.
Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.
Scholarships
Most Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships or tuition fee reductions for international students, often assessed automatically at the time of application. Check each university's scholarships page for current eligibility and deadlines.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships
The University of Sydney
Value: A$5,000 to A$60,000 (tiered; the larger awards are paid over one year)
Who it's for: New international students with an unconditional offer for a bachelor's or coursework master's; considered automatically.
Official page (opens in a new tab)International Scientia Coursework Scholarship
UNSW Sydney
Value: Full tuition, or A$20,000 a year towards tuition, for the minimum length of the programme
Who it's for: International students starting full-time bachelor's or master's coursework; you must apply, and selection looks at merit and leadership.
Official page (opens in a new tab)International Student Award
UNSW Sydney
Value: 20% off tuition for the length of the programme
Who it's for: New international students starting in 2027; you are considered when you apply for admission.
Official page (opens in a new tab)Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
Deakin University
Value: 50% or 100% of tuition for the normal length of the course
Who it's for: International applicants to coursework degrees with an average of at least 85%; needs a form, statement and two references.
Official page (opens in a new tab)Research Training Program (RTP)
Australian Government, through universities
Value: Tuition fee offset, and at many universities a living stipend
Who it's for: Domestic and international students in research master's and PhD programmes; you apply to the university.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Student visa: Student visa (subclass 500)
The subclass 500 visa lets you study full-time at a CRICOS-registered provider for the length of your course, plus a short period after it. You apply online after you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Home Affairs checks that you are a genuine student, that you have enough money, that you meet English, health and character rules, and that you hold health cover. Applications are processed faster while your university is below 80% of its yearly allocation of new students.
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Application charge | A$2,500 for most applicants, from 1 July 2026 |
| Living costs to show | A$29,710 a year, plus first-year tuition and travel |
| Health cover | Overseas Student Health Cover is required for your whole stay |
| English for the visa | Usually IELTS 6.0, PTE 47 or TOEFL iBT 67 (lower with an English course) |
| Family members | From 2 October 2026, most students cannot include a partner or children; PhD students are exempt |
| Processing | Times vary; applications to providers below 80% of their allocation are prioritised |
How to apply
- Choose a CRICOS-registered course and apply to the university with your academic records and English score.
- Receive your offer, answer the university's Genuine Student questions, and pay the tuition deposit.
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and buy Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole visa period.
- Gather evidence of funds for tuition, travel and at least A$29,710 a year of living costs.
- Create an ImmiAccount and lodge your subclass 500 application online from India, paying the A$2,500 charge.
- Give biometrics and have a health examination with an approved panel doctor if asked.
- Wait for the decision outside Australia, then check your visa conditions (including work limits) in VEVO before you travel.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course
- Answers to the Genuine Student questions, with supporting evidence
- Academic certificates and mark sheets
- English test result (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test)
- Bank statements, education loan sanction letter or sponsor's income evidence
- Overseas Student Health Cover policy details
- Health examination and police certificates if requested
- Evidence of any study gaps or work experience, such as experience letters
- Welfare arrangements and parental consent if you are under 18
Working while you study
Your Student visa lets you work once your course has started. The limit is 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and there is no limit during scheduled course breaks. International students have the same workplace rights as local workers, including the minimum wage, superannuation and safe working conditions. Breaking the hours limit can lead to your visa being cancelled.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Course in session | Up to 48 hours per fortnight (any 14-day period starting on a Monday) |
| Scheduled course breaks | No limit on hours |
| Research master's and PhD | No limit once your course has started |
| National minimum wage | A$26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026; casual workers usually get a 25% loading on top |
| Partners and children | Most new coursework students can no longer bring family on the visa from 2 October 2026 |
Post-study work visa: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
The Post-Higher Education Work stream of the subclass 485 visa lets recent graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian institution live and work in Australia with no limit on hours. It is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residence on its own, but it gives you time to gain Australian work experience.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Standard length of stay | Usually 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, and 3 years after a research master's or PhD |
| Indian nationals (AI-ECTA) | Up to 2 years after a bachelor's (3 with first-class honours in STEM), 3 years after any master's and 4 years after a PhD |
| Main eligibility | Aged 35 or under when you apply, recent graduate, met the two-year Australian study requirement, and applied within 6 months of finishing |
| English | IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or an equal score, from a test taken within the last year |
| Application charge | A$5,750 for the main applicant, from 1 July 2026 |
| What it can lead to | An extra 1–2 years if you studied and lived in a regional area, or employer sponsorship and skilled visas if you qualify |
Announced changes
Jobs and career opportunities
Demand is strongest in health care, IT, engineering, education and construction-related fields. Most students start in casual jobs in retail, hospitality or delivery while studying, and move to graduate roles after finishing. Local work experience, internships and networking make a big difference, because many employers prefer candidates with Australian experience.
| Sector | Typical roles | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|
| Information technology | Software developer, cloud engineer, cyber security analyst, business analyst | Around A$70,000–A$95,000 a year (graduate) |
| Data and analytics | Data analyst, data engineer, business intelligence analyst | Around A$75,000–A$100,000 a year (graduate) |
| Engineering | Graduate civil, mechanical, electrical or project engineer | Around A$72,000–A$90,000 a year (graduate) |
| Nursing and health | Registered nurse, aged-care nurse, allied health assistant | Around A$75,000–A$90,000 a year (first-year registered nurse, varies by state) |
| Accounting and finance | Graduate accountant, financial analyst, audit associate | Around A$60,000–A$80,000 a year (graduate) |
| Education | Early childhood teacher, primary or secondary teacher | Around A$80,000–A$95,000 a year (graduate teacher, varies by state) |
Salary ranges are our indicative estimates for entry-level roles and are not guaranteed. National survey data shows international master's graduates who work in Australia earn a median of about A$69,400 a year, well below local graduates, so plan for a slower start.
Planning to study in Australia?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.
Best student cities in Australia
Sydney
Australia's largest city and main finance and tech hub, with several large universities and the most job openings.
The most expensive city; a shared room often costs A$350–A$500 a week.
Melbourne
A big student city with many universities, a strong Indian community and a busy arts and food scene.
A little cheaper than Sydney; a shared room is often A$300–A$450 a week.
Brisbane
A warm, growing city with good universities and work linked to construction, health and the 2032 Olympics.
Rents have risen fast; a shared room is often A$280–A$420 a week.
Adelaide
A smaller, calmer city with lower costs, a defence and engineering industry, and some state migration options.
Usually cheaper than the east coast; a shared room is often A$250–A$380 a week.
Perth
The main city of Western Australia, with jobs in mining, energy and engineering.
Rents rose sharply in recent years; a shared room is often A$270–A$420 a week.
Canberra and regional cities
Canberra, Hobart, Geelong, Wollongong and Newcastle offer smaller classes and, in regional areas, extra post-study work time.
Often A$220–A$380 a week for a shared room, depending on the city.
Australia vs other study destinations
| Australia | UK | Canada | New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's tuition (per year) | A$32,000–A$60,000 | £15,000–£35,000 | C$20,000–C$45,000 | NZ$30,000–NZ$50,000 |
| Typical living cost (per year) | A$30,000–A$40,000 | £13,000–£20,000 | C$20,000–C$30,000 | NZ$20,000–NZ$30,000 |
| Master's length | 1.5–2 years | Usually 1 year | 1–2 years | 1–2 years |
| Work in term time | 48 hrs per fortnight | 20 hrs per week | 24 hrs per week off campus | 25 hrs per week |
| Post-study work | 2–4 years (Indians: up to 3 after a master's) | 2 years (18 months for applications from 2027) | Up to 3 years (PGWP) | Up to 3 years |
| Partner can join | Mostly no, except PhD (from Oct 2026) | Mostly no, except research degrees | Limited: mainly longer master's and PhD | Often yes for master's and PhD |
| Main intakes | February, July | September, January | September, January, May | February, July |
| Common English tests | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo (some) | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL |
Figures are broad ranges for comparison only. Rules in all four countries change often, so check each country's guide and official website before deciding.
Challenges to plan for
- High total costWith tuition, a A$2,500 visa fee and big-city rents, a two-year master's can cost well over A$120,000 in total. Part-time work rarely covers more than living costs.
- Tighter visa settingsVisa fees have risen, the Genuine Student test is strict, and from October 2026 most coursework students cannot bring family. A weak or inconsistent file is more likely to be refused.
- Slower job start for international graduatesOnly about half of international master's graduates were in full-time work in the 2025 national survey, compared with most local graduates. Course choice, internships and local experience matter.
- Housing shortageRents in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth have risen sharply, and good rooms near campus go quickly. Arrange temporary housing before you fly and never pay a bond without seeing a contract.
- Permanent residence is competitiveThe post-study work visa is temporary. Moving to permanent residence depends on your occupation, skills assessment, English, age and the government's yearly planning levels.
Is Australia right for you?
A good fit if you…
- You want a practical degree with placements, especially in IT, engineering, nursing, data or accounting.
- You value a longer post-study work period, which is better for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA.
- You can fund the full cost from savings or an education loan without relying on part-time work.
- You are happy to study for at least two years so you qualify for post-study work.
- You like an outdoor lifestyle and a city with a large Indian community.
Think twice if you…
- You plan to bring your spouse or children while doing a bachelor's or master's.
- You want the shortest, cheapest master's possible; a 1-year course in the UK may cost less overall.
- Your plan depends on earning most of your fees through part-time work.
- You have long, unexplained study gaps or want a course unrelated to your background without a clear reason.
- You are counting on permanent residence; it is possible but never guaranteed.
About Australia
Australia is a large, English-speaking country with a strong public university system and one of the biggest international student communities in the world. Most universities are in or near the coastal state capitals, especially Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and degrees are usually three years for a bachelor's and one and a half to two years for a master's.
For Indian families, Australia is a familiar choice: people born in India are now the largest overseas-born group in the country, flights are long but direct from Delhi, and the time difference is small enough for easy calls home. Students should plan for high living costs in the big cities and check visa rules with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
| Australia | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Official language(s) | English (national language; no official language in law) |
| Population | about 27.9 million (31 March 2026 estimate, ABS) |
| Climate | Mostly warm; mild winters in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, cooler and changeable in Melbourne and Adelaide. Seasons are opposite to India: summer is December to February. |
| Time difference with India | Sydney and Melbourne are 4 hrs 30 min ahead of IST (5 hrs 30 min from October to early April, during daylight saving); Perth is 2 hrs 30 min ahead |
| Flight time from Delhi | about 12-13 hours direct to Sydney or Melbourne |
| Largest cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide |
| Currency | Australian dollar (A$, AUD) |
| Indian community | about 971,000 people born in India (30 June 2025, ABS preliminary estimate) - the largest overseas-born group in Australia |
Studying in Australia: FAQs
How much does it cost in total to study a master's in Australia?
For a two-year master's, budget around A$64,000–A$120,000 for tuition and about A$30,000–A$40,000 a year for living costs, plus the A$2,500 visa fee and health cover. Regional universities and cities are usually cheaper.
How much money do I need to show for the Student visa?
You must show at least A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus your first year's tuition and travel. Bank savings, an education loan or a parent's income can be used, but the money must be genuinely available to you.
Can I take my wife or husband with me on a student visa?
For applications lodged from 2 October 2026, most bachelor's and master's students cannot include a partner or children. Doctoral students and a few other groups are exempt. Family members also cannot be added after the visa is granted.
How many hours can I work while studying in Australia?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and without a limit during scheduled course breaks. The national minimum wage is A$26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
How long can I stay and work after my degree?
Indian nationals can usually get a Temporary Graduate visa of up to 2 years after a bachelor's, 3 years after a master's and 4 years after a PhD. You need at least two years of study in Australia and must be 35 or under when you apply.
Is a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for a master's in Australia?
Many Australian universities accept 3-year Indian degrees for coursework master's, though some ask for higher marks or a 4-year degree for certain courses. Check the India-specific entry page of each university.
Which English test should I take?
IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are accepted by universities and for the visa. Duolingo is accepted by some universities for admission but not by Home Affairs for the visa, so IELTS or PTE is usually the safer choice.
Is getting PR after studying in Australia guaranteed?
No. Study and post-study work can help, but permanent residence depends on your occupation, skills assessment, points score and the government's migration settings each year.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Student Visa Application Charge increase (3 July 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Student visa changes, October 2026 update (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: International education settings for 2027 (15 July 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: The 2026 Australian minimum wage increase (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- DFAT: AI-ECTA side letter on post-study work visas (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Education: International student monthly summary and data tables (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Bureau of Statistics: Australia's population by country of birth (June 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of External Affairs, India: Data on Indian students abroad (as on 1 January 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- QILT: 2025 Graduate Outcomes Survey, International Report (opens in a new tab)
- Flinders University: Working while studying declaration (work limits by course type) (opens in a new tab)
- UNSW Sydney: Scholarships for international students commencing Term 1, 2027 (opens in a new tab)
Rules and fees change
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