Study in Australia – Complete Guide for UAE Students

Australia is a popular choice for students from the UAE because of its good schools, helpful surroundings, and clear career routes after graduation. More and more students from around the world are choosing to study there.

• In 2023, more than 786,000 international students were studying at Australian schools, a jump of 27% from the year before.
• Student numbers are predicted to go up by another 18% in 2024, which shows that the country is becoming even more attractive to global learners.
• International students accounted for 31% of all university students in 2023.
• By the middle of 2024, about 86–87% of student visa applications were being approved, suggesting easier application handling.
• The Australian government has recently set a limit of 270,000 new international students per year to safeguard better facilities and experiences for students.

*Want guidance to apply for study in Australia? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

 

Why Study in Australia from the UAE?

Australia is a popular choice for students from the UAE because of its top-ranked schools, academic reputation, and diverse culture. It provides a balance of excellent education, hands-on learning, and a secure lifestyle, which is great for students seeking international experience and chances after they graduate.

• Seven of the world's top 100 universities are in Australia.
• There are over 22,000 courses available in 1,100 institutions.
• Students can work part-time during their studies and are allowed to work full-time after they graduate.
• Australian degrees are known and respected worldwide.
• There are straightforward ways to immigrate through the Temporary Graduate Visa and options for skilled workers.

 

What is an Australian Student Visa?

The Subclass 500 Australian Student Visa lets students from the UAE study full-time at an Australian school that is CRICOS-registered. It usually lasts for the length of the course, plus a bit more time. Students can work part-time while they study.

This visa allows international students to:

• Stay in Australia for up to five years, relying on the course length
• Work up to 48 hours every two weeks during school
• Add family members like a spouse or children to their application
• Travel freely outside and back into Australia while the visa is good
• Apply for a work visa after they graduate, if they meet the requirements

 

Benefits of Studying in Australia for UAE Students

Some of the benefits of studying in Australia are:

• Globally recognized qualifications from top universities
• Work in Australia up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
• Post-study work options including Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• High quality of life in safe and multicultural cities
• Clear points-based immigration pathways for graduates

Types of Study Programs in Australia

Australia has many school programs, both academic and vocational, to fit different learning plans. No matter if students want a degree, want to learn English better, or want to get job skills, schools in Australia give choices that meet standards around the world.

Students from the UAE can pick from:

• Foundation and Pathway Programs
• Undergraduate Degrees (Bachelor’s)
• Postgraduate Coursework (Master’s)
• Postgraduate Research Degrees (PhD)
• VET Courses and Diplomas
• English Language Courses

 

Foundation and Pathway Programs

Australian foundation and pathway programs support international students from the UAE as they move into undergraduate or postgraduate studies. These programs work if students don't meet the standard academic or English entry needs for their degree.

Foundation programs usually take 6 to 12 months. They work on subject knowledge, study skills, and English ability. These programs often connect to universities, so students who pass are guaranteed to move on to a degree. Pathway programs have diploma-to-degree choices and pre-master's courses, supplying a solid academic stepping-stone to university acceptance.

 

Undergraduate Degrees (Bachelor’s)

In Australia, Bachelor's degrees usually take three to four years to finish. There are many subjects you can study, like business, engineering, health, arts, and IT. These degrees are accepted around the world and mix what you learn in class with how it applies to the real world.

A lot of universities there also have honors programs. These add a research project to the regular Bachelor's degree. Students from the UAE can also benefit from how the courses are set up because they can choose different subjects and combine majors. To get in, you typically need to finish high school and prove you can speak English well.

 

Postgraduate Coursework (Master’s)

Master's degrees in Australia are academic programs designed to expand on undergraduate studies and improve job skills. Program length is usually one to two years, varying by field and the student's background.

Students from the UAE can study business (MBA), engineering, data science, public health, education, and other fields. The courses involve lectures, assignments, group projects, and exams. Some may include internships or project work. Admission generally needs a related bachelor's degree and English skills. Many programs also provide paths to doctoral research or skilled jobs.

 

Postgraduate Research Degrees (PhD)

In Australia, postgraduate research degrees, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), are advanced academic investigations, focused on contributing original ideas and research to a particular subject area. Completing these programs generally requires three to four years of full-time work resulting in a detailed thesis, completed under the guidance of an expert.

Students from the UAE who study for a PhD in Australia can expect access to excellent research resources, possible financial support, and international academic relationships. Research topics include engineering, health sciences, business, education, and environmental studies, among others. Admission usually needs a related master's degree or its equivalent, a developed research proposal, proof of academic success, and English skills. A PhD can lead to jobs in teaching, research, or professional industry positions.

 

VET Courses and Diplomas

In Australia, Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and diplomas equip students with job-ready skills for specific trades or industries. These programs, offered by TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) and registered training organizations (RTOs), help students enter the workforce or improve their current abilities.

VET courses usually last from six months to two years. They include fields like hospitality, automotive, business, information technology, construction, aged care, and design. Students, including those from the UAE, gain from practical training, industry placements, and curricula relevant to current job needs. A VET diploma can also open doors to higher education, allowing entry into bachelor’s degree programs at many Australian universities.

 

English Language Courses

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia offer a variety of options for those wanting to improve their English for school, work, or personal reasons. These courses are good for students from the UAE who must meet language standards for college or who want to improve their English proficiency.

These programs are flexible and can last from 5 weeks to a year, based on what the student wants and their present level. Types of courses include General English, Academic English, and preparation for IELTS/TOEFL tests, as well as English for specific fields like business or healthcare. Certified schools give ELICOS programs, which are a common first step for international students in Australia's education system..

 

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Student Visa

The eligibility criteria to apply for Australian Student Visa are given below.

• A high school diploma (for undergraduate programs) or a bachelor's degree (for postgraduate programs).
• Evidence of English language skills (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores).
• Fulfilment of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria.
• Verification of sufficient funds and health coverage.
• Compliance with age, character, and health standards.

Australia Student Visa Requirements for UAE Applicants

To apply for an Australia Student Visa, you must provide the documents given below.

• Enrollment confirmation from a CRICOS-registered school
• A statement showing a real wish to study
• Health cover for overseas students
• Proof of funds to pay for school and living
• English test scores
• Biometrics and a health check, if needed

 

Australia Student Visa Fees from the UAE

Detailed information about the fees for Australia student visa is given below.

Fee Type	Cost (AUD)
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	AUD 1,600
Dependent (Spouse)	AUD 1,200
Dependent (Child)	AUD 650
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	AUD 600 – 800/year
Biometrics & Medical Exam	Varies (~AUD 100–300)
Visa Service Charges (if any)	Varies

 

 

Australia Student Visa Processing Time for UAE Residents

Detailed information about the processing times for Australia Student Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	13 – 28 calendar days (average)
Postgraduate Research Sector	Up to 3 months
Vocational Education and Training (VET)	2 – 4 weeks
School Sector	3 – 6 weeks

 

 

How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa from the UAE?

The process to apply for an Australian Student Visa is given below.

Step 1: Gain acceptance into a recognized educational institution and secure your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount, then handle the visa fee payment through the online portal.

Step 3: Draft your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, and upload all needed documents.

Step 4: If asked, provide your biometrics and medical details.

Step 5: Once your Australia Student Visa is approved, make preparations for your trip.

 

Working While Studying in Australia

Students from the UAE who have a Subclass 500 Student Visa can work part-time as they study in Australia. Current rules allow these students to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while classes are in session. During semester breaks, there is no limit to the hours they can work. This lets them get job experience, help pay for their expenses, and network with people in their field.

Many students find jobs in retail, restaurants, office work, and services on campus. Before they start working, students need to get a Tax File Number. Australian law protects their work rights, making sure they earn at least the minimum wage and have safe and fair working conditions.

 

Post-Study Work Visa and PR Pathways

After graduation, students from the UAE who studied in Australia might meet the requirements for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). It gives them the chance to live and work in Australia for two to four years, based on their degree and where they studied. This visa provides two options:

• Post-Study Work Stream: for those who finished a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate.
• Graduate Work Stream: for vocational graduates who have abilities that are in demand.

This work history can make a student's profile much stronger when they apply for Australia PR or permanent residency using Australia's skilled migration options, like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Often, areas of expertise like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education are on the Skilled Occupation List, which improves the chances of getting PR.

 

Scholarships for UAE Students in Australia

Australia offers various scholarships, such as:

Scholarship Name	Amount (AUD)	What It Covers
Australia Awards Scholarships	Full tuition + living	Full tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, OSHC, and academic support
Destination Australia Scholarship	Up to 15,000/year	Tuition support for students studying in regional Australia
University of Sydney International Scholarships	Up to full tuition	Full or partial tuition fee waiver for high-achieving postgraduate students
Macquarie University International Scholarship	Up to 10,000/year	Tuition fee reduction for outstanding academic performance
Monash International Merit Scholarship	10,000 – 50,000 total	Paid in instalments across the course duration to reduce tuition costs
UQ International Excellence Scholarship	25% tuition fee	Partial tuition support for high-achieving undergrad and postgrad students
ANU Global Diversity Scholarship	5,000 – 25,000	Tuition contribution for underrepresented student regions, including the Middle East
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship	Full tuition + stipend	Tuition waiver, living allowance, relocation grant for PhD and master’s students
La Trobe Excellence Scholarship	20% – 30% tuition off	Fee reduction based on academic merit for UG and PG programs
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	50% or 100% tuition	Major fee waivers for exceptional academic achievers

 

 

Top Universities in Australia for UAE Students

The top universities in Australia include:

QS 2025 Ranking	University Name	Location	Popular Courses
14	University of Melbourne	Melbourne, VIC	Business, Law, Engineering, Medicine
19	University of Sydney	Sydney, NSW	Health Sciences, Architecture, Business, Arts
25	University of New South Wales (UNSW)	Sydney, NSW	Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, Law
30	Australian National University (ANU)	Canberra, ACT	Political Science, International Relations, Economics
37	University of Queensland (UQ)	Brisbane, QLD	Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Psychology
42	Monash University	Melbourne, VIC	Pharmacy, Business Analytics, Engineering
66	University of Western Australia (UWA)	Perth, WA	Marine Science, Earth Sciences, Law
85	University of Adelaide	Adelaide, SA	Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture
100	University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	Sydney, NSW	Media, Design, IT, Business
130	Macquarie University	Sydney, NSW	Accounting, Linguistics, Cyber Security

 

 

Australia Intakes for International Students

In Australia, the academic year typically has two primary intakes:

• February/March: Most bachelor's and master's degrees begin around this time.
• July/August: A second intake period offers a number of programs.

Occasionally, there are additional intakes for pathway or diploma courses. Students from the UAE should submit their applications four to six months before their intended start date.

 

Cost of Studying in Australia for UAE Students

Detailed information about the cost of studying in Australia is given below.

Expense Category	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)	Details
Tuition (Undergraduate)	25,000 – 45,000	Varies by course and institution; higher for medicine, engineering, law
Tuition (Postgraduate)	30,000 – 50,000	Depends on program type (MBA, MS, research degrees)
Vocational Education (VET)	10,000 – 20,000	Lower-cost option for technical and hands-on skill training
Living Expenses	20,000 – 25,000	Covers rent, food, transport, utilities, and personal items
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	600 – 800	Mandatory health insurance for international students
Study Materials & Supplies	1,000 – 2,500	Books, software, lab equipment, printing, etc.
Airfare (Round Trip)	2,000 – 3,000	Return flight between UAE and Australia
Visa Application Fee	1,600 (one-time)	Subclass 500 visa fee (excluding dependents or extras)

 

Tips for a Successful Australia Student Visa Application

• Write a clear and honest Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
• Provide all required documents that are complete and certified.
• Make sure you meet the financial and English language requirements.
• Apply well in advance of the deadline.
• Show a strong interest in academics and connection to the United Arab Emirates.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis offers complete support for UAE students planning to study in Australia, including help with:

• Selecting universities and courses
• Preparing visa applications and reviewing documents
• Coaching for GTE and Statements of Purpose
• English test preparation and mock visa interviews
• Scholarship advice and pre-departure information