1: Plan your studies
Identify the program that best suits your academic needs and
career goals. Consider the field of study, level of qualification,
course duration, and where you want to study. Learn more about what
to consider when choosing an Australian university, including
details on Australia’s states and territories, or review profiles
of the Australian universities.
2: Select a course or program of study
Select the program that best matches your study plan and
preferred destination. IDP’s IDP Course search provides a
comprehensive list of thousands of courses, programs and degrees
offered at Australian institutions.
To select a particular study program, visit IDP’s comprehensive
database of university programs in Australia. The search engine
will ask you to input various criteria. The end result will produce
a list of universities that match your specified requirements. Once
you have identified a few programs of interest, feel free to
contact an IDP counselor for free, unbiased advice on programs and
study options in Australia. Your counselor will explain the best
options for your career and personal goals.
3: Apply for admission to your selected
program
Once you have selected a program of study your IDP counselor can
forward you the appropriate paper application to your university of
choice. Our counselors can offer assistance with applications, and
the IDP office will serve as your point of contact in sending your
applications to the Australian university.
Along with your application, you will also need to submit:
- Official certified copies of your high school, undergraduate or
postgraduate transcripts.
- One or two letters of recommendation from a professor or
professional colleague (recommended).
- A personal statement or essay outlining why you’d like to
undertake your studies in Australia (optional).
- Certain academic disciplines and programs – such as medicine –
require examinations prior to admission.
Please send all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and
other documentation to include with your application to IDP's
mailing address. If you have questions about the application
process, please contact an IDP counselor.
Once you submit your application to IDP, our counselors will
review it to make sure all parts are complete and then forward it
on to the Australian university. The university will then assess
your application and supporting documents. As your agent, IDP will
notify you if and when you are accepted, and will forward any
necessary pre-departure materials to you.
4: Receive a Letter of Offer from your Australian
University
Once your application has been accepted by an Australian
university, you'll be issued a Letter of Offer. IDP will ensure you
receive your letter, which often includes additional information
about the course, orientation and start dates, as well as tuition
fee information. IDP counselors are available to answer any
questions you might have related to your offer.
5: Accept your offer
Once you accept your offer, generally the Australian university
will require payment of at least one semester of program fees
before issuing an Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE). The
eCoE is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing
student visa applications. You will need this eCoE to obtain a
mandatory student visa.
After you’ve been accepted to an Australian university, you’ll
need to make necessary preparations for travel – including
passport, visa and health insurance.
6: Arrange health insurance
The Australian Government requires international students to
take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in
Australia. You must show evidence that you possess health cover
before you can obtain a student visa. Your IDP counselor can help
arrange this for you.
7: Complete your student visa application
All students coming into Australia must possess a valid student
visa. In some instances, you may have to undergo a comprehensive
medical examination before obtaining your student visa. Visa forms
can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website.
Learn more about the steps to obtaining a student visa . If you
have any questions while filling out your visa form, please contact
your IDP counselor for advice.
8: Make necessary pre-departure
arrangements
Arrange your flights, find accommodation and pack your bags! IDP
can assist with some of your pre-departure planning, as we have
partnerships with discount student travel and accommodation
providers.
Before you head off on your adventure, it’s important to learn a
bit about Australia – including information about your new
Australian city, its climate, clothing requirements, and
information about local customs, shopping facilities, and
accommodation, transport, banking, mail and telephone services.
IDP’s student website provides useful information on the above
topics.
It’s also important to review the estimated cost of living and
the amount of money you should bring with you to Australia. IDP
recommends you allocate at least AUD$12,000 a year for living
costs.
Typically, your Australian university will send a pre-departure
package that contains information about the items above, as well as
details about your selected course, a listing important events that
you should attend during the first weeks of study – such as “O”
week, or orientation week – and information regarding your
accommodation options.
Make sure you have a place to stay – such as a hostel or other
temporary accommodation – for the first few weeks after you arrive
in Australia. During this time, you can find your permanent
accommodation. Find useful information about accommodation. IDP and
the international office of your Australian university will be able
to help you find suitable accommodation, either on-campus or
off-campus, once you arrive in Australia.
9: Arrive in Australia
In many cases, your Australian university can arrange to meet
you at the airport. The international office at your university
will provide orientation, where you can learn more about the
organization and meet your fellow classmates. The Australian
universities will also provide ongoing support for the duration of
your studies!