Study in Australia: the ultimate guide for a Short Course in 2023
Australia

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Australia in 2023

Browse all short courses in Australia

  • Feb-Feb Academic Year
  • 20 Listed Institutes
  • 40 Ranked Universities
  • 458,000 Int. Students
  • 1,763,000 Students
  • 26,069,000 Population

Study in Australia

A country built by migrants and ready to welcome you with open arms, Australia is one of the most popular, unique, and multicultural study-abroad destinations, making it easy for international students to fit in. 

The people of Australia are known for being friendly and welcoming, allowing you to feel the typical laid-back atmosphere from anywhere in the country. 

Adding to Australia’s charm is the unique and diverse natural environment, providing you red deserts on one side and rainforests on the other. 

Australia is home to several top-ranked universities which are hosted in some of the best student cities worldwide. If all this sounds tempting enough to you, get ready to embark on a life-changing study abroad experience in Australia!

Why Study in Australia?

1. Australian universities offer academic excellency

You cannot be one of the top 5 most popular study destinations in the world without an excellent higher education system — and Australia certainly delivers!

Its universities are often present in the annual international rankings, which is a testimony of their quality and commitment to support and welcome international students.

2. Take advantage of internships and work placements

Many study programmes at Australia universities include either work placements or internships. These unique opportunities help students to develop real-life experience and discover what they can expect from a certain job or career path.

It also paves the way to a better understanding of the important skills you need as a modern-day employee, including theoretical knowledge, practical abilities, soft skills, digital know-how, and so on.

3. Enjoy an amazing student environment

One aspect that Australia really gets right is the support for international students. Some cities even have dedicated student centres, which are ready to help you with any issue regarding legal rights, getting a job, networking, finding accommodation, and so on.

You should also know that Melbourne has repeatedly been voted as one of the most student-friendly cities in the world, which is quite a feat.

4. Set your inner adventurer free

While Steve Irwin, the famous "Crocodile Hunter", passed away in 2006, his spirit of adventure and his love for nature are still alive and inspiring others. If you have a hidden adventurer inside, one that you rarely have the chance to let loose, Australia is the place for you!

The continent-country has 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 500 national parks, and more than 2,700 conservation areas, including wildlife sanctuaries and Aboriginal reserves.

Find more reasons to study in Australia here.

Which universities to attend in Australia?

Australia is home to over 40 universities, most of which are public institutions. Many Australian branches of Australian universities also have satellite campuses located overseas. In Australia, you can pursue the following types of degrees:

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degrees)
  • Research Master’s – requires a final thesis that consists of at least 2/3 research; entry requirement is a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) or Master’s preliminary year, a research-based graduate diploma or equivalent research experience.
  • Professional Master’s – entry requirement is based on a relevant qualification and professional experience, or extensive relevant professional experience.
  • TAFE certificates (vocational training and education) – set up for students who plan to prepare for highly skilled jobs in business, or as an alternative pathway into university degree studies.

Examples of universities in Australia we recommend:

What is it like to study in Australia?

Australian universities have a long history of welcoming international students and helping them adjust to a new university system. Universities help students arrange accommodation, organise special student orientation weeks, and provide several other student services throughout the year.

University education in Australia is mostly focused using problem-based learning, helping you become an independent learner.

Successful completing a course usually depends on whether you pass a mid or final exam. University classes are usually flexible and you can mostly choose how much effort to put in and how to approach learning.

What to study in Australia?

No matter what you decide to study, you will surely find your ideal degree in an Australian university. In Australia, you can specialise in subject areas from Natural Sciences and Engineering, to Social and Medical Sciences.

Here are some of the most popular study options in Australia

Where to study in Australia?

Australia has around 30 student cities and they all provide students incredible leisure time. Australia is the perfect spot for outdoor activities -  surfing, snorkelling, hiking, or biking. If you’re interested in discovering Australia’s heritage and culture, you have plenty of museums and art centres you can visit.

Check out some of these cities and learn more about what it is like to study there:

How to apply

You can apply online, directly for the university study programme, by downloading the application form and submitting all required documents.

If your application is successful, you will receive a ‘Letter of Offer’. To confirm your application, you must reply to this letter by signing and sending an acceptance of the offer.

Read more details about how to apply to a university in Australia.

Make sure you qualify for an Australian university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programme. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Australia, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 60,000 English-taught programmes in Australia.

Universities in Australia will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. All Australian universities accept these official English exams:

Living in Australia

Before packing everything and buying a plane ticket to Australia, you should also think about your budget. While Australian universities offer top-quality education, they aren't exactly cheap. If you add in the monthly living costs, it's easy to see how the budget grows fast.

No need to worry though, as there are numerous scholarships available for international students. Now, let's take a look at the average tuition and living expenses in Australia.

Tuition fees in Australia

Tuition fees charged by Australian universities are some of the highest in the world. For a Bachelor’s degree, tuition ranges between 20,000 and 45,000 AUD/year, while for a Master’s and PhD fees are between 22,000 and 50,000 AUD/year.

Private universities are more expensive than public ones and might not provide access to the same financial aid programmes (e.g. grants, scholarships).

Accommodation costs

On-campus accommodation is the cheapest housing option for students, starting at around 440 AUD per month. If you’d like to rent a place, a one-bedroom apartment will cost anywhere from 1,300 AUD (outside the city centre) to 1,750 AUD (in the city centre).

Healthcare

As an international student in Australia, you will have to arrange health insurance before your departure. Apply for the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which provides medical and hospital insurance in Australia. Sometimes, your chosen university can arrange for your OSHC coverage on your behalf.

Food costs

Supermarkets in Australia don’t have expensive prices; your monthly groceries can typically cost around 300–600 AUD. If you want to dine out, you should expect to pay around 18 AUD for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

Overall, living costs start at a minimum of 1,200 AUD per month in smaller cities and at around 1,500 AUD per month in bigger cities. 

About Australia

Australia (officially, the Commonwealth of Australia) is a country that is composed of the continent as well as many of the islands that surround the country (Tasmania, etc). Australia is also the only continent that is governed as a single country, sometimes informally referred to as an 'island' continent, surrounded by oceans.

Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Australia are opposite to what you may be used to; the summer season starts in December, while the winter season starts in June. However, you can enjoy nice weather all year round, with hot summers and mild winters where only rainfalls occur.

Australia has a high quality of life and it is also the world’s 13th largest economy. The most thriving economic sectors are: agriculture, finance, tourism, education, services, and construction.

Iconic places to visit

The unique Australian island continent is an amazing place just waiting for you to explore, from coastlines, islands, stunning beaches, to incredible buildings with a modern architecture.

Here are some of Australia’s top landmarks:

  • Sydney Opera House
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Kakadu National Park
  • The Great Barrier Reef
  • Kangaroo Island
Fun facts

The name Australia is derived from the Latin words Terra Australis, which means "southern land"

Australia is still a constitutional monarchy, ruled by the Queen of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II.

In Australia, you can hear over 260 languages; apart from English, the most common spoken languages are Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, and Greek.

After New Zealand, Australia was the second country in the world to allow women to vote.

The reason why Australia has kangaroos and emus on its coat of arms is because they cannot walk backward.

Australia has more sheep (150 million) than people.

Universities, colleges and schools in Australia

Adelaide

Bendigo

Brisbane

Canberra

Greensborough

Melbourne

Newcastle

Perth

Sydney

Interesting programmes for you

Find Short Courses in Australia

What subject to study in Australia?

Numerous education initiatives in the world were formed to promote international cooperation and academic exchange between universities as well as attract students and staff worldwide. This focus on international student education provides high quality programmes in various fields of study and prepares students for future careers anywhere in the world.

Studying, for instance, in Australia, Asia, Europe or America represents a wide range of opportunities to see the world and interact with other students from different countries. Different study options allow students to hold a job during their study years in order to pay for their education, if they wish to do so. Online programmes help you get an international education without having to leave home.

The number of English-taught short courses in Asia, Australia, Europe and The United States are continuously rising in popularity in the last few years. Many countries offer English-taught study programmes, including: Australia, China, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and more. Other English short courses may be found in the rest of the European countries as well.

Short courses / Summer Courses

Short courses offer a great variety of subjects for a short and fixed period. This period can vary between a week to six weeks, depending on country, institution and course. This is an excellent opportunity to gain academic, cultural and social experience if you are not able to access long-term study opportunities. A wide variety of countries and institutions offer summer and short courses in all kinds of subject areas. It is a great opportunity to get some background information for your own research, to learn a language or to gain knowledge on a related topic.

Sometimes summer and short courses provide students with short-term housing. Therefore, it is useful to find out if housing is included in the fee of the summer or short course you wish to apply for.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
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