Australia comprises of 39 public and 4 private universities and many of the universities have multiple campuses (often in different states or cities) in order to improve access. The most famous group of Australian universities is made up of the eight leading research intensive universities (known as the Go8), and these are; University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, Monash University, and the University of New South Wales.

Undergraduate (Bachelors) degree are typically 3 years in length with some exceptions which require an extra 1-2 years of study. These include double degree programmes, honours programmes, professional fields of study such as Veterinary Science, or other fields that require research.

The academic year typically runs from February/March to November/December.

Unifrog is a great tool for helping students to explore different Australian university options so it is highly encouraged that students start their searches there and use this to help guide their follow-up research.

Application process and timeline

Entry requirements will be available on the course page of the university website and these normally relate to required IGCSE passes, and A Level entry grades. Some courses stipulate that you must choose a certain combination of A Levels (i.e. Engineering courses will likely ask for Maths and Physics) so it's really important to check the requirements early on and adjust your choices accordingly. A Level grades will be converted into an Australia Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) equivalent and you can work out your elibility for a course based on this conversion.

There is no centralised application system for international students for Australian universities so you will need to apply directly to the institution. For Australian passport holders you will need to apply through the relevant Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) based on the state in which you are applying (you can apply to universities in multiple states but you will have to do so through different TACs).

Many universities offer applications on a rolling basis up to one year before you are due to start (normally from February of Year 13). General application deadlines fall in October after Year 13.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be available on the course page of the university website and these normally relate to required IGCSE passes, and A Level entry grades. Some courses stipulate that you must choose a certain combination of A Levels (i.e. Engineering courses will likely ask for Maths and Physics) so it's really important to check the requirements early on and adjust your choices accordingly. Applications are typically decided based on academic performance so often no personal statement is required.

In addition to IGCSEs and A Levels, students may have to provide a proof of English (particularly if they hold a passport from a non-native English speaking country) but it is important to check with the individual university and the requirements can vary significantly between institutions. Normally an IELTS exam at a certain passing level is required and these exams are taken outside of school and cost approximately 6900 THB.

Application fees vary between universities and can cost up to 100 AUD per application.

Tution fees

Tution fees are regulated at the national level and typically range from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD per year. However, professional courses such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine may be more.

Helpful Unifrog guides to search in the 'know-how' library

• Australia's education system explained

• Where in Australia should I study?

• The cost of studying in Australia

• Study in Australia: preparing to apply

• Study in Australia: making an application

Useful links

Universities Australia - some useful information here including TAC information.

Study in Australia - the Australian government’s Study in Australia website offers general advice and information for prospective international students.

NACAC Guide to International University Admission - this is a great resource for a more detailed overview of applying to university in Australia and around the world.

Times Higher Education - cost of studying in Australia.

Cambridge International - recognition of Cambridge International A Levels in Australia.