1.Major Changes in Latest Study Abroad Policies: Significant Cuts to International Student Quotas!
Australia’s Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced that the international student quota for 2025 will be capped at 270,000, a reduction of 35,000 compared to 2023. The specific enrollment numbers for all universities have already been released, with some prestigious institutions facing significant cuts. The details of the changes in quotas are as follows:
Source: Department of Education
With all quotas confirmed, some universities are struggling as 15 out of the 37 public universities have seen reductions in their quotas. However, some universities have seen an increase in their quotas. For instance, among the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, the University of Tasmania saw a 0.1% increase, the University of Western Australia saw a 9.4% increase, the University of Adelaide saw a 20.4% increase, RMIT University increased by 3%, and Monash University saw a 20.3% increase.
Despite the policy changes, Australia remains a popular study destination for international students, known for its multicultural environment and high-quality education system. Popular programs at universities like the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne are already full or have very few spots left.
2.Overview of Australian Schools
Australia has a total of 42 universities, spread across various states and territories, with the majority being public universities and a few being private. The Group of Eight (Go8) is Australia's most prestigious coalition of research-intensive universities, including: The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, The University of New South Wales, The Australian National University, The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, and Monash University.
Additionally, the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) consists of technology-focused universities that emphasize innovation and practical education. These universities include: University of Technology Sydney, RMIT University, Queensland University of Technology, University of South Australia, and Curtin University.
3.Tuition Fees for Studying in Australia
Bachelor’s Degree Tuition Fees: In Australia, undergraduate tuition fees generally range from AUD $28,000 to AUD $55,000 per year (approximately HKD $145,600 to HKD $286,000, based on an exchange rate of 1.00:5.20). The fees vary depending on the subject, university, and program. It's advisable to check each university’s tuition information carefully before selecting a course.
Master’s Degree Tuition Fees: The tuition for master's programs typically ranges from AUD $24,000 to AUD $50,000 per year (approximately HKD $124,800 to HKD $260,000). The fees vary depending on the field of study and university. You can learn more about these variations in this article.
Specialized Program Fees: Certain programs, such as veterinary and medical studies, tend to have higher tuition fees. These programs involve expensive lab and practical equipment, as well as long clinical internships and specialized training. These additional requirements mean universities must allocate more resources to ensure quality education, leading to significantly higher tuition compared to regular programs.
Exchange Rate Reminder: Tuition fees are calculated based on the current exchange rate. Fluctuations in the exchange rate may affect actual costs, so it’s recommended to check the latest exchange rates when planning your budget. Most universities also provide detailed tuition information on their official websites for further inquiry and confirmation.
Overview of Living Costs in Different Cities:
Sydney: AUD $1,816.3/month (approximately HKD $9,444.76)
Melbourne: AUD $1,813.4/month (approximately HKD $9,429.68)
Brisbane: AUD $1,842.7/month (approximately HKD $9,582.04)
Canberra: AUD $2,027.5/month (approximately HKD $10,543)
Below are price references from Woolworths, sourced from woolworths.com.au.
Food | AUD | HKD |
Milk（1L） | 1.5 | 7.92 |
Rice（1kg） | 3.5 | 18.48 |
Eggs（1 dozen） | 8.8 | 46.45 |
Bread（500g） | 3.0 | 15.84 |
Chicken Tender（1kg） | 18.33 | 96.7 |
Watermelon（1kg） | 3.5 | 18.48 |
Cabbage（each） | 7.8 | 41.17 |
Water（1L） | 0.66 | 3.48 |
*All data is sourced from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/. You can visit the website anytime to check for updates on the figures.
4.Accommodation Costs in Australia
During your studies in Australia, accommodation costs are a significant expense to consider. Depending on the type of accommodation chosen, the costs can vary greatly. Students can select the most suitable option based on their needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the three common types of accommodation and their respective cost ranges:
University Dormitories: Around AUD $230 – $660 per week (approximately HKD $1,196 – $3,432). The biggest advantage of university dormitories is their convenience, often located on or near campus. This allows students to immerse themselves in campus life more easily and live with fellow students from all over the world, which helps in quickly building a social circle.
Homestay: Around AUD $250 – $400 per week (approximately HKD $1,300 – $2,080). Homestay offers a more family-oriented living environment. Students not only receive meals but also get a chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle. However, living with a host family often comes with more rules, and students may need to adapt to different family routines, with limited personal space.
Shared Apartments: Around AUD $200 – $600 per week (approximately HKD $1,040 – $3,120). This option offers greater flexibility, allowing students to adjust the costs based on location, apartment type, and the number of roommates. However, shared living requires more self-discipline as students need to manage their own meals and household chores.
5.Introduction to Australia's Group of Eight (Go8) Universities
The Group of Eight (Go8) is a prestigious coalition of Australia's top eight universities, renowned for their excellence in academic research, teaching quality, and global influence. The Go8 members include:
The University of Melbourne (Melbourne)
The University of Sydney (Sydney)
The University of Queensland (Brisbane)
The Australian National University (Canberra)
Monash University (Melbourne)
The University of New South Wales (Sydney)
The University of Western Australia (Perth)
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
These universities consistently rank among the best globally and are often referred to as the "Ivy League" of Australia. They excel in a wide range of academic disciplines, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences.
The University of Melbourne, one of Australia's oldest institutions, is well known for its leadership in medicine, business, and the arts. The University of Sydney is distinguished by its extensive range of programs and world-class research facilities, producing numerous globally recognized graduates. The University of Queensland is internationally acclaimed for its achievements in science and engineering.
Graduates from Go8 universities are highly sought after worldwide. Their outstanding educational backgrounds and robust alumni networks give them a significant advantage in the job market. Whether entering a Fortune 500 company or pursuing further studies, Go8 graduates possess strong competitiveness and are well-prepared for success.
6.Admission Requirements and Scores for Group of Eight (Go8) Universities
The Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia typically have high admission standards, especially for popular programs. In general, Go8 universities require applicants to meet strong academic criteria to ensure they possess a solid foundation and the ability to succeed. For most undergraduate courses, the minimum entry requirement is typically 16 points, with an IELTS score between 6.0-7.0.
These scores are calculated based on an applicant’s top five subject results. Specific entry requirements vary depending on the degree, such as Bachelor of Arts or Business programs.
For highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Occupational Therapy, the entry requirements are even more stringent. These programs often require not only outstanding academic records but also consider other factors like personal statements, interview performance, and relevant work or volunteer experience. For instance, Medicine applicants generally need to achieve very high ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) scores, alongside passing specialized entrance exams and interviews. Veterinary Science and Occupational Therapy programs may require strong grades in subjects like Biology and Chemistry, as well as demonstrated interest and experience in the relevant fields.
1）Undergraduate Admission Standards:
Students who have completed high school, including qualifications such as HKDSE, A-Level, or IB, can directly apply to Australian universities if they have achieved satisfactory results in their public exams. Successful applicants can enter the first year of a university degree. The Australian government imposes strict quality control measures to ensure university standards are upheld. Typically, undergraduate degrees last three years, though some programs, such as Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Pharmacy, may require four or more years to complete.
HKDSE Best Five Subject Scores | Accumulated Score: 15 - 29 points (Best 5 subjects) |
A-Level Best Three Subject Scores | Accumulated Score: 6 - 16 points (Best 3 subjects) |
IB Total Accumulated Score | 26 - 42 points |
English Language Requirements | IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 - 7.0 |
2) Entry Requirements for Foundation Programs at Australian Universities:
Foundation programs are designed to prepare high school students for university, providing them with the necessary skills to transition smoothly into university life. Many universities offer Foundation courses in various fields, including business, science, and humanities. The curriculum typically includes compulsory and elective courses, with English preparatory courses provided based on the student's language proficiency.
GCSE | BBBBB – CCCCC |
HKDSE | 8 - 13 points (Best 5 subjects) |
A-Level | Minimum of two E grades |
IB | Completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 1 with satisfactory scores |
英語要求 | IIELTS: Overall score of 5.0 - 5.5 |
3) DSE Score Requirements for Australian Universities
<12 | 13-18 | ＞16 | ＞19 |
Eight months or more of Foundation can lead to Year 1 of university | 1）Six months or less of Foundation can lead to Year 2 of university2）12 months of Diploma can lead to Year 2 of university | Business, Aviation, Science, Media, Design, Information Technology, Nursing | Medicine, Engineering, Physiotherapy, Law, Occupational Therapy |
7. Pathways for Study and Immigration in Australia
Australia offers diverse immigration pathways for international students wishing to stay after completing their studies. These visa types and policies are particularly suitable for students from Hong Kong, providing opportunities for permanent residency after graduation. Below are several common immigration pathways and their conditions:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):The 485 visa is often the first step for many graduates. It allows students to apply for a visa after graduation, enabling them to stay in Australia for up to 5 years (depending on their specific profession). During this period, students can gain work experience and lay the groundwork for applying for higher-level visas in the future.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):Hong Kong students can apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing a degree or master's program and living in Australia for 4 years. Applicants for the 189 visa must also undergo a skills assessment and obtain a sufficient score in the SkillSelect system. Once granted, this visa allows applicants to reside permanently in Australia, enjoy the same benefits as Australian citizens, and choose their place of work and residence freely.
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191):For students who complete their studies and reside in regional Australia for a certain period, the Skilled Regional Visa (191) offers an attractive immigration pathway. This visa targets students who have lived in designated areas of Australia for 3 years, making it particularly suitable for those looking to explore life in different regions of Australia.
Hong Kong Stream Immigration Pathway:The Australian government has introduced the "Hong Kong Stream" immigration policy aimed at students holding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports and British National Overseas (BNO) passports. This policy provides a more streamlined immigration pathway for Hong Kong students, allowing them to apply for a 485 visa with a validity of 5 years after completing their degree, ultimately transitioning to permanent residency. The policy aims to attract more Hong Kong students to study in Australia and offers them a stable immigration route, serving as a specific incentive for students from Hong Kong.
The above information is referenced from: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
8. Application Process for Study Visas in Australia
Application Process Steps:
Submit an application to an Australian university and provide educational qualifications.
After receiving the university's offer letter, pay tuition fees and arrange accommodation.
Obtain a Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) and prepare relevant documents such as IELTS scores, passport, proof of funds, etc.
Documents Required for Visa Application:
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Student passport
Language test results
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Proof of funds, etc.Specific requirements may vary.
Important Notes for Visa Applications:Health checks and in-person biometric data collection at an Australian visa application center may be necessary.
9. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia
OSHC is a mandatory insurance regulated by the Australian government. Its primary purpose is to ensure that international students can access basic medical coverage during their studies in Australia, helping to mitigate the impact of unexpected health issues or medical expenses on their life and education.
The annual cost of OSHC ranges from approximately AUD 500 to AUD 700, depending on the insurance provider and the chosen plan. The OSHC required by Australian student visas must cover the entire duration of the student's studies, starting from their arrival in Australia until the end of their course, and often extending to the end of the visa's validity.
Several companies offer OSHC, including Bupa, Medibank, and Allianz. Students can compare providers based on price, coverage options, and the quality of services offered. It is advisable for students to prioritize insurers with extensive medical networks, high-quality customer service, and convenient claims processes to ensure prompt access to medical services when needed.
10. Conclusion
Studying in Australia is not only a cultural exploration but also a significant investment in personal growth and future career development. However, for every student about to embark on this journey in the Southern Hemisphere, having a clear understanding of and planning for the study process is one of the keys to success. I hope this article has been helpful to you!
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Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
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