International students often come to Australia to get their bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or Doctoral degree. However, it can be difficult to meet the english or academic requirements. Therefore, it is important to understand the Australian education system to find the degree and pathway most suited to you.
Learn about the different degree levels and pathways available in Australia
There are four ways for an international student to get a Bachelor's degree. Based on academic performance and English ability you can choose the most suitable.
Australian bachelor degrees commonly take three to five years, depending on the course and provider. Honours may be integrated into a degree or offered as an additional year, subject to the provider's entry and academic requirements. Honours can support an application for research study, but does not guarantee admission to a PhD.
Your major affects your future significantly. However, it is hard to choose your major; there are too many factors to be considered. Your personal interests, expected salary, your future career growth. These are some considerations you should make:
While many people just look to university rankings, you should also consider industry connections and opportunities offered by the university. You can also check what percentage of students is employed straight out of university for each major in each university.
English-language requirements for admission are set by each provider and course. Accepted tests, minimum scores and component requirements differ, so check the current course page. These admission requirements are separate from the Department of Home Affairs' English-language requirements for a Student visa.
For Student visa applications, the current minimum overall score for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 is IELTS Academic 6.0 or PTE Academic 47 when a test is required. Lower thresholds may apply when a course is packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, a Foundation (Standard/Extended) or an eligible Pathway program: IELTS 5.5 or PTE Academic 39. With at least 20 weeks of packaged ELICOS, the minimum is IELTS 5.0 or PTE Academic 31. Exemptions, approved test formats and other test rules apply; check Home Affairs for the complete current requirements.
Check Visa Eligibility →Admission and selection requirements vary by provider and course. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer, particularly for competitive or capacity-limited programs. Check the current prerequisites and selection criteria with the provider.
University ranking is a good indicator to choose your university, and there are four main university ranking websites:
Australian education qualifications are regulated under the policy of The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF levels show how students can progress through the Australian education system.
Learn more about AQF →