Australia is a leading destination for international students, known for its world-class education, safe and diverse environment, and strong employment outcomes. Australian colleges offer practical, career-focused programs in fields like business, IT, hospitality, and healthcare, providing students with the skills they need for the global job market.
The country’s relaxed lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and high standard of living make it a preferred choice for students from around the world. Additionally, Australia offers strong post-study work rights and clear pathways to permanent residency, making it one of the most immigration-friendly countries for international graduates.
Annual Intakes in Australia
Most colleges and institutions in Australia offer multiple intakes per year, depending on the program:
-
Primary Intake: February / March
-
Secondary Intake: July
-
Additional Intakes: Some programs also start in May, October, or November
📅 Application deadlines are usually 2–6 months before the intake. Early application is recommended.
Top Colleges in Australia
Here are some of the most popular and high-quality colleges in Australia that welcome international students:
| College Name | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| TAFE NSW | New South Wales | Vocational education in IT, hospitality, healthcare |
| RMIT College | Melbourne, Victoria | Design, engineering, business pathways |
| Box Hill Institute | Victoria | Culinary arts, trades, healthcare |
| TAFE Queensland | Brisbane, Gold Coast | Business, tourism, child care |
| Holmesglen Institute | Melbourne, Victoria | Building, nursing, design |
| Kangan Institute | Victoria | Automotive, fashion, health sciences |
| TAFE SA | South Australia | Aged care, IT, creative industries |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | Victoria | Trades, agriculture, business |
| International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) | Sydney, NSW | Hospitality, business, sports management |
Note: These colleges are CRICOS-registered, meaning they are approved to host international students.
Popular Programs in Australian Colleges
-
Business & Management
-
Information Technology (IT)
-
Nursing & Aged Care
-
Automotive Engineering
-
Hospitality & Tourism
-
Early Childhood Education
-
Graphic Design & Multimedia
-
Construction & Building Services
-
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
Average Course Fees
Tuition fees in Australian colleges are affordable and vary based on the program and location.
| Program Level | Average Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
| Certificate / Diploma | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Advanced Diploma | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Vocational Graduate Certificate | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Pathway Programs to University | $10,000 – $18,000 |
💡 Most colleges allow you to pay tuition in semester-wise installments.
Scholarships for International Students
While scholarships at the college level are limited compared to universities, the following options are available:
-
Destination Australia Scholarships – Offered by the Australian Government for regional study
-
TAFE & Institute-specific Scholarships – Vary by institution and academic performance
-
VET Student Loans – Not available for international students, but subsidized rates may apply in some cases
-
Industry-sponsored Awards – For specific sectors like hospitality or aged care
🔍 Check individual college websites for scholarship announcements and eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To study at a college in Australia, you must:
-
Be accepted into a registered program
-
Have completed required education level (e.g., high school for diploma programs)
-
Prove English language proficiency:
-
IELTS: 5.5 – 6.5 overall
-
TOEFL iBT: 46 – 79
-
PTE Academic: 42 – 58
-
-
Show proof of financial support
-
Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Required Documents
-
Valid passport
-
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the college
-
Academic transcripts and certificates
-
English test score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
-
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
-
Proof of funds (bank statement or sponsor letter)
-
OSHC insurance certificate
-
Health check and biometrics (if required)
-
Visa application form and fee receipt
How to Apply
-
Choose your course and college
-
Submit application to the institution with academic and language documents
-
Receive Letter of Offer
-
Accept offer and pay tuition deposit
-
Get Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
-
Apply for Subclass 500 Visa online via the Australian Immigration portal
-
Undergo medical exam and biometrics
-
Receive visa and prepare for travel
Types of Australian Student Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Subclass 500 (Student Visa) | For full-time students enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course |
| Subclass 590 (Student Guardian Visa) | For parents or guardians accompanying underage students |
| Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) | For graduates who want to work temporarily after completing their studies |
✅ You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered institution and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to qualify.
Cost of Australian Study Visas
| Visa Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Subclass 500 (Student Visa) | $410 – $450 |
| Medical Exam & Biometrics | $100 – $200 (varies by country) |
Visa Processing Time
| Processing Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Priority/Streamlined Applications | 2 – 4 weeks (for selected institutions) |
Visa Interview
While interviews are not mandatory, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional information or conduct a phone interview. Prepare to answer:
-
Why you chose the college and course
-
Your academic background and goals
-
Proof of funding and support
-
Future plans after graduation
Cost of Living in Australia
Living costs vary by city (Sydney is more expensive than Adelaide or Perth). Here’s an average monthly estimate:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $500 – $1,000 |
| Food & Groceries | $200 – $350 |
| Transport | $60 – $150 |
| Internet & Utilities | $70 – $120 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | $100 – $250 |
| Total Monthly Estimate | $900 – $1,700 |
💡 International students must show proof of AUD 24,505/year for living expenses (as per visa guidelines).
Post-Study Opportunities
Students graduating from eligible diploma and advanced diploma programs may qualify for:
-
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Up to 18 months of full-time work rights
-
Pathways to Bachelor’s Degrees at Australian universities
-
Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Certain trades and professions may lead to permanent residency
-
Regional Work Opportunities: Incentives for studying and working in rural or regional Australia
Why Choose Australia?
✅ Globally recognized vocational education
✅ Work rights during and after study
✅ Safe, multicultural, and student-friendly environment
✅ Strong immigration and PR pathways
✅ High graduate employability
✅ Mild climate and vibrant cities
Final Tips
-
📚 Choose colleges and courses aligned with your career goals
-
🛂 Ensure your visa application is complete and accurate
-
🏠 Budget wisely and plan for accommodation before arrival
-
🎓 Use education agents or trusted consultants like SchoolingVisa
-
🇦🇺 Respect Australian laws, culture, and diversity for a smooth transition
Why Choose Schooling Visa?
Schoolingvisa Overseas Careers stands out as our consultant , and our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully served our customers.
Explore the World with schoolingvisa:
- Visit Visa: Whether for leisure or business, embark on global travel with schoolingvisa.
- Study Visa: Unlock opportunities to study in globally recognized universities.
- Work Visa: Settle in the world’s best cities and pursue your career ambitions.
- Immigration: Your comprehensive solution for all visa and immigration requirements.
- Permanent Residence: Attain the status of Permanent Resident and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Tailored Services for Your Success:
- Profile Evaluation: We analyze your unique profile history, aligning it with visa eligibility criteria, and provide guidance on the appropriate visas to pursue.
- Resume Writing: Craft a standout resume tailored to meet the expectations of immigration authorities.
- Document Procurement: Assist in gathering essential documents required for visa applications.
- Professional Guidance: From interview training to language courses and crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we offer comprehensive support.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Enjoy personalized assistance and a singular point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Post-Landing Services: Our support extends beyond visa approval, helping you settle comfortably in your new country with customized post-landing services.
Experience a seamless journey for all your visa needs with Schoolingvisa – from profile evaluation and document preparation to post-visa settlement services. If you have questions about filing the AIPP application, reach out to us immediately. We are here to assist you in every possible way.
Take the first step – start your visa application today!
Related FAQs
Can international students study in Australian colleges?
Yes. International students can enroll in Australian colleges that are CRICOS-registered. These institutions offer a wide range of diploma, advanced diploma, and vocational courses designed to prepare students for skilled careers or university pathways.
What is the difference between colleges and universities in Australia?
Australian colleges focus on vocational and hands-on training, while universities emphasize academic and theoretical knowledge. Colleges typically offer certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs, whereas universities provide bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs.
What are the admission requirements for Australian colleges?
-
Completed high school (Year 12 or equivalent)
-
English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent)
-
Valid passport
-
Financial documents to show tuition and living expenses
-
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Do Australian colleges accept students with IELTS 5.5?
Yes, many Australian colleges accept students with IELTS 5.5 overall (with no band less than 5.0). Some programs may allow internal English tests or accept other language qualifications like PTE or TOEFL.
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Yes. Students with a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks) during study periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.