Study in Australia For Filipino Students

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. 

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 Filipino 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 top 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 Filipino students, this balanced approach helps them achieve academic success while gaining the independence, adaptability, and soft skills needed to thrive in an international environment.

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. 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. Submit your applications by April to May of the same year, allowing you additional time to polish your application to perfection. 

Usually, Filipino 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 Filipino Students

Filipino 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, students generally need to have completed Senior High School (Grade 12) under the K–12 education system or an equivalent qualification. Some universities may require completion of a foundation program or diploma to meet academic entry standards.

For postgraduate programs, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, along with evidence of strong 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 Filipino Students Applying to Australian Universities

The admission process for Filipino 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.

Pursuing an education in Australia 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 overseas. 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 before heading overseas will help international students, including those from the Philippines, 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 Filipino student seeking scholarships to study in Australia, you will find a multitude of favourable opportunities available to you.

Filipino 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 expenses include groceries and dining, phone and internet, public transportation, and miscellaneous entertainment costs.

It can be helpful for Filipino students to do a comparison of living costs in the Philippines 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 cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. Knowing this can also help Filipino students form a decision on where to study.

Post-Study Career Opportunities and Development for Filipino Students

Studying in Australia opens the doors for international students to post-study work rights*. Following the completion of their studies, Filipino students can look forward to the opportunity to spend more time in Australia, to continue working 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 Filipinos 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.

Filipino 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.

Live Life in the FastLane

Did you know you can receive an in-principle offer to your dream university in minutes? IDP’s FastLane service can get your applications prioritized by universities and help you receive an offer two to three times faster than others.

This special IDP feature will guide you to programs most suited for you, based on your goals and prefernces. Enter your preferences to discover and shortlist courses to study in Australia that align with your aspirations. Provide your academic details and you’re all set to receive a response from a university in just seconds!

View FastLane-enabled universities to fast-track your Australia study journey today.

Next Steps for Filipino Students To Study in Australia

Studying in Australia offers Filipino 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 Filipino 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, costs, and post-study work options, preparing early ensures a smooth transition into Australia’s vibrant education system and workforce. IDP is here to help. Book an appointment and let our counselors guide you throughout the process.