International / Australia
Studying in Australia
World-class universities, a state-based admissions system, and a lifestyle that is hard to beat. Australia is the third most popular destination for international students globally — here is how to get there.
State-based admissions
Australia does not have a national university application system. Each state (or group of states) has its own tertiary admissions centre. You apply through the centre for the state where your chosen university is located. International students can often apply directly to the university as well.
UAC
New South Wales & ACTThe Universities Admissions Centre handles applications to most universities in NSW and the ACT, including the University of Sydney, UNSW, Macquarie, and ANU. You create an account, list your preferences (up to five in the main round), and UAC processes offers based on your ATAR or equivalent ranking.
UAC website →VTAC
VictoriaThe Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre manages applications to universities in Victoria, including the University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, and Deakin. You can list up to eight preferences. Melbourne uses a unique model where most undergrads enter broad bachelor's degrees before specialising at the master's level.
VTAC website →QTAC
QueenslandThe Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre covers universities in Queensland, including UQ (University of Queensland), QUT, and Griffith. Up to six preferences. UQ is the state's Group of Eight member and consistently ranks among the world's top 50.
QTAC website →SATAC
South Australia & Northern TerritoryThe South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre handles applications for institutions in SA and the NT, including the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. The University of Adelaide is South Australia's Group of Eight member.
SATAC website →TISC
Western AustraliaThe Tertiary Institutions Service Centre manages applications for WA universities, including the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin, and Murdoch. UWA is the state's Group of Eight member.
TISC website →ATAR scores explained
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile ranking — not a score or a mark. An ATAR of 90.00 means you performed better than 90% of the Year 12 cohort in your state. The highest possible ATAR is 99.95.
Each university course has a published ATAR cutoff (sometimes called a “selection rank”). If your ATAR meets or exceeds the cutoff, you receive an offer. Some courses also consider interviews, portfolios, or auditions.
Typical ATAR cutoffs
Cutoffs vary significantly by university and year. Always check the specific institution.
For American students: You will not have an ATAR. Australian universities assess international applicants using their own qualifications — GPA, SAT/ACT scores, AP or IB results. Each university publishes equivalencies for international qualifications. Contact the university's international admissions office directly.
The Group of Eight
The Group of Eight (Go8) is a coalition of Australia's eight leading research-intensive universities. They receive over 70% of Australian competitive research funding and produce more than 60% of the country's research output. Think of them as Australia's equivalent to the Russell Group in the UK or the top research universities in the US.
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VICConsistently ranked #1 in Australia. Uses a distinctive 'Melbourne Model' — broad undergraduate degrees followed by professional master's programs.
Australian National University (ANU)
Canberra, ACTAustralia's national university. Particularly strong in political science, international relations, and Asia-Pacific studies. Located in the capital.
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSWAustralia's oldest university (1850). Iconic campus. Strong across law, medicine, business, and the arts.
University of Queensland (UQ)
Brisbane, QLDTop research output in Australia. Strong in biosciences, engineering, and environmental science.
UNSW Sydney
Sydney, NSWKnown for engineering, technology, and business. Strong industry connections and co-op programs.
Monash University
Melbourne, VICAustralia's largest university. World-leading in pharmacy, education, and medicine. Multiple campuses including one in Malaysia.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Perth, WAStrong in marine sciences, agriculture, and mining/resources engineering. Beautiful campus on the Swan River.
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SAConsistently produces above its weight in research. Known for wine science, health, and engineering. Lower cost of living than Sydney/Melbourne.
International student costs and visa
Australia is not a budget destination. International tuition ranges from roughly AUD $30,000-$50,000/year for most courses, with medicine and veterinary science exceeding AUD $70,000/year at some universities. Living costs add approximately AUD $21,000-$30,000/year depending on the city (Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive).
Student visa (subclass 500)
- Eligibility: You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered institution, adequate financial capacity, English proficiency, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Financial capacity: You must demonstrate access to at least AUD $24,505/year for living costs (in addition to tuition and travel). This can be through bank statements, loans, or a financial declaration from a sponsor.
- Work rights: International students on a subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- Processing time: Typically 4-8 weeks. Apply well before your course start date.
Scholarships
Australia has a growing scholarship landscape for international students, though it is less generous than the US or UK at the undergraduate level.
- Australia Awards: Funded by the Australian Government, primarily for students from developing countries. Covers tuition, living costs, and travel. Highly competitive.
- Destination Australia: Scholarships for students studying at regional campuses. AUD $15,000/year.
- University-specific scholarships: Most Go8 universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students. The University of Melbourne, ANU, and UQ all have significant programs. Check each university's scholarship page directly.
- Research Training Program (RTP): For postgraduate research students. Covers tuition and provides a living stipend.
See also our Global Scholarships page.
This is a guide — always verify directly with the institution and relevant government body.