Study Abroad after 12th Grade in Australia – 2025 Edition
In 2024, Australia reached record numbers of international students, spilling over 1 million enrolments for the first time. If you plan to study abroad after 12th grade in Australia, though, there are a couple of new changes to keep in mind. While the appeal of Australia as a higher education destination stands strong, recent policy changes impact how the process might look for you. Don’t fret, though – below, we break down everything you need to know to study in Australia in 2025.
Why Choose Australia in 2025?
For starters, Australia continues to be one of the global leaders in higher education. Nearly all of the country’s universities are world-ranking, with four universities among the global top 30:
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Sydney
- UNSW (The University of New South Wales)
- Australian National University (ANU)
A degree from an Australian university primes you for career and future success. Alongside academic leadership in leading fields, these universities invest in preparing their students for career success. In fact, graduates with high-demand skills in Australia’s skill-shortage sectors can pursue flexible pathways to post-study work and even permanent residency!
Australia is also a highly multicultural country, with its diverse population creating inclusive and welcoming student communities in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Both of these cities rank among the best student cities in the world, according to QS Best Student Cities 2025. Meanwhile, regional Australia offers numerous employment opportunities and affordable but world-class education for international students. There is no shortage of options for those looking at Australia to study abroad after 12th grade.
Immigration Policy Changes in 2025
If Australia has been on your mind for a while as a higher education destination, you may be aware of recent changes in immigration policy. In late 2024, the Australian government began to work out a plan to return international immigration to more sustainable levels. The sharp growth of migrants, of which a significant number are international students, places a strain on Australia’s rising costs of living, housing, and other resources.
However, while this may sound dire, don’t panic – Australian universities continue to push back against attempts to curtail their international student numbers. Many experts also acknowledge the value that international students bring to the country, both during their programs and after graduation.
To find a sustainable middle ground, applying to study in Australia in 2025 will look a little different from previous years. Currently, Australia is welcoming all eligible international students to live and study in the country. The priority for immigration authorities is to ensure that only genuine students with an authentic commitment to study in Australia are receiving priority. Let’s get into the details so you can plan your roadmap to Australia with all the information you need.
Which University Should I Enroll In?
The first consideration is to always pinpoint the university and program that suits your needs and interests. You can shortlist the right program by considering the following:
- The program area
- Career prospects in the program
- Tuition fees
- Experiential learning/work placement opportunities
- Scholarship availability
- Minimum requirements for program eligibility
- Location of the university
- Cost of living at the university location
The Study Australia course finder is a great resource to help you discover your options to study abroad after 12th grade. This vast database helps you find, view, and compare all the CRICOS-registered programs in the field, study level, and tuition range you are looking for. As an international student, remember that you must enroll in a CRICOS-registered program and university. This ensures that the university has government authorization to instruct international students.
What Program Should I Enroll In?
One of the biggest perks of studying abroad in Australia is career mobility. An Australian degree can fast-track you into the career of your choice thanks to the universities’ focus on developing industry-ready graduates. Some of the most popular programs in Australia are also the ones that align with the country’s biggest growth and demand sectors. These include:
- Education
- Nursing
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Culinary Arts
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Computer Science and Information Technology
In fact, the Australian government is keen to absorb graduates with in-demand skills and expertise into its skill-shortage sectors after graduation. This leads us to the next item on our list – post-study pathways.
How Can Studying in Australia Impact My Future?
As a graduate of one of Australia’s – and indeed, the world’s – best universities, you are a high-demand candidate in the workforce. The Australian government offers attractive incentives for graduates who best match their biggest growth and skill shortage sectors to remain in the country after graduation.
The Subclass 485 visa – or the Temporary Graduate visa – authorizes students to live and work in Australia after graduation. The duration of the visa can be as long as three years, depending on your qualification level. With this visa, you can kickstart your career in Australia’s thriving global economy and work towards longer-term immigration opportunities, including permanent residency!
Understand Your Education and Living Costs
Before jumping into the commitment to study in Australia in 2025, consider one of the biggest deciding factors – costs. The cost of an overseas education can look different for every student, and largely comprises the following:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
To study abroad after 12th grade in Australia, you need to prove to your university and immigration authorities that you can cover the financial demands of your degree. Here is an idea of your budget breakdown for a degree in Australia.
Tuition Fees
These can vary depending on your program and the university. Several factors can go into play to determine tuition fees. For example, the more prestigious the university, the higher the tuition fees can sometimes – not always – be. Even the location of the university can impact the cost of studying there. Universities in more expensive parts of the country, like Sydney and Melbourne, may charge higher tuition than universities in more affordable parts of the country, like Adelaide.
Another factor to consider is the nature of the program. Typically, highly technical and resource-intensive programs have higher tuition fees than less resource-intensive programs. Subjects like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, for example, may have higher tuition fees than social science programs. In general, tuition fees can range anywhere between AUD 17,000 to AUD 50,000 annually. The best guide for tuition fee ranges is the university website itself, along with tools like the Study Australia course search.
The Cost of Living
The Australian government requires you to have at least AUD 29,710 in savings to cover one year of living expenses. This is the minimum amount you might need to cover the cost of living in Australia.
It is, however, difficult to name an amount for living expenses that applies to everyone. The cost of living, like tuition fees, depends on a variety of factors. Certain cities are more affordable than others, for example. Your lifestyle also plays a considerable role in tallying up your living expenses. For example, the type of accommodation you choose can determine what your monthly bills look like.
If cost is a big consideration in your decision to study abroad, a cost of living comparison by city can help you pick out the right place in Australia for you. In Australia, a city with more affordable living costs also hosts world-ranking universities with more affordable tuition fees.
Scholarships to Study Abroad in Australia
Now, high tuition fees and living expenses might dissuade you from studying in Australia. However, Australian universities are keen to welcome international students to their campuses and communities. As a result, they offer exclusive, generous scholarships to encourage students to enroll in their programs. Some of these are exclusively international scholarships for Indian students after 12th grade, such as:
| University Name | Scholarship |
| Deakin University | Deakin India Merit Scholarship 25% |
| University of Wollongong | India Scholarship |
| Monash University | Monash International Merit Scholarship |
| UNSW | India Future of Change Scholarship |
| James Cook University | JCU International Excellence Scholarship |
| University of Tasmania | International Scholarship |
| Australian Catholic University | ACU International Student Scholarship |
How to Apply to Study in Australia in 2025
If you are ready to commit to Australia to study abroad after 12th grade, the next step is your application process. Remember, Australian immigration authorities are keen to prioritize genuine students with the potential and commitment to thrive in an Australian university. As a result, you must make sure that your application is as strong and complete as possible to guarantee successful enrolment.
Application requirements and processes can vary from university to university. Typically, an application package will consist of:
- An application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- CV/Resume (if applicable)
- English language proficiency test scores
- Personal identification details
- Statement of purpose
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Portfolio (if applicable)
Before applying, thoroughly research the minimum eligibility criteria for your university. To study abroad after 12th grade, you will need to complete the equivalent of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12). Some programs may ask you to complete specific subjects in high school to qualify. For example, a Bachelor’s degree in medicine may ask for a background in sciences like chemistry and biology. Overall, a strong academic performance boosts your shot at admissions success.
However, good grades aren’t the only components of a strong application. While the English language requirements of different universities and programs vary, typically Australian universities ask for a minimum overall band score of 6.0 in the IELTS (or equivalent). Other items, like your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation, spotlight your strength and potential as a great candidate.
The Australian Student Visa
Once you receive an offer letter from an Australian university, the next step is applying for the Subclass 500 visa. The Australian student visa application is where you’ll notice plenty of changes for 2025 – let’s get into them:
Confirmation of Enrolment Requirement
Starting in 2025, you must secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to apply for the student visa. This replaces the previous requirement of an offer letter. To receive a CoE, you must confirm enrolment at an Australian university and pay tuition fees for the year. By presenting a CoE during your visa application, you are assuring immigration authorities of your genuine commitment to studying in Australia.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
This replaces the long-time General Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa. The GTE requirement involved a 300-word personal statement outlining your objectives and commitment to study in Australia. The GS requirement, on the other hand, comprises a list of questions you must answer in 150 words. Australian immigration authorities intend to better prioritize applications from students with the genuine intention to study in Australia, and the willingness and ability to return home once they complete their studies. While post-study pathways are still available to you, the motive behind this requirement is to ensure that applicants are not abusing the system to enter Australia for fraudulent purposes.
English Language Requirement
Starting last year, the minimum English proficiency requirement for the Australian student visa is an overall 6.0 band score in the IELTS. A high English proficiency score indicates that you can live and study with ease in a country where the official language is English.
Proof of Funds Requirement
Because of the rising living expenses in Australia in recent years, immigration authorities want a guarantee that you can afford to complete your studies while living here. Along with proof of funding to cover your tuition, you must also demonstrate the financial ability to cover living expenses in Australia. The minimum amount you must be able to show in savings for one year is AUD 29,710.
Processing Times
Starting in 2025, student visa applications will undergo processing at two priority tiers. Priority 1 processing is the high-priority visa applications. This tier applies to students enrolling at universities who have yet to reach 80% of their student allowance numbers.
Standard processing or Priority 2 visa processing applies to students enrolling at universities meeting 80% of their student allowance numbers.
New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) Allocation
Beginning in 2025, the Australian immigration authorities introduced the New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) allocation for Australian universities. Each university has a cap on enrollment numbers, and visa processing for students with CoEs falls into different priority tiers depending on the percentage of this allocation they meet. For universities under 80% of their NOSC numbers, visa processing will occur at Priority 1. For universities at or over 80% of the NOSC allowances, standard processing will apply.
Rounding Up
While recent changes might be making you nervous about your chances to study abroad after 12th grade, keep calm. Australian universities and immigration authorities are keen to streamline and simplify the process of international student enrolment in 2025. Genuine students who meet and exceed eligibility criteria and carefully fulfil all requirements can crack admissions and visa success with ease. Research and preparation are key here, so plan out your application timelines down to the last detail and stick to them – all the best!
