Updated 14 November 2025
Study in Australia has long been the first choice for Vietnamese students thanks to its top-quality education, wide job opportunities and clear immigration pathways. With more than 1,100 educational institutions and a wide variety of professions, Australia is always among the top ideal destinations for students around the world.
So what do you need to study in Australia? How much does it cost? What are the conditions? Which major should I choose?
All will be fully summarized and easy to understand right below.
Overview of Studying in Australia
Why is Australia a destination for many international students?
Education system in Australia
Documents – Procedures & Process
Study and living expenses
Scholarship
Featured disciplines
Part-time – employment – settlement opportunities
Admission Period & Preparation Timeline
Australia has long become a dream study destination for millions of international students, including Vietnamese students. In addition to a safe and open living environment, Australia also stands out for its world-class education system assessed through the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
In particular, Australia has 9 universities in the Top 100 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), including:
University of Melbourne
The University of Sydney
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Monash University
Australian National University (ANU)
The University of Queensland
Not only outstanding in terms of quality, the cost of studying in Australia (how much money does it cost to study in Australia?) is more reasonable than in the UK and the US, but students still have access to top-notch education, modern learning facilities and wide job opportunities.
Australia owns a globally recognized training system, focusing on application and research, helping students have the opportunity to experience reality right in the process of studying in Australia (study in Australia). The Australian National Qualifications Framework (AQF) ensures consistency across levels, supporting easy programme switching or level upgrades.
Besides the top quality of teaching, Australian education also stands out for:
State-of-the-art facilities
Close links with businesses
Clear career path
As a result, Australian students can gain practical experience, increase competitiveness and expand job opportunities after graduation.
Australia currently offers more than 22,000 courses at all levels of study such as College, Bachelor's, Postgraduate and PhD, enabling students to choose the right program when studying in Australia.
Prominent industry groups include:
Economics, Law, Engineering, Education, Medicine
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Cybersecurity
Climate Change, Creative Design, Digital Media
This diversity makes it easier for Australian students to choose a career-oriented major, while increasing their chances of employment and post-graduation settlement.
A clear demonstration of the attraction of studying in Australia is the continuous increase in the number of international students, with more than 700,000 international students from all over the world enrolled. This demonstrates the prestige of the Australian education system and contributes to the creation of a multicultural learning environment. dynamic.
The large international student community makes it easy for students to:
Connect with international friends
Daily English practice
Expanding academic and career opportunities
It is this diversity and friendliness that makes Australia one of the most popular study abroad destinations today.
Australian student visa policy for Vietnamese students
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, Vietnam has been upgraded from level 3 to level 2, making the process of applying for an Australian student visa simple and increasing the likelihood of passing the visa. Some outstanding advantages of studying in Australia:
Proof of finances is not required when applying to Level 1 & 2 schools
Some cases do not require an English certificate when applying
Part-time employment policies in Australia
The government allows international students to work up to 48 hours/2 weeks and full-time during vacations. This is a good opportunity to cover expenses, sharpen your skills, and expand your relationships.
Every year, the Australian Government and universities offer a variety of full to partial scholarships to study in Australia for many levels of study.
Many scholarships rely not only on grades, but also on leadership potential, community contribution, and personal stories, expanding opportunities for many students.
Australia continues to maintain its position as the world's leading education with many highly ranked universities. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Australia has 9 universities in the top 100 in the world, reflecting the quality of training, research and commitment to sustainable education development.
One of the factors that make the Australian education system transparent, flexible and effective is the Australian National Qualifications Framework (AQF). Introduced in 1995, the AQF closely links general education, vocational education (VET) and higher education, making it easy for students and students to transition between levels.
Primary School:
Lasts 7–8 years, from Foundation/Preparatory to Grade 6 or 7, starting when the child is 5 years old. Focus on foundational skills, critical thinking and creativity.
High School (High School):
Students study compulsory subjects such as English, Math, Science, Sociology, Environment, Technology, and can choose elective subjects in foreign languages, arts, and physical education. The high school program is similar to Vietnam, making it easy for international students to switch subjects.
The Foundation Program is a pathway course for international students who are not eligible for direct entry to Australian universities, often due to differences in high school programs between countries. Upon completion with satisfactory results, students will transfer directly to the first year of the Bachelor's program at the affiliated university.
In addition, you can also choose a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Program. Not only do these programs equip you with important career skills such as presentation, reading comprehension, cross-cultural teamwork, and in-depth research, but they also provide an in-depth understanding of Indigenous cultures and people.
Higher education in Australia includes degrees from Bachelor's to PhD, which are offered by public universities and some private schools. This is a level of study that attracts a large number of international students thanks to the quality of training, diversity of programs and career opportunities after graduation.
Most Bachelor's programs can be completed in 3 years, while specialised disciplines such as Engineering, Medicine, Law or Honours programs usually last 4–5 years. The undergraduate program is organized in semesters, each semester is about 12 weeks, including both specialized and supplementary courses as required by the program.
Postgraduate programs in Australia are for those who want to further their education, specialise in their field of interest or pursue a research path. Common types of programs include:
Graduate Certificate: A short-term course of ~1 semester, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills in a specific field.
Graduate Diploma: An intensive program that helps you develop your professional career or prepare you for a Master's degree.
Master Degree: Advances professional knowledge and skills, usually lasting 1–2 years.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): The highest level of study, focusing on independent and in-depth research, usually lasts 3–4 years full-time.
To understand the detailed requirements for each level of study, from foundation programs, college, undergraduate to postgraduate, as well as to update the conditions for studying in Australia 2026, you can contact IDP directly for in-depth advice.
See more: Australian Education System: 6 Things You Need to Know
There is no general age limit for studying in Australia, but depending on the level of study, there will be specific requirements:
Students aged 6 years and above can apply for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) to study in primary or secondary school.
International students under the age of 18 need to have a legal guardian and comply with the regulations on living and studying.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate students can apply for a visa at any age, but need to meet their GPA, English proficiency, and experience.
The maximum age to apply for the 485 Post-Higher Education Work Stream Visa is 35 years old (applicable from 7/2024).
Friendly and friendly study abroad environment in Australia
Educational requirements are an important criterion for acceptance of the study program and consideration for an Australian student visa. Refer to the GPA and IELTS requirements for each level of study:
Level of Education | GPA | IELTS |
High School | 6.5+ | Optional |
Pre-University | 6.0+ | 5.0–5.5 |
University | 6.5+ | 6.0+ |
Postgraduate | 6.5+ | 6.0–6.5 |
If you do not meet the requirements, you can participate in the Foundation University, Pathway College or Academic English (ELICOS) course.
Note: each subject will require different GPA and IELTS scores, contact IDP for the most up-to-date information.
See also:
For Vietnamese students, when applying to Level 1 and Level 2 schools in Australia, proof of finance is not required. This makes the process of applying for an Australian student visa simpler and increases the likelihood of passing the visa.
However, you still need to make sure your study and living expenses are sufficient during your stay in Australia, including:
Tuition fees for the first 12 months at the school.
Living expenses for themselves and their dependents (if any).
Cost of moving to Australia.
With this policy, it becomes more convenient to prepare documents to study in Australia, helping students focus on choosing majors, schools and hunting for scholarships.
See more: How much financial proof do you need to study in Australia
The average cost of studying in Australia is from 700 million to 1.2 billion VND/year, including tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and travel. However, the specific cost will depend on the level of study, program, school, and region you choose to live in.
Tuition fees to study in Australia by level:
Level of Education | Cost |
English Courses | from $350 AUD/week (depending on course and scholarship) |
High School | $13,900 - $43,000 AUD/year |
Pre-University | $21,322 - $56,590 AUD/year |
Bachelor | $22,650 - $56,000 AUD/year |
Postgraduate | $20,000 - $53,000 AUD/year |
Living expenses and other expenses:
Cost of living: about $29,710 AUD/year
Australian student visa fee: $2,000 AUD (updated 7/2025)
Medical examination fee: 2,300,000 – 2,600,000 VND
Health insurance (OSHC): about $600 AUD/year
Note:
The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the region, lifestyle and individual needs. Choosing regional cities such as Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart or Perth can save you up to 20% compared to larger cities, while still ensuring the opportunity to study at top universities when studying in Australia.
When deciding to study abroad in Australia, choosing a university and a city to live in are two important factors that cannot be ignored. Australia is a vast country with sprawling cities, each offering different experiences and learning opportunities. Here are some of the top cities that international students can choose to study abroad:
Melbourne, bang Victoria
Melbourne, Victoria—ranked 5th globally in the QS Best Student Cities 2025. The city is renowned as Australia's cultural capital, boasting a diverse range of leisure activities and a vibrant international student community. Melbourne is a major education hub, home to names such as the University of Melbourne và Monash University—two of the top universities. As a result, Melbourne is an attractive choice when studying in Australia.
For more: What's interesting about studying in Australia in Melbourne?
Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is a major city and the business and financial hub of Australia, attracting a large number of international students thanks to its high quality of life and outstanding natural landscapes. The city is home to many prestigious universities, with the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales being two leading institutions. The University of Sydney is currently ranked 25th in the world according to the QS 2026 rankings and attracts a large number of international students to study.
For more: Study in Australia in Sydney
Canberra, New South Wales
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is home to Parliament and government offices. Although not as busy as Melbourne or Sydney, Canberra was chosen as the capital to create a balance between big cities. The city is also home to the Australian National University (ANU) – one of Australia's leading universities.
Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, close to the famous Gold Coast. The dynamically developed city with stunning natural landscapes, clear blue beaches, and many ideal walking paths. Brisbane has 3 main universities, with the University of Queensland being the highest-rated institution.
See more: Top major Australian cities that attract international students
Australia is renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, offering quality academic programs and a diverse learning environment for international students. Here is a list of the top universities in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings 2026 that you should not miss when studying abroad:
Universities | State/City | World Ranking (QS 2026) |
University of Melbourne | Melbourne, Victoria | 19 |
University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Sydney, New South Wales | 20 |
University of Sydney | Sydney, New South Wales | 25 |
Australian National University (ANU) | Canberra, ACT | 32 |
Monash University | Melbourne, Victoria | 36 |
University of Queensland (UQ) | Brisbane, Queensland | 42 |
University of Western Australia (UWA) | Perth, Western Australia | 77 |
University of Adelaide | Adelaide, South Australia | 82 |
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Sydney, New South Wales | 96 |
Macquarie University | Sydney, New South Wales | Beyond the top 100 |
8. What should I study in Australia?
Choosing the right field of study when studying in Australia is an important decision that directly affects the future of your career and life. Australia is renowned for its developmental education, which offers high-quality multidisciplinary training. Each discipline in Australia will have its own characteristics in terms of study time, entry requirements and career opportunities.
Here are some of the groups of subjects that are highly appreciated and have good growth potential in Australia:
Health & Medical Sciences
Engineering
Education
Computer Science - Information Technology (IT)
Law
Finance and Accounting
For more: What should I study in Australia?
Working part-time while studying in Australia is a great opportunity for students to study while gaining practical experience and supporting living expenses.
From 01/07/2023, international students are allowed to work 48 hours/2 weeks during the semester and are not limited to vacations.
From 01/07/2024, the minimum wage is $24.10 AUD/hour (before tax). This is a useful source of income to help you cover living expenses, save, and gain experience.
Common jobs:
On campus: library assistants, teaching assistants, and student support.
Off-campus: supermarket staff, restaurant attendants, receptionists, and other service jobs.
You may want to know: Part-time work in Australia: Regulations, Benefits, and Common Jobs
When preparing to study in Australia, choosing a reputable counselling center is very important. Here are the reasons why you should choose professional ones like IDP:
Experienced counselors will provide a detailed study abroad route that suits the aspirations and abilities of each student.
Instead of searching for information about schools, majors, conditions to study in Australia, hunting for scholarships and preparing documents, consultants will accompany and guide you step by step, helping to save time and effort.
Policies on occupations, visas, employment opportunities and settlement in Australia may change from time to time. Therefore, it is very important to stay informed when studying in Australia, directly affecting the decisions of parents and students. Australian study abroad consultants are always closely monitoring changes and providing the most necessary and detailed information.
In addition, prestigious centers such as IDP regularly organize study abroad seminars with many schools, helping parents and students meet directly with school representatives and update the latest information.
At reputable centers, which are partners of many schools in Australia, you will receive advice on studying in Australia, choosing a school and major, and hunting for scholarships completely free of charge. With more than 56 years of experience, IDP has supported thousands of students to study abroad successfully in Australia.
IDP also accompanies international students in finding housing, buying OSHC health insurance, giving free SIM cards, and supporting family visit visas, ensuring a smooth study abroad journey from A to Z.
How old do you need to be to study in Australia?
Students aged 6 years and above can apply for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500). Undergraduate and postgraduate programs have no age limit, but the post-graduate work visa (485 Post Higher Education Work Stream) applies to a maximum age of 35.
Do I need to prove my finances when studying in Australia?
Yes, unless you're on a Level 2 visa—no proof of finances is required. You need to prove that you can afford tuition, living, and travel expenses for the first 12 months in Australia.
How much does it cost to study in Australia per year?
The average is from 700 million to 1.2 billion VND/year, including tuition fees and living expenses. The cost of living can be reduced by 20% if you choose regional cities such as Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart, or Perth.
Which school is good to study in Australia?
Some of the top universities in Australia you should consider:
University of Melbourne—strong in research, medicine, and international business.
University of Sydney—prestigious, with many internship opportunities and business connections.
Monash University—a flexible, affordable, internationally prestigious study program.
Australian National University (ANU)—a quiet, strong learning environment for research and social sciences.
Choosing the right school also depends on your major, cost, location, and desired living environment.
Studying in Australia is a challenging but also extremely rewarding journey. This is an opportunity for you to discover a new culture, broaden your horizons, and hone your knowledge and skills. Moreover, studying in Australia is also a door to a bright future with many attractive career opportunities. With a prestigious university degree from Australia, you will confidently enter the international labour market and achieve a lot of success.
To have a smooth and successful journey to study in Australia, the Australian study abroad consultants at IDP are always ready to advise you thoroughly, from choosing a major and searching for a scholarship to study in Australia, interviewing for an Australian student visa, to adapting to a new living environment.
In addition, you can participate in study abroad exhibitions organized by IDP to meet and ask questions directly from school representatives and discover all information about schools and majors that attract human resources, and bring high demand for immigration and job opportunities after graduation.
IDP also provides essential support services for international students through finding accommodation, booking flight tickets at preferential rates, free phone sims, and pre-departure sessions.
Contact IDP to start your study abroad journey today!
Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955
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