How much does it cost to study and live in Australia?

Typical international tuition is AUD 20,000 - 50,000 / yr. Everyday living is often around AUD 2,300 - 5,000 / month. Costs are usually quoted in AUD / Australian Dollar. These are planning ranges from our country profile — universities and cities vary. Confirm the current figure on the school or official site.

Can international students work while studying in Australia?

48 hrs / fortnight. Work rights change and often depend on your visa label. Check the official immigration site before you take a job.

What language do I need for Australia?

The main language(s) for study and most jobs: English. Universities and visas publish their own test minimums (IELTS, PTE, CELPIP, and others) — use those, not a generic CEFR guess.

Does Australia have regional or state immigration programs?

Yes. Besides federal visas, Australia has province- or state-level nomination or selection programs. Those lists and intakes change. ImmigraPath stores them as regional visas when we have them.

What is the Genuine Student requirement for Australia?

Student visa (subclass 500) applications are assessed under Genuine Student (GS), which replaced GTE. Home Affairs looks at why this course, why Australia, funds, and your circumstances. A statement alone does not decide the visa.

Immigrate to Australia

2026

Australia is a vast island continent known for its high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant, multicultural cities. It is a premier global destination for students and professionals alike, offering world-class education, a robust economy, and a welcoming, laid-back lifestyle.

Capital

Canberra

Population

28 Million

Language

English

Currency

AUD / Australian Dollar

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Visas & pathways for Australia

20 work · 1 study · updated guides

All 21 visas

WorkSponsored workRegional · TasmaniaCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by the Tasmanian Government. It allows you to live and work in regional Tasmania and provides a pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa after three years.

Varies by stream; typically 6-12 months for the nomination stage plus federal visa processing times.AUD 4,640 (Base application charge for main applicant, subject to change)

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WorkStudy to PR

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream

A temporary visa for international graduates who have completed a degree (Bachelor, Master, or PhD) at an Australian institution. It allows you to live, work full-time, and study in Australia temporarily after your studies.

50% within 30 days, 90% within 68 daysAUD 5,750 (base application charge for primary applicant)

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WorkDirect PRRegional · Northern TerritoryCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Northern Territory

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by the Northern Territory government. Requires a commitment to live and work in the territory for at least three years upon grant.

Typically 6 to 12 months for the visa application, following state nomination processing.AUD 4,770 (base application charge for primary applicant)

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WorkSponsored workCSOL / Core Skills

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

A temporary employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to fill positions where local talent is unavailable. It serves as a primary pathway for skilled professionals to work in Australia for up to 4 years and provides a structured route to permanent residency.

Typically 1 to 6 months, depending on the stream (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, or Labour Agreement) and application completeness.From AUD 4,015 for the primary applicant (subject to change; check official Visa Pricing Estimator).

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WorkStudy to PR

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream

A temporary visa for international graduates with trade or vocational qualifications (diplomas, associate degrees) relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months.

Typically 37 days to 4 months.AUD 5,750 (base application fee for primary applicant).

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WorkDirect PRRegional · VictoriaCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Victoria

A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination from the Victorian government, available to skilled workers who meet both federal and state-specific eligibility criteria. It grants permanent residency immediately upon visa grant.

Approximately 6 to 12 months (varies by occupation and application quality)AUD 6,135 (base government fee for primary applicant)

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WorkDirect PRRegional · TasmaniaCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Tasmania

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by the Tasmanian government, requiring a commitment to live and work in the state for at least two years. This visa provides five additional points toward the federal points test pass mark.

State nomination: 4–12 weeks; Department of Home Affairs visa processing: 6–12 months (varies)Federal visa fee: AUD 6,140 (primary applicant); Tasmania nomination fee: AUD 425.70 (including GST)

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VisitorVisitor / tourist

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

A flexible visa for individuals who do not qualify for an ETA or eVisitor, available in multiple streams including Tourist, Business Visitor, and Sponsored Family. It allows for short-term stays for tourism, visiting family, or business visitor activities.

Varies by stream; generally ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on application completeness and country of origin.Base application charge starts from AUD 250 for offshore applications (subject to change; concessions may apply).

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WorkSponsored workRegional · Northern TerritoryCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Northern Territory

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by the Northern Territory, requiring a commitment to live and work in the region. It provides a pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa after three years of meeting regional residency and work requirements.

Typically 6 to 24 months depending on the stream and application completenessFrom AUD 6,140 (base application charge for main applicant)

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WorkSponsored workRegional · Australian Capital TerritoryCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Australian Capital Territory

A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by the ACT, requiring a commitment to live and work in Canberra for at least two years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years of holding the visa.

Typically 15–25 months for the federal visa application; ACT nomination processing is separate and significantly faster.ACT nomination fee is AUD 325 (plus GST); federal visa application charge starts from AUD 6,140 for the main applicant.

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WorkDirect PRRegional · Australian Capital TerritoryCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Australian Capital Territory

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by the ACT government. Applicants are selected via the 'Canberra Matrix' points-based system, which prioritizes those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to living and working in Canberra.

ACT nomination typically processes within weeks; federal visa processing varies (often 9–18 months).ACT Nomination Service Fee: AUD $357.50 (incl. GST); Federal Visa Application Charge: From AUD $6,140 (subject to change).

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WorkStudy to PRRegional

Second Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Regional

An extension of the Temporary Graduate visa for graduates who studied at a regional campus and lived in a designated regional area during their first 485 visa. This visa allows eligible graduates to continue living, working, and studying in Australia for an additional 1 to 2 years.

Processing times are not officially published for this specific stream; applicants should expect variable wait times based on application completeness and security checks.Main applicant: AUD $2,265; Additional adult (18+): AUD $1,140; Child (under 18): AUD $575.

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WorkDirect PR

National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

A prestigious permanent residency visa for individuals with an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, arts, academia, or research. This visa replaces the former Global Talent visa and focuses on attracting high-caliber leaders who can contribute to Australia's future prosperity.

Typically 4 to 6 months for well-prepared applications, though this can vary based on complexity and priority tier.AUD 4,840 (base application charge for main applicant as of 2024-2025 financial year; subject to annual review).

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WorkDirect PRRegional · Western AustraliaCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Western Australia

A permanent visa for skilled professionals nominated by the Western Australian government. This pathway prioritizes sectors like mining, construction, and healthcare to address state-specific skill shortages.

Typically 7–10 months for 75-90% of applications, excluding state nomination processing time.Federal visa fee from AUD 6,135 (as of July 2026); WA state nomination fee is AUD 200.

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WorkDirect PRRegional · New South WalesCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - New South Wales

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by the NSW government, requiring an occupation on the NSW skills list and a commitment to live and work in the state. This visa provides immediate permanent residency status upon grant.

Typically 7–10 months for 75-90% of applications; state nomination processing adds 1–3 months.Base application charge from AUD 4,770 (subject to change; check official Visa Pricing Estimator).

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WorkDirect PRRegional · South AustraliaCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - South Australia

A permanent residency visa requiring state nomination from South Australia, designed to attract skilled workers to fill local labor market gaps. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely while committing to reside in South Australia for at least two years.

Approximately 6–12 months for federal processing, plus 1–3 months for state nomination assessment.From AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant (federal government fee). Additional costs apply for state nomination, skills assessments, English tests, and medical/police checks.

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WorkSponsored workCSOL / Core Skills

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

8 to 15 monthsFrom AUD 6,140 for the main applicant (as of July 2026)

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WorkSponsored workMulti-regionCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

A points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in designated regional areas. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting specific residency and work requirements.

Varies significantly; 90% of applications typically reach a decision within 15 to 28 months, though this fluctuates based on volume and occupation.Base application charge from AUD 6,140 (subject to change; concessions available for certain citizens).

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WorkDirect PRCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

A points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Varies; typically 6–9 months for most applicants, though priority processing applies to specific sectors like healthcare and teaching.From AUD 6,135 for the main applicant (as of July 2026).

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WorkDirect PRRegional · QueenslandCSOL / Core Skills

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) - Queensland

A permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by Migration Queensland, requiring a valid skills assessment and a commitment to live and work in the state. This visa provides immediate permanent residency status upon grant and includes a 5-point nomination boost.

Approximately 9–23 months (varies by occupation and application completeness)From AUD 6,140 for the main applicant (plus additional charges for family members)

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StudyStudy to PR

Student visa (subclass 500)

The primary visa for international students to enroll in a CRICOS-registered course of study in Australia. It serves as the foundational step for potential future migration pathways by allowing students to gain local qualifications and experience.

Typically 6 to 11 weeks.From AUD 2,500 (base application charge).

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