Unfortunately, international students, regardless of the level of course they are seeking, are not included in the process. Instead, international students have to apply directly, and individually, to each institution.
How to apply
Exactly how you apply for university in Australia will depend on the institution. Each university has its own application process. While these are all very similar, there may be slight differences between each, so make sure you carefully check the requirements of everywhere that you want to apply. Missing a deadline or a crucial document could make the difference between getting your dream course and having to settle for something else.
Typically, the application process is completed entirely via the university’s website, and most have a useful guide, so you know exactly how to apply to a university online before you start.
Assuming you have already identified the course you want to study, the first thing to check will be that you are eligible to apply. The eligibility criteria will be listed on your course page and typically include having a recognised qualification and meeting the English proficiency requirement. You will need to evidence that you meet these in your application.
You will also need to submit a range of documents as an international student. These will, obviously, include your academic records, but also some personal documents, such a copy of your passport and documents attesting to your identity. In some circumstances, universities may also be required to confirm your eligibility to enter Australia.
How much does it cost
While you do not have course fees to pay before you apply to university, you will often be required to confirm that you understand the fee structure and will pay when required. Some scholarships are not available after you have applied and accepted a place, so make sure you are clear that you have the finances in place before you apply.
Finally, although you do not have to pay course fees, you do have to pay to apply to university, more specifically, you will be charged an application processing fee. This fee is levied by almost every university and is usually between AU $50 to AU $150.
How many times can you apply
As an international student, you do not have a limit on your applications, so you can apply to more than one university at the same time, or even multiple courses at the same university. However, the application processing fee is likely to be your limiting factor, along with the time taken for each application, so you are likely to want to focus your applications to those where you really want to study and have a reasonable chance of success.
What’s the structure of the Australian academic year
Australia’s academic year is similar to many other Western universities and operates a semester-based year.
- Undergraduate degrees are typically three years, or four years for an honours degree. Postgraduate degrees are one or two years for a Masters, and three for a PhD.
- Most universities have two semesters a year (although a few operate with three trimesters)
- The academic year starts in March.
- Many universities and courses offer two starts a year, but not all, so check if you want a September start.
When to apply for Australian universities
Because international students apply directly, and most universities offer two starts a year, applications are almost always open for international students. Check with the university, though, since some do close applications at specific periods, or have courses that only offer a single intake a year.
Generally, the deadline to apply for university depends on the preferred start date. For those hoping to start in the first semester, applications must typically be made by December at the latest, while second semester starts should apply by the preceding May.
However, it’s sensible to apply as early as possible. Many universities will process applications quickly, and if you are not accepted, that means you have more time to consider and apply to alternatives.
Documents needed to apply for university
Typically, Australian universities will ask for the same documents needed to apply for university anywhere. These will include:
- a copy of your passport
- copies of relevant qualifications
- evidence that you meet the language requirements for the course
- evidence of any scholarship you are receiving
- a reference or letter of recommendation from a school or tutor
- evidence of any additional requirements listed for the course
In some cases, you may have to provide additional evidence of your right to enter Australia. And if your documents are not in English, you will also have to provide a translation provided the issuing body or a government-certified translator.
Language requirements
As an English-speaking country, all courses in Australian universities are delivered in English. You will therefore have to demonstrate fluency. Either by being a native English speaker or having passed English language tests.
Individual universities and even courses may have their own requirements. However, most major English language tests are recognised and accepted.
- IELTS. This test scores between 0 and 9 for listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. A typical requirement will be an overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual skill below 6.
- TOEFL-IBT. Like IELTS, the TEEFL-IBT gives individual scores for listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a maximum of 30 in each category. You will usually need at least 85 overall, with minimums of 17-19 in each category.
- PTE Academic. This test gives scores for speaking, writing, listening and speaking, each with a maximum score of 90. Universities often ask for a score of around 60, with a minimum of 55 in each of the 4 skills.