Here’s what you need to know about getting higher education in Australia

Nevertheless, there are some important things that should be taken care of before going to Australia so that things go smoothly for you right from the start.

Tuition in Australia

In Australia, international students spend around AUD 12,000 to AUD 40,000 (approx. ₹from 6.5 lakhs ₹21 lakh) per annum on course fee, depending on the type of course they are enrolled in. For top universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne, the fees for the master’s program will be around AUD 47,500 (approximately). ₹25 lakhs) and AUD 37,000 (approx.) ₹20 lakhs), respectively.

If the student wants to study in universities like James Cook University or University of Tasmania, the fee will be AUD 14,740 (approx). ₹8 lakh) and AUD 33,950 (approx.) ₹ 18 lakh) per annum.

In addition, there are universities such as Charles Sturt University and Australian Catholic University, which charge students AUD 33,216 (approx.) ₹18 lakhs) and AUD 32,000 (approx.) ₹ 17 lakhs) for a master’s programme.

Students with academic qualifications can avail scholarships to substantially offset their hefty tuition fees. Apart from this, depending on your profile, you can get a scholarship of around 10% to 35%.

living expenses

In the case of larger cities, the cost of living will be quite high and can range from AUD 350 to 900 (approx.) ₹from 20,000 ₹50,000) per week. In case of accommodation the story will be similar as the expenses vary greatly depending on the nature of boarding/accommodation (rent/homestay/guest house/hostel/on-campus/shared rental/boarding school).

For example, in the case of a city like Melbourne, the rent expense for living in a shared house would be around 150-300 AUD (approximately). ₹8,000-16,000) per week. In most cases, the term ‘affordable rent’ will mean that you will live away from the city, share housing with more people, and the apartment will be in an old or dilapidated building.

For example, if you live in a suburb like Melbourne’s Bundura, the cost of a shared room will be around AUD 150 (approx). ₹8,000) per week. The cost of accommodation will also vary depending on your preferred choice of the city you wish to study in. Sydney is known for its high rental costs in Australia, while Adelaide has some of the lowest rental costs.

In Australia, it is important to note that the rental agreement will include a ‘rental bond’. This implies that for long-term leases a security deposit has to be paid. This bond is a type of insurance that helps the owner of the building in case of any damage to the property or to settle any pending amount which is owed to the student owner.

work visa options

For students who want to work in Australia after their studies, there are plenty of opportunities to stay and work for a long time.

The latest post-study work visa granted by the Australian government provides ample opportunities to work, learn and live in some notable parts of the country for a time-frame of two to four years.

travel controls

The restrictions for international students traveling from India to Australia have been in place since last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After the second wave of the pandemic, the Australian government has banned the entry of students from India.

Many Indian students are looking forward to moving to Australia and the ban is expected to be lifted as soon as possible. So, we can expect things to improve in the coming days.

Ajesh Raj is the co-founder and CEO of Edampus.