With student graduation debt seemingly always increasing, perhaps it's time to ask where else you could study with your money. Virtually everyone knows you can study within the EU at the same fees as in the UK, but it means learning the language. Australia may sound far away, but increasing numbers of 'Poms' are choosing to study in Australia.
Firstly, the lucky Scottish and Welsh students who currently pay smaller or no fees may well decide that the extra cost of undertaking a degree course in Australia needs hard consideration. However, the majority English population are increasingly seeing Australia as a cost-effective alternative to home. Why are increasing numbers choosing to apply to Australian universities?
Why Choose Australia for Your Studies?
World-Class Quality
Australian universities consistently rank among the world's best with rigorous quality standards
Employment Focus
Courses designed with employability in mind, combining theory with practical skills
Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in a diverse, multicultural environment while speaking English
Educational Quality and Standards
If you are thinking about studying in Australia then you will want to know how the quality of Australian universities compares to both home and other international institutions. Simply, they are superb. Besides the full range of undergraduate courses you would expect to be able to apply to in Britain, Australian degree courses have majored on employability.
Best of Both Worlds
British Foundation
Originally based on the British model with high academic standards and rigorous quality controls
American Flexibility
Adopted the American modular system, allowing you to assemble course credits from different study streams
Government Review
Rigorous government review and inspection system, more comprehensive than almost anywhere else
Comprehensive Course Range
Traditional Honours
Maintain traditional single subject honours courses like older British universities
Full Range of Disciplines
Arts, commerce, technology, humanities, and professional courses all available
Customizable Degrees
More easily assemble your ideal course structure with flexible credit systems
Understanding the Costs (2025)
Tuition Fees (Annual)
Living Costs (Annual)
Note: Costs vary significantly by city. Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive than Perth, Adelaide, or Brisbane. Exchange rates also affect total costs for international students.
Earn While You Learn
Australia offers excellent opportunities for international students to work while studying, helping to offset living costs and gain valuable work experience.
Student Work Rights
- • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies
- • Unlimited hours during official study breaks
- • On-campus work opportunities available
- • Internships and co-op programs with industry
- • Graduate work visa opportunities post-study
Typical Earnings (2025)
Application Process Timeline
Research & Choose (12-18 months before)
Research universities, courses, and cities. Consider entry requirements and costs.
Prepare Documents (6-12 months before)
Gather transcripts, English test results (IELTS/TOEFL), and reference letters.
Submit Applications (3-6 months before)
Apply through university websites or agents. Application deadlines vary by institution.
Visa Application (2-4 months before)
Apply for student visa once you receive course offer. Allow time for processing.
Leading Australian Universities
University of Melbourne
Top-ranked, strong in all disciplines, excellent research opportunities
University of Sydney
Prestigious, beautiful campus, strong industry connections
Australian National University
Research-intensive, strong in sciences and public policy
University of Queensland
Innovative programs, beautiful Brisbane location
Monash University
Large, diverse, strong in medicine and engineering
University of Western Australia
Beautiful Perth campus, mining and engineering excellence
University of Adelaide
Historic, strong research, wine and agriculture programs
RMIT University
Practical focus, excellent industry partnerships
Making Your Decision
Australia offers a unique combination of high-quality education, cultural diversity, and practical experience that makes it an increasingly attractive option for international students. With world-class universities, reasonable costs compared to other English-speaking countries, and excellent post-study work opportunities, Australia provides both academic excellence and real-world preparation.
The combination of British academic rigor with American flexibility, coupled with Australia's focus on employability and multicultural environment, creates an ideal learning experience. Whether you're interested in traditional academic disciplines or cutting-edge research, Australian universities offer the quality and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
Next Steps
Ready to explore studying in Australia? Start by researching specific universities and programs that match your interests and career goals.