Australia is now among the most sought-after by international students, India in particular. With its world-renowned universities, multicultural society, and great career opportunities, it is the perfect place to go for further education. But studying abroad is a big step, and it always helps to know exactly what you are getting into before jumping headfirst. If you’re now considering preparing to study in Australia, here are 13 essential things you must know to prepare smart and confidently.

1. Understand the Study in Australia cost for Indian students

Before the process initiates, one of the very first things that you will need to consider is the Study in Australia cost for Indian students. The price normally encompasses tuition, housing, travel, meals, ground transportation, entertainment fee, and health care.

Australia is an expensive country compared to other destinations, with a very high standard of living, but its safety, opportunities, and quality of living are equally outstanding. Although the specific figures differ from city to city and university to university, you need to prepare yourself. This enables you to budget, look for scholarships, and get your visa documents in order accordingly.

2. Know the Australia student visa subclass 500 requirements

To study in Australia, all international students need to apply for a student visa, and the main class of this is the Australia student visa subclass 500 requirements. This visa will permit you to remain in the country for as long as you are enrolled in school.

Typical requirements include:

• Proof of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment)
• Genuine Student (GS) criteria
• English language proficiency
• Valid passport
• Financial proof showing you can support your stay
• OSHC health insurance
• Academic documents
• Statement of purpose

Knowing these requirements in advance will keep you from running into any last-minute snags and set you up for a smooth visa approval.

3. Estimate the Living expenses in Australia for international students

The second most important factor is the Living expenses in Australia for international students. International students are required to strike a balance between academics and their day-to-day lives, which is all dependent on how well they can handle the money for living.

These expenses generally include:

• Rent
• Groceries
• Utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
• Public transport
• Books and study materials
• Occasional leisure activities

Your cost of living will also vary depending on the city you select. The bigger is the city, the more it costs, and vice versa.

4. Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Australia

International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their time on a student visa in Australia. This is a mandatory health insurance system that allows you to meet medical costs, hospital treatment, prescription drugs, and emergency procedures.

The cost of OSHC depends on the provider and the length of your stay. OSHC is mandatory, and without it, your visa will not be granted. You can buy it through the university or on your own from approved providers.

5. Explore opportunities for Part-time work in Australia while studying

Students on subclass 500 visas are allowed to work during their studies, and this includes jobs in:

One of the most significant benefits for overseas students is Part-time work in Australia while studying. This will allow you to offset your living costs and obtain some valuable work experience.

Students on subclass 500 visas can work while studying, which means they can work in:

• Hospitality
• Retail
• Customer support
• Tutoring
• Administrative roles

Not only does part-time work alleviate financial stress for many students, it also provides a platform to develop professional skills such as time management and communication, making you more employable in the long run.

6. Look for Australian university scholarships for Indian students

Studying overseas is costly, so you need to consider Australian university scholarships for Indian students. Various world-class institutions provide academic, merit, need, and country-specific scholarships.

Scholarships can cover:

• Tuition fee reduction
• Accommodation support
• Travel support
• Full or partial course fees

Filing early is your best bet when it comes to receiving any financial aid, so be attentive to deadlines and requirements for eligibility.

7. Understand the Post study work visa Australia for international graduates

One of the appealing benefits of studying in Australia is the Post study work visa Australia for international graduates. It permits you to stay in Australia when you graduate so that you can work to get some real-world experience.

The visa is available to tertiary level students from undergraduate and postgraduate studies through to doctoral degrees, with timing determined by the length of study. Staying behind will allow you to seek full-time jobs, develop a career, and even consider how you might gain permanent residency.

8. Choose from the Best cities to study in Australia

One of the world’s most student-friendly countries, Australia has several great cities to choose from, and deciding on which city to study in can impact your studies as well as your bank balance. Here are some of the Best cities to study in Australia:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide
• Perth
• Canberra
• Hobart

The public transportation is excellent in each city, where there is a dynamic campus life with great job opportunities and safety assured. The final decision depends on your budget, preferred lifestyle, and subject area of study.

9. Compare the Tuition fees for Indian students in Australian universities

Each university has its own fee structure; therefore, it becomes very important to know the Tuition fees for Indian students in Australian universities. Fees vary by the program you select — engineering, IT, business, health sciences, arts, or vocational training.

Engineering and health programs tend to be more costly than the humanities or social sciences. The differences in tuition, coursework offered, faculty, and campus amenities will affect which one you choose to apply for.

10. Prepare Proof of funds for Australia student visa

The Proof of funds for Australia student visa is one of the core components in your visa application. You must demonstrate the means to afford your stay, costs of tuition, travel, accommodation, and other expenses.

Common ways to show funds include:

• Bank statements
• Education loan sanction letters
• Fixed deposits
• Sponsor details
• Income tax returns of parents/sponsors

It’s about making sure that you are financially sound and that there is no way this destroys your education.

11. Understand the academic expectations and teaching style

Australian universities focus heavily on independent learning. This includes:

• Research-based assignments
• Group projects
• Regular presentations
• Critical thinking
• Open-book exams in some cases

The curriculum focuses on practical learning and relevance to the industry. You will need to be ready to contribute actively in class and for analysis rather than rote learning.

12. Prepare for a multicultural student environment

The culture is one of the best things about studying in Australia. It’s as cosmopolitan a study setting as you can get, with students from all over the world studying together.

You’ll experience:

• Cultural festivals
• International food options
• Diverse groups in class
• Global networking opportunities

It’s this exposure that will enable you to develop global competence and your study experience to be more rewarding.

13. Know your accommodation options

International students can choose from multiple accommodation options:

• On-campus housing
• Off-campus rentals
• Homestay
• Private/shared apartments
• Student hostels

They have different price points, and some will be more comfortable than others. Some students like to live off-campus for cost reasons, and others prefer to live on campus because the building is closer.

A good choice of living puts you in the budget and lets you enjoy a hassle-free student life.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia. Your experience of studying in Australia will be exciting and enriching on all levels, academically, culturally, and professionally. Strategically planning and considering the crucial factors like Study in Australia cost for Indian students, Australia student visa subclass 500 requirements, Living expenses in Australia for international students, and Proof of funds for Australia student visa with a sense of assurance for your journey.

When you spend time researching scholarships, familiarising yourself with visa regulations, budgeting, and deciding which city to live in, you can make informed decisions that will impact the rest of your life.

Australia is a very welcoming country to international students, and with the right preparation, you can pave an exciting academic and career journey.

FAQs

Ques. 1. How much money do I need to show for studying in Australia?

Ans. You’ll need to demonstrate financial ability to pay for your tuition, living expenses, housing, and transportation. This forms part of the Proof of funds for Australia student visa requirement.

Ques. 2. Can I work part-time while studying?

Ans. Yes. Student members may Part-time work in Australia while studying under a subclass 500 visa.

Ques. 3. Do Indian students get scholarships in Australia?

Ans. Yes, there are several Australian university scholarships for Indian students according to merit or academic performance.

Ques. 4. Is health insurance mandatory for students?

Ans. Yes. You need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Australia for the duration of your time in Australia.

Ques. 5. Can I stay in Australia after completing my degree?

Ans. Yes.  International students can apply for a Post-study work visa Australia for international graduates, depending on the qualification that they have earned.