Study in Australia: A Guide for African Students

Students who study in Australia find strong universities, clear consumer protection for international students and post-study work options. It is also a high-cost destination, with one of the most expensive student visa applications in the world.

This guide explains admission, the student visa, the money you must show, health cover, work rules and funding.

Quick answer: You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, evidence of funds, English test results and a subclass 500 visa application that satisfies the Genuine Student requirement.

How the Australian System Works

Bachelor’s degrees usually take three years
Master’s degrees take one to two years
Doctorates take three to four years
Vocational colleges offer certificates and diplomas

Every course open to international students must be listed on the national register called CRICOS. If a course or provider is not on the register, you cannot get a student visa for it.

Admission Requirements

Transcripts and certificates
English test results accepted for both admission and the visa
A statement of purpose for many programs
A research proposal and supervisor support for research degrees

After you accept an offer and pay the required deposit, the provider issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Student Visa Requirements

The subclass 500 visa application charge rose to AUD 2,500 on 1 July 2026. It is not refunded if the visa is refused, so apply only when your documents are complete.

You will need:

A Confirmation of Enrolment
Answers that satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
Evidence of financial capacity
English test results
Overseas Student Health Cover for the whole visa period
Health and character checks

The Genuine Student questions ask about your circumstances, why you chose the course and provider, and how the course benefits you. Give specific, truthful answers supported by documents.

Proof of Funds

You must show enough money for travel, first-year tuition and living costs. At the time of review, the living-cost amount used for a single student is AUD 29,710 for 12 months. Amounts are higher if family members accompany you.

Evidence can include bank deposits, an education loan from a recognized lender, scholarship letters or sponsor income. Explain where the money came from.

Visa Steps

Choose a CRICOS-registered course.
Accept the offer and receive your CoE.
Buy Overseas Student Health Cover.
Prepare your Genuine Student answers and financial evidence.
Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
Complete biometrics and health examinations if requested.

Australia also manages the number of new international student places each year, which can affect processing priority between providers.

Working During and After Study

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session and without an hourly limit during scheduled breaks. You cannot start work before your course begins.

Graduates of eligible courses can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Its length and conditions depend on your qualification and age, so check eligibility before you choose a course.

Scholarships

Australia Awards, funded by the Australian Government for applicants from eligible countries, including many in Africa
Research Training Program scholarships for research degrees
University scholarships and fee reductions

Eligibility for Australia Awards differs by country and year. Use the scholarship eligibility checks before you apply.

Common Mistakes

Choosing a course that is not CRICOS-registered
Giving generic Genuine Student answers
Showing funds without a clear source
Buying health cover that does not span the whole visa
Applying before documents are ready and losing the charge

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa charge refundable?

Generally not. Treat it as a cost of applying.

Which English tests are accepted?

Several tests are accepted, but the provider and the Department of Home Affairs each publish their own lists and minimum scores. Check both.

Can my partner come with me?

Family members can be included in the application, but you must show more funds and health cover for them.

Your Next Step

Compare total costs across two or three providers and check Australia Awards eligibility for your country. Then build your file with the application documents checklist.

Sources

Reviewed: 2 October 2026. Charges and visa rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Featured image: The University of Sydney’s Main Quadrangle by Jason Tong, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized).