Did you know that there are generally over 40 universities in Australia that welcome international students for graduate studies? Australia is definitely a popular destination for international students because of its high-quality education and post-study work opportunities.
The following are the basics to getting admission to a graduate school in Australia:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university with a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.5
- English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Some graduate programs may require standardised test scores such as GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT.
- A statement of purpose
- Two or three letters of recommendation from your professors
- Application Fee
If you are considering moving to Australia for studies and want to know how to apply for graduate school in Australia, this guide is perfect for you. Let’s explore together.
How To Apply For Graduate School In Australia
Here are a few steps you have to take if you are interested in applying for graduate school in Australia. Follow them for a smooth and easy process.
Graduate School Admission Process
The admission process for graduate school in Australia generally follows these steps:
- Research and Select Programs/ Universities
- Submit Application and Required Documents
- Wait for a Decision (Usually 4–6 weeks)
- Accept the Offer and Meet Any Conditions
- Apply for a Student Visa
- Enrol in the Program
Step 1: Do Your Research
You have to start by performing thorough research to identify the right university and program that best aligns with your academic and career goals. In Australia, you get a range of options for graduate programs, including Masters by coursework or research and PhDs.
- Choose The Right University
There are many different universities in Australia. The most popular ones include the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Sydney, and the University of Queensland. Each university has its own strengths and weaknesses, such as research facilities, teaching quality etc. So, consider these factors when you are making your choice.
- Select Your Program
Universities in Australia offer graduate programs in multiple disciplines. Whether you are interested in engineering, business, healthcare, or social sciences, you will likely find a program that fits your needs and is your favourite. It is important to evaluate the curriculum to ensure they meet your expectations.
- Check Rankings
In order to select the best university among the lot, check the university rankings based on global and subject scale. Some good resources for this purpose are QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
- Research Location
Australia is vast, and each region offers a different experience. Some students may prefer the bustling city life of Sydney or Melbourne, while others would want to opt for affordable options like Adelaide. For this, you have to think of factors such as climate, cost, lifestyle, and distance.
Step 2: Meet Admission Requirements
It is important to ensure that you fulfil the criteria and requirements for admission.
For international students, it is imperative to check the minimum academic requirements, including GPA and degree level.
Moreover, verifying standardised test requirements, such as the GRE or GMAT, is important. There might be different requirements for the program you are interested in. Hence, you must consider the eligibility criteria for any special admission.
Students must remember that there might be age restrictions or specific citizenship requirements for international students. They must ensure that you have all necessary documentation, such as transcripts and certificates, to prove eligibility.
Language Proficiency
International students verify English language proficiency requirements. They may take a few tests to ensure proficiency, as English is the primary language of instruction in Australia. You may have to take tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Most universities have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0. The number may vary according to your program.
Work Experience
To be on the safer side, you must research any additional requirements, as the criteria are often different for international students. Students must mention any extra course or work experience for professional courses such as an MBA.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
To apply for graduate school in Australia, you need to gather all the required documents, such as transcripts and English proficiency test scores. While some universities may ask for additional documents, generally, these records are required.
- Transcripts from your undergraduate studies that are certified and, if necessary, translated into English
- Highlight academic achievements and work experience in a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). For research programs, add publication as well.
- Use a statement of purpose (SOP) to explain why you want to pursue the specific program and why you have chosen Australia as your destination.
- Most graduate programs in Australia require you to submit two to three letters of recommendation, ideally from academic or professional supervisors.
- For research-based degrees, such as Masters by research or PhD, you may also have to submit a research proposal.
- Some programs, like those in fields like architecture, design, arts, and graphics, may require you to submit a portfolio of your previous work.
Step 4: Apply For Scholarship & Funding
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities available for students in Australia. Students must check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. They must keep in mind the deadlines of their funding programs.
The timeline for funding programs is limited. You should write a strong scholarship highlighting your accomplishments and explaining why you are a good candidate. Moreover, don’t forget to include any required supporting documentation with your application that will support your case.
Additionally, feel free to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving financial assistance.
Scholarships & Fee
Some common scholarships that you can avail of include:
- University scholarships – merit-based that cover tuition fees or living expenses.
- Government scholarships – such as the Australian Awards, which cover tuition fees, living and travelling expenses.
- Research scholarships for academic research like the Research Training Program (RTP)
- External funding from private organisations and home country.
The cost of studying in graduate school in Australia can vary depending on the program, location, and university. In general, the cost estimates:
- For a Masters degree, around AU$2000 to AU$37000 per year
- For Doctoral degrees, between AU$14000 to AU$37000 per year
Step 5: Submit The Application
The next step is to review the application requirements and ensure all necessary documents are prepared. Students must keep the timeline in their minds. They must complete the online application form and upload the required documents timely.
Simpler steps can be:
- Create an account on the university’s portal
- Pay the application fee, if required (usually between AUD 50 and AUD 100)
- Double-check all information before submitting the application
- Apply by the deadline
- Keep a record of the submission confirmation
- Follow up with the university to ensure all documents have been received and the application is complete.
Moreover, there can always be a misunderstanding or delay in such tasks. Therefore, students should notify the university if there are any changes to their contact information or application status to save time.
Students should feel confident to ask the graduate school questions or concerns.
Step 6: Follow-Up On The Application
After you have submitted your graduate application, there may be a waiting period before you hear back from the university. In the meantime, you should track your application, prepare for interviews, attend seminars, and respond to requests.
Do not lose hope if it’s taking a lot of time to hear back. It generally takes 4–8 weeks for universities in Australia to respond to your application.
Step 7: Accept The Offer & Enrol In Program
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter from the university. There are two types of offers.
- Conditional Offer
If you receive a conditional offer, it means that you may need to meet certain conditions before you can be fully admitted. This might include submitting final transcripts or securing funding for the degree.
- Unconditional Offer
In this offer, you have met all the university’s requirements and proceed with the enrolment.
Once you have the offer in hand, you will need to accept it formally by signing and returning the acceptance form. Some universities may also ask you to pay a deposit to secure your place.
Apply For A Student Visa
After you have accepted the offer, it is now time to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). You will need your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the university to submit your visa application. The next step would be to enrol in your courses.
Top Universities In Australia For Graduate Programs
| University of Melbourne | UNSW Sydney | University of Queensland |
| University of Western Australia | University of Technology, Sydney | Australian National University |
| University of Adelaide | Monash University | University of Sydney |
| Macquarie University | Curtin University | RMIT University, Victoria |
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Tips On How To Apply For Graduate School In Australia
Now that you are familiar with the admission requirements for how to apply for graduate school in Australia, here are some additional tips and tricks to consider.
- Start your research at least 12–18 months before your intended start date.
- Write custom SOPs and recommendations for the specific program you are applying to
- Keep track of deadlines
- Apply for multiple programs at different universities to increase your chances.
- Reach out to current students or alumni of the programs
Look for professional consultants and research proposal writing services to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Your Research
- Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Prepare Application Materials
- Apply For Scholarship & Funding
- Submit The Application
- Follow-Up On The Application
- Accept The Offer & Enrol In Program
- A bachelors degree
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- CV
- Letters of recommendation
- SOPs
- Research proposal for masters research-based
A master’s degree can cost around AU$20000 to 37000 per year, while a doctoral degree can cost between AU$14000 and 37000 per year.
