Steps to Studying in Australia

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Step 1: Select your course

• What level of qualification are you intending to pursue?
• What fields of study are you interested in?
• What is your preferred location?

Use our Course Finder to search for accredited institutions and courses available in Australia.

Entry requirements to study at Australian institutions
Students must meet minimum academic requirements (subject to individual courses) and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study and the level as well as the content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country. For English courses, students may start at beginners level.

What if I don't meet the entry requirements?
It is advisable to seek advice from the institution regarding entry requirements for specific courses before applying for admission. There are bridging courses available to help bridge the gap in order to meet the minimum entry requirements. For example, if you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia. There is a wide range of English language courses to help you prepare for further study in Australia available throught the year.

Step 2: Application process

Application forms for all Australian institutions are available from us. We will provide you with the requested forms. We will assist to review your academic records and forward your applications to the institutions of your choice.

Step 3: Response from Institution

The institution will assess your application and supporting documents. Students will receive a response from the institution within 1 to 4 weeks. Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer. Unsuccessful applicants are advised to consult us and arrange for alternative applications.

Step 4: Acceptance of Offer & Issue of COE

Students can then accept the offer by paying the tuition fee (usually a minimum of one smester) and the required Overseas Health Cover (OSCH). After which, students will receive an e-COE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment) to confirm their place at the institution. This eCOE must be attached with student visa application.

All fees for English Language Schools must be paid in full before the eCOE letter can be processed.

Step 5: Visa application

To be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the visa application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements. All students must have undergo medical; check up and have medical insurance before they apply for a student visa. Student Visa is only granted if you have been accepted in a full-time course with a registered Australian education provider.

See Student Visa

Step 6: Accommodation and flights bookings


Students are advised to book and confrim their air ticket early as the demand for seats are usually quite high close to the start of a new semester.

Travel agent

Australia has a good standard of accommodation ranging from halls of residence, boarding schools, home stays and rented houses, apartments or rooms.

See Accomodation for more details.

Step 7: Pre-departure preparations

In some countries you can attend a pre-departure seminar to familiarise yourself with studying and living in Australia. We recommend that you exchange some money for Australian Dollars. Traveller cheques and credit cards are accepted in most major cities.

Please ensure that you fully understand and adhere to Australian quarantine requirements. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) enforce strict quarantine requirements to keep out exotic pests and diseases that could affect native flora and fauna, human health, agricultural industries and our environment. Visit the AQIS website for information in a range of foreign languages on what you cannot bring into Australia and what your family and friends at home cannot send to you through the mail.

On-arrival reception
It is recommended that you make prior arrangements for the institution in which you have enrolled in to send someone to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation since you may be unfamiliar with the area.

Orientation program
The International Students' Office at your institution will run an orientation program introducing you to the institution and provide assistance to other enrolment matters. Students must notify their education institution of their address in Australia within seven days of arrival, and notify their education institution of any change of address within seven days.


At this point, you are officially a student in Australia!

Can I change my course or institution?
You are only allowed to change education provider after 12 months (or for the duration of the course if it is for less than 12 months) and you must apply to the Australian Immigration Department (DIMIA) to change education provider. There will be an application charge of $125 except when a student changes courses because the institution is unable to continue providing the course.

Friendly reminder
Under Government legislation, students who break their visa conditions will face mandatory visa cancellation. We highly recommend that you comply with Australian student visa conditions for the duration of your stay.

You may travel out of Australia and re-enter with a valid visa during the course of your study (or up to the validity of your visa). However, you are obliged to leave Australia at the end of your studies. If you wish to enrol in a new course you need to apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. If your current student visa has a 'no further stay' condition you may not be granted a new student visa while you are in Australia.

The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. From 1 July 2001, eligible students can apply onshore for certain permanent and temporary visas. See Skilled MIgration Program for more information.

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