Education System in Australia — Study Guide for International Students
Australia is one of the world’s top study destinations, with a strong, internationally recognised education system and clear legal protections for international students. Whether you’re planning to study a short English course, a trade qualification or a university degree, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how the system is structured through to costs, scholarships, pathways and your options after graduation.
About the Australian Education System
How to Choose the Best Course to Study in Australia
Australia has one of the most diverse and internationally respected education systems in the world, with more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses available to international students. Whether your goal is improving your English, gaining a trade qualification or completing a university degree, you’ll find a recognised pathway here.
You can study at every level — from primary and secondary school, through Vocational Education and Training (VET) and English language courses, all the way to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees at Australian universities. Each level connects to the next through the Australian education pathways framework, which means your qualification can also open doors to further study.
Regardless of what you study or how long you stay, Australia’s laws actively protect international students. The legal framework applies equally across all education levels and institution types — so your rights are the same whether you’re enrolled at a private English college or a Group of Eight university.
The two key pieces of legislation are:
- The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 — which establishes the legal framework protecting international students and regulating education providers
- The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code) — which sets nationally consistent standards for every registered provider
Together, these ensure that the quality, content and delivery of every course available to international students meets a consistent national standard.
As an international student on a student visa (subclass 500), you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS registration confirms that your course and institution meet the standards required for international students — both the institution and the specific course must be registered, not just one of them. You can verify any course or institution on the Department’s CRICOS search tool before you enrol.
In addition to the ESOS Act and National Code, two government bodies oversee quality and registration for education providers:
- Higher education — TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency): responsible for the registration and quality assurance of universities and other higher education providers
- VET — ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority): responsible for the registration and quality assurance of vocational education and training providers
Whatever you choose to study and wherever you choose to study it, the combination of CRICOS, the ESOS Act, the National Code, TEQSA and ASQA means your qualification will be nationally recognised and your experience as an international student will be professionally managed.
Not sure which course is right for your visa and PR goals? See our guide to courses with good PR prospects or get a free student visa assessment to map your options.
The Australian Education System
School Education (Primary and Secondary)
School education is broadly consistent across all Australian states and territories, with only minor variations. It is compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen — from Year 1 through to Year 9 or 10 depending on the state. Total school education runs for 13 years and is divided into three stages:
- Primary school — seven or eight years, from Kindergarten or Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7
- Secondary school — three or four years, from Year 7 or 8 through to Year 10
- Senior secondary school — two years, Years 11 and 12, leading to the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
International students at school level in Australia must hold a student visa (subclass 500) and have approved welfare arrangements in place. Children accompanying a parent on a Student Guardian visa (590) who are six or older must enrol in school.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education in Australia includes two distinct sectors — higher education (universities and other degree-granting institutions) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). Both are CRICOS-registered for international students and both can lead to skilled migration pathways. See the full breakdown of how each sector connects to visa and PR options in the education pathways and courses with good PR prospects guides.
Language of Instruction
English is the official language of Australia and the primary language of instruction across all education levels. Many schools offer bilingual programs or teaching in other languages, but all courses available to international students on a student visa are delivered in English — unless the course is specifically a language course. Meeting the English language entry requirement is a key part of your student visa (subclass 500) application — see the current score requirements on the visa page.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
What sets the Australian education system apart from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) — a single national policy, established in 1995, that covers every qualification from the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education through to doctoral degrees across both higher education and VET sectors.
The AQF has 10 levels and connects school, vocational and university qualifications into one coherent national system. This means you can move from one level to the next — and from one institution to another — without losing credit for your prior study, as long as you continue to meet your student visa requirements. Every AQF qualification is designed to prepare you for both further study and your working life, giving you flexibility to change direction as your career goals evolve.
If you’re enrolled in an AQF-recognised qualification, your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited — your degree, diploma or certificate will be recognised across Australia and is accepted by assessing authorities for skilled migration purposes. This matters particularly if your longer-term goal is PR — the assessing authority for your nominated occupation will check that your qualification matches the AQF level required for your ANZSCO occupation code. See university courses to PR and trade courses to PR for how this works in practice.
Australian institutions are linked across the country and recognised internationally. Formal credit transfer and recognition agreements mean every qualification you earn contributes to your future — whether your next step is further study, entering the workforce, or applying for a skilled visa.
Education Costs in Australia
The cost of studying in Australia depends on your chosen institution, course level and study duration. As an international student, tuition fees are generally paid upfront before your study period begins. Beyond tuition, budget for course materials, institution facility access, and the mandatory costs required for your student visa (subclass 500) — including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs and return airfare.
Tuition fees vary significantly between institutions and courses. The ranges below give you a practical starting point — always check the institution’s website directly for the exact fee for your specific course, as costs can differ substantially even within the same qualification level.
Indicative annual tuition fee ranges (AUD, per year):
- School – $7,800 to $30,000
- English language studies – Around $300 per week (varies by course length)
- Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
- Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $15,000 to $33,000*
- Postgraduate Masters Degree – $20,000 to $37,000*
- Doctoral Degree – $14,000 to $37,000*
*Note:Fee ranges above are indicative and do not include high-value courses such as veterinary science and medicine, which can exceed $70,000 per year. Always visit institution websites directly for exact fees. All figures are in Australian dollars per year. To convert to your currency, visit xe.com.
All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com(opens in a new window)
Beyond Tuition — What Else to Budget For
As an international student, your total annual cost of studying in Australia will also include:
- Living costs — the Department of Home Affairs sets the minimum financial capacity at AUD 29,710 per year for a single student. Actual costs vary by city — major capitals like Sydney and Melbourne typically cost more than regional areas
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for the full duration of your student visa; costs vary by provider and cover level
- Return airfare — required as part of your financial capacity evidence
- Student visa application charge — currently AUD 2,500 for most applicants (from 1 July 2026). See the full breakdown on the student visa fees page
- English language test — if you haven’t yet met the English requirement; IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and CAE test fees vary by location
- Course materials and facility access — check with your institution what is and isn’t included in your tuition fee Scholarships: a range of Australian Government and institution scholarships are available to help offset tuition costs for international students — see the scholarships to study in Australia tab for current options.
Thinking about the full cost picture before you apply? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll walk you through what you need to show for financial capacity alongside your tuition planning.
Scholarships to study in Australia
There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Australia. They are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private organisations. You can use the search tool available on every page of this site to find scholarships, along with contact details for the institution providing the scholarship.
All applications and enquiries for scholarships are made through the scholarship provider.
Here is information about some of the major scholarships programs available for international students:
- Australia Awards – The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge, education links, and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia’s extensive scholarship programs. The program brings together scholarships offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Read more about Australia Awards(opens in a new window) and Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships(opens in a new window).
- International Postgraduate Research Scholarships – The International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program focuses on improving the quality of Australian research. If you already have a graduate qualification, an IPRS scholarship lets you study in Australia with some of the best researchers in your field. You can read more about these scholarships at the Department of Education website. Or to search for the scholarships, use the search tool on this website.
- Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship – The Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowships are open to high-achieving female researchers from APEC economies for research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions. The fellowships aim to support women’s economic empowerment in the APEC region and raise the profile of female role models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Who can apply for a scholarship?
All scholarships listed on our website are available to international students. Many are available to students of all nationalities, however all scholarships conditions are set by the institution or organisation offering the scholarship and applications have to be done directly with the scholarship provider. To find out if you are eligible to receive a scholarship you must contact the organisation offering the scholarship.
To find out what scholarships you might be eligible for use the search tool found on every page of this website.
- Type in your area of study or an institution in the Search bar
- In the Search results page, click on the Scholarships tab
- From the list of available scholarships, apply the filter to match your preferences
Universities and Higher Education in Australia
Higher education in Australia leads to three main qualification types — Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees — and is offered across 43 universities and a wide range of other registered higher education institutions. For international students, Australian university qualifications are internationally recognised and, when matched to the right occupation, can lead directly to skilled migration pathways. See university courses to PR for how this works.
It’s common in Australia to enrol in a double or combined Bachelor Degree program, which results in the award of two Bachelor Degrees. This is particularly popular in arts, commerce, law and science — and in some cases, a combined degree with a professionally accredited component (such as law with accounting) can strengthen your skilled migration options after graduation.
Australian institutions offer courses across every major discipline — science, management, commerce, humanities, engineering, law and health sciences. Australian universities consistently rank among the world’s best in key disciplines including engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance — all of which are also among the occupations most consistently represented on the MLTSSL. If your study goal is also a PR goal, these are among the strongest choices. See courses with good PR prospects for a full breakdown by occupation cluster.
There are 43 universities in Australia — 40 Australian universities, two international universities and one private specialty university — alongside many other CRICOS-registered institutions offering higher education courses at bachelor level and above. All must be registered with TEQSA and appear on the CRICOS register before they can enrol international students.
Quality Assurance — What Protects You as an International Student
Australia’s national regulatory agency for higher education is the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Established by the Australian Government, TEQSA monitors quality and regulates both university and non-university higher education providers against standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel.
If your institution is TEQSA-registered and CRICOS-listed, you have formal government assurance that the quality of your course and the conduct of your institution meet the standards required for international students.
In addition, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects the following student rights by law:
- The well-being of all international students
- The quality of your education experience
- Your right to receive up-to-date and accurate information from your institution
These protections apply regardless of institution type or course level — a private college must meet the same ESOS obligations as a Group of Eight university. If your institution fails to meet these standards, you have formal rights of complaint and recourse under the ESOS framework.
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
Before choosing an institution, use the QILT website (qilt.edu.au) to compare higher education providers and study areas based on survey results from thousands of domestic and international students — both current and recent graduates. QILT lets you compare:
- Overall student satisfaction by institution and course
- Graduate employment outcomes — percentage moving into full-time work after graduation
- Median graduate salaries by field of study
This is particularly useful for international students making decisions that affect both their student visa and their longer-term migration pathway — graduate employment rates and salary data can also indicate how competitive your occupation is likely to be in the Australian labour market after graduation.
For migration purposes, graduate employment rates alone don’t tell the whole story — what matters most is whether your occupation is on the MLTSSL and whether your institution and course level will support a positive skills assessment. Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll assess both factors for your specific situation.
Visit qilt.edu.au to compare institutions before you enrol.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia
Whether your goal is entering the workforce directly, building on an existing qualification, or creating a pathway to permanent residency, an Australian VET qualification gives you practical, industry-recognised skills that are in demand across the country. For international students, VET courses also connect to skilled migration pathways — particularly through the trade courses to PR route via the Job Ready Program.
Australia’s VET sector operates through a partnership between governments and industry. Qualifications are delivered by government Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions as well as registered private providers. Federal and state governments fund, develop policy for, and regulate the sector, while industry and employer groups shape training priorities and qualification content to ensure graduates have the skills the workforce actually needs.
Study With the Experts
In Australia, VET teaching staff aren’t just industry-aware — they have direct, current experience in their fields. Instructors maintain the currency of their knowledge and update course content to reflect changing industry focus and needs. That means you learn the theory and the practical reality of your subject — from people who have done the work themselves.
Learn on the Job
Most VET courses include a structured period of on-site industry learning — you don’t just study in a classroom, you gain real work experience in a genuine industry environment. This practical component is particularly valuable for international students: for trade occupations on the MLTSSL, the workplace hours completed during your course can count toward your Job Ready Program (JRP) with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), shortening the overall time between graduation and a positive skills assessment. See the full pathway on the trade courses to PR page.
Quality Assurance in Australian VET
The quality of your VET education is protected by law. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 guarantees the well-being of all international students, the quality of their educational experience, and their right to up-to-date and accurate information from their provider.
On top of this, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) — Australia’s national VET regulator — ensures quality standards are maintained across providers delivering to more than 1.2 million students, including over 230,000 international students in vocational education and training.
Before you enrol, confirm that your chosen VET provider and your specific course are both CRICOS-registered. A CRICOS registration confirms the institution and course meet the standards required for international students on a student visa (subclass 500).
VET Qualifications and Career Outcomes
VET qualifications are outcome-based — they focus on the specific occupational skills and competencies you gain, not just course completion. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognises prior learning and current competence, making credit transfer easier and offering flexible pathways between qualification levels and institutions.
For international students, the most migration-relevant VET level is Certificate III — it is the minimum qualification level required for most trade skills assessments through TRA. Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications open pathways to professional and para-professional roles assessed by VETASSESS and other authorities. See courses with good PR prospects to check which VET qualifications currently lead to skilled visa pathways.
Your VET course trains you to design, plan and execute the practical and technical aspects of your field in a real industry context — the skills employers actually need, not just theoretical knowledge.
VET Qualification Levels — Durations and Career Outcomes
Certificate I
- Duration – 4 to 6 months
- Career outcome – Competent operator
- Migration Note – Not sufficient for skills assessment — entry level only
Certificate II
- Duration – About 1 year
- Career outcome – Advanced operator
- Migration Note –Not sufficient for skills assessment — entry level only
Certificate III
- Duration – About 1 year
- Career outcome – Qualified tradesperson or technician
- Migration Note – Minimum level for TRA skills assessment — qualifies for Job Ready Program
Certificate IV
- Duration – 12 to 18 months
- Career outcome – Supervisor
- Migration Note – Qualifies for VETASSESS assessment in some occupations
Diploma
- Duration – 18 to 24 months
- Career outcome – Para-professional
- Migration Note – Qualifies for VETASSESS assessment — broader occupation range
Advanced Diploma
- Duration – 24 to 36 months
- Career outcome – Junior manager
- Migration Note – Qualifies for VETASSESS assessment — higher-level professional roles
Migration notes are indicative — confirm your specific occupation and assessing authority with us before enrolling.
Choosing the right VET qualification level and occupation from the start determines which skilled visa pathways will be available to you after graduation. Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll confirm whether your planned VET course supports the migration outcome you’re aiming for — before you commit to a provider or course.
Schools in Australia
For international students, school enrolment is managed through the student visa (subclass 500). Children aged six or older who accompany a parent on a Student Guardian visa (590) must enrol in a CRICOS-registered school — school attendance is compulsory for this age group under Australian law.
Australia offers three broad types of school:
- Government schools — funded and operated by state or territory education departments
- Non-government schools — including faith-based schools (Catholic, Islamic and others) and schools based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and Steiner
The learning environment in Australian schools is multicultural and internationally oriented, which makes it a particularly welcoming environment for international students joining mid-year or from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
A Higher Standard of Learning
Australian schools are consistently rated among the best in the world. Key features of the Australian school system include:
- Small class sizes — a maximum of 30 students per class, allowing for more individual attention
- Qualified teachers — university-trained and registered, with specialist teachers in key subject areas
- High-quality facilities — including technology-rich classrooms, with computers and internet access across all schools
- Gifted and talented programs — extending high-achieving students with advanced content
- High Achievement programs — allowing top students to study university-level subjects for advance credit toward future tertiary qualifications
- Individual learning programs — for students who need additional learning support
- Quality assurance frameworks — all schools must meet required standards set by the relevant state or territory authority
Curriculum and Graduate Outcomes
The Australian school curriculum is designed to develop students into independent learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens — equipped with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a globalised world. From Kindergarten to Year 12, the focus is on both equity and excellence — every student is supported to reach their potential regardless of background or learning style.
Teaching Styles and Assessment Methods
Australian schools use a diverse range of teaching methods — teacher-directed learning, student research, group projects, visual presentations, e-learning and interactive classroom tools. Assessment is equally varied: individual research projects, group assignments, oral and visual presentations, technology-based submissions and traditional tests and exams. National and state testing programs monitor standards and ensure they are maintained across all institutions.
School Qualifications
On completion of senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12), students sit for exams and receive an official certificate of qualification — known by different names in different states (for example, the VCE in Victoria, the HSC in New South Wales, and the SACE in South Australia). Regardless of the name, all senior secondary certificates are recognised by every Australian university, higher education institution and VET provider, as well as by many institutions internationally.
For international students, completing senior secondary school in Australia also contributes points under the Australian study requirement for skilled migration purposes — and completing the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Australia, in English, within the two years before applying for a student visa can satisfy the English language exemption for the student visa (subclass 500).
Thinking about what comes after school? Explore university courses to PR and trade courses to PR for how Australian qualifications connect to skilled migration pathways, or get a free student visa assessment to plan your education and migration journey from the start.
Bringing Your Children to Australia
If you’re bringing school-aged children with you when you come to study in Australia, they must attend school — this is a legal requirement. School fees and enrolment requirements vary across states and territories, and between individual schools.
Before you plan your family’s move, make sure you understand the visa requirements. Children aged six or older who accompany you on a student visa (subclass 500) must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered school. If a child under 18 is studying in Australia without a parent, appropriate welfare arrangements must be in place — see the Student Guardian visa (590) for guardian visa requirements, and the Schools in Australia tab for information on the school system.
Below is a summary of the current public school fee arrangements for each state and territory. Fee policies change periodically — always verify current arrangements directly with the relevant state education authority before enrolling.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Children of Higher Degree by Research (Masters and Doctoral) international students studying in Canberra are eligible to have tuition fees waived at ACT Government schools. Holders of some other temporary visas may also be eligible to apply for a fee waiver for school-aged dependants. Contact the ACT Education Directorate directly to confirm current eligibility and application requirements.
New South Wales (NSW)
School fees apply to most dependants of temporary residents in New South Wales. Exceptions exist in limited circumstances — visit the NSW Department of Education International website for current exemption criteria and fee schedules.
Northern Territory (NT)
Dependants of Higher Education and VET students in the NT are treated as international students and pay full fees. The only exceptions are dependants of Australian Aid scholarship students and certain PhD home country scholarship students, as agreed with Charles Darwin University. For further information visit the NT Department of Education website.
Queensland (QLD)
Fee exemptions are available for eligible dependants of temporary visa holders whose parents are studying at Queensland tertiary institutions. Eligibility criteria are set out in the Education Queensland International policy — visit the Education Queensland International website for the current requirements and application process.
South Australia (SA)
The South Australian Government provides a fee waiver for dependants of Higher Degree by Research students studying at South Australian universities who meet the eligibility criteria. For other international students, standard school fees apply. Full details including eligibility criteria are available on the SA Government International Students website and the Children of SA Government Endorsed Scholarship Holders page.
Victoria (VIC)
Tuition fees are the same for all Victorian Government schools. There are discounts for students who have a parent studying at a Victorian tertiary institute. More details can be found at on the StudyVIC website.
Tasmania (TAS)
Most dependant students are required to pay tuition fees to attend a Tasmanian Government school. For full current fee information visit the Tasmania Department of Education website.
Western Australia (WA)
Children of international higher degree students in Western Australia can access subsidised government schooling at the same fee levels as local students. Visit the WA Education and Training International website for current eligibility requirements and the application process.
Welfare Arrangements for Children Under 18
If your child under 18 will be studying in Australia at any point without you present, formal welfare arrangements must be approved before you leave — this applies whether you’re travelling temporarily or if circumstances change.
There are two ways to meet this requirement: nominate an approved alternative guardian using Form 157N, or have your child’s school issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter. Full details are covered in the Student Guardian visa (590) Visa Conditions tab.
Thinking about the costs of bringing your family? See education costs in Australia for tuition fee ranges by level, and the student visa fees page for visa application charges for dependants. Get a free student visa assessment to plan the full picture for your family’s situation.
English Courses in Australia
With students from countries across the world studying alongside you, an Australian English course is genuinely international in character — you practice the language in a diverse, multicultural environment that mirrors the professional world you’ll enter after graduation.
Australia is the only country in the world with mandatory national standards and a comprehensive industry-led quality support framework for English language teaching. Regardless of which institution or course you choose, you can be confident the teaching quality meets a consistent national standard.
For international students planning a student visa (subclass 500) application, an ELICOS course packaged with your main course can reduce the English test score required for your visa — the minimum drops from IELTS 6.0 to IELTS 5.0 with 20 or more weeks of ELICOS, or to IELTS 5.5 through a recognised university pathway program. See the full score breakdown on the student visa page.
Types of English Courses in Australia
Australia offers six main types of English courses, each designed for a different study goal:
General English
- Your Goal – Improve everyday English proficiency; prepare for higher-level courses; improve English for work or travel
- What It Covers – Communication skills with emphasis on speaking and listening in real-world contexts
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
- Your Goal – Study at an Australian school, VET college or university
- What It Covers – Academic reading, writing and language skills required for tertiary study in English
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
- Your Goal – Learn spoken and written English for a specific professional context; consider an internship
- What It Covers – Practical English for specific fields such as business, aviation or tourism
Examination Preparation
- Your Goal – Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge English exams
- What It Covers– Test-specific language skills, exam technique and timed practice
English for Teaching
- Your Goal – Teach English in schools in your home country
- What It Covers – TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and EfTC (English for Teaching Children) methodology
Study Tours
- Your Goal – Short-term study combined with travel, cultural activities or work-related training
- What It Covers – General English combined with sporting, social, tourist, cultural or professional training activities
Quality Assurance for English Language Colleges
English language colleges in Australia are regulated by two national bodies — TEQSA (for higher education providers) and ASQA (for VET and English language providers). Both were established by the Australian Government to monitor quality and regulate providers against independently developed national standards. Jointly, they are responsible for monitoring quality standards across all English language colleges.
In addition, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects the following rights for all international students by law:
- Your well-being as an international student
- The quality of your education experience
- Your right to receive up-to-date and accurate information from your provider
These protections apply to every CRICOS-registered English language college in Australia, regardless of size or location.
English Australia
English Australia is the national peak body for the English language sector of international education in Australia, representing over 100 member colleges across the country that deliver quality English language programs to students and professionals worldwide.
English Australia’s focus is on:
- Delivering the highest quality English language programs
- Providing support services for a safe and secure learning environment
- Assuring tuition protection for students of all visa types — so your fees are protected even if a college closes or your course is cancelled
Choosing an English Australia member college gives you an additional layer of assurance on top of CRICOS registration and ASQA oversight. When comparing colleges, check whether the institution is an English Australia member before you enrol.
English Courses and Your Student Visa
If you’re planning to study English as a pathway to a higher-level course or to qualify for a student visa, get the sequencing right before you enrol. Packaging an ELICOS course with your main course of study is a recognised strategy for meeting the English requirement at a lower test score threshold — but the ELICOS provider, course length and institution type must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the concession to apply.
We help international students plan their English course and student visa application together so nothing is missed. Get a free student visa assessment or see the student visa (subclass 500) page for the current English score requirements and ELICOS concession thresholds.
Work and Holiday in Australia
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program gives eligible young people the opportunity to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the option to study for up to 4 months during that period. The program includes two visa types:
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) — available to passport holders from eligible countries including the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Japan and others
- Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) — available to passport holders from a different set of eligible countries including the USA, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand and others
Eligibility, age limits and country-specific requirements differ between the two visas — check the Department of Home Affairs website or contact us to confirm which visa applies to your passport.
What You Can Do on a Working Holiday Visa
A working holiday in Australia is one of the most flexible visa arrangements available. During your stay you can:
- Work and earn — take on paid work with any employer, though you’re generally limited to 6 months with the same employer
- Travel — explore Australia at your own pace while funding your trip through work
- Study for up to 4 months — including English language programs specifically designed for working holiday makers, and short-term vocational and technical training courses at TAFE or private VET colleges
- Build job skills — short-term technical training courses can expand your skillset and, in some cases, lead to qualifications that support a future student visa or skilled migration application
Extending Your Working Holiday — Second and Third Year Options
If you complete specified regional work in agriculture, construction, mining or other designated industries during your first working holiday, you may be eligible to apply for a second 12-month Working Holiday visa. A third year is also available for those who complete additional specified regional work.
Regional work can also contribute to your points score if you later pursue a skilled visa — living and working in a regional area on an eligible visa earns additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test Table.
More Study Options in Australia
Beyond full qualification courses, Australia offers a range of flexible study options — from semester exchanges and study abroad programs through to distance education and study tours. Depending on your goals, one of these formats may suit your timeline, budget or personal circumstances better than a full degree program. Note that most of these options require a student visa (subclass 500) or at minimum a tourist visa with study conditions — confirm your visa requirements before you enrol.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Study abroad programs in Australia are available for a semester, a year or even a short summer break, and can be tailored to suit a wide range of budgets and academic goals. Unlike student exchange programs, study abroad typically doesn’t require a formal agreement between your home institution and the Australian institution — but this also means you generally need to take leave from your home institution and pay tuition fees directly to the Australian provider upfront.
Before committing, check with your home institution’s study abroad office to confirm:
- Which Australian programs they recognise or approve
- Whether the subjects you take can earn credit toward your home qualification
- What visa you’ll need for the duration of your stay — programs longer than 3 months generally require a student visa (subclass 500)
Student Exchanges
A student exchange program lets you study at an Australian institution for a semester or a full year while remaining enrolled at your home institution — and continuing to pay tuition fees there rather than to the Australian provider. This makes exchange one of the most cost-effective ways to gain an Australian study experience.
To participate, you must be nominated and approved by the exchange coordinator at your home institution. Credit for study completed in Australia usually counts toward your home qualification under the formal exchange agreement, but always confirm the credit transfer arrangements before you leave — what’s assumed and what’s guaranteed aren’t always the same thing.
Speak with your home institution first to find out which Australian institutions they have exchange relationships with, and what the application and approval process involves.
Study Tours
A study tour is a structured short-stay program run by a school or university that gives prospective students a genuine experience of Australian student life. During a study tour you can visit campus facilities, explore accommodation options, sit in on classes, join excursions and participate in the social life of Australian students.
Study tours are typically short enough to complete on a visitor visa, but if you want to turn the experience into a full enrolment, a student visa eligibility check is the right next step — we’ll tell you whether your preferred institution, course and occupation align with a strong student visa application. Talk to your home institution to find out which study tours are currently available.
Distance Education
If you want an Australian qualification but can’t relocate for all or part of your course, distance education gives you the option to study from your home country — or to combine periods of home-based study with time on campus in Australia.
Check with your chosen institution which courses are available in distance mode and what the entry requirements are. Most undergraduate distance education programs require the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or an equivalent qualification from your home country. Institutions may also consider maturity, relevant work experience and motivation as part of their entry assessment for distance programs.
Important note for skilled migration: distance education and predominantly online courses do not satisfy the Australian study requirement for skilled visa purposes — and student visa (subclass 500) conditions specifically exclude predominantly online courses. If your goal is PR as well as a qualification, you need to be studying in Australia in person. See university courses to PR and trade courses to PR for which study formats qualify.
Which Study Option Is Right for You?
The right format depends on your goals — whether that’s gaining a full Australian qualification, building international experience, improving your English, or creating a pathway to permanent residency. If PR is part of your plan, the format you choose matters significantly: only full CRICOS-registered on-campus study counts toward the Australian study requirement for skilled migration.
See education pathways for a full overview of how different study formats connect to visa and migration outcomes, or get a free student visa assessment to confirm which option fits your specific situation.
Education Pathways in Australia
Not meeting the entry requirements for your preferred course in Australia doesn’t mean the door is closed — it means you take a pathway that gets you there. Australian institutions offer a well-structured set of preparation options that allow you to build the academic level, English proficiency or vocational foundation you need to enter your target qualification.
Common pathways include:
- English language (ELICOS) courses — to meet the English requirement for your student visa and course entry
- Foundation Studies — intensive one-year programs that prepare you for undergraduate university entry
- Secondary school study — if you need to complete or build on senior secondary qualifications
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses — which can lead directly to employment or provide a stepping stone into higher education through credit transfer
Each pathway is a genuine qualification in its own right — not just preparation — and contributes to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which links every level of Australian education into one nationally recognised system.
or international students with PR as a longer-term goal, pathway choices matter for migration too — see courses with good PR prospects to understand which study levels and occupations lead to skilled visa pathways.
Foundation Studies
If you don’t yet meet the academic requirements for your preferred university or higher education course, Foundation Studies is the most direct preparation pathway. Depending on your previous qualifications and your target degree, you can enter Foundation Studies directly or begin with secondary school study if additional preparation is needed first.
Foundation Studies is typically a one-year intensive preparatory program designed to give you the academic skills needed to enter an undergraduate Bachelor Degree at a university or higher education institution. Programs are usually divided into subject streams — such as business studies, science studies, engineering or humanities — with both compulsory and elective components. English language support is generally built into the program or available alongside it.
Foundation Studies courses are offered by schools, VET institutions and universities across Australia. The defining feature of a well-structured Foundation Studies program is the guaranteed or provisional entry offer — a university allocates you a place in an undergraduate program on the condition that you achieve the prescribed grades in your Foundation year. This gives you a clear, conditional pathway to your target degree before you even begin your preparatory study.
Pathways and Your Student Visa
Every stage of your pathway in Australia — Foundation Studies, ELICOS, VET and your final degree — requires a student visa (subclass 500) for the full duration. If you’re packaging multiple courses (for example, ELICOS followed by Foundation Studies followed by a Bachelor Degree), all courses must be included in your visa application as a packaged course with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each stage.
Packaging courses together is a common and accepted approach — but the sequencing, CoE requirements and how each stage affects your English and financial capacity evidence all need to be planned carefully before you lodge.
Getting the pathway and visa strategy right from the start saves significant time and money. Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll map the full pathway for your specific academic background, English level and migration goals — before you commit to any institution or course.
Fields of Study in Australia
Australian courses are classified into Fields of Education — also called Fields of Study. This is the national classification system used by institutions, the Department of Home Affairs and assessing authorities to categorise courses, specialisations and units of study. Understanding which field your course falls under matters for your student visa and skilled migration application — your nominated ANZSCO occupation must align with your field of study for a skills assessment to succeed.
If you’re unsure whether your planned course and occupation are correctly matched, get a free student visa assessment before you enrol.
Natural and Physical Sciences
The study of all living organisms and inanimate natural objects through experiment, observation and deduction. Key content areas include atmospheric sciences, biological processes, chemical reactions, geological composition, laboratory methodology, mathematical and statistical techniques, observation and measurement, scientific method, subatomic particles and quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics and entropy. The purpose is to develop an understanding of the workings of the universe and extend scientific knowledge.
Migration note: science graduates assessed by VETASSESS — confirm current list status for your specific occupation before enrolling. See courses with good PR prospects.
Information technology
The study of processing, transmitting and storing information by computers. Key content areas include computation theory, computer programming, data format and coding, management and retrieval of information, robotics programming and artificial intelligence, and systems analysis. The purpose is to develop an understanding of information systems, programming languages, information management and AI — and the ability to apply these to solve real-world problems.
Migration note: ICT occupations are assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and consistently feature on the MLTSSL. ICT business analysts, systems analysts and software engineers are among the most in-demand occupations for skilled migration. See courses with good PR prospects for the full ICT cluster.
Engineering and Related Technologies
The study of the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and functioning of machines, systems and structures, and the composition and processing of materials. Key content areas include aeronautics, engineering and manufacturing technology, food technology, land information technology, materials science, principles of design and drafting, and plant and machine maintenance.
Migration note: engineering is one of Australia’s most consistently in-demand occupation clusters. Civil, electrical and mechanical engineers are assessed by Engineers Australia and are strongly represented on the MLTSSL. Trade-level engineering qualifications are assessed by TRA through the Job Ready Program — see trade courses to PR and university courses to PR.
Architecture and Building
The study of designing, constructing, adapting and maintaining buildings, landscapes and urban environments. Key content areas include aesthetics and space dynamics, building economics, building science, building techniques and technologies, construction management, architectural design and drawing, and town planning.
Migration note: architects are assessed by AACA; construction project managers and surveyors by VETASSESS. Strong demand across most Australian states, particularly in major urban growth areas. See courses with good PR prospects for the full building professions cluster.
Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
The study of breeding, growing, gathering and caring for plants and animals, and the interaction between people and the natural environment. Key content areas include crop production, animal production and management, environmental impact and assessment, forest resource management, soil and water conservation, and aquatic resource management.
Migration note: agricultural consultants and scientists are assessed by VETASSESS. List status for this cluster varies — confirm current MLTSSL or STSOL position before committing to a course. See courses with good PR prospects.
Health
The study of maintaining and restoring the physical and mental wellbeing of humans and animals. Key content areas include disease processes and mechanisms, restoration and maintenance of health, diagnosis, and principles and practices of public health.
Migration note: health is one of the strongest PR pathway sectors in Australia. Registered nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sonographers and other allied health professionals are consistently on the MLTSSL with strong state nomination demand. Most health professions are assessed by AHPRA-linked bodies. See courses with good PR prospects for the full health cluster and university courses to PR for the degree pathway.
Education
The study of the process of learning, including theories, methods and techniques of teaching. Key content areas include curriculum development, processes of learning and skill acquisition, and teaching methods across pre-school, school and tertiary settings.
Migration note: teachers are assessed by AITSL. Early childhood, secondary and special education teachers have solid MLTSSL representation with particularly strong regional demand — regional study and living can add 5 to 15 points to your skilled migration score. See courses with good PR prospects.
Management and commerce
The study of planning, directing, organising and coordinating the human and material resources of organisations. Key content areas include management and administration, human and material resources management, sales and marketing, finance and financial management, and human behaviour and time management.
Migration note: management and commerce graduates pursuing skilled migration typically need to identify a specific ANZSCO occupation — generic business or commerce degrees don’t automatically qualify. Accounting, for example, is assessed by CPA Australia, CAANZ or IPA. Confirm your intended occupation and assessing authority with us before enrolling.
Society and Culture
The study of the physical, social and cultural organisation of human society. Key content areas include belief and value systems, cultural expression, human development and behaviour, human populations and environments, politics of power, social organisation and structure, and social research methodology.
Migration note: social workers are assessed by AASW and consistently appear on the MLTSSL. Other society and culture occupations such as solicitors are assessed by VETASSESS. See courses with good PR prospects for the full list.
Creative arts
The study of creating and performing works of art, music, dance and drama, and communicating through a variety of media. Key content areas include artistic and technical aspects of audio-visual communication, art and craft production, photography, fashion, music, dance and drama performance, and the history and theory of the visual and performing arts.
Migration note: most creative arts occupations are not on the MLTSSL and do not lead directly to skilled migration pathways. If you’re combining creative arts with a field that does (for example, graphic design with ICT, or architecture with design), confirm the ANZSCO alignment with us before enrolling.
Food, hospitality and personal services
The study of preparing, displaying and serving food and beverages, providing hospitality services, and personal care including hair, skin and beauty services. Key content areas include skin care and cosmetic application, general beauty care, hair cutting and treatment, housekeeping, hygienic food handling, and preparation and service of food and beverages.
Migration note: Chef is the most migration-relevant occupation in this cluster — assessed by TRA through the Job Ready Program and currently on the MLTSSL. See trade courses to PR for the full chef pathway. Other hospitality and personal services occupations generally do not lead to skilled migration pathways.
Mixed field programmes
Programs providing general and personal development education. Key content areas include literacy and numeracy skills, and personal, social and workplace relationships. The purpose is to develop foundational skills in reading, writing and arithmetic alongside elementary knowledge of history, geography, science, social science, art and music — and the key competencies needed for employment and everyday life.
Migration note: mixed field programmes are foundational education and do not lead to skilled migration pathways. They are best suited as a starting point for students who need to build basic academic skills before progressing to a vocational or higher education qualification.
