Australia is one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations for students in India. Every year, thousands of students from India move to Australia to pursue higher studies and leverage the career prospects offered by the country harboring internationally acclaimed universities and lucrative courses. For instance, around 64,617 Australian student visa applications were lodged between the period of July 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, by Indian Students. The numbers underscore that India is the second-largest source nation for enrolment of international students in Australia.
Factors such as mutual recognition of the academic qualification between India and Australia, availability of research fellowships and scholarships for Indian students in Australia alongside extended post-study work rights continue to make Australia a favorable option to study abroad.
Nine of the 38 Australian Universities are in the Top 100 universities in the world, with The University of Melbourne securing the top rank in Australia and 14th position, globally. The University of New South Wales occupies the second position in Australia and the 19th rank in the world. The prospects for Indian students in Australia are bright, students must research their scope in education, employment opportunities, and more before moving to the country. They should also learn more about the recent ban on concurrent study in the country. The Australian government introduced this policy to protect the interest of international students and maintain the integrity of their education system. The move serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to offering students quality education and protecting them from enrolling in subpar courses or educational institutions.
Regardless, students who intend to pursue studies abroad and explore better job opportunities in Australia should prepare financially and mentally to account for the cost of switching to studying abroad. They can also explore options like financial aid and scholarships to continue their premium courses and support themselves in their journey to study abroad.To elaborate, students need to weigh in on factors such as daily expenses, tuition fees in Australian universities, and accommodation charges.
Language requirement
Australian universities have three intakes in a year, in February, July, and November. Students are advised to apply well in advance of the application deadlines and include an English Language test to demonstrate their fluency. Typically, most major English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL are accepted.
Overall expenses
Students who intend to apply to any leading Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs in Australia must determine the overall expenses of switching to studying in Australia. The cost includes admission and tuition fees, food, accommodation, and importantly, the cost of living in Australia for Indian students.
Cost of degree
Usually, the fee structure for a Bachelor’s degree in Australian Universities ranges between AUD 20,000 and 45,000 per annum, whereas the range for a Master’s and PhD degree ranges between AUD 22,000 and 50,000 annually. The fee structure for on-campus and online learning courses in Australia is broadly the same. However, the government tends to cap certain courses, such as law, agriculture, and nursing, to encourage students to enroll in learning programs with more employment opportunities.
Grants and scholarships
Australia extends multiple research awards under the Australian Scholarships Program for candidates from the Asia Pacific region, including India. In addition, the government extends the Destination Australia Program Scholarship to international students, which amounts to AUD 15,000 tax-free per annum. In addition, universities offer merit-based grants, scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries under their respective name.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Australia is high for international students and mostly depends on the city they choose to reside in. For instance, life in cities like Melbourne and Sydney is more expensive than in Adelaide and Brisbane. They may have to shell out anything between AUD 1,400 and 2,500 monthly to cover their living expenses, such as food, transportation, utilities, and accommodation options for Indian students in Australia. A monthly transportation pass typically costs around AUD 210, whereas the expenses for the internet and utilities can be around AUD 200 and between AUD 70-120 each month, respectively.
Insurance cost
All international students are required to have an Overseas Student Health Cover for their entire course duration. The policy term must match the entire length of the student visa validity. Typically, the basic cost of minimum insurance coverage for single holders is around AUD 478 for a year.
Accommodation
Indian students studying in India may have to pay around AUD 1,600-2,600 monthly towards their accommodation. However, the cost of renting a living space may vary based on the chosen accommodation. One of the most popular accommodation options for Indian students in Australia is leasing a property or renting a place with their friends, which can cost them around AUD 95-215 weekly. However, they could be required to pay a deposit. Students can also choose centrally located short-term accommodation or student accommodation on campuses. Such accommodation can cost them around AUD 110-280 weekly.
Employability
Australia is known for extending incredible work opportunities to qualified candidates, including students from India. The country hosts several MNCs with lucrative career prospects and a high hiring track record, and there is a huge demand for skilled workers in sectors like healthcare, engineering, education, construction, and technology. Students who enroll in leading Australian universities and programs such as business, engineering, law, medical science, and engineering can leverage their knowledge and degree to access high-paying job roles. Upon completing their bachelor’s degree, students avail up to 5 years of post-study work rights.
Alternative options
In case Indian students who are looking to study abroad are willing to look at courses in other countries, they can consider universities in the US and UK. Top-ranking universities in the UK and US are at par with the universities based in Australia in terms of their popular courses, ROI, post-study work, and accommodation rules.
Abhinav Mital is the Co-founder of The WorldGrad. Founded by IITians Abhinav Mital (ISB), Pranav Saxena, and Amit Garga (IIMB)
