The Ultimate Guide: Study in Australia

Student life in Sydney, Australia, can provide the ultimate student experience! Sydney is the oldest, biggest, and one of the most beautiful Australian cities. Blessed with a great climate and some of the best beaches in the world, Sydney offers a stunning intermingling of land and sea.

English language courses

English is the most widely used language for business, academia and tourism. Speaking English with confidence is a major advantage in today’s competitive and globalised job market.

When you study English in Australia, it will give you the confidence to think and act like a native English speaker. You will develop skills to use in real life and everyday situations while you are in Australia.

Aspire English offers several English courses – the one you choose will depend on your level of English.

Australian Foundation Program

The Australian Foundation Program is a practical qualification which prepares students to begin employment. It also enables a smooth transition to further studies in Australia. Foundation courses will usually have a blend of English language and academic subjects, giving students a good start to work or university life.

Diploma

A diploma is typically a one-year course that provides you with specialised skills and knowledge. It’s designed to give you an entry-level job in the area of specialisation you study. You can also use a diploma to pathway to further studies at a college or university.

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree is typically awarded by a university or college after three to seven years of academic studies. Many organisations around the world today expect their management candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree.

Graduate certificate

A graduate certificate is a short postgraduate qualification, typically taking six months to complete. A student would usually do a bachelor’s degree after their bachelor’s degree or if they have experience working in the sector the certificate relates to. It shows specialised knowledge in an area of study.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate qualification, typically taking one to two years of study. A student would usually complete this degree after their bachelor’s degree or if they have a great deal of experience working in the sector to which the master’s degree relates. It shows mastery in their area of specialisation.

Study Abroad program

Study Abroad is the term given to a program, usually run through a college or university, which allows a student to live and study in a country overseas and attend college or university there.

Study Abroad programs typically allow a student to spend a semester/trimester studying abroad, but some programs run for multiple semesters/trimesters or up to a year. Some Study Abroad programs, like the one at ICMS, even include a work experience component called Work Integrated Learning in which students can gain real-world experience in an Australian business.

As an international student in Australia you are permitted to work while you study.

The extra spending money you earn could help support your experience living in Australia. Working can also help you to feel settled, make friends and improve your English.

Working within your degree

If you know that you definitely want to work while in Australia, you should consider studying at an institution that offers a built-in work placement program as part of your course.

For example, at ICMS, all bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees, and some Study Abroad programs, include Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects. This is where students undertake a work placement with an industry partner.

Placements in a real Australian business are facilitated by the ICMS on-site WIL team who provide coaching and guidance.

Working as part of your degree gives you a unique opportunity to:

• prepare for your future career in your chosen field of study
• create a great first impression within your chosen industry
• develop strong professional and career networks
• demonstrate and further develop your real-world employability
• explore your chosen industry to best inform your future career decisions.

Find a job in Australia

If your course doesn’t include work placements or you want to work for a longer period than your organised placement, then there are a number of other ways you could find a job:

• ICMS Student Jobs Board
• word of mouth – ask your friends or other students
• online job sites such as SEEK.com.au
• dedicated social media groups at your university or college.

How many hours you can work as a student?

The Australian government permits students to work up to 48 hours a fortnight to help support yourself while in Australia. These working hours could help support your study and life expenses while in Australia.

When you arrive in Australia you will need to make sure you get a Tax File Number (TFN) before you take on a job.

Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for the full details.

Wages in Australia

Minimum wage levels are strictly enforced for all types of jobs and all international students are protected by fair work laws so they have the same workplace protections as anyone in Australia.

Part-time or casual work will help you learn English, and support you with the funds needed to live and study in Australia. As of 1 July 2025 the National Minimum Wage is AU$24.95 per hour.

You can learn more about minimum wages on the Australian Government’s Fair Work website.

If you have never lived away from home, you should be aware that there are lots of things you need to budget for before you move to Sydney, in addition to your tuition fees.

A part-time job can help support you but you need to make sure you have sufficient funds before you make the commitment to come to study in Australia. As of 10 May 2024, student visa applicants need to prove they have a minimum of $29,710 in savings to cover annual living costs.

The cost of living in Australia depends on many varying factors such as choice of accommodation, location and an individual students’ spending habits.

The Cost of Living Calculator offered by Insider Guides is a useful tool to help discover, in more detail, your living costs in Australia, depending on your lifestyle.

Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to learn everything you need to know about student visa requirements, responsibilities and compliance.

Before you come to study in Australia you must have a student visa.

Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to learn everything you need to know about student visa requirements, responsibilities and compliance.

Before applying for your student visa, you must:

• be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall into one of the exemption categories
• prove you have a welfare arrangement, if you are under 18

If you are applying through an Education Agent, they will be able to direct you to the necessary documents. See our How to Apply section for more information.

International students can apply to study in Australia in several ways:

Apply through an Education Agent

Many international students use an international representative or Education Agent based in their home country to facilitate the application process and ease the transition to Australia. Your agent will be someone who speaks your language and can advise you on things like your preferred course entry requirements, English language level, and who will help you with the application process.

Under Australian law, every Australian education institution that uses the services of an education agent must have a formal contract with the agent and monitor their integrity.

Education institutions should also have a list of authorised agents on their website such as the Find an Agent page on the ICMS website.

Some things to remember when choosing an agent:

• Experience – choose an agent who has experience in helping students study in Australia.
• Authorisation – check your agent is authorised to assist you to apply for your preferred institution.
• Fees – always ask what fees you have to pay, if any, for using the agent’s services.

Apply directly online

To become a student at ICMS, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Choose your course

You may choose to begin with an English language course or, if your English level is good you can apply for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.

You can also select a ‘package’ where you could do English and then a bachelor’s degree, for example.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, then you can pick a postgraduate course. If you are looking for something different, then look for programs such as Study Abroad or Gap Year.

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

All degrees have academic and English language entry requirements. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are other study opportunities through pathway providers, such as the Aspire Institute in Sydney. Aspire Institute provides courses designed to give you a foundation of study in Australia before you begin your degree.

Step 3: Submit an application

You can submit an online application directly. Make sure you complete your application carefully as incomplete applications will result in delays in processing.

When to Apply

Australian institutions either use a trimester system (three terms and therefore three intakes – or start dates – per year) or a semester system (two terms and two intakes).

ICMS has three trimesters per year (February, May and September) and you can start your undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in any of these trimesters.

You should apply early to allow plenty of time to organise your Australian student visa, usually at least three months prior to your preferred start date.

Visit ICMS’s Important Dates page for more.

Step 4: Supporting documents

All applications require you to submit supporting documents.

Supporting documents may include:

• academic transcripts and testamurs/completion certificates
• proof of English language proficiency
• copy of passport or birth certificate
• official translations for documents not issued in English. Note: Translators in Australia must be certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Additional documents are required if you have already completed some tertiary study and want to apply for Advanced Standing (if you’re not sure what this means, check out our Glossary of Terms).

Step 5: Get an Australian Unique Student Identifier (USI)

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a number issued to students by the Australian government. The USI is required to obtain your qualification. It’s free and easy to create your USI. Once created, you have it for life. Create your USI. 

Step 6: Application outcome

Once we receive and process your application you will receive news of the outcome of your application. You may receive either:

• a Letter of Offer, if you have been successful
• a Conditional Letter of Offer, if some further conditions are required to be met before a full offer can be issued
• a request for further documentation before a decision can be made
• rejection of your application

Step 6: How to accept your offer

If your institution participates in the Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP) program established by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) it means the process of applying for a student visa is simpler to navigate for genuine students.

As a prospective international student coming to Australia, you must satisfy the Australian Government’s Genuine Students (GS) requirements. This means that if you are applying for a student visa you must be a genuine applicant for entry. You must stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason of your student visa.

Usually, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) may only be issued upon meeting the following:

• Satisfying the conditions of entry to your course
• Signed and dated Acceptance of Offer and Written Agreement from your institution
• Satisfying the Genuine Student (GS) requirements
• Completed CoE Request Form from your institution
• Applicable deposit fees will probably also need to be paid

While this may sound like a lot of paperwork, remember that your institution or your agent will help you.

Step 7: Apply for your visa

Remember that all international students require a student visa to come to Australia to study.

Read more on ‘How to get a visa to study in Australia’ above.

Search ‘scholarship‘ on the website of your intended Australian institution.

You usually will be expected to have already made an application to the institution first, before you can apply for a scholarship.

Apply for the Course

First apply for a course and then look to see if scholarships are offered at that institution.

Find the Right Scholarship and be Eligible

Get familiar with the different types of scholarships offered.

ICMS scholarships for example, will usually match the candidates to the most appropriate scholarship. So, while students are welcome to note or refer to a particular scholarship if they wish, the decision for finalists for each scholarship type remains with the Scholarship Board.

While many scholarships for international students are based on academic merit or financial need, remember that some scholarships are awarded for community participation, innovative ideas or vision for the future.

• New Students Postgraduate Innovation Scholarship
• New Students Undergraduate International Students Scholarships
• Current Students Postgraduate Scholarship
• Current Students Undergraduate Scholarship

Some other scholarships may be offered with the intention of uplifting certain demographics, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may find there are scholarships open for them.

It would be a shame to put in a lot of work only to find out that you are not eligible for that scholarship. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship you are applying for carefully. Then complete all the required documentation you have been asked for.

Make Your Application Stand Out

Aim for the highest quality in your application.

Be prepared to write an English-language essay and attend at least two scholarship interviews. When writing your application you could get your teacher or another trusted academic to give you some feedback on your work and then keep editing and perfecting it until you are sure it’s a great application.

If you are asked to write a personal statement there are resources to help you, like a this article on How to Write a Great Personal Statement on the ICMS website.

Interviews for international students are often held via Zoom so don’t worry that you are not yet in Australia when you apply.

When you are interviewed, even if it’s online, remember to dress smart. This will let the Board know that you are serious about your chances.

Don’t Miss the Date

Scholarship applications are usually offered within a set timeframe. There will be an opening and closing date for applications. If you find a scholarship you’d like to apply for but it’s not open yet, you can start gathering evidence of your achievements and planning your report or essay before the opening date.

Of course, do not miss the closing date for applications!

Be Realistic – but Brave

Scholarships to study in Australia are competitive and you should focus your energies on those scholarships where you have a realistic chance of success.

Be brave. They said fortune favours the brave and this certainly true with applying for a scholarship, so go for it!

You should apply for a course for which you meet the entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements consider a pathway course which can help you to prepare for further studies in Australia. The Australian Foundation Program is an example of a pathway course.

English language test IELTS

English language tests are often necessary to assess your level of English. IELTS is a popular English test for international study, migration and work.The IELTS scores almost ranges from 1 “non-user” to 9 “expert”.

General English Entry Requirements

What is General English?

General English is the perfect preparation for students wishing to improve their basic all-round English language skills.

Find out the General English entry requirements at Aspire English.

Academic English Entry Requirements

What is Academic English?

Academic English helps you develop your English skills through essay and report writing, presenting and critical thinking tasks – all of which are required for success in undergraduate study.

Find out the Academic English entry requirements at Aspire English.

Australian Foundation Studies

What are Foundation Studies?

A Foundation program is a practical qualification which prepares international students for employment; improves English language skills and lays a solid foundation for smooth transition to further academic studies in Australia.

Find out the Foundation entry requirements at Aspire Institute.

Diploma Entry Requirements

What is a Diploma?

A Diploma is a qualification that usually takes one year to complete and prepares students for work in a professional sector. It is also a pathway for further studies.

Usually you need to have completed high school in your home country to undertake diploma studies.

Find out the diploma entry requirements at Aspire Institute.

Bachelor’s Degree Entry Requirements

What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university that prepares students for a professional career and typically takes around three years of full-time study to complete.

Usually you need to have completed high school in your home country to undertake bachelor degree studies.

Find out the bachelor degree’s entry requirements at ICMS.

Postgraduate Qualifying Program Entry Requirements

What is a Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP)?

A Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) is a one-trimester postgraduate pathway qualification which combines academic and English language subjects.

Usually the entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree.

Find out the PQP entry requirements at Aspire Institute.

Graduate Certificate Entry Requirements

What is a Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate is a postgraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university that enhances skills and knowledge in a professional sector and usually takes six months of full-time study to complete.

Usually the entry requirements include a Bachelor degree or evidence of significant work experience.

Find out the Graduate Certificate entry requirements at ICMS.

Master’s Degree Entry Requirements

What is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree is a postgraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university that deepens skills and knowledge in a professional sector and usually takes six months of full-time study to complete.

Usually the entry requirements include a Bachelor degree, a Graduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Qualifying Program and/or evidence of significant work experience.

Find out the master’s degree entry requirements at ICMS.

Australia is generally regarded as one of the safest countries in the world and has an excellent health care system. However, it is still important that you look after yourself in your new country.

If you are a student from overseas on a temporary student visa it is a condition of your visa to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your visa. This means you need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and keep your policy up to date as long as you hold this visa. Either you can arrange this yourself or perhaps your institution in Australia can arrange this for you.

OSHC assists international students to meet the costs of medical and hospital care they may need while in Australia. OSHC also includes ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals.

Some exceptions may apply to students from some countries. You may have special arrangements under your own national schemes – check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to find out if special arrangements apply to you and if you are exempt from the requirement to purchase OSHC.

You should also think about getting private health insurance for those things that OSHC does not cover. Consider travel insurance for things like missed flights and lost luggage.

You may also need Home and Contents Insurance for your belongings or vehicle insurance if you intend to have a car in Australia. You can organise this when you get to Australia.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)  

The Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a combination of ten numbers and letters that serves as a reference number. It is quick and easy to create, and it will stay with you for your entire life. If you are a new or continuing student enrolled in a Higher Education Provider (HEP) in Australia having a USI is mandatory.  

Your USI is your unique lifelong education number, and it also maintains an online record of your Australian training accomplishments 

What happens if I do not provide a USI to ICMS or ICMS cannot verify your USI with the Australia Government? 

• You will not be able to graduate.
• In addition to above, if you are a domestic student, you will not be eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). 

To manage your USI and consequently your FEE-HELP eligibility or graduation successfully, it is important to ensure that your personal information, that you submit to the USI Registry Portal matches exactly your personal information that you provide to at ICMS, including your first name, middle name, last name, and date of birth. 

Studying a degree is a big commitment in many ways, not least financially. You will need to consider tuition fees, living costs and other expenses such as transport, textbooks, food and accommodation.

The main expense will be tuition fees. At some institutions, tuition fees are not payable during industry training subjects, for example: where the training is a subject for credit such as at ICMS where bachelor degree students study Work Integrated Learning as part of a placement.

There are different tuition fees for Australian citizens and permanent residents and students from other countries. If you are holding a passport from an overseas country you will be an international student even if you are living in Australia when you apply.

Tuition fees vary from institution to institution.

Many institutions like ICMS will have a fees calculator on their tuition fees webpage and this tool makes it simple to search for your course and the fees that will apply to you as an international student.

Exchange Rate

Remember that the Australian dollar is not the same as the American dollar and so you should check the exchange rate in your country for the Australian dollar.

Cost of Living

Remember that you will have other expenses in Australia too, such as accommodation, transport and food. Refer to the section above which explains the ‘cost of living in Australia’.

Australian colleges and universities typically have either two or three intakes per year. If there are two intakes in a year these are called semesters and usually will be at the start of the year and again mid-year. If there are three intakes these are called trimesters and typically these will be in February, mid-year and August or September.

At ICMS students can enrol at 7 times throughout the year. ‘Main intakes’ are in February, May and August mean that students study 4 subjects concurrently.  ‘Mid-term intakes’ allow students to start off studying 2 subjects concurrently in the first term so that ‘catch up’ with their classmates. View Intake Dates.

Most Australian students begin their studies in the summer intake in February as the school year finishes in December. It’s important if you are intending to apply to study to study in Australia that you give yourself enough time to prepare and gather your documentation, so be flexible to join any intake during the year as soon as you can.

Your checklist to arrive in Australia will include the following:

• Your Letter of Offer from your institution
• Your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
• A valid passport
• A valid visa
• Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

If this seems like a lot of paperwork don’t worry, most students work with an agent who is very experienced in these matters and will assist you every step of the way. Read the above section 5 on ‘How to Apply to University or College in Australia’

If you have all these things then you are on your way to Australia!