Do you want to study in Australia as an international student? It’s got a lot to offer: unique courses, friendly campuses, and opportunities to work with world-class researchers, not to mention the country’s natural beauty and lively cultural and sports scenes. Below, we’ll guide you through the Australian undergraduate application process and things you’ll want to remember along the way.
Once you’ve applied for your course, you’ll need an Australian student visa. Learn more about the student visa application steps and key documents you’ll need.
Get Ready to Apply
Consider starting as early as 24 months before you want to start your course. Some documents you’ll need for your application may need to be mailed physically. Plus, starting early lets you complete any prerequisite classes, if needed.
English Proficiency Tests
While overall entrance qualifications vary, if you’re applying to a higher education course and are from a country where English isn’t an official language or the language of instruction, you must prove you’re ready to study in English. This is most often done by taking an English proficiency test. The score you must meet or exceed will vary by academic institution.
Sometimes, you can meet the language requirement for a higher education course by completing an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) course first.
The most recognized tests in Australia are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson PTE Academic (PTE), and Cambridge Assessment English (CAE).
Did you know: International students must meet separate English-language requirements when applying for a student visa? This requirement, currently set at a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) may be different from what you need for your course.
Put your best foot forward with our guide to preparing for your English-language proficiency test.
Build Your Application
With 12 to 13 months to go, start assembling your applications.
While specific requirements vary by course, many applications will require the following documents:
- To obtain certified copies of your academic transcripts, contact your secondary school. Remember: if your transcript isn’t in English, allow enough time to have it professionally translated.
- If your institution or course asks for one, draft your personal statement or essay.
- Portfolios may be requested for design, art, software engineering, or architecture courses.
- Remember to include identity and contact information like copies of the first page of your passport, your emergency contact info, and a reference list.
- If you’ve taken time off to work or care for your family, you may be asked for study gap documentation. This may include a letter of reference from your employer, pay slips, or a written statement.
- Do you need to write an entrance exam? If so, find out when it is, and when your results must be submitted by.
Once you’ve decided which courses you’re applying to, check individual course pages on the ApplyBoard platform for specific requirements.
When to Apply for Australian Undergraduate Courses
While the main (autumn) session of the academic year begins in February or March in Australia, some courses are open to new students at the start of every term. Most academic institutions have two semesters or sessions per year, and some have three.
Specific application deadlines vary by institution and course. Courses in higher demand often have quicker deadlines, while other courses stay open until they’re full. In general, final deadlines are roughly two months before the start of each term.
Prepare for the Genuine Student Requirement
When applying for your Australian student visa, you must complete the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in 2024.
To complete the GS, you must answer some questions in the provided application form. Answers are used to demonstrate that your primary reason for applying for a student visa is studying.
GS question topics include:
- Your family, community, and employment ties to your home country
- Your economic readiness to study in Australia
- How the course may benefit your career or academic goals
- Why you want to study the specific course at the specific institution you’ve applied to
- Your understanding of what living and studying in Australia will be like
All answers must be in English, and responses must be 150 words or less.
It’s also a good idea to share documents which support your answers. These documents could include academic transcripts, explanation of any study gaps or course changes, and proof of your current employment or economic circumstances.
Prepare to write a strong GS response with our helpful guide.
Course Responses and Travel Planning
With four or five months to go, you should start to hear back from the institutions you applied to. Now, work independently or with a student advisor to make your course selection, accept and return the best offer, and pay your tuition deposit.
Then, start planning your student life! Set up housing, health insurance, and travel arrangements. Don’t forget there’s lots to be discovered off-campus, too. A month before classes start, send your arrival details to any parties who require it. Soon, you’ll be an international student in Australia!
Check out how health and travel insurance works in Australia for international students on our blog.
With a globally respected education system and a wide variety of study options, Australia offers international students a unique opportunity to build their skills and knowledge. And, with six Australian cities ranked among the world’s top 50 student cities, you’ll thrive on- and off-campus.
Take the next step: explore your options for studying in Australia on the ApplyBoard platform.