— Study Abroad
Study Australia
Study in Australia
We look forward to helping students like you who are considering schooling in Australia. You will find everything you need to compile your necessary research in deciding if Australia is the best place for you.
About schooling in Australia
Australian universities and colleges have an excellent reputation for quality international education with several in the Top 200 University Ranking. For many students, studying in Australia is about the opportunity to live a unique lifestyle – explore the natural wonders of its oceans and rainforests, enjoy weather like home and the buzz of its cosmopolitan cities.
Whatever your interest, you will find an Australian course and an Australian university or college that suits your needs. English language colleges are located in all major cities, and provide an intensive and fun language experience in an English-speaking country.
World-class research facilities and supervisors provide masters or research students in Australia with access to the very best minds and resources, in a wide range of study areas. Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking – valued by employers worldwide.
Cost of living
Estimated living expenses – AU$12,000 – $18,000 per year.
Undergraduate course fees on average range from AU$10,000 to AU$16,500 per year.
* Graduate course fees on average range from AU$11,000 to AU$18,500 per year.
– Indicative study costs for Australian programs
| Study program | Average annual fee (in CAD*) |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate program |
$13,000 to $20,000 per year |
|
Postgraduate master’s degree |
$17,000 to $25,000 per year |
|
Doctoral degree |
$7,000 to $15,000 per year |
|
MBA |
$30,000 to $40,000 per year |
*Course duration ranges from 3-4 years for undergraduate courses and 1+ years for postgraduate courses
Find out useful information about the costs of studying abroad at Study Cost Compare.
*Please note that courses in medicine and some engineering programs will be more expensive than the costs given. See the course descriptions on this site for the most up-to-date course costs.
– Housing Cost
Most universities in Australia offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from India or stay with a local Australian family. The rent is usually paid every two weeks in advance. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.
Accommodation type | Expenses (Indicative) |
Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 per week |
Shared Rental | $95 to $215 per week |
On-campus | $110 to $280 per week |
Homestay | $235 to $325 per week |
Rental | $185 to $440 per week |
Boarding schools | $11,000 to $22,000 a year |
– Living expenses
You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. According to the Australian Government, general living expenses amount to $21,041 per year. An international student spends between $20,000 and $27,000 per year (given your living arrangements and personal choices).
You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
Living expenses | Weekly budget (indicative) |
Groceries and eating out | $140 to $280 per week |
Gas, electricity | $10 to $20 per week |
Phone and Internet | $15 to $30 per week |
Public transport | $30 to $60 per week |
Car (after purchase) | $150 to $260 per week |
Entertainment | $80 to $150 per week |
– Health support and Insurance Cost
It is mandatory for all students scheduled to travel to Australia from Nigeria to get medically insured before the commencement of their program. The average cost for medical insurance ranges around AUD 500 a year (indicative). Extensive health and support services are readily available for all Nigeria students in Australia.
– Cost of Transportation
Unless your institution provides a shuttle service to-and-fro from your lodging, you’ll have to rely on the available public transport.
For short distances | You can make use of regional trains, buses, and trams. A short ride on a bus or train can cost you around AUD 3. You can get a weekly pass upwards of AUD 20 or a monthly pass for AUD 80. Student discounts are easily available in all states and territories apart from Victoria. |
For long distances | For travelling between different cities, you can avail any of the following options:
|
– Taxes
Nigerian students in Australia cannot work without acquiring their Tax File Number (TFN). With this, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your earned income will be taxable.
Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in Australia or seek scholarships in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.
How to Apply for an Australian student visa
The Australian Government provides an opportunity to all Nigeria students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age, the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you want to stay in Australia. As an international student, you would most commonly require a student (subclass 500) visa, regardless of your field of study.
– Student visa (subclass 500)
Coming into effect since July 1, 2016, a student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and you abide by the conditions as mentioned on your student visa. You can read up in detail about this kind of visa on the Australian Government.
– Scope of your subclass 500 visa
- You can participate in your desired study program
- You can be accompanied by your family members to Australia
- You can apply in or outside Australia through online portal
– Basic checks before you apply
- You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia
- You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or either fall in any of the exemption categories
- You must be equal to or more than 6 years
- You need to prove that you have a welfare arrangement (in case you are less than 18 years of age)
– Documents required for an Australian student visa
When applying for your student visa for Australia, you will generally need:
- Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment)
- A valid passport
- Your visa application fee
- Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Academic and work experience documents
- Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)
- Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
- Details of your health insurance policy
- Statement of purpose
- Passport-sized photographs
If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your Lekkside counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
– Applying for your visa online
You will need to create an account using DIBP’s online application system to complete and submit your student visa application. You can also track the status of your visa through ImmiAccount once you have submitted it. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks.