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Study in Australia from India Your 2026–27 Guide
For Indian students planning a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Australia: universities, costs, intakes, the student visa, work rights, post-study work and PR — in one overview, with a detailed IMFS guide for each step.
48 hrs
Work per fortnight during term; unlimited in breaks
2–4 yrs
Post-study work for Indian graduates (Bachelor's to PhD)
AUD 2,500
Student visa fee from 1 July 2026
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At a glance
Studying in Australia: The Key Facts for 2026–27
Australia offers globally ranked universities, paid work while you study and 2 to 4 years of post-study work for Indian graduates. In return, it is not cheap: budget roughly AUD 40,000 to 90,000 a year for tuition and living costs, and expect a closely checked visa application.
| Topic | Key fact (October 2026) | IMFS guide |
|---|
| Tuition | About AUD 20,000–52,000 a year, depending on university and course | Costs → |
| Intakes | February (main), July, and a smaller November intake | Intakes → |
| Student visa | Subclass 500; fee AUD 2,500; funds of AUD 29,710 for 12 months' living costs | Visa guide → |
| English | IELTS 6.0 overall for the visa; universities usually ask 6.0–7.0 | IELTS coaching → |
| Work while studying | 48 hours per fortnight in term; minimum wage AUD 26.44 an hour | Part-time jobs → |
| After graduation | Temporary Graduate visa (485): 2–4 years for Indian graduates | Post-study work → |
| Permanent residence | Points-tested skilled visas; competitive for popular occupations | PR guide → |
Checked 19 October 2026. Sources: IDP, visa fees from 1 July 2026; financial capacity requirement; IELTS, Australia requirements; Annual Wage Review 2026; 485 durations for Indian passport holders.
Universities
Top Universities in Australia for Indian Students
The Group of Eight (Go8) are Australia's leading research universities. Many Indian students also choose strong technology and industry-focused universities, often at lower fees.
| Group | Universities | Typical tuition (AUD a year) |
|---|
| Group of Eight | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Australian National University, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, Adelaide University | 35,000–52,000 |
| Popular with Indian students | Macquarie, RMIT, Deakin, UTS, Curtin, La Trobe, Griffith, QUT | 24,000–40,000 |
Indicative ranges; fees vary by course and change every year. Adelaide University began in 2026 after the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
In detail: Best universities in Australia →
Popular fields: IT and data science, engineering, business and accounting, nursing and health, and environmental science. See the best courses in Australia.
Intakes
Intakes and When to Apply
| Intake | Starts | Apply by | Best for |
|---|
| Semester 1 | February | October–November of the previous year | Widest choice of courses and scholarships |
| Semester 2 | July | April–May | Students finishing in India in May–June |
| Trimester 3 | November | August–September | Some universities and courses only |
Planning for July 2027 or February 2028? Start English test preparation 9–12 months ahead and lodge your visa as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
In detail: Australia intakes and deadlines →
Costs
Cost of Studying in Australia
| Cost | Approximate amount (AUD) |
|---|
| Tuition, Bachelor's | 20,000–50,000 a year |
| Tuition, Master's | 22,000–52,000 a year |
| Living costs | About 26,000–42,000 a year in Sydney or Melbourne; 19,000–31,000 in Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth; less in regional cities |
| Funds to show for the visa | 29,710 for 12 months' living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel |
| Student visa fee | 2,500 (from 1 July 2026) |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | Required for your whole stay; price varies by provider and length |
Indicative ranges, checked October 2026. Estimate your own budget with the Study Abroad Cost Calculator and read about hidden costs and living costs. Compare education loans.
In detail: Cost of studying in Australia →
Eligibility
Eligibility and English Requirements
| Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
|---|
| Academic | Class 12, often 65–80% depending on the university and course | Recognised Bachelor's, often 60–70% or above |
| IELTS Academic (universities) | Usually 6.0–6.5 | Usually 6.5; 7.0 at some leading universities |
| PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT | Accepted by most universities | Accepted by most universities |
| GRE / GMAT | Not required | Rarely required; some MBA and research programmes |
For the student visa itself, the usual minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall. See the IELTS score you should target and IMFS IELTS coaching.
Student visa
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
You apply online through ImmiAccount after you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Five things to know:
Fee
AUD 2,500
From 1 July 2026 for most applicants; the fee depends on the date you lodge.
Funds
AUD 29,710
For 12 months' living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel; more for family members.
English
IELTS 6.0
Usual visa minimum; lower only with packaged English or foundation study.
Genuine Student
Questions in the form
Replaced the GTE statement in March 2024. Answer with specifics about your course, career and ties.
Processing
Priority by provider
From November 2025, applications for universities within their 2026 allocation are processed faster.
How the process works: 1. Get an offer from a CRICOS-registered course. 2. Accept it and receive your CoE. 3. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. 4. Lodge the visa on ImmiAccount with your documents and Genuine Student answers. 5. Complete health checks and biometrics if asked, then wait for the decision. Australia checks Indian applications closely, so documents must be complete and genuine.
Sources: IDP, visa fees from 1 July 2026; financial capacity requirement; Study Australia, Ministerial Direction 115; Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500). Check current processing times rather than relying on a fixed number of weeks. See the full documents checklist.
In detail: Australian student visa: step-by-step guide →
Scholarships
Scholarships for Indian Students
Most scholarships for Indian students in Australia are partial merit awards from universities, usually a tuition reduction. Full funding is rare outside research degrees.
- University merit scholarships: partial tuition reductions at most universities, often for strong academic records.
- Destination Australia: government-funded scholarships for study at regional campuses.
- Research scholarships: tuition plus a living stipend for Master's by Research and PhD students at many universities.
In detail: Scholarships in Australia for Indian students →
Student stories
IMFS Students in Australia
Master's in Mechanical Engineering
University of Western Australia
Ishan Lotlikar
Master's in Architecture
University of South Australia
Rugved Parulekar
“I applied to Australian universities through IMFS. They were extremely dedicated throughout the entire process. They continuously followed up with the university and gave updates every once in a while.”
Mahi Boddapati
Google review · IMFS Kukatpally, Hyderabad
“The team was very supportive and guided me clearly through the entire process from university selection to visa procedures. They were responsive, patient and transparent at every step.”
Vikram
Google review · IMFS Hyderabad
“From preparing for exams like the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS to university shortlisting and obtaining a visa, they provide comprehensive support. Their personalised mock visa interviews significantly boosted my confidence.”
Premsai Pendela
Google review · IMFS Hyderabad
Excerpts from Google reviews. Read more reviews.
How IMFS helps
How IMFS Helps You Study in Australia
Step 1
Profile & Shortlist
IMFS: Reviews your marks, English score, budget and goals, and builds a balanced list of universities and cities.
You: Share your real budget and career plans.
Step 2
IELTS or PTE Plan
IMFS: Recommends the test and target score, with in-house IELTS coaching.
You: Prepare and book your test early.
Step 3
Applications
IMFS: Prepares and tracks your applications and gives structured feedback on your statement of purpose.
You: Write your statement — the words must be yours.
Step 4
Visa & Genuine Student
IMFS: Checks your CoE, funds and documents, and helps you prepare specific, honest Genuine Student answers.
You: Provide complete, genuine financial documents.
Step 5
Funding
IMFS: Identifies scholarships and helps you compare education loans.
You: Apply early for scholarships.
Step 6
Pre-departure
IMFS: Briefs you on accommodation, banking, work rules and post-study options.
You: Plan your first weeks in Australia.
What IMFS does not do: we do not guarantee admission, scholarships or visas — those decisions belong to universities and the Department of Home Affairs — and we do not write statements on your behalf.
Meet us
Free Australia Counselling at IMFS Branches
Online across India, or in person at 10 branches. Open Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–7 PM (Vashi and Matunga closed on Sunday).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs and funding
How much does it cost to study in Australia for Indian students?
Tuition is usually AUD 20,000 to 52,000 a year, depending on the university and course; the leading Group of Eight universities sit at the top of that range.
Living costs are roughly AUD 19,000 to 42,000 a year depending on the city. For the visa, you must show at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus tuition and travel.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
You must show enough for your first year's tuition, travel and living costs. The living-cost amount is AUD 29,710 for 12 months for a single student, plus AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 for each child. Bank savings, education loans and sponsor funds can be used, but the source of funds must be genuine and well documented.
Visa and English
What are the requirements for an Australian student visa in 2026?
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered course, answers to the
Genuine Student questions in the visa form, an English test score (usually IELTS 6.0 overall for the visa), proof of funds, Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay, and health and character checks. The visa application fee is AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Australia?
For the student visa, the usual minimum is
IELTS 6.0 overall, with lower scores accepted only if your course is packaged with English language or foundation study. Universities set their own requirements, usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate courses and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate courses at leading universities. PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are also accepted.
Work, post-study work and PR
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to
48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. A fortnight is a 14-day period starting on a Monday. The national minimum wage is AUD 26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
How long can Indian graduates stay in Australia after studying?
Indian passport holders can usually get a
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for up to 2 years after a Bachelor's degree, 3 years after a first-class honours degree in STEM, 3 years after a Master's and 4 years after a PhD. Most applicants must be 35 or younger, apply within 6 months of finishing and be in Australia when you apply. The visa fee is AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026.
Can I get PR after studying in Australia?
It is possible but competitive. Most graduates apply through
points-tested skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491), where 65 points is only the minimum to apply; popular occupations such as IT and engineering often need far more. Your occupation, age, English score, Australian work experience and state nomination decide your chances.
Which intake is best for Indian students in Australia?
February is the main intake with the widest choice of courses and scholarships; apply by October or November of the previous year. July is the second intake and suits students finishing in India in May or June; apply by April or May. A smaller November intake is offered by some universities.
More Australia guides
Australia Guides from IMFS
