🇦🇺 Australia · Study Abroad
How to study in Australia as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Australia you apply to a registered provider and, once you accept, receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). You use the eCoE to apply for the Student visa (subclass 500), showing Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), funds and that you are a Genuine Student. Explore options on Study Australia and apply by the deadline.
International students apply to Australian universities directly or through a registered agent. On acceptance and payment you receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which is required for the Student visa (subclass 500). All international courses are delivered by CRICOS-registered providers, and you must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Study Australia is the official portal.
- Apply to the university directly or via a registered agent; on acceptance and deposit you receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
- The Student visa (subclass 500) requires a valid eCoE, OSHC health cover, evidence of funds and that you meet the Genuine Student requirement.
- Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol international students — check that your provider and course are registered.
- The subclass 500 visa allows limited paid work; confirm current work-hour limits and conditions on the Department of Home Affairs site.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose a registered provider and course and apply for admission; use Study Australia to explore options.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
With your eCoE, apply for the subclass 500 Student visa, showing OSHC, sufficient funds and Genuine Student evidence.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study Australia (Australian Government)
Official portal: courses, how to apply, scholarships and visas.
- Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs
Official student-visa requirements and application.
Frequently asked questions
What is an eCoE?
An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, issued by your provider after you accept and pay; you need it to apply for the student visa.
What is OSHC?
Overseas Student Health Cover — the health insurance international students must hold for the duration of the subclass 500 visa.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
A test that you genuinely intend to study; you answer questions and provide evidence about your study plans and circumstances.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Australian Government — Australian Government's official entry point — quick access to all department services
- Dept of Home Affairs — Student/work visas, skilled migration (189/190/491 subclasses), and citizenship applications
- Australian Tax Office (ATO) — TFN application, tax refunds, GST, superannuation, and personal income tax lodgment