Study in Australia for Cambodian Students

Australia is more than a culturally diverse nation; it’s a land brimming with opportunities and avenues for personal growth. Home to over 25 million people from diverse backgrounds, Australia especially welcomes a significant Cambodian community, making up the 6th largest group of overseas-born residents. If your goal is to study in Australia and you’re based in Cambodia, IDP is your go-to educational partner.

Australia is a leading destination in the English-speaking world for students from over 70 countries, attracting a diverse international student community. Australian education is known for its high quality and global recognition, opening doors worldwide. Obtaining an Australian qualification, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, enhances your career prospects and can impact your visa and work rights in Australia.

Besides its multicultural society and vibrant economy, Australia provides enticing post-study opportunities. Australia offers the perfect balance for international students who want quality education and an unforgettable experience when they study abroad.

Why study abroad in Australia?

Australia is home to world class universities, offering globally recognized degrees and a reputation for academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from diverse communities and exciting career opportunities after graduation.

Studying in Australia means joining a community that values culture diversity, innovation, and student success, ensuring you have all the support and advice you need to thrive both academically and personally. Boasting a high standard of living marked by top-notch healthcare, advanced infrastructure, and a vibrant international student community in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Australia offers a range of globally recognized degrees in various fields.

Students can benefit from the robust support by the Australian government, including AU$200 million in scholarships and post-study work visas. It’s no wonder why so many students choose to study in Australia.

Priority intake to study in Australia for Cambodian students​ in 2026

As a Cambodian student, you're now in a stronger position to study in Australia in 2026.

The Australian government has increased its international student intake by 9% to 295,000 enrolments, prioritizing students from Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. These additional places are for institutions that increase engagement with Southeast Asia and provide accommodation to ensure safe and secure housing for students.

This means that you may have a higher chance of securing a place, especially if you plan ahead, apply early, and choose the right institution. Speak with an IDP counselor today to explore your options and submit your application, all at no cost.

Australia's Education System

Australia is a leading study destination for many international students, thanks to its high standard of living, multicultural society, and world-class education system. Whether you’re interested in vocational education or higher education, studying in Australia offers a diverse range of courses and programs designed to equip students with valuable skills for their future careers.

The country’s welcoming environment and commitment to personal growth make it an ideal place for students seeking a high-quality education and a transformative educational experience in some of the world's best universities.

Top universities in Australia

Australia’s top universities, ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), are a popular choice for Cambodian students seeking quality education abroad. Leading institutions like the University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Sydney, and Monash University offer globally recognized degrees, strong industry links, and excellent student support.

These world class universities place a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and personal growth, creating a well-rounded learning experience for students. They focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills through research-based teaching and hands-on learning opportunities.

Beyond academics, Australia's top universities also encourage personal development through leadership programs, community engagement, and multicultural activities that build confidence and global awareness. For Cambodian students, this balanced approach in Australia universities helps them achieve academic success while gaining the independence, adaptability, and soft skills needed to thrive in an international environment.

Australia upcoming intakes

If you want to study in Australia, understanding the Australian academic intake is crucial to planning your educational journey and achieving your broader life goals.

Australian universities generally have two main academic intakes each year:

Semester 1 intake: End February to Beginning of March

Perfectly timed for those who recently graduated, the Semester 1 intake is your launchpad to study in Australia early in the year. You get to experience the full campus life, as this is the primary intake in Australia's academic year. This is also the intake period with most programs and universities available to choose from.

The application deadline for this intake typically closes between October and November of the preceding year, so aim to submit your application by then to secure your spot.

Semester 2 intakes: End July/Beginning of August to November

Semester 2 intake is a splendid option for those who need more time. There are still many programs and universities available, although not as much as Semester 1's intake. This also means lesser competition if your dream course is available during this intake.

You'll only need to submit your applications by April to May of the same year, allowing you additional time to polish your application to perfection.

Usually, Cambodian students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university, and academic records. If you desire more flexibility in your plans to study in Australia, several universities also offer trimester-based academic schedules with intakes in February, July, and October.

Armed with the essential information on Australian universities' intake periods, your path to studying in Australia has never been clearer or more manageable.

Australian Universities Entry Requirements and Eligibility for Cambodian Students

Cambodian students who wish to study in Australia must meet several entry and eligibility requirements depending on their chosen course and level of study.

For undergraduate programs, you will typically need to have completed Grade 12 or its equivalent. Some universities may recommend foundation or pathway programs if your qualifications don’t directly meet entry standards.

For postgraduate programs, applicants are typically required to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with satisfactory academic performance.

Students will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, with most courses expecting an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5. Some programs, especially in fields like medicine or law, may have higher requirements or additional assessments, such as portfolios or interviews.

Meeting these requirements ensures that you are well-prepared for success in Australia’s globally respected education system.

Admission Process for Cambodian Students Applying to Australian Universities

The admission process for Cambodian students applying to Australian universities is straightforward, although it involves several important steps. After you have selected your desired course and institution, you need to prepare and submit an application either directly through the university's online portal or via an authorized education agency like IDP.

Be sure that you have your necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, English proficiency test results (like your IELTS score), a personal statement, and a copy of your passport.

Once accepted, the university will issue you a Letter of Offer. Your official acceptance typically happens upon depositing your payment for your tuition. After that, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, which is needed for students to apply for the Subclass 500 student visa. Once the visa has been approved, you can begin to make your travel arrangements and prepare for your student journey in Australia.

Australia Student Visa Requirements for Cambodian Students

The type of student visa you need to have will depend on the type of study you wish to pursue. The criteria for the different types of student visas are dependent on the type of study program and the duration of your study.

The Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa is the most common type of student visa sought by full time international students. However, there are diverse visa options available, including the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) and the Training Visa (Subclass 407).

There are many different visa requirements when applying for each type of Australian student visa, and it is recommended to create a checklist to ensure you don't miss anything out. Be sure to start your student visa application early, as you should ideally submit at least 8 weeks before your course starts.

Cost of Studying in Australia

Pursuing an education in Australia for international students can be quite costly, but manageable if planned wisely. Remember that tuition fees are just one part of the financial picture when you prepare to study in Australia. It is important to consider expenses apart from your tuition fees, such as accommodation, overseas student health cover, and study materials.

If you're going for a Bachelor's Degree, the annual cost of education in Australia can range from approximately AU$20,000 to AU$50,000. If you're pursuing a Postgraduate Degree in Australia, the annual cost typically falls between the AU$22,000 to AU$54,000 bracket per year.

Carefully creating a detailed budget with estimated costs before studying abroad will help international students, including those from Cambodia, manage the costs of studying in Australia more effectively.

Australia scholarships for international students

The Australian government, along with various educational institutions, invests significantly in Australian scholarships for international students. If you are a Cambodian student seeking scholarships to study in Australia, you will find a multitude of favourable opportunities available to you.

Cambodian students can benefit from a wide range of opportunities offered by Australian universities, the Australian government, and other public and private organisations. These include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and country-specific scholarships that recognize academic excellence and potential. It's important to research on the latest scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application details regularly.

Cost of Living in Australia

Apart from costs of studying in Australia, it is important to understand the costs of living in Australia too. These living expenses include groceries and dining, phone and internet, public transportation, and miscellaneous entertainment costs, which can be very different from what international students are used to in their home countries.

It can be helpful for Cambodian students to do a comparison of living costs in your home country vs the living costs in the various Australian cities. It could be generally less expensive to live in cities such as Brisbane or Adelaide, and more expensive for major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. Knowing this can also help Cambodian students form a decision on where to study.

Post-Study Work Opportunities for Cambodian Students

Studying in Australia opens the doors for international students to post-study work rights*. Following the completion of their studies, Cambodian students can look forward to the opportunity to spend more time in Australia, to gain valuable work experience and staying there for a period of time after graduating.

Australia’s workforce is especially strong in industries such as healthcare and nursing, engineering, information technology, education, finance, and construction, all of which have high demand for skilled professionals. Additionally, the country’s growing sectors in renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital innovation offer exciting career prospects for international graduates.

These opportunities, combined with Australia’s global reputation for quality education and multicultural work environment, make it an appealing destination for Cambodians and other international students seeking to build their careers abroad.

The typical visa sought by international students is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). With this visa, you can stay in Australia usually between 2 and 3 years after graduation, depending on your qualification. It allows students to bring their family members during the visa period, too.

Cambodian students who are looking to kickstart their career in Australia will definitely benefit from this post-study work opportunity.

*Please note that IDP does not provide post-study work visas for students.

Next Steps for Cambodian Students To Study in Australia

Studying in Australia offers Cambodian students access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and promising career opportunities. With globally recognized qualifications, a strong focus on practical learning, and a welcoming multicultural environment, Australia remains a top destination for higher education.

The Australian government’s increased intake of Cambodian students in 2026 further enhances the chance to study at leading universities offering excellent academic and personal growth opportunities.

From understanding entry and visa requirements to exploring scholarships, accommodation, costs, and post-study work options, preparing early ensures a smooth transition into your study abroad experience in Australia.

IDP is here to help. Book an appointment and let our counselors guide you throughout the process.