Study Abroad Programs in Australia

Australia’s color palette is as varied as the country's vast—dusty red hues in the desert, vibrant purple jacarandas, and rainbow lorikeets in the city, and glimmering oceans and coral reefs along the coast make the country simply stunning. Beyond just being a gorgeous country to explore, Australia also has a high standard of education, which makes it perfect for your study abroad adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Studying abroad in Australia is 100% worth it. There’s a low risk of culture shock for most western students, making it easy to get used to life in Australia quickly. They also have one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, meaning every corner of Australia potentially holds adventure!

Studying in Australia: What to Know Before You Go

Great reasons to study abroad in Australia include the beautiful weather, world-renowned beaches, and, of course, the high quality study abroad programs. Spend your weekdays getting an incredible education and use your weekends to go on fun excursions!

10 Major Benefits of Studying Abroad in Australia

The best places to study abroad in Australia include Sydney, Queensland, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Make sure to research each destination so that you can choose the place that suits you and your goals the best.

7 Best Places to Study Abroad in Australia

You can study abroad in Australia through either your home university if they host a program there, or through a study abroad provider who offers credit transfer (almost all do). You’ll apply for your program through one of these mediums.

How to Study Abroad in Australia

Study abroad programs in Australia aren’t more expensive than any other destination. However, depending on where you’re from, the flights could get pricey. If you start looking early, you might even score a study abroad scholarship that helps you study in Australia for free.

Traveling on a Student Budget? You Need This Budget Planner

If you’re studying abroad in Australia through your university, it will probably only cost a few hundred dollars more per semester than your normal tuition. Through study abroad providers, you can expect a summer in Australia to cost up to $5000, and semester programs will come in at around $8000-$11000. Add insurance, flights, and spending money to get a rough total.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?

Don’t forget that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means their seasons are opposite from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia! Pack the essentials for a 3-6 month stint, and don’t worry if you forget something. Australia has the same (or similar) products that you would find at home.

If you hold a subclass 500 student visa (for full time education in Australia), you can work up to 40 hours per two week period while studying in Australia. You can also apply for a working holiday visa, which allows you to study for up to four months (with seasonal work being the main purpose of the visa).

How to Get a Working Holiday Visa in Australia

Latest Program Reviews

Traveling across the world to meet some of my best friends.

April 17, 2025by: Leah Hughes - United StatesProgram: USAC Australia: Gold Coast/Brisbane - Undergraduate Courses

I had an amazing time I previously had talked to some friends that were going off of Instagram. Then I met them when I arrived and we haven’t stopped talking since I came. They are now flying over to come and see me again.

Life on the Goldy

March 16, 2025by: Ardenne Chevrolet - United StatesProgram: USAC Australia: Gold Coast/Brisbane - Undergraduate Courses

I absolutely adored my semester on the gold coast. Living in the student apartments was definitely the way to go, I met so many people my age, and they throw LOTS of fun events. There is a tram that takes you so many places around the city, I definitely didn't feel like I needed a car. The night life is so fun. The best part was how easily I made friends and felt like I meshed in with the local students. The friends I made I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I went during the end of February, and the weather was hot, but it was the perfect time to go in my opinion because it started to cool down in about April/May. When I was trying to decide where to go in Australia, I did some research but honestly picking the gold coast was a bit of a guess and hope situation. I am so thankful I picked the gold coast, it was the most perfect environment and best time ever.

Traveling across the world to meet some of my best friends.

April 17, 2025by: Leah Hughes - United StatesProgram: USAC Australia: Gold Coast/Brisbane - Undergraduate Courses

Life on the Goldy

March 16, 2025by: Ardenne Chevrolet - United StatesProgram: USAC Australia: Gold Coast/Brisbane - Undergraduate Courses

A Guide to Study Abroad In Australia

Prepare for Studying in Australia

Set goals

Students anywhere in the world should be making goals to stay focused in their studies. Prospective students interested in studying in Australia can maximize their time with the help of creating some goals.

Pick an academic skill or skills that you’d like to improve. Push yourself to take the extra time to hone, expand, or learn more about each while in Australia.
Push yourself to try new things or grow personally outside of being a student. Do this one on a comfortable basis though if it’s your first time abroad or in a new place.
Connect with others! Peers, professors, locals, and more can help you grow as a person and a student.

Understand the benefits

Students headed to Australia have a lot to gain from studying there regardless of their major. Here are a few highlights.

Experience multiple cultures. The country is composed of many different cultures, while the predominant makeup is of European descent, the country still has an indigenous population. The blend of it all makes for a wonderful place to learn.
Laid back and a welcoming environment. Australians are known for their open and care-free vibes. Everyone is treated with respect and is given the space to give anything a go.
Unique location. It’s the only place in the world that is both a country and a continent. There’s plenty to see, do, taste, and experience throughout.

Things to know

Any prospective student thinking about Australia should be aware of or consider the following.

Program specifics - Most study abroad programs in Australia include housing, transportation, and food in the overall cost. Students can choose to study through their home university’s exchange program or apply directly to an Australian school as an international student, with accommodation options varying by institution.
Visa and paperwork - You’ll need a student visa and must be accepted into a program to apply. Visa applications require you to meet financial requirements to prove you can support yourself while studying.
Language skills - While the main language in Australia is English, always check for specific language requirements as some programs may have additional criteria.
Cost and logistics - Many students stay in university dorms or rent independent housing, often sharing with roommates to reduce rent costs, as rent is high. Public transport is commonly used, affordable, and has options for long-term passes.
Health and safety - Familiarize yourself with health and safety guidelines, keep backup copies of important documents, and set aside emergency funds. Students are required to enroll in Overseas Student Health Coverage.
Cultural and social etiquette - Australians are casual and inclusive, with informal greetings like “hello” common. Social equality is highly valued, and people are respected for their character rather than wealth or status.

Choose a Location

You can’t go wrong with studying in Australia! Most of the cities available are on the coast and have plenty of exciting and fun things to do outside of class.

Sydney

Sydney is home to the iconic Bondi Beach, the Harbor Bridge, and the Opera House. But beyond the regular tourist stops, Sydney only gets more amazing. The city itself is gorgeous and surrounded by national parks and more than 100 beaches, which makes for some pretty wicked coastal walks. Sydneysiders know that the hidden beaches are far better than the tourist hot spots—and you will definitely get the chance to explore them if you choose Australian study abroad programs in Sydney!

Melbourne

If you love all things hip and stylish, then Melbourne is where you should study abroad in Australia. It is known as Australia’s “cool” city, with laneways full of vibrant street art, edgy bars, and delicious restaurants. Melbourne, like most of Australia, loves sports. The city is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the largest stadium in Australia. All of these aspects give Melbourne the reputation as the culture and sporting capital of Australia, and, of course, it boasts some pretty gorgeous beaches as well.

Perth

Perth is located on the less populated west coast of Australia. As a smaller city than Sydney and Melbourne, it has a more laid-back vibe (although if you study abroad in Australia, you will probably notice that the country is pretty laid-back as a whole!). In a city that pretty much has blue skies year-round, you bet you will be spending a lot of “study” time at the beach!

Choose a Subject

One awesome thing about study abroad programs in Australia is that you can study almost any subject. Since it is such a popular study-abroad location, there are endless opportunities for students.

Business

Business degrees are one of the most popular degrees for locals and international students alike. Australia is a major economic hub of both the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres, so here you could gain experience on par with the likes of New York City or Los Angeles. With popularity comes options, and there are courses and programs for pretty much any stream of business specialization you would like to study.

Marine Biology

With some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, it would be a shame for marine biology majors not to take advantage of the learning experiences Australia has to offer. For anyone studying animals and their environments, studying in Australia would definitely allow you to experience something new and broaden your scope of knowledge!

Refugee Studies

A subject of current interest is refugee studies. Due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia, Australia is currently dealing with its own issues of refugee management. The government has taken a hardline approach in the past, while the citizen population tends to support more lax restrictions. Studying refugee studies abroad in Australia would no doubt offer you the opportunity to gain a little perspective.

Getting Started

If you’re ready for an adventure packed with beach days, outback excursions, and new friends, Australia’s unique mix of academics and culture is calling your name!

1. Get matched

Are you ready to give it all a go, including Vegemite? Check out our Online Advisor to get matched in real-time with university programs sent straight to your inbox.

2. Choose a program

Sign up for or log in to a MyGoAbroad account to save those recs and more. With an account, you can look at all the different programs you have in one place.

3. Choose how long to stay

Taking any time to study down under is worth it! There are a few different time frames that are the most common, they are:

Short term. Interested in taking some specifically focused courses that don’t span a whole semester? A short-term option is great for that and can fall at any point of the year. It’s a great flexible option for any type of student.
Semester. Probably the most typical time frame for students to experience. A semester can be a great option to experience more of Australia on a less-impact timeline.
Academic year. Students looking for an immersive experience, consider a whole academic year. It can really provide the space and time to soak up as much academics as you can.

4. Funding & scholarships

If you’re considering financial support, fill out our scholarship and deals application and see what’s waiting for you.

5. Apply

After you’ve chosen some exciting programs, just go to the program page of your selected program and click “Inquire here” or “Apply Now.” Once you’ve applied, a coordinator will contact you with more information.

6. Get your essentials

Once all of that is done, and you’ve been accepted into your Australian program, it’s time to apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance.