Australia has established itself and has been considered one of the top destinations to study abroad. By August 2024, international student enrolments in Australia have reached 969,230, a 15% increase from the same period back in 2019.
While the demand for universities keeps piling up in Australia, the competition just gets tougher with every intake. Indian students mostly take intakes in February and July. There is also a small summer intake available in November. In this blog, let us explore each one of them:
Overview of Intakes to Study in Australia
| February (Semester 1) | July (Semester 2) | November (Summer School) | |
| Application Deadline | October-November of the previous year | May to June | September to October |
| Course Commencement | Early February to March | Early July to late August | Late November to early December |
| Popular Programs | Most undergraduate and postgraduate courses. | Fewer courses than in February, but still significant for missed deadlines | Vocational courses, short-term programs, and select postgraduate courses |
Detailed Intake Dates of Top Universities in Australia
Australia boasts 38 universities featured in the QS World Rankings for Top Global Institutes 2025, solidifying its position as a hub for world-class education. Below are 10 top-ranked universities in Australia, along with their intake details:
| February intake (application closing date) | July intake (application closing date) | ||||
| Rank | Universities | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
| 13 | The University of Melbourne | 30 November 2024 | 31 October 2024 | 31 March 2025 | 31 March 2025 |
| 18 | The University of Sydney | 1 December of the year before commencement | Same as Bachelor’s | 15 May of the commencing year | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 19 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 30 January 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s | 8 May 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 30 | Australian National University (ANU) | 31 December 2024 | Same as Bachelor’s | 30 May 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 37 | Monash University | 1 December, 2024 | Same as Bachelor’s | 1 May, 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 40 | The University of Queensland | 30 November of the previous year (2024) | Same as Bachelor’s | 31 May of the same year (2025) | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 77 | The University of Western Australia | 23 December 2024 | 21 February 2025 |
26 May 2025 |
18 July 2025 |
| 82 | The University of Adelaide | 31 January 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s | Starts from 30 June 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 88 | University of Technology Sydney | 30 November, 2024 | Same as Bachelor’s | 30 April, 2024 | Same as Bachelor’s |
| 123 | RMIT University | 29 January 2025 | Same as Bachelor’s | To be announced | To be announced |
Other Top-Ranked Universities to Study in Australia
Apart from the abovementioned list, here are other prestigious universities that you can explore if you are keen to study in Australia:
- Macquarie University, Sydney (QS Ranking: 133)
- University of Wollongong (QS Ranking: 167)
- Curtin University (QS Ranking: 174)
- The University of Newcastle, Australia (QS Ranking: 179)
- Deakin University (QS Ranking: 197)
- Queensland University of Technology (QS Ranking: 213)
- La Trobe University (QS Ranking: 217)
- Griffith University (QS Ranking: 255)
- Swinburne University of Technology (QS Ranking: 291)
- University of Tasmania (QS Ranking: 293)
Additional Intakes to Study in Australia
| Intakes | Programs | Application Season |
| November | Vocational courses, short-term programs, and select postgraduate options | September-November |
The November intake is Australia’s third intake after February and July. It is less popular and offers fewer courses, making it ideal for specific situations. Study in Australia for Indian students can be fast-tracked with this or used as a pathway to prepare for larger intakes.
If you are planning to study in Australia during this intake, then prepare your timeline accordingly:
| Timeline | What you can do |
| May-June | Shortlist universities and courses and check admission requirements |
| July-August | Register and appear for ELP tests (IELTS or TOEFL) and standardized tests (SAT, GRE, GMAT according to your course) |
| September | The application portals are open now. Apply to universities before the deadlines |
| Early November | Wait for admission decisions and decide whether to accept the offer |
| December | Apply for an Australian student visa |
| By January | The semester starts |
Which Intake is Best to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Choosing the right intake in Australia can be tricky. It depends on factors like
- program availability
- academic background
- test results
- career goals.
Note: Certain industries have recruitment peaks, so starting your studies just before that peak could be ideal.
- If you need more time to apply, the July intake might be better for you.
- If you are ready to start quickly, February is a good option.
- Some courses may only offer one intake, while others have both February and July options.
Indian students often prefer the July intake, but the February intake is just as beneficial for some programs. Australian universities also offer conditional admissions, which is helpful if your results aren’t ready yet. This allows you to start the visa process without waiting for final results.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Australia
The eligibility criteria are listed below. These are the basic requirements for any foundation course, however, you can also prepare with a year-long course called ‘bridging study’ offered by some universities. This is to help you meet the entry requirements.
| Eligibility criteria | Descriptions |
| Education/ academic qualification | As per your course preference |
| ELP scores | Either IELTS (over 6.5) or TOEFL (over 75) |
| Visa | Valid Australian student visa (Subclass 500) |
| Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) | Meet GTE requirements to prove your intent and funds to study temporarily in Australia |
| Program-specific requirements | Fulfill any specific requirements for your chosen program (e.g., portfolio, test scores) |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Purchase mandatory health insurance for international students, authorized by the Australian system |
| College Application Deadline | Apply before the specified deadline for your chosen intake |
| Financials | Apply for scholarships to fund your tuition, living expenses, and other costs |
Documents Required to Study in Australia
| Documents Required | Description |
| Academic transcripts | ● For bachelor’s: at least 60% in class 12
● For Master’s: at least 65% in Bachelor’s |
| Entrance exam | ● Mimimum GMAT score: 650
● Minimum GRE score: 280 |
| ELP score | ● IELTS score: over 6.5 at least
● TOEFL: over 75 at least |
| Offer letter | Unconditional offer letter from the university |
| Visa and passport | A student visa or Subclass 500, valid passport, including your university’s Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter |
| LOR | By your previous university/ college |
| Proof of finance | Income certificate or any legal documents proving your annual income |
Key Steps in the Application Process
| Steps | What to do |
| Step 1 | Start research a year before intake, including programs, fees, QS rankings, and scholarships |
| Step 2 | Complete standardized tests like GRE/GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL |
| Step 3 | Work on the college application, gather documents, and prepare LORs and personal statements |
| Step 4 | Respond to the offer letter and submit the required deposit |
| Step 5 | Arrange your finances and ensure funds are in place |
| Step 6 | Apply for a student visa and fly once it arrives |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply to multiple intakes in Australia in the same year?
Yes, students can apply to multiple intakes if programs and deadlines align with their academic and personal schedules.
How much does the study in Australia cost?
Apart from the tuition fees, living costs range from AUD 1500 to AUD 2500 per month. It depends on location, lifestyle, and specific expenses.
Do Australian universities accept applications after the official deadline?
Some universities accept late applications if there are available seats, but it’s not guaranteed. Apply early to avoid issues.
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Australia?
Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for international students to meet visa requirements and ensure healthcare access.
Are conditional offers common for Indian students in Australia?
Yes, conditional offers are common, especially for students awaiting final academic results or standardized test scores.
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