Applying for Admission
Applying to Australian institutions is easy, although it will take some time and careful planning. Remember that you can ask for help and advice from the institution you are applying to, your local Australian visa office and education agents in your home country.
Here is some advice to help with your course application:
Step 1: Choose your course and education provider
Step 2: Apply
Step 3: Have your application processed
Step 4: Accept your offer
Step 5: Prepare for departure
Step 1: Choose your course and education provider
Carefully research courses, institutions and their locations. Consider the areas of specialisation offered through different courses and which specialisations will best suit your intended career path.
Once you have decided on the best course, you need to find out which education providers offer it and which provider best suits your requirements. You should consider the size of the campus, the available facilities and the support services offered for international students.
You can use the Course Search and Institution Search to help you research Australian education providers and the courses they offer, as well as make an enquiry.
Step 2: Apply
Once you have chosen your course and education provider, it is time to apply. Go to the Enquire Now page to submit an enquiry directly to the institution of your choice.
Before you apply, you should check the academic and English language entry requirements to ensure you are eligible. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may need to consider a different course or applying for a bridging course or foundation course, which may increase your chances. Contact your education provider and ask about their application requirements and deadlines, as these will differ for each provider. Make a note of important deadlines to make sure you meet them. Also remember to allow for postal times when sending forms by mail.
International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions, either by post or online. You can download application forms from institutions' websites or request the forms to be posted. Another option is to contact an education agent in your country or an overseas representative of the institution to which you are applying. Your application form will ask you which course(s) you are applying for and give you details of the documentation you need to supply.
Most application forms require you to supply:
- your personal details
- certified proof of your level of English language proficiency
- details of your previous academic qualifications, such as academic transcripts
- your course preferences — the course(s) you are applying for
- a summary of your employment experience (if applicable).
If you are still completing your education, you can usually provide evidence of your most recent marks until it is possible to provide your final results. If the documents you supply are not in English, you must provide an official certified translation. Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around AUD$50 to $100 that must be included with your application. Some institutions waive this fee if the application is made online. Before sending your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian visa office or online at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website to ensure you will qualify for a student visa if your application is successful.
If, at any time during the application process, you are uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact your education provider — they are there to help you.
Step 3: Have your application processed
Once the education provider receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. It may take a few weeks (longer for postgraduate applications) before your application is processed.
Step 4: Accept your offer
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, you should carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply. You will need to meet these conditions before the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You may also be required to pay tuition fees before your institution issues a CoE. The institution will advise you of its requirements.
Step 5: Prepare for departure
Now that you have been accepted, it is time to apply for your student visa. You are able to apply for your student visa using either your letter of offer or your CoE, but you will need to supply evidence of your CoE before your student visa is granted. See Student Visas for more information. You must also purchase your plane tickets, organise your Overseas Student Health Cover and arrange your accommodation in Australia.
Your education provider will typically send you an admissions package with information that will help you prepare for your journey to Australia. This might include information about your course and accommodation options, facts about the location, financial information and details about orientation programs. See Living in Australia for more information about what life is like in Australia.
