Australian universities have relatively flexible admission requirements for DSE students.
✦ Top universities (Group of Eight, Go8) typically require DSE 444+ or above; mid-rank universities accept DSE 333–444.
Students with average grades can progress to Australian universities through Foundation Programs, Diplomas, or International Year One pathways without retaking the DSE.
These pathways are suitable for Form 5 and Form 6 students—public exams are not required, and school grades may already qualify them for top Australian universities.
Australia is home to many top-100 universities worldwide (such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the University of Queensland).
Its qualifications are globally recognised, giving graduates limitless career opportunities and eligibility to apply for visas to remain in Australia.
Australia offers the 485 Post-Study Work Visa (2–7 years depending on the course).
Eligibility: International students who complete an Australian bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (minimum two years of full-time study).
There are two main visa streams: Post-Study Work Stream and Graduate Work Stream.
Tuition fees: approx. HKD 180,000–450,000 per year
Living costs: approx. HKD 100,000–300,000 per year (higher in Sydney and Melbourne; lower in Brisbane and Adelaide)
Students may also apply for scholarships or take on part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight) to reduce expenses.
Australia has a total of 43 universities (40 public, 2 international, and 1 private), which are generally divided into the following three categories:
University Classification | Australia's Group of Eight (Go8) | Australian Technology Network (ATN) | Innovation Research University Australia (IRU) |
|---|---|---|---|
Representative schools | Australian National University (ANU) University of Melbourne University of Sydney University of Queensland (UQ) University of Western Australia (UWA) University of Adelaide Monash University University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Curtin University Deakin University RMIT University The University of Newcastle University of South Australia (UniSA) University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Charles Darwin University (CDU) Deakin University Flinders University Griffith University James Cook University (JCU) La Trobe University Murdoch University University of Canberra |
Features | Strong research capabilities, high global rankings, ideal for students pursuing academic and research-oriented subjects | Emphasis on internships and workplace skills training, close cooperation with enterprises, and high employment rate of graduates | The IRU University Alliance is renowned for its innovative research and industry partnerships, boasting robust research facilities and interdisciplinary programs. It is well-suited for international students seeking internship and employment opportunities. |
Popular subjects | Medicine, Veterinary Science, STEM, Business, Arts and Humanities | Design, Communication, IT, Allied Health and Nursing, Education | Allied Health, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Engineering |





Our professional counsellors will understand the student’s academic background, interests, and study goals, and tailor suitable courses and universities to students.
Helping you choose the right subjects (e.g., Business, Artificial Intelligence, Health Sciences, Engineering, and other specialised fields)
Based on the student’s DSE results, English level, interests, and career plans, our counsellors will assist in selecting the most suitable universities, such as Group of Eight (Go8) and ATN institutions.
School reports (Form 5 / Form 6), DSE results or predicted grades
Passport copy
English proficiency proof (IELTS 5.5–6.5 or above, depending on programme)
Recommendation letter / Personal Statement*
*Required only for specific programmes
IDP counsellors will submit applications to the student’s chosen universities.
They will monitor progress in real time, ensure all documents are complete, reduce rejection risks, and maximise the student’s chance of receiving an offer.
After rigorous reviews, depending on various factors, the universities will then have several offers to the recipients:
Conditional Offer: requires additional IELTS or DSE results
Unconditional Offer: direct acceptance
Confirm placement and pay the deposit for the university to issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
IDP provides full assistance for your student visa application, including( and not limited to):
COE documents, financial proof, medical insurance (OSHC), and health check
Once the documents are submitted, processing takes around 4–6 weeks. IDP will follow up regularly during this period.
IDP’s pre-departure briefing helps students get familiar with life in Australia.
Assistance with applying for student accommodation / Homestay
Airport pick-up arrangements
Orientation day with the university
After arriving in Australia, students will continue to receive support through IDP’s online services, including:
Local office assistance
Academic and lifestyle guidance
Free consultation for further studies and visa matters after graduationn
Our consultants are familiar with the universities' admissions standards and requirements (like specific background preferences for certain subjects), eliminating multiple ineligible applications, and allowing applicants to directly focus on most suitable courses and universities.
By submitting documents through IDP, many Australian universities provide offers within shorter notice periods, which is faster than applying independently.
IDP is familiar with the requirements of the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) and will remind students in advance to prepare financial proof and health checks to reduce the risk of rejection.
Questions like: How do I write a personal statement? How do I prepare reference letters? How much financial proof is required? — IDP helps check each item to avoid mistakes or delays.
Australian government policies are frequently updated. Our counsellors regularly share the latest study information and changes so students and parents stay informed, and advise accordingly.
IDP hosts multiple Australia education expos every year, with Australian university representatives attending. Students can meet university staff directly to understand course requirements.
Most universities offer entry scholarships for international students. If you wish to apply for scholarships, you can consult an IDP education counsellor.
Australian universities emphasise Work Integrated Learning (WIL), and many programmes include compulsory internships.
This allows students to gain work experience before graduation and significantly improve employability. According to the Australian Government, over 85% of graduates find a job within four months.
Examples:
Nursing → Hospital placements
Engineering → Industry placements
Business / IT → Large corporations
After completing their programme, international students can apply for the 485 Post-Study Work Visa.
Students can stay in Australia for 4 years in major cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) or 3 years in regional cities (e.g., Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast), allowing them to live and work in Australia.
Australian cities offer a safe living environment, large international student communities (including many from Hong Kong), and a friendly multicultural atmosphere.
The student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during holidays. With an hourly wage of AUD 20–25, part-time work can help lower living expenses.
Healthcare & Nursing Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses Doctors (General Practitioners, Specialist Doctors) Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists Aged Care and Disability Support Workers 👉 Australia has a rapidly ageing population, leading to long-term shortages of healthcare and nursing professionals | Engineering & Technical Fields Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers Architects, Plumbers/Electrical Technicians, Mining and Environmental Engineering Specialists 👉 Strong demand for infrastructure and energy development means engineers enjoy high employment rates. | Information Technology (IT & Digital Technology) Software Engineers, Programmers Cybersecurity Specialists Data Scientists / AI Specialists, Cloud Engineers Systems Analysts, Web Developers 👉 Australia faces a major shortage of IT professionals; the tech industry is growing quickly and salaries are high. | Education Sector Primary and Secondary School Teachers (especially STEM subjects) Early Childhood Educators 👉 There is strong demand for education professionals, particularly in regional cities. |
Australia’s most in-demand industries are Healthcare, Engineering, IT, and Education.
👉 Graduates from these fields have high employment rates, significantly increasing their chances of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR)
IDP has partnered with leading health insurance providers to give you the best options for your peace of mind abroad.
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