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University preparation in Australia for international students

This content was developed and approved with active participation of Sam Jones, who is a Director of the International School of Bremen

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertiary_education_in_Australia
  • https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc/members-help-guide/10-reasons-students-choose-australia-to-study
Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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Nowadays, Australia is chosen by many foreign students due to a wide range of high-quality educational services. SMAPSE offers 10 best colleges and schools in Australia where foreign students can get preparation courses that will help to enter prestigious universities in Australia and abroad. Due to the list of TOP-10 colleges and schools in Australia, you will definitely find the most appropriate option. 

What you should know about Preparing for University in Australia

Embarking on a journey toward higher education in Australia marks the beginning of a promising career. The southern continent boasts some of the world's finest universities, supported by generous government funding of nearly 3 million Australian dollars annually. This financial backing fuels innovative teaching methods and ensures a rigorous standard of education. The result? Over a decade of consistent representation by at least six Australian universities in the prestigious TOP-100 global rankings.

Globally Recognized Credentials:

Diplomas conferred by Australian universities hold international prestige, with major corporations eagerly recruiting graduates from these institutions. Remarkably, students can begin professional work as early as their second or third year at university, often juggling work commitments alongside their studies.

Preparing for University Entry:

So, you've set your sights on entering an Australian university. How do you prepare for the admissions process? Firstly, it's crucial to assess your English proficiency level. All Australian universities require evidence of competence in English through certificates obtained from recognized international exams:

  • TOEFL. The minimum passing score is 78. Its validity is 2 years. 

  • IELTS. The minimum score for admission is 6.0. It is also valid for 2 years.

  • CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) is another language certificate that all universities in Australia accept. It is cheaper and valid for a lifetime (unlike TOEFL and EILTS), but not all European countries recognize it. If you plan to stay on the southern continent, then CAE is the best option.

Once you've secured your language proficiency certificate, the next step is to select courses in other subjects or acquire them after completing your secondary education in Australia.

Sam Jones
Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

 

Admission requirements to Australian Universities

To qualify for admission to Australian universities, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Secondary Education Diploma: Australian students undergo 12 years of schooling. Therefore, applicants must possess a high school diploma along with a certificate from either the first year of university or preparatory courses in Australia.

  • Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation letter from your most recent employer or educational institution is essential. The university's selection committee may provide a sample letter upon request.

  • Motivation Letter: While not always mandatory, a well-crafted motivation letter can significantly boost your chances of admission or even make you eligible for scholarships. This letter is typically composed in a free-form style, where you articulate why you wish to attend university. Your reasons could range from enjoying the living conditions to aspiring to work in a specific field or fluently speaking English.

Opportunities for Free Study in Australian Universities

Every international student has the opportunity to study at an Australian university for free, and in some cases, even receive scholarships. The government offers a state program known as the Endeavor Scholarships and Fellowships for outstanding students. To qualify for free study, you'll need:

  • Outstanding academic performance with top scores in all tests.

  • Submission of a formal scholarship application (typically after the first year of university).

  • Successful competition against fellow applicants for a spot in the program.

Seize the opportunity to unlock your potential through higher education in Australia, where excellence knows no bounds. Your journey to academic success begins here.

Universities Preparation courses for foreign students in Australia

Name, location

Cost

Description of programs

Duration

University Preparation College, Bankstown, Sarry Hills (New South Wales)

365-5000AUD / course

English for academic purposes 

Intermediate to Advanced (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)

Studying the specifics of university studies:

  • how to outline lectures;

  • structure and analysis of texts;

  • preparation for seminars;

  • speed reading techniques;

  • academic vocabulary, etc.

Preparing for IELTS

10-20 weeks.

Language Studies International, Brisbane

from 485AUD / week

  • IELTS Preparation Course

  • TOEFL Preparation Course

  • CAE Preparation Course (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE)

  • 20-25 lessons / week

  • Academic English

  • A total of 50 different courses

7days-4 months - TOEFL, IELTS

10 weeks.

Language Links Education, Perth

1223AUD / wk

  • English for IELTS and Academic Purposes 

  • Courses for foreign students

  • English for Education - University Terminology,

  • Business English

  • Intermediate testing

4-52 weeks.

Taylors College Melbourne 

from 495AUD / week

International foundation

Preparation for admission to universities. College Standard

Technological, exact, humanitarian sciences.

One item of choice:

  • music;

  • engineering;

  • journalism;

  • economy;

  • commerce.

16 lessons / week

TOEFL, IELTS Courses (TOEFL, IELTS Exam Preparation Courses)

Programs developed in conjunction with Monash University, Deaking University

from 14 days.

Kaplan international colleges

(Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide)

from 1743/2 weeks.

  • Academic English

  • The priority of the program is the language for teaching subjects in English

  • Exam Course. Cambridge IELTS CAE, FCE, and Cambridge Exams

IELTS - from 14 days

CAE, FCE - 3 months.

Each of the schools / universities listed in the review offers dozens of courses, and programs with a narrow theme (in a particular specialty). Qualified teachers prepare students for exams, tests, identify weaknesses. After a year of study in the courses, taking notes at the university will not cause any particular difficulties. Communication with teachers and classmates will become comfortable, the assimilation of materials in English is effective.

At what age can I go to university in Australia?

In Australia there is no age limit for entering university. Most students begin their higher education after graduating from high school, usually between the ages of 18 and 19. However, the country also provides opportunities for adult students, who can enter university after some work experience or through adult training programs. As such, age is not a barrier to higher education in Australia and universities welcome students of all ages.

What documents are needed for admission?

To successfully enroll in an Australian university, you will need certain documents. The most important ones are a high school diploma or equivalent and standardized test scores. For foreign students, it is mandatory to provide results of English language exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. You may also need letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining your motivation and preparation for the chosen program. These documents play an important role in your admission decision, so it is important to prepare them carefully.

What are the application deadlines?

Application deadlines for Australian universities may vary depending on the individual institution and program chosen. Typically, the main application deadline for the fall semester, which begins in February, ends in July, and the application deadline for the spring semester, which begins in July, ends in November. However, some programs may have different deadlines, so it is recommended to study the information on the official websites of universities in a timely manner and begin the application process in advance in order to have enough time to prepare the necessary documents and go through all stages of admission.

How much does it cost to study at Australian universities?

The cost of studying in Australia can vary significantly depending on the university chosen, the program and your status as a student (local or international). The average cost of studying for international students in Australia is between 20,000 and 45,000 Australian dollars (AUD) per year. However, the cost may be higher for some programs (eg medical). It is also important to consider the additional costs of housing, food, books and other expenses associated with living as a student in Australia.

Can I get financial support?

Yes, many Australian universities provide various forms of financial support for international students. These may include scholarships, grants and financial aid. Before applying for admission, it is worth researching the financial support opportunities offered by a particular university or program. It is also worth looking for external funding sources, such as government or private organizations, that can provide financial support based on the student's merit and need.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, international students have the right to work in Australia while studying. Typically, on a student visa, they can work up to 20 hours a week during their studies and a full week during the holidays. This provides students with the opportunity to earn extra money and gain work experience that can be valuable for a future career. Many universities also provide information about job openings on campus, making it easier to access jobs.

What level of English is required for admission?

To gain admission to an Australian university, international students are usually required to provide results from English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. English level requirements may vary from university to university and program to program. However, in general, an IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent TOEFL score is required. A high level of English is important not only for successful learning, but also for successful adaptation and interaction in an English-speaking environment.

How long is the bachelor's program?

The duration of a bachelor's program in Australia is usually from 3 to 4 years, depending on the chosen specialty and university. For example, most science and engineering programs typically last 4 years, while arts and humanities programs may last 3 years. It is important to estimate the length of a specific program before applying for admission so that you have an idea of ​​the time it will take to complete your studies.

Can I transfer from a university in another country to Australia?

Yes, many Australian universities welcome international transfer students. If you have already started studying at a university in another country and decide to transfer to an Australian university, you may need to provide academic documents and go through a credit recognition process. Universities typically evaluate your previous academic achievements and determine which courses and grades can be transferred for credit.

Are there student exchange programs in Australia?

Yes, many Australian universities participate in student exchange programs. These programs allow students to spend a period of study in another country, enriching their academic and cultural experience. Exchange programs provide students with a unique opportunity to explore a new academic and cultural environment, broaden their horizons and develop international skills.

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025

1 Cardiff Sixth Form College
2 National Mathematics and Science College
3 Abbey College Cambridge
4 d'Overbroeck's College
5 MPW London
6 CATS Cambridge
7 Kensington Park
8 DLD London
9 King's College St Michael’s
10 Bellerbys Cambridge
11 Chelsea Independent College
12 MPW Cambridge
13 Bellerbys Brighton
14 CATS London
15 St Clare's Oxford
16 Bishopstrow College
17 CATS Canterbury
18 Bellerbys London
19 Ealing Independent College
20 Cambridge Tutors College
21 Abbey Manchester

Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025

1 University of Toronto
2 McGill University
3 University of British Columbia
4 University of Alberta
5 Simon Fraser University
6 Montreal University
7 University of Windsor
8 York University
9 University of Guelph
10 McMaster University
11 University of Manitoba
12 University of Waterloo
13 Royal Roads University
14 Vancouver Film School
15 Kwantlen Polytechnic University
16 University of Calgary
17 Dalhousie University
18 Fanshawe College
19 University of Ottawa
20 Laval University
21 Sheridan College
22 University of Regina
23 Brock University
24 Thompson Rivers University
25 Humber College
26 Vancouver Island University
27 Mohawk College
28 Centennial College Toronto
29 Niagara College
30 Capilano University
31 Seneca College
32 Algoma University
33 Saint Clair College
34 Douglas College
35 LaSalle College

Statistics of English courses in Australia

Programs Intensity Group Language requirements The minimum cost of the week AU$
Standard English 20 6-15 Beginner 230 +
Intensive courses 30 6-14 Elementary 350 +
Semi-intensive 24-25 6-14 Elementary 304 +
English for Business 25-28 6-15 Low intermediate 418 +
English for Specific Purposes 25 6-15 Intermediate 335 +
English for Academic Purposes 28 6-15 Low intermediate 330 +
Exam preparation courses 20 6-15 Low intermediate 330 +
English in Action 15-30 6-15 Beginner 340 +
One-to-one lessons individual 1 Beginner 95 +

Students Accommodation Options in Australia

Accomondation Meals Number of people per room Cost per week/min AU$ Cost per week/max AU$
Homestay breakfast 1-2 200 400
School residence - 1-2 165 350
Appartment - 1-2 300 500
Hotel optional 1-2 160 250
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Sam Jones
Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

Sam is the Regional Director of Student Admissions at INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia). Sam has nearly 20 years' experience in international education. Also, he has experience in student recruitment for institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and is a qualified EFL teacher with many years of experience teaching abroad. He understands the challenges faced by international students and is aware of all these difficulties and have vast experience in helping foreign students.

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