How to study in or migrate to Australia?

Australia is a very popular destination for migrants seeking a new and exciting life. As well as being home to many diverse cultures, Australia is well known for its excellent healthcare and education system, great career opportunities and laid back lifestyle. 

If you want to live, work or study in Australia, there are a few pathways available to you:

International students who want to study in Australia can enjoy affordable and high-quality university courses while making new friends and exploring the country. 

Available visas

Subclass 500 - Student visa

Allows international students to live and study in Australia for up to 5 years

• To qualify for this visa you must be enrolled full time in a course at a recognised Australian university or learning institution

Subclass 407 - Training visa 

Allows you to train and live in Australia for up to 2 years

This visa allows you to undertake professional training such as:

• Classroom-based professional development training programs

• Workplace-based training to improve your skills for a relevant job, area of study of field of expertise

Subclass 485 - Graduate visa

There are 3 main streams of entry for a Subclass 485 - Graduate visa

Graduate work stream

• Allows recent graduates to live, work and study in Australia for up to 18 months

• This visa is available to international student applicants who have recently graduated with skills or qualifications required for occupations on Australia's skilled occupation list

Post-study work stream

• Allows recent graduates to live, work and study in Australia for 2-4 years

• This visa is available to international students who have recently graduated from an Australian university

Second post-study work stream

• Allows recent graduates to live, work and study in Australia for 1-4 years

• This visa is available to international students who have recently graduated from an Australian university located in a regional area

5 tips to claim Superior English for your visa points test

International students who want to study in Australia can enjoy affordable and high-quality university courses while making new friends and exploring the country. 

Top courses in Australia

If you’re planning to make a more permanent move to Australia in the future, consider studying a course that will give you the skills and qualifications for jobs which appear on the Australian skilled occupation list. Popular courses for in-demand occupations include:

• Nursing

• Carpentry

• Cookery

• Engineering

• Information Technology (IT)

• Social work

• Teaching

Book IELTS for study

Most universities and academic institutions have different requirements when it comes to IELTS scores. The best way to find out about the requirements for the course you’re interested in is to contact the course provider directly.

You can also get in touch with an education counsellor. They have access to information from multiple education providers. 

For enrollment, generally, engineering students must achieve a minimum overall IELTS band score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).

Already have the skills required for an in-demand occupation? There are several permanent and temporary visa options which may allow you to work and live in Australia.

Permanent work visas

Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia 

• You must be nominated by an Australian employer 

• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list

Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia 

• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list

• You must satisfy the points test

You must be invited to apply for a Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent visa. 

Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia

• Your job title must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list

• You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government

• You must satisfy the points test

You must be invited to apply for a Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated visa. 

Temporary work visas

Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a set period of time

• You must be nominated by an eligible Australian employer

There are 2 streams of entry for a Subclass 482 visa:

Short term stream

• The short term stream allows you to stay for up to 2 years in most cases

• Your occupation must appear on the short term skilled occupation list

Medium term stream

• The medium term stream allows you to stay for up to 4 years in most cases

• Your occupation must appear on the medium and long-term strategic skills list or the regional occupation skills list

Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work in a specified regional area within Australia

• You can stay for up to 5 years

• You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government

• Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list

• You can apply for permanent residency 3 years from the date your visa is granted

You must be invited to apply for a Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional visa

Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa

• Allows skilled workers to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia

• You can stay for up to 5 years

• You must be nominated by an eligible Australian employer

• Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list

Access official IELTS practice materials

The IELTS score you need to achieve in order to live, work or study in Australia will depend on:

• Your visa requirements

• The entry requirements for your course or university 

• Requirements set by any relevant professional accreditation boards

Many student and work visas require the applicant to demonstrate ‘Competent English’, which translates to a minimum band score of 6.0 in each of the four IELTS components.

Best tips to improve your IELTS band score

If you require assistance with Australian immigration or visa applications, seek expert migration guidance from IDP's team of multilingual migration agents.

Whether you're starting your stay in Australia or seeking an extension, IDP's registered agents can provide assistance. Whether your goal is to study and obtain permanent residency or have a temporary stay, they can help you with various visa types.

To receive support, book an appointment with one of their registered MARA agents located across most of Australia.

Migration Services Australia

Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.