Why study in Australia?
Australia is a popular choice for Indian students who want a practical, career-focused degree in English. Most universities teach in two semesters, starting around February and July, and some, such as UNSW, use terms instead.
You apply to the university first. Once you accept an offer and pay a deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You need a CoE before you can apply for the Student visa (subclass 500).
After you graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you stay and work. Under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian nationals get 2 to 4 years, depending on the degree.
- Eight research-intensive universities form the Group of Eight, including Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW, ANU and Monash
- Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during term, and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks
- Indian graduates can stay 2 years after a bachelor's, 3 after a master's and 4 after a PhD on the subclass 485 visa
- Master's by coursework usually takes 1.5 to 2 years, and many programmes start in both February and July
- Wide choice of IT, data, engineering, business and health programmes in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide
Popular universities in Australia
University of Melbourne
Melbourne · Group of Eight member
UNSW Sydney
Sydney · Group of Eight member
University of Sydney
Sydney · Group of Eight member
Australian National University
Canberra · Group of Eight member
Monash University
Melbourne · Group of Eight member
University of Queensland
Brisbane · Group of Eight member
Adelaide University
Adelaide · Formed in 2026 by merging Adelaide and UniSA
RMIT University
Melbourne · City campus in central Melbourne
Popular programmes
- Computer Science and IT
- Data Science and AI
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Business Analytics
- MBA and Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Public Health
Courses from our Course Finder
Master of Information Technology
UNSW Sydney · Sydney · Master’s · 2 years
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
UNSW Sydney · Sydney · Bachelor’s · 3 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
UNSW Sydney · Sydney · Bachelor’s · 4 years
Master of Public Health
UNSW Sydney · Sydney · Master’s · 1 year
Master of Data Science
University of Queensland · Brisbane · Master’s · 1.5–2 years
Master of Computer Science
University of Queensland · Brisbane · Master’s · 1–1.5 years
Cost of studying: financial breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | A$42,600–61,500 / yr2026–27 international fees at Swinburne, RMIT, Adelaide, ANU, UQ and UNSW |
| Postgraduate tuition | A$43,900–63,000 / yr2026–27 international fees for coursework master's at the same universities |
| Living costs / proof of funds | A$29,710 / yrHome Affairs 12-month living cost for a student, plus first-year tuition and A$2,000 travel |
| Alternative proof of funds | A$87,856 annual incomeParents' or partner's income in the 12 months before you apply |
| Student visa fee | From A$2,500From 1 July 2026 (Study Australia) |
| Health insurance (OSHC) | Varies by providerCompulsory for your whole stay; must start when you arrive |
Typical tuition in rupees: ≈ ₹29–43 lakh per year (European Central Bank and Bank of Russia reference rates, 9 October 2026).
Application checklist
- 1Valid passport
- 2Offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
- 3English test score (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT etc.) taken in person, not an at-home test
- 4Academic transcripts and certificates (Class 10, 12 and degree)
- 5Answers to the Genuine Student questions (150 words each) with supporting documents
- 6Proof of funds: tuition, A$29,710 living costs and travel, or parents' income evidence
- 7Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy details
- 8Statement of purpose and CV for your university application
- 9Biometrics and health examination if Home Affairs asks
- 10ImmiAccount to lodge your Student visa (subclass 500) online
Student visa: Student visa (subclass 500)
Indian students need a Student visa (subclass 500) for any full course in Australia. Apply online through ImmiAccount after you receive your CoE, and lodge well before your course starts. From 2 October 2026, most applicants must apply from outside Australia.
What you’ll need
- Be enrolled in a course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Be a genuine student, with study as the main reason for your visa
- Have enough money for tuition, living costs (A$29,710 a year) and travel
- Meet the English language requirement with an approved test, if asked
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have a welfare arrangement if you are under 18
Processing time: Processing times vary. Home Affairs publishes recent times in its visa processing time guide tool.
Work and employment options
- While you study
- Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session; unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Master's by research and PhD students have no limit.
- After you graduate
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream. For Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: bachelor's 2 years (3 years with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT), master's 3 years, PhD 4 years. You must be 35 or under when you apply (under 50 for research master's and PhD graduates).
- IT, data and engineering graduates can use the 485 visa to gain Australian work experience
- Graduate employment is strong in IT, engineering and healthcare
- Graduates can explore employer-sponsored or skilled visas after the 485; rules and occupation lists change, so check Home Affairs
- Part-time work during study (up to 48 hours a fortnight) helps you build local experience
Good to know: From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants can no longer include family members, and most must lodge their application from outside Australia.
Scholarships to explore
- UNSW International Student Award: 20% off tuition fees for eligible students from India starting in 2026 or 2027
- Adelaide University Academic Excellence Scholarship: 50% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving international students
- Destination Australia: up to A$15,000 a year for study at eligible regional campuses
- Research Training Program: tuition and stipend support for research degrees
Official sources · checked 10 October 2026
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500) (opens in a new tab)
- Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Student visa (subclass 500) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Temporary Graduate visa guide (opens in a new tab)
- UNSW Sydney: Scholarships for students from India (opens in a new tab)
- Adelaide University: Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%) (opens in a new tab)
Figures are indicative planning ranges and change often. Always confirm fees, funds and visa rules on the university and official government websites before you apply.