Why Study in Australia in 2025?

Gradstar
June 5, 2025

‘Why study in Australia?’ is a question Indian students aiming to study abroad are exploring more and more in 2025. Australia isn’t just about beaches, kangaroos, and cricket. It’s a country that continues to reshape the future of education.

Australia is welcoming skilled, young minds to be part of it. In 2025 alone, the Australian government opened 185,000 migration spots, focusing solely on skilled professionals. With a higher education sector that closely aligns with industry needs, your degree makes you career-ready with in-demand skills relevant to the Australian job market.

More Indian students are choosing Australia than ever before. From top universities to real career pathways and post-study immigration opportunities, studying in Australia offers the full package. So, if you are looking to study abroad after 12th grade, read along - your Australian degree could be your ticket to a brighter future.

World-Class Education with Global Recognition

Australia hosts some of the world's best educational systems. If you aim for global exposure and academic excellence, this is the place to be. The country focuses on research, innovation, and industry-ready skills.

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, 9 Australian universities ranked in the top 100. A total of 38 Australian universities are on the list, out of the 43 universities in the country. The University of Melbourne ranks 13th globally, with the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney close behind at 18th and 19th.

These universities are part of the Group of Eight (Go8). This elite group leads Australia in research and teaching. Thus, you get access to world-class faculty, advanced labs, and strong industry ties.
Australia also shines in subject-specific rankings. In the 2025 QS Subject Rankings, Australian institutions secured top global positions across most academic fields, such as:

15th for Life Sciences and Medicine
21st for English Language and Literature
22nd for Accounting and Finance
36th for Computer Science and Engineering

Popular Programs to Choose From

Here is a glimpse of top courses to study in Australia:

Program Type	Top Field of Study	Duration	Cost of Study	Popular University
Foundation Course	Foundation Studies: Business	1 year	AUD 29350	RMIT University
Diploma Program	Graduate Certificate of Hospitality Management	0.5 year	AUD 18100	Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Bachelor’s Degree	Bachelor's of Computer Science	4 years	AUD 52960	The University of Queensland
Master’s in High-Demand Field	Master of Data Science	2 years	AUD 31688	Charles Darwin University
Nursing Pathways	Foundation Studies in Health Science and Nursing	37 weeks	AUD 24000	Western Sydney University International College

Generous Scholarships and Financial Support for Indian Students

Another answer to the ‘Why study in Australia’ question are the opportunities to access world-class education with financial support. When you plan to study in Australia, scholarships can reduce a big part of your financial burden. The Government and top universities offer many opportunities to help students from India. These are:

Australia Awards Scholarships

This is a fully funded scholarship for deserving international students. Earning a chance to study with this scholarship reflects recognition from the Australian government. You can apply if you're pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The scholarship includes:

Full tuition fees
Return air travel
Establishment allowance
Living expenses
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

To be eligible, you must be an Indian citizen with a strong academic background. Preference goes to those who show leadership qualities. The scholarship application opens in February and closes in April every year.

Australian Leadership Awards (ALA)

This is a part of the Australia Awards Program, targeting students ready to take on future leadership roles. It supports master's or doctoral studies. The award prioritizes fields like:

Climate change and clean energy
International trade and development
Global health
Regional security

You must already be involved in leadership work or show clear potential and drive to succeed in leadership.

Endeavour Awards

These are competitive, merit-based scholarships for international students at different education levels. You can apply on the basis of your goals:

Postgraduate Awards: For master’s (up to 2 years) or PhD (up to 3.5 years), valued at up to AUD 201,000
Research Fellowships: For 4 to 6 months of research, valued at AUD 23,500
VET Awards: For diploma or associate degree programs, offering up to AUD 119,500
Executive Awards: Support short professional courses (1-4 months) with up to AUD 20,000 in funding.

Each award includes tuition, travel, establishment allowance, and a monthly stipend. You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution or a research plan.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many top Australian universities offer exclusive scholarships for Indian students. These include:

University of Melbourne: Offers research scholarships with full tuition, living allowance (~AUD 38,500/year), and relocation support
University of Sydney: Sydney Scholars India Scholarship grants up to AUD 40,000 in tuition fee waivers for UG and PG courses
Monash University: International Merit Scholarship offers AUD 10,000 per year, renewable for the course duration
Griffith University: International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship covers 25%–50% of tuition fees
University of Queensland: Offers law and business scholarships ranging from AUD 2,000 to 50% of total tuition fees

Most of these scholarships usually open between March and June each year. You should apply early and meet the academic and English proficiency requirements.

Rights and Support Systems for International Students

Another reason to consider when mulling over the ‘Why study in Australia’ question are your international student rights. International students in Australia benefit from robust safety measures and fully dedicated support services. You get clear rights, helpful services, and fair treatment on and off campus.

Legal Protection from Day One

Australia’s Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act ensures every international student receives quality education, fair treatment, and full transparency. From the moment you enroll, you're backed by government-enforced standards that:

Protect your tuition and study rights
Ensure your course and university meet high standards
Provide clear channels to raise concerns if necessary

Boosts Resume with Real-World Work Experience

Australia actively promotes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) - think internships, placements, and real projects built into your course. Whether it’s through a cadetship with a company or an online industry collaboration, these experiences are designed to:

Sharpens Job-Ready Skills

Help you build connections in your field
Give you a competitive edge post-graduation
It’s hands-on, practical, and career-focused, everything a future employer loves to see.

Built-In Safety Nets for Peace of Mind

Australia’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a one-of-a-kind initiative. If your course is discontinued or your education provider unexpectedly closes, you won’t be left stranded. TPS ensures that you:

Are placed in a similar course, or
Receive a refund on unspent tuition fees

This rare but important backup plan shows how seriously Australia takes international student welfare.

Fair Work Rights (Even as a Student)

Unlike some other study destinations, Australia gives international students the same workplace rights as locals. This includes:

Minimum wage protections
A safe and fair workplace
Anti-discrimination protections

Now, while universities are in session, you could work up to 48 hours every two weeks. It helps you gain hands-on local experience and manage your living costs.

Scam Awareness and Support You Can Trust

Studying abroad after 12th can be daunting, but Australia’s got your back. From multilingual scam alerts to official guides on staying financially safe, multiple support systems work together to inform and empower you to avoid fraud or exploitation. You’ll also find dedicated welfare services for under-18s and strong mental health support through your university.

Post-Study Work Rights That Open Career Pathways

The post-study work options in Australia offer a valuable path from education to employment. These rights can also set you up for permanent residency in the long run.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa allows you to live and work in Australia once your course ends. The duration depends on your qualification:

Bachelor’s degree – Up to 2 years
Master’s degree (coursework) – Up to 2 years
Master’s degree (research) – Up to 3 years
Doctoral degree (PhD) – Up to 3 years

To qualify, you must:

Be under 35 years of age
You must have a valid Australian qualification that meets study visa criteria.
Apply within six months of completing your course

This visa helps you gain practical experience in your field and makes you more competitive for skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.

AI-ECTA Benefits for Indian Students

The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) provides benefits for Indian students. If you complete a bachelor’s degree in STEM with First Class Honours, you are eligible for up to 3 years of post-study work rights.
This is a great option if you're studying in Australia with IT, engineering, or data science, as it allows more time to gain local work experience and apply for skilled migration.

Building Your Path to Permanent Residency

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) and employer-sponsored visas reward candidates with local education and work experience. Post-study work on the 485 visa helps you:

Build relevant work experience
Earn more points on the GSM points test
Strengthen your case for employer nominations

Safe, Inclusive, and Culturally Diverse Environment

Australia is a vibrant multicultural society that warmly welcomes international students from all backgrounds. This diversity creates a rich cultural experience and a supportive community where you can feel comfortable and included.

When it comes to safety, Australia ranks well globally. Cities like Adelaide, Hobart, and the Gold Coast not only offer a safe environment but also have a lower cost of living in comparison to larger cities. This balance makes them popular choices for international students seeking quality education and an affordable lifestyle.

Australia also supports students with excellent services, including orientation, counseling, and academic help. Plus, there are plenty of part-time work opportunities, so you can earn while you learn and gain valuable experience.

This safe, inclusive, and culturally diverse environment makes Australia an ideal destination to study abroad and build your future.

In-Demand Job Sectors and Long-Term Career Growth

Australia's job market in 2025 presents abundant opportunities for international students, particularly in sectors experiencing significant growth and facing skill shortages. By aligning your studies with these in-demand fields, you can enhance your employability and contribute to Australia's evolving economy.

Healthcare and Aged Care

Healthcare is among the fastest-growing industries in the country. There is a strong demand for nurses, aged care workers, and allied health staff. An ageing population and better access to health services are creating more jobs. If you study nursing or health sciences, you can find rewarding work quickly.

Technology and IT

Tech jobs are booming in Australia. Companies need software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and AI specialists. Almost every industry is going digital. So, the need for tech professionals is rising fast. If you enjoy problem-solving and innovation, a tech degree can take you far.

Education and Teaching

There is a teacher shortage in Australia. Subjects like science, maths, and special education need trained teachers. Regional schools also need more staff. If you study education, you may get good job offers and even extra support in regional areas.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Australia is investing in clean energy. The country wants to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As a result, jobs in solar energy, wind farms, and sustainability are growing. Engineering, environmental science, and renewable energy courses are great choices in 2025.

Migration-Friendly Policies in 2025

For skilled migrants, the 2024–2025 permanent migration program offers new prospects, especially if you plan to study and settle in Australia. As of 2025, there are 185,000 places available for skilled migrants. Alongside the Temporary Graduate Visa offering post-study opportunities to international student graduates, the program offers great pathways to a brighter future in Australia.

Currently, skilled migrants have access to 132,200 seats, or 71% of the 2024-2025 Migration Program. It is great news for students pursuing degrees in Australia. After completing your studies, especially in in-demand fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and business, you’ll have more pathways to apply for permanent residency (PR).

The State/Territory Nominated visas now soared to 33,000 and Employer Sponsored visas to 44,000. This means if you study in regional Australia, like South Australia, Tasmania, or Queensland, you could get nominated for PR.

Another major plus is the introduction of the National Innovation Visa. If you’re into research, entrepreneurship, or innovation-driven fields, this visa could give you a direct path to live and work in Australia permanently, even after completing a postgraduate course.

Last but not least, Australia is switching to a multi-year migration planning model from 2025–26. This signals more stability and long-term opportunities for future migrants. It will allow for better planning in areas like housing and employment, so you won’t just get to study in Australia, but actually build a life there.

Rounding Up

For prospective international students exploring their ideal study abroad destination, we hope we have answered the ‘Why study in Australia’ question thoroughly. The country is opening up opportunities to grow with increased migration spots, updated post-study work rights, and globally respected universities. Scholarships are more accessible, and the path to building a successful future abroad is clearer than ever. Now is the time to act - explore programs and universities to begin your journey toward international success.