Australia is an increasingly popular destination for Indian students looking to study abroad after completing 12th grade. Known for its high-quality education, welcoming immigration policies, and excellent lifestyle, Australia is home to some of the world’s top universities.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know:
- Best courses and universities
- Eligibility and entrance tests
- Cost of studying
- Scholarships available for Indian students
- Student visa process
- Step-by-step application timeline
Let’s explore how you can turn your Australian education dream into reality.
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🇦🇺 Why Study in Australia After 12th?
There are several reasons why over 120,000 Indian students are currently pursuing education in Australia:
- World-class universities (7 ranked in the top 100 globally)
- 3–4 year Bachelor’s degrees with global recognition
- High visa success rate for Indian students
- Work rights during and after studies
- Direct pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)
- Safe, multicultural, and English-speaking environment
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📚 Best Courses to Study in Australia After 12th
Australia offers a wide variety of undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees and vocational programs after 12th. Top fields include:
| Stream | Top Courses |
|---|---|
| Science | Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Nursing, Data Science |
| Commerce | Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing |
| Arts/Humanities | Psychology, Law, Sociology, Political Science |
| Others | Hospitality, Design, Animation, Sports Management, Environmental Science |
You can also opt for TAFE (Technical and Further Education) courses or pathway programs if you don’t meet direct university entry requirements.
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🏫 Top Universities in Australia
| University | QS World Rank (2024) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 14 | Melbourne, VIC |
| University of Sydney | 19 | Sydney, NSW |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 19 | Sydney, NSW |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 43 | Brisbane, QLD |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 34 | Canberra, ACT |
| Monash University | 42 | Melbourne, VIC |
| University of Adelaide | 89 | Adelaide, SA |
Tip: Each university has its own ranking strengths—for example, Monash for Pharmacy, UNSW for Engineering, and ANU for Research.
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✅ Eligibility Criteria to Study in Australia After 12th
General entry requirements include:
- Completion of 12th grade from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board)
- Minimum 60%–70% marks (80%+ for top programs)
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Valid passport
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation (for some universities)
- Portfolio (for design/architecture)
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📝 Entrance Exams to Study in Australia
Most undergraduate programs do not require SAT, ACT, or entrance tests. However, proof of English proficiency is mandatory:
| Exam | Purpose | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | English proficiency | 6.0–6.5 overall (no band < 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | English proficiency | 79–90 |
| PTE Academic | English proficiency | 58–64 |
| Duolingo | Some universities accept | 105–120 |
Note: Some universities like ANU may require higher scores for competitive programs.
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💰 Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students
Average annual costs:
| Expense | Approx. Cost (AUD) | Approx. INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Bachelor’s degree) | $20,000–$45,000 | ₹11L–₹26L |
| Living Expenses | $15,000–$22,000 | ₹8L–₹13L |
| Student Visa Fee | $710 | ₹39,000 |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | $600–$700/year | ₹35K–₹40K |
| Books & Miscellaneous | $1,000–$2,000 | ₹60K–₹1.2L |
Total Annual Cost: AUD $35,000–$65,000 → ₹19L–₹36L
Melbourne and Sydney are costlier. Cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart are more affordable.
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🎓 Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
Australia offers generous scholarships for Indian students based on merit:
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Destination Australia Scholarship | Australian Govt. | $15,000 per year |
| Vice Chancellor’s International Award | Multiple universities | 20–100% tuition fee waiver |
| UNSW Future of Change Scholarship | UNSW | $10,000/year |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Monash University | 50–100% tuition fee |
| La Trobe Excellence Scholarship | La Trobe University | $20,000 total |
Note: Many universities automatically assess you for scholarships during application.
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🛂 Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Process
Step-by-step guide:
- Apply and receive Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from university
- Get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for full duration
- Gather documents:
- CoE
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- English test score
- Proof of funds (tuition + living expenses)
- SOP (Genuine Temporary Entrant statement)
- Medical exam (from panel clinic)
- Apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Pay visa fee: AUD $710
- Book biometrics and medicals if required
- Receive visa grant (processing time: 3–6 weeks)
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📅 Timeline to Study in Australia After 12th (2026 Intake)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul–Oct 2025 | Shortlist universities and courses |
| Oct–Dec 2025 | Take IELTS/PTE, prepare documents |
| Nov–Feb 2026 | Apply to universities |
| Feb–Apr 2026 | Accept offer and pay tuition deposit |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Apply for student visa |
| Jul–Aug 2026 | Arrange accommodation and flights |
| Feb/Jul 2026 | Begin studies (two major intakes) |
Tip: February and July are the two main intakes. Some programs are available in November.
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🧾 Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passport
- Class 10th and 12th mark sheets
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecard
- CoE from a university
- OSHC health insurance certificate
- Financial proof (bank statements, education loan sanction letter, etc.)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Passport-size photos
- Medical and biometrics confirmation
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💼 Can You Work While Studying in Australia?
Yes! As an international student, you can:
- Work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks during the semester
- Work full-time during breaks and holidays
- Get up to 2–4 years of post-study work visa after graduation (depending on location)
Jobs include: Retail, hospitality, admin, campus assistant, delivery services, etc.
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🤔 FAQs – Studying in Australia After 12th
Q1. Can I get PR after studying in Australia?
→ Yes. After post-study work, apply for PR through Skilled Migration or Regional Migration schemes.
Q2. Is gap after 12th accepted?
→ Yes, up to 2 years with valid reason (job, entrance exam prep, etc.)
Q3. Is Australia more affordable than the UK/USA?
→ Tuition fees are similar, but living costs may be lower than the US or UK in regional areas.
Q4. What is OSHC?
→ Overseas Student Health Cover – compulsory medical insurance for visa approval.
Q5. Is IELTS compulsory?
→ Yes. IELTS or PTE/TOEFL is required unless exempted due to certain boards or background.
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🏁 Final Thoughts
Studying in Australia after 12th gives you access to globally recognized education, practical work experience, and a clear immigration pathway. With multiple scholarships, flexible part-time work, and stunning cities, Australia is a top pick for Indian students in 2025–2026.
Start early, choose the right course, apply smartly, and prepare for your international education journey.