Introduction

An overview of Australian universities

Introduction

The age of admission to university is usually 18 (although most admit exceptional students at a younger age) and courses are usually for three years, although some last for four.

This is seen as a big advantage for foreign students from countries where courses often last much longer and helps Australian universities attract a large number of overseas students. Most Australian universities have between 10,000 and 30,000 students (the largest, Monash, has nearly 56,000), although they’re usually dispersed over a number of campuses.

Around a quarter of university students are ‘mature’ students aged over 30, two-thirds of whom are women. Many universities have a multi-campus structure, each campus specialising in a particular discipline, e.g. an agricultural science college linked to the main campus.

Overseas Students

All Australian universities accept overseas students and many spend $millions on overseas marketing and student recruitment (Australia’s sandstone universities established their own overseas marketing arm in 1997). There are no quotas for foreign students, but all non-resident students must pay full fees (although grants are available).

Overseas students require a student visa, which is issued after acceptance on a course and payment of at least half the first year’s fees. Students must have the financial resources to meet day-to-day living expenses for the duration of their course, return fares to Australia and tuition fees.

Foreign students must have an adequate knowledge of English (unless studying English!). If English isn’t your mother tongue or the language in which you gained your previous qualifications, you must take the Short Selection Test (SST). Private health insurance is required by all students, e.g. Medibank Private overseas student health cover. Students must be attending full-time courses but are permitted to take part-time jobs of up to 20 hours per week to help cover their living costs.

In order to retain their visas, students must have satisfactory attendance and academic results records. On completion of their courses, overseas students must leave Australia when their visas expire (a written undertaking must be made). It isn’t possible to switch from a visitor’s visa to a student visa while in Australia.

Further reading

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