Nov 19: Australia has steadily emerged as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for higher education, offering a powerful blend of academic excellence, industry-relevant learning, multicultural vibrancy and clear post-study pathways. With globally recognised universities and a supportive ecosystem for international students, the country provides a holistic experience that appeals strongly to those pursuing graduate study. According to Azent’s Founder & Managing Director, Priyanka Nishar, it is this combination of quality, opportunity and safety that makes Australia stand out.

Priyanka Nishar, Founder & Managing Director- Azent Overseas Education

Australian institutions consistently rank among the top universities worldwide for research, teaching and global outlook. Universities such as the University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, Monash and the University of Queensland are known for cutting-edge research and rigorous academic standards, ensuring that the degrees earned here hold strong global recognition. Yet, the country’s appeal extends well beyond rankings. Australia places strong emphasis on practical, work-integrated learning, enabling students to complement classroom study with internships, industry projects and placements. These elements significantly enhance employability and help students gain real-world experience even before graduation. The focus on industry-linked education has proven especially beneficial in high-demand sectors such as information technology, data science, healthcare and engineering, where Australia faces substantial skill shortages.

Student life in Australia offers its own set of advantages. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth provide a safe, multicultural environment and a lively student culture. International learners benefit from transparent support services, including counselling, career guidance and academic assistance, all regulated by strict government standards. Additionally, student visas offer work rights that allow part-time employment during studies, enabling students to support themselves and gain exposure to the Australian job market.

As students consider graduate options, certain disciplines have emerged as particularly popular in 2025 due to strong industry demand. Information technology and data science continue to grow rapidly with specialist master’s programs tailored to areas such as cybersecurity, AI and analytics. Engineering fields—civil, electrical, software and environmental—remain consistently relevant. Healthcare and allied health programs, including nursing, public health and physiotherapy, are witnessing significant demand. Business and management degrees, particularly MBAs, attract students looking for broad professional exposure, while research degrees such as MPhil and PhD remain ideal for those pursuing academic or R&D careers. The Group of Eight universities and other top-ranked institutions offer strong academic reputations, but students are encouraged to choose based on subject strengths, curriculum relevance and the quality of industry partnerships.

The admissions process to Australian universities is straightforward yet competitive. Prospective students typically begin by shortlisting programs based on curriculum, location, industry ties and scholarship availability. A relevant bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance is usually required, while certain professional programs may also ask for work experience. Students must meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores. Application documents include academic transcripts, CVs, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation and, where applicable, portfolios or certificates. Each applicant must also clear the Genuine Student (GS) assessment, which involves a university interview and proof of financial capacity. Upon acceptance, students receive an Offer Letter, and after completing the GS requirements and paying the deposit, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued.

Tuition fees for international master’s programs typically range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the field of study and the university. Professional programs such as medicine or dentistry may cost more. Living expenses vary by location, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne generally more expensive than regional areas.

Before applying for a student visa, applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Current guidelines require proof of savings—commonly around AUD 29,710 for annual living costs—though students should verify the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the stay.

Australia’s work opportunities contribute significantly to its popularity among international students. While studying, students can work part-time, traditionally up to 48 hours per fortnight, giving them a chance to earn while they learn and gain valuable local experience. After completing their degrees, many qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa, which allows them to live and work in Australia for a defined period based on their qualification. This post-study window provides global career exposure and, in some cases, potential pathways toward longer-term residence.

Azent plays a vital role in supporting students through every step of this journey. Known for its personalised approach and technology-driven services, Azent offers comprehensive support across applications, admissions, visas, education loans and scholarships. Its experience centres and virtual hubs allow students to explore university campuses through Virtual Reality and receive expert counselling tailored to their career goals. The Azent App further simplifies the study-abroad journey by enabling students to build profiles, receive university recommendations, track applications and access resources with ease. Azent also provides high-quality, affordable IELTS training and has partnerships with more than 1,500 universities worldwide, ensuring students are matched with institutions where they are most likely to succeed.

Students interested in pursuing their studies in Australia can visit www.azent.com or download the Azent App to begin their personalised counselling journey.