Studying abroad is becoming increasingly common among university students as it is a great way to advance your academic career and expand your cultural horizons. Australia is the perfect study abroad destination for students from the UK as the two countries share a similar education system and a common language.
Whether you want to go for one semester or complete your entire degree in Australia, you’re guaranteed to receive a world-class education and discover a spectacular country. Keep reading to find out how to study in Australia from the UK!
If you want to lay on beautiful beaches, get lost in beautiful cosmopolitan cities, admire unique natural landscapes, and get to know friendly Aussie locals, you’ve come to the right place. This article will cover everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa, choosing your university, qualifying for your studies, and applying to programs in Australia.
Are there student visa requirements for UK citizens in Australia?
This is the place where you’ll take your education to the next level while enjoying beach days and outdoor adventures.
The first thing to consider is whether there are UK student visa requirements in Australia. All foreigners who want to study abroad at an Australian university must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
You must meet the following requirements to attain this kind of visa:
- Prove that you are enrolled in a course of study in Australia.
- Purchase the necessary health insurance
- Meet their English language requirements.
- Prove that you have the financial means necessary to live in the country.
- Meet their character and health requirements.
- Make welfare arrangements if you are a minor.
Once you have received your student visa, you can study in Australia for a maximum of five years and travel in and out of the country as you please.
4 other requirements to study abroad in Australia from the UK
Aside from obtaining the right visa for your study abroad program, there are other requirements necessary to study in Australia from the UK. These may include:
- Academic qualifications: Luckily, Australia and the UK have similar secondary school and higher education systems, making studying in Australia from the UK a simple transition. You can easily transfer academic qualifications to your university abroad. The required marks for admission will differ from university to university.
- English proficiency: Like the UK, classes in Australia are most often taught in English. You may have to prove your English proficiency to gain admission to your university, but this is usually only required of those who do not speak English as a first language.
- Statement of purpose: Universities in Australia require that applicants provide a written statement of purpose. Your statement can include your future career objectives, academic and non-academic activities, and interest in the subject you are applying to study.
- Letter of recommendation: Finally, to study in Australia from the UK, your university may ask you to provide a letter of recommendation. This can come from any person of authority but is most often written by a teacher. The letter will include the reasons why they believe the university should admit you as a student.
How to study abroad in Australia from the UK
1. Decide where and when to go
Are Sydney’s iconic sites calling out to you?
The first step to studying abroad in Australia from the UK is deciding when and where to go. Australia is home to world-renowned universities such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the University of New South Wales. Choosing the perfect university for you will depend on which subjects you want to study and what kind of environment you want to be in.
When it comes to choosing a time to go, it is important to note that Australia has different term times than the UK. The first semester runs from February to June and the second semester runs from July to November. If you are only going for one semester, you will have to figure out how to work this into your home university schedule.
Australia also has different seasons than the UK, with their summer months being December to February. Keep this in mind if you want warm weather!
2. Inquire at your university or choose a program
If you are planning to study in Australia from the UK through a program at your university, then they may already have a pre-arranged partnership set up. If this is the case, you should reach out to your study abroad team to find out where you can go, what the application timeline is, and how many spots are available. However, if you need to arrange an experience on your own, you should look into available programs that match your academic and personal preferences.
3. Make sure you meet all requirements
As mentioned before, the universities you apply to may have specific requirements for gaining admission. Before you begin your applications, you should find out which schools you are eligible to apply to. Make sure you have adequate grades, language proficiency, and documents so that your applications are perfect.
READ: 7 Best Places to Study Abroad in Australia
4. Apply for programs
When applying to programs, you should ask your university for assistance. Your exchange advisors have deep experience with study abroad programs and will be the best people to help you with your applications. You should be extremely thorough with each application and spend extra time writing your personal statement and choosing someone to write your letter of recommendation.
5. Apply for a visa
Time to add a visa to study in Australia to your travel documents.
Once you get into your program, you can apply for your student visa. Before applying, brush up on the UK student visa requirements in Australia, and make sure to get all of the required documentation together to make the application process easier.
You should give yourself plenty of time before the beginning of your program in case something goes wrong. You can apply directly online, so there is no need to go in person to the embassy.
6. Find accommodation
Once you know which university you will be attending and you have obtained your visa, you should start looking for a place to live. Some universities provide on-campus housing, but you can also choose to live in a private flat off-campus.
If you don’t know who you want to live with, you can find flatmates through sites like Flatmatefinders and Flatmates.com.au. If you already know who you want to live with you can find a flat on sites such as Uniplaces, rent.com.au, realestate.com.au, and Domain.
7. Create a budget
Now that you know where you are living, you can create a budget for your time in Australia. Having a plan will relieve some of the financial pressures of going abroad.
Some important things to include in your budget include monthly rent, tuition fees, food costs, social activities, and travel. The Australian government has a cost of living calculator that will give you an idea of how much you should budget for each month.
8. Book your flight!
Congratulations! Now that you have gotten into your program, obtained a visa, found a place to live, and created a budget, you are ready to book your flight to Australia!
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Australia
How much does it cost to study abroad in Australia?
Once you know how to study in Australia from the UK, you’re ready to start saving up to put your dream into reality!
Now that you know how to study in Australia from the UK, you may be wondering—can I study in Australia from the UK on a student budget? While everyone’s budget will look different for their time abroad in Australia, here are some general costs to help you figure out how much you can expect to spend:
- Tuition fees: The first cost to factor into your budget for Australia is the university’s tuition fees. University tends to be more expensive in Australia than in the UK, with a bachelor’s degree costing around £5,200 to £11,700 a semester.
- Visa: Another fee to consider is the cost of your student visa. You will be asked to pay £372 unless you are exempt.
- Accommodation: The next cost to keep in mind is your monthly rent. Accommodation costs will vary depending on which city you live in. The most expensive cities in Australia include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. Throughout the country, private flats, student housing, and university halls can cost anywhere from £200 to £1500 a week.
- Food: The next thing you want to think about is how much money you will spend on food. This will depend on how often you eat out and whether you have access to a kitchen at home. The average Australian spends £200 a month on groceries, while a meal out can cost anywhere from £10 to £26.
- Travel: Finally, if you plan to travel during your semester abroad, you should include these costs in your budget for Australia. Within your own city, you can expect to pay about £24 a week for public transportation. For longer journeys throughout the country, Greyhound has travel passes that let you go on unlimited trips for a set price. Their 30-day pass costs £240.
3 study abroad programs in Australia to consider
1. TEAN - Australia - Bond University, Gold Coast
- Why? This study abroad program provides UK students the opportunity to study on Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast. They offer a wide variety of subjects, amazing housing options, and individual attention to each study abroad student. What’s more, their calendar is in line with the UK university schedule, making it easier for you to work your semester abroad into your studies.
- Where? Gold Coast
- Read TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) reviews
2. Study in Australia with World Endeavors
- Why? This program takes place at Western Sydney University. Living in the metropolitan city of Sydney, you will have access to parks, beaches, cultural centers, and an exciting social scene. In addition, you will be immersed in an international student body, a variety of on-campus activities, and a dynamic educational environment.
- Where? Sydney
- Read World Endeavors reviews
3. Future-Focused Study Abroad: IFSA in Australia
- Why? This study abroad provider offers a wide range of programs throughout the country. If you want to study abroad in Australia and also want to be able to choose from over 10 top-rated universities, this is the program for you. In addition, you will have the opportunity to win a travel grant or apply for an equity scholarship.
- Where? Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville, or Wollongong
- Read IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad reviews
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
Next stop: Australia!
Jump into adventure and sign up to study in Australia.
You’re all ready to head to the land Down Under! With all the similarities to the UK, Australia makes the perfect destination for a UK university student. Whether you want to hit the streets of Sydney or Melbourne, surf on the Gold Coast, or find kangaroos in the wild, endless adventures are waiting for you in Australia.
Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in Australia on GoAbroad.com!
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
