• Australia is one of the English-speaking western countries, located closest to Indonesia


• The geographical location of Australia is relatively close to Indonesia with varying climate conditions. The climate in some cities is not much different from the climate in Indonesia


• A modern country that has many interesting and beautiful sights


• Stable social and economic conditions


• Multi-cultural society and culture


• The quality of education is high and internationally recognized


• Comfortable and secure living and learning environment


• International students receive special protection in Australia (from ESOS Act), which guarantees the quality assurance and international reputation from every educational institutions in Australia, as well as protection on educational expense. This protection applies to all sectors of education and training in Australia


• Competitive tuition fees


• Student can apply for a part time work permit of 40 hours per two weeks


• Student with Post Study Work Visa may work within two (2) years after graduated from their bachelor / postgraduate study


• Special service is provided by Australian institutions for international students

1. Student Visa & Health Insurance (CRICOS & ESOS ACT)

Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is a list of all the course providers and institutions that are allowed to accept international students. Students who want to register for the learning period of more than three (3) months need to obtain a student visa (student visa) Australia. Student visas are issued only to registered courses in CRICOS. The duration of student visas granted is in accordance with the duration of the program adopted.

All of these are covered in the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act-laws that protect international students in any way for the quality assurance of education in Australia and the refund of school fees if the institution cannot fulfill its obligations.

In August 2005, the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMA) Australia introduced a new type of student visa: "eVisa or Electronic Visa". DIMIA changed its name to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) in 2014. The application process with eVisa method can be completed within a period which is usually faster and cheaper than the maintenance as usual.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be owned by all Australian student visa holders, which must be purchased from registered health organizations, such as Medibank Private, Worldcare Assist, Faith International, Australian Unity, BUPA Australia etc. Each institution has its own insurance company. Therefore, OSHC is paid along with tuition, that is before students apply for visa and the amount paid includes the total duration of the student's learning. Students who do not have a student visa because the courses are taken less than three (3) months, are not required to have OSHC, but it is advisable to have travel insurance (travel insurance).

This insurance covers the cost of general practitioners, hospital inpatient care and prescription drugs, eye and dental care is usually not included, then it is recommended that you check it before leaving for Australia.

OSHC cost is around AUD 500-AUD 600 per year

For Indonesian applicants today, student visas are processed under subclass 500, and all courses and providers still must be registered on CRICOS, as you explained. However, since May 2024 the Australian Government has tightened “financial capacity” requirements: a single student now needs to show access to at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs (di luar biaya kuliah), and additional amounts if bringing a spouse or children and for annual school fees for dependants. This is important for Indonesian families to prepare, because saldo tabungan dan bukti keuangan yang tidak cukup sering menjadi alasan penolakan visa.

Work rights under the student visa have also been updated. During COVID-19, work limits were temporarily removed, but since 1 July 2023 the limit has been re‑introduced at 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with unlimited hours allowed only during official breaks. Most coursework students (including S1 and most S2) must obey this 48‑hour cap, while Master by research and PhD students may work unlimited hours even during semester. Indonesian students should plan their finances assuming that part‑time work income will only supplement, not fully cover, their living costs.

Regarding OSHC, the old estimate of AUD 500–600 per year is now significantly out of date. For 12 months of single‑student cover, typical prices in 2025–2026 from major, government‑approved providers (Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care, ahm, CBHS, nib) are roughly in the range of about AUD 620–1,400 per year, depending on provider, promotions, and whether the policy is for a single student, couple, or family. For example, recent comparisons show some single‑cover policies around AUD 620–800 per year, while family policies can reach AUD 9,000–14,000 per year. Because of these increases, many Indonesian students now compare OSHC prices online (e.g. OSHC comparison websites) before paying the premium arranged by the university, as long as the insurer remains visa‑compliant and covers the full duration of the CoE.

ESOS protections are also more actively enforced after the pandemic. Institutions must clearly inform students about refunds, complaint handling, and support services. If, for example, a provider closes or cannot deliver the course, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) can help students find alternative placement or refund unused tuition. Indonesian parents are encouraged to read the written agreement (letter of offer) carefully, especially the refund and transfer policies, before paying the first semester tuition.

2. Accommodation

The place and the comfort of the accommodation play an important role in determining whether or not you stay at home in Australia. Therefore, the selection of proper accommodation and in accordance with the needs of each student is one of the main things that need to be considered. The types of accommodation usually occupied by international students in Australia are:

Accommodation on campus

(On Campus Accommodation)

Many universities have dormitories. Boarding facilities are generally equipped with a bed, a study room, bathroom, laundry, kitchen, as well as a gathering place. Most dorms provide food. On-campus accommodation costs average about AUD 230-AUD 400 per week.

Rent Apartment or House

International students can rent an apartment or house. The amount of the rent paid vary according to the location, spacious, and the facilities available. Many international students occupy the house or apartment together (sharing). The cost of renting an apartment is AUD 350-AUD 550 per week. These costs can be saved by inviting friends to stay together so that each tenant only pays half of the cost.

Stay with Australian Family (Homestay)

Homestay is one of the most effective ways for international students to practice English and a good experience to get to know the culture and customs of Australia. Living with a host family provides valuable opportunities to have conversations with them. You can learn more quickly because you are constantly thinking and speaking in English in every situation - a situation that is very practical. You can choose a homestay which includes a meal or just room only. For student who is under 18 years is usually recommended to stay in a homestay in order to get closer supervision from parents. As a guest of a homestay, you are expected to be independent, respectful and willing to cooperate. Homestay fee ranges between AUD 250-AUD 360 per week (including meals).

Since 2022–2025, the main challenge for many international students, including Indonesians, has been the sharp increase in cost of living and serious rental shortages in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Updated average ranges commonly cited for international students across Australia show: shared rental around AUD 95–215 per week, on‑campus around AUD 110–280, homestay around AUD 235–325, and private rental around AUD 185–440 per week, depending on city and property type. In practice, in big cities many Indonesian students now report paying towards the upper end or even above these ranges due to high demand and low vacancy.

The Australian Government’s current guideline for student visa financial capacity (approximately AUD 29,710 per year for living costs) translates to about AUD 2,475 per month, which must realistically cover accommodation, food, transport, utilities, internet, and basic personal needs. For planning purposes, Indonesian families should assume that accommodation alone can easily consume 40–60% of the monthly budget in major cities. As a result, shared housing (kos bersama) with 3–6 students in one house or apartment has become even more common to reduce per‑person rent.

For Indonesian students under 18, accommodation arrangements are more strictly controlled. Providers must approve homestay families, conduct background checks, and ensure that the travel distance to campus or school is reasonable. Indonesian parents should understand that living with distant relatives who are not approved under welfare arrangements may not be accepted by the institution or the Department of Home Affairs. Many schools and universities therefore strongly recommend or require approved homestay for under‑18s, at least for the first year, to ensure supervision, safety and an English‑speaking environment.

Given the high cost of living, it is increasingly important to consider the city choice as a strategic decision. Cities like Adelaide, Hobart, and some regional centres often offer lower average rents than Sydney or Melbourne, and Australian government policy currently offers additional incentives (such as longer post‑study work rights or extra points for skilled migration) for graduates from designated regional areas. This can be attractive for Indonesian students who are cost‑sensitive but still want strong graduate outcomes.

3. Part Time Work

At this time, new student visa issued immediately have a limited work permit/limited work condition. International students may work part time more than 40 hours per 2 (two) weeks during college and work full time during the holidays. Especially for students Degree (Postgraduate students), a work permit is granted without maximum time limit.

Besides getting some allowance, employment opportunities will greatly add to the experience, insight, and independence of students. All these advantages can be a good start for entry into the workplace after graduating from the study.

The salary earned during part time work is around AUD 10-AUD 20 per hour.

For current rules, the standard limit is now 48 hours per fortnight (sekitar 24 jam per minggu) during study periods for most student visa holders, not “more than 40 hours” as in the older regulation. There are no work‑hour limits during official semester breaks. Master by research and PhD students generally may work unlimited hours even during teaching periods, as long as work does not interfere with course progress. Indonesian students must be careful: working more than 48 hours per fortnight in semester (unless you are in a category with exemption) can be a breach of visa conditions. Employers are not allowed to force you to work extra hours that break your visa rules, and reporting exploitation to the Fair Work Ombudsman will not cause automatic visa cancellation.

In terms of income, Australia’s national minimum wage and casual loading have increased over time. Typical casual hourly rates in common student jobs (hospitality, retail, cleaning, warehouse, care work) now often range around AUD 23–30+ per hour before tax, depending on award rates, penalty rates for nights/weekends, and experience. The earlier range of AUD 10–20 per hour is now unrealistically low for most legal, award‑compliant jobs. This means that, even with the 48‑hour‑per‑fortnight cap, diligent students can usually cover part of their living expenses, but it is still unsafe to rely entirely on part‑time work to fund study and life.

Policy debates in 2024–2025 also consider further increasing the work cap to 60 hours per fortnight from July 2026, but this is still at proposal stage and not yet implemented. Indonesian students planning long‑term should monitor official announcements from the Department of Home Affairs or Study Australia rather than relying on rumours in social media.

For employability, many Australian universities increasingly encourage international students to find work relevant to their field, such as internships, casual research assistant roles, or industry projects. For Indonesians who aim at long‑term careers or potential skilled migration, combining part‑time work with volunteering, professional networking, and strong academic performance is more valuable than only chasing maximum work hours. After graduation, recent policy changes in Australia extend post‑study work visas in certain priority fields and regional locations, allowing graduates to gain 2–4+ years of full‑time experience, which can be a significant advantage in building an international career.

1. Primary & Secondary Schools

Schools in Australia are divided into two categories namely public and private schools. Both accept international students and get government funding. Most of co-educational schools types accept male and female students' with the exception of some private secondary schools. Private secondary schools are usually not co-educational and frequently affiliated to certain religion. There are more than 12.000 international students study in Australian schools.

In general, the length of primary and secondary education in Australia the same as in Indonesia, which is 12 years old. Compulsory education in Australia is up to class 10. Class 11 and 12 referred to as the Senior Secondary class. After graduated from grade 12, students will get a qualified Senior Secondary Certificate of Education from each state; recognized for admission to universities in Australia and overseas.

The tuition fee for Primary and Junior Secondary School ranges AUD 10,000 – AUD 15,000 per year; while the tuition fee of Secondary School around AUD 14,000 – AUD 20,000 per year.

2. English Course (ELICOS)

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) is an English language training program organized by specialized institution that is around 160 institutions in Australia. University that organizes ELICOS usually recognize the value ELICOS exam in lieu of IELTS™ or TOEFL® which is the university entry requirements. Therefore, students who IELTS™ or TOEFL® under the requirements, it is advisable to take this ELICOS program.

In addition to experienced and qualified instructors, all students can use modern facilities such as language laboratories, video facilities, and a library, as well as computer-assisted learning facilities, etc. Students can enrol for the duration of the study between four (4) to 48 weeks depending on each person’s needs.

ELICOS costs for an average of around AUD 300 – AUD 450 per week.

• Requirement to Register
  
  Students are required to have a good level of English and the measurement can be seen from the IELTS™ or TOEFL® score. In addition, the academic value is required as a condition of receipt of students both at school and at university. For Postgraduate level, the capability to do research or working experience in the field will also be considered for entry.

3. Vocational Education & Training (TAFE and VET)

A kind of polytechnic vocational study program known as Technical And Further Education (TAFE) owned by the government, and Vocational Education & Training (VET) private or also called College.

The graduates from this vocational education obtain qualification under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) *, such as:

• Certificate I


• Certificate II


• Certificate III


• Certificate IV


• Diploma


• Advanced Diploma

This qualification can be used to pass on to the Bachelor level S-1 (Bachelor Degree) or directly step into the career world.

Cost of vocational education revolves around AUD 10,000 – AUD 27,000 per year.

*AQF is a national system that provides a detailed guide to all the qualifications and level of education in Australia, to ensure control of the quality of education offered in all states for all students including international students. AQF has a list of accredited government agencies, universities approved, educational institutions and vocational training.

4. Pre-University Program (Foundation Studies)

Pre-University Program (Foundation) is an intensive preparatory course of study as a base and a bridge that prepares students for entry into university, with duration of six (6) to 12 months. Pre-University Program (Foundation) is divided into several fields of study, such as business, sciences, and arts & design, as well as the media and social sciences.

The fee for Pre-University Program (Foundation) ranges between AUD 20,000 – AUD 32,000 per year.

5. Professional Degree Program (Undergraduate Degree)

Australia has 37 public universities and two (2) private universities. All universities offer an attractive learning environment and high-quality qualification. In 2015 there are more than 215,000 international students from 180 countries studying in Australian universities according to Austrade.

Most Australian universities offer a combination of various fields of study, so that students can get more than one qualification (Double Degree). In the final year of a degree program, students with good achievements will be offered to add one (1) year of study to get an honorary degree (Honours). When graduated with satisfactory (First Class Honours), the students have the opportunity to directly proceed to the doctoral program, so that the study period can be shortened.

Every Australian university has its strengths and its own field of specialization, giving students a wide choice and access to the latest technology and research in their chosen field. Education systems are very focused on the importance of developing the ability to think creatively and independently.

Internationalization of higher education and research are of great importance and Australian universities are major participants in educational and research projects as well as international ideas.

The tuition fee at the university for the course is based on category. The non research laboratories / Non-Lab Degree (Arts, Business, Economics and Law) typically ranges between AUD 21,000 – AUD 34,000 per year. As for Lab Degree (Science and Engineering) around AUD 23,000 – AUD 35,000 per year. Medicine program specifically for college expenses ranging between AUD 55,000 – AUD 66,000 per year.

6. Professional Graduate Program (Postgraduate Degree)

Graduate Program consists of a Graduate Certificate (6 months), Graduate Diploma (1 year), Master Degree (1-2 years), and Doctoral Degree (3-4 years). Master Degree in stages, students will be asked to make a thesis (thesis); whereas at this stage of Doctoral Degree, students will be asked to complete a dissertation of research.

Tuition for Postgraduate program (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master) ranged AUD 25,000 – AUD 34,000 per year.