How To Apply For A University Course In Australia: Explained

Are you considering studying in Australia? Whether it's for a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate program, you should check if you meet the requirements for Australian schools.

Australia and its institutions rank among the best globally, making them a great choice for international education.

Entering top Australian schools can be tough due to their high standards. But don't worry! In this post, we'll cover the basic entry requirements for Australian institutions to simplify the admission process for you.

1. Steps to Apply For A Course in Australia

It is easy to apply for a course in Australia; however, you must carefully plan and devote some time and effort. Here are a few steps you can follow for a successful course application:

Step 1: Select a Course and an Education Provider

Look for institutions, their locations, and courses thoroughly. Consider a course that offers the best specialisations and suits your planned professional path.

Once you have decided on the ideal course for you, you'll need to figure out which education provider offers it and which one best meets your needs. You should even take into consideration the campus size and the available amenities. And if you are an international student, remember to consider the support services offered by the institution.

You can use the internet to find different education providers in Australia and inquire about their courses and facilities.

Step 2: Go Through the Application Process

When you've decided on a course and an education provider, it is time to go through an application process and select an Australian institution. You can visit the institution's website, go to their Enquire Now page, and submit a direct enquiry.

To ensure that you are eligible, follow the points below:

• Review the academic and English language admission criteria before applying. If you fulfil the entry requirements, you can change courses or apply for a foundation or bridge course, which may improve your prospects.

• Inquire with your education provider about their application criteria and deadlines, as they will vary per the program offered. Make sure to note down crucial deadlines so you do not miss them.

• Additionally, when sending forms via mail, keep in mind to consider postal times.

International students typically apply to Australian universities directly, either online or through the mail. You can download application forms from an institution's website or ask them to mail them to you. 

You can also contact an overseas representative of the institution you are applying to or get an education agent in your country who can help you with the application process. 

Your application form will ask you to fill in the course(s) you are interested in and will also provide information on the documents you need to submit.

Here are a few things that your application form may require you to submit:

• Your personal information.

• Your course preferences.

• Certified proof of your English language proficiency.

• Academic transcripts and other details about your past academic qualifications.

• An overview of your work experience (if applicable).

If you are pursuing your degree, you can provide documentation of your most recent grades until your final results are available. Ensure to provide an official certified translation if the documents you submit are not in English.

Many Australian institutions may request you to pay a non-refundable application fee between AUD50 to AUD100, which you include in your application. If you apply online, some educational institutions may even waive this fee.

Before submitting your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian visa office or the DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) website. You must ensure that you are eligible for a student visa.

If you are unsure how to proceed during the application process, feel free to contact your education provider; they are there to assist you.

Step 3: Have Your Application Reviewed and Approved

Your chosen education provider will receive the application once they receive it, and they will notify you of the outcome. Your application may take a few weeks to process, and it may take a little longer for postgraduate applicants.

Step 4: Accept The Offer

You will get a letter of offer and an acceptance document if your application is approved. Please read the offer letter carefully before accepting it and check for any conditions that may apply. You must satisfy all the Australian university admission requirements before the educational institution sends you the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).

You may have to pay tuition fees before your institute grants you a CoE. Overall, the institution will communicate all the admission requirements to you.

Step 5: Get Ready For the Departure

If you are an international student, you must apply for a student visa after an Australian institution has accepted your application. You can apply for a student visa with the help of your CoE or offer letter. However, in any case, you need to provide proof of your CoE before a student visa is issued to you.

You must also book your plane tickets, arrange accommodation in Australia, and organise your Overseas Student Health Cover.

Typically, your education provider will send you an admissions package that includes material to assist you in preparing for your trip to Australia. This might contain data about your course and lodging options and details about the location, orientation events, and financial information.

3. Entry Requirements to Apply for a Course in Australia

Students must fulfil specific Australian university admission requirements to make the most of their time studying in Australia. Meeting the English language and academic needs will help you to apply for a course successfully. 

Other requirements ensure that you possess valid health insurance so that you are taken care of while living in Australia.

Below you will find a brief description of the entry requirements to apply for a course in Australia. However, candidates must know that the score requirements for language tests and previous education vary from one institution to another, depending on your level of education and program choice.

English Language Requirements

Australian institutions teach courses in the English language. Hence, students from other countries where English is not the first language must provide evidence of language proficiency. To prove your proficiency in the English language, you can submit test scores of English competency exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.

You can pursue several English Language Courses (ELICOS) as preparatory courses from different Australian institutions. You can either study these courses without taking any tests or if your score needs to meet the minimal criteria for the school to which you wish to apply. If a student receives conditional admission, the institution may request that they pursue specific language programs.

Check the institution's website to gather information about additional English language requirements.

Academic Requirements

The academic criteria, including proof of English language skills, may vary based on the course level you wish to undertake. Different institutions may have additional entrance criteria, so carefully study the course details on their website and contact them immediately if you need help or guidance.

Here's some general information on what entry requirements you need to get started at different levels of study:

• VET (Vocational Education and Training): Most VET institutions in Australia do not require entrance examinations. Some courses, however, may need you to have work experience or study specific subjects.

• Schools: Different schools have different entry criteria, depending on the Australian territory or state. Usually, schools focus on your academic achievement and ability during the application process.

• Higher Education Undergraduate Courses: You require Year 12 (Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education) or overseas equivalent qualification for such courses. A few undergraduate courses may also have specific subject requirements.

• English Language Courses: The entry criteria for admission may vary as per the institution and the English language proficiency level required for the course.

• Higher Education Postgraduate Course: To enter postgraduate courses, you must complete a degree at the undergraduate level. The institution may also consider your relevant job experience and research ability.

Note: Consider taking a foundation course to satisfy the academic requirements of the Australian high school qualification. They are intensive courses, often known as bridging studies, that will help you meet admission criteria. Most higher education institutions offer these, and they generally last a year.

Application Fee

When you apply for admission in Australia, not all Australian institutions ask you to pay an application fee. There are only a few universities that take application fees from students. The fee may vary depending on the specific course and institution. Please check with your educational institution regarding their application fees.

Here is a list of Australian universities with free application for admission for international students planning to study in Australia:

• Bond University

• University of South Australia (UniSA)

• Central Queensland University (CQUniversity)

• Victoria University (VU)

• RMIT University

• University of Wollongong (UOW)

• Charles Darwin University (CDU)

• University of Notre Dame Australia

Timeline

In Australia, the majority of institutions accept online applications. To check the Australian university's application deadline and learn more about the application process, you must visit the website of the educational institution of your choice.

Most Australian institutions will ask you to create an account on their website to provide basic information. This account will update you on the application process and stages, help you pay the application fee, and upload scanned copies of your documents.

Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a unique health coverage system offered to international students in Australia. It will assist you in paying for any hospital care or medical expenses while living in Australia. It will also provide ambulance coverage in an emergency and assist you in paying for most prescription medications.

Before you arrive in Australia, you must acquire OSHC for yourself and any family members accompanying you. You must possess this coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. For further information regarding OSHC coverage, including where to buy it from, visit PrivateHealth.gov.au.

Visa Requirements

As an international student, the type of student visa you will require depends on the course you are applying for.

Here are some basic visa requirements you may need to fulfil:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency.

• Obtain an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate.

• Prove you have sufficient funds for course fees, airfare, and living expenses.

• Meet GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement.

• Provide evidence of OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover).

• Meet character and other needs.

Note: You can visit the Australian home affairs website to explore your visa options for studying in Australia.

Now that you know everything about studying in Australia requirements, you are ready to apply for an Australian institution and achieve your dream of studying in Australia.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?