Your complete guide to studying in Australia.

StudyAU is a plain-English knowledge base for international students planning to study in Australia — from Group of Eight and ATN university selection, to the Student Visa (subclass 500), Genuine Student requirement, IELTS/PTE pathways, accommodation, cost of living, and the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). We work from Department of Home Affairs, Department of Education, and university sources, and we update whenever policy changes.

Browse a category below or read about this site for our editorial approach.

Browse by category

• Universities Go8, ATN, rankings
• Courses Business, STEM, Health
• Visa Subclass 500, GS, IELTS
• Living Housing, OSHC, costs
• Post-Study 485 visa, PR, jobs

Featured guides

• Typical pathway to PR in Australia: The 5–7 year journey from study to permanent residency

  9 Apr, 2026

  Australian PR pathway: 485 temporary visa (2–4 years) → 482 sponsorship (2 years) → 186 PR, or 189/190/491. 5–7 year total journey. Plan your migration timeline.

• SkillSelect points explained: How to calculate your score for skilled migration

  10 Mar, 2026

  SkillSelect points system for 189, 190, 491 visas: age, English, qualification, work experience, partner, regional, professional year. Maximum 130 points. Calculate your score.

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: Points-based permanent residency without sponsorship

  20 Jan, 2026

  Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: points-tested PR visa, no sponsor required, 65-point minimum, practical score 85–95+, occupation on CSOL, 4-year processing.

• Working Part-Time in Australia — Minimum Wage, Awards, Rights, and Fair Work

  16 Jan, 2026

  International students can work 48 hours/fortnight during semester (unlimited during breaks). Minimum wage is A$24.95/hour (2025-26). Casual loading +25%; know your award rate and rights.

• Understanding QS, THE, and ARWU Rankings: What Each Measures and How to Read Them

  12 Jan, 2026

  Three main university rankings (QS, THE, ARWU) measure different criteria. Learn what each prioritizes, how they differ, and how to interpret them when choosing Australian universities.

• City vs. Regional Australia: Cost, Lifestyle, and the 485 Visa Extension Advantage

  13 Dec, 2025

  Compare studying in Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) vs. regional areas. Explore cost savings, lifestyle trade-offs, and the 485 visa extension benefit for regional graduates.

• Sydney vs. Melbourne for International Students: Cost, Weather, Jobs, and Vibe

  24 Nov, 2025

  Direct comparison of Sydney vs. Melbourne for international students. Covers living costs, weather, job markets, universities, and lifestyle. Help you choose the right Australian city.

• Opening an Australian Bank Account — Big Four vs Alternatives

  4 Oct, 2025

  Open a bank account with the Big Four (CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) or Macquarie/HSBC. Some allow pre-arrival setup. You'll need passport, proof of address, visa, TFN.

• Master of Nursing in Australia: AHPRA Registration and International Pathways

  6 Aug, 2025

  Master of Nursing in Australia: 1.5–2 years, AUD 45k–55k/year. AHPRA registration, clinical placements, strong visa pathways for international students.

• Engineering Masters in Australia: EA Accreditation and Washington Accord Routes

  22 Jul, 2025

  Engineering Masters in Australia: 1.5–2 years, AUD 50k–60k/year. EA (Engineers Australia) accreditation, Washington Accord, global mobility.

• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Explained: Costs, Providers, and How to Claim in 2026

  19 Jul, 2025

  Master OSHC: mandatory health insurance for student visa holders. Cost A$650–750/year, major providers, coverage, claim process. 2026 guide.

• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: A complete guide to PHEW and PVEW

  3 Jul, 2025

  Complete guide to Australia's Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: PHEW (2–4 years) and PVEW (18 months) streams, eligibility, charges, and how it fits the PR pathway.

• Cost of Living in Melbourne — Direct Comparison vs Sydney

  18 Jun, 2025

  Melbourne costs A$2,200–$2,600/month — roughly 10% cheaper than Sydney. Rent is A$280–$450/week in shared houses; food and transport are marginally cheaper.

• Financial Capacity and Evidence of Funds for Australian Student Visa 2026

  14 Jun, 2025

  Prove your financial capacity for Subclass 500. 2026 living costs: A$29,710/year. Bank statements, loans, sponsor letters. Document checklist included.

• Master of Computer Science in Australia: Top Providers, Prerequisites, and Career Outcomes

  6 Jun, 2025

  Master of Computer Science in Australia: 1.5–2 years, AUD 45k–55k/year. UNSW, Melbourne, ANU lead. Strong IT visa pathways and tech career outcomes.

• Cost of Living in Sydney for International Students

  2 Jun, 2025

  Sydney costs A$2,400–$2,800/month for a single student. Rent (A$300–$500/week) is the biggest expense; food, transport, and health insurance add another A$800–$1,200.

• Genuine Student (GS) Requirement for Australian Student Visa: What You Need to Know

  24 May, 2025

  Understand the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for Subclass 500. Replaced GTE March 2024. Assessment questions, evidence, what Home Affairs looks for.

• Master of Accounting in Australia: CPA, CA, and IPA Pathways for International Students

  20 May, 2025

  Master of Accounting enables CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ), and IPA pathways. AUD 50k–58k/year; top providers: UNSW, Melbourne, Monash.

• Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): The Complete 2026 Guide

  12 May, 2025

  Master the Subclass 500 student visa: eligibility, evidence, charges, processing times, and conditions. Complete guide for 2026.

• What Is the Group of Eight (Go8)? Members, Ranking, and Research Output

  22 Apr, 2025

  The Group of Eight (Go8) comprises Australia's eight leading research universities. Learn who qualifies, their QS rankings, and what Go8 membership means for international students.