The UK offers a world-class education system, a rich history, and a vibrant culture that’s totally different from back home. Imagine walking the same streets as historical figures, studying at ancient universities, and having Europe right on your doorstep for travel! It’s a massive opportunity for personal growth and boosting your career.
Contents
- 1 Why Study in the UK as an Australian?
- 2 Best UK Universities to Study at for Australian Students
- 3 Best Courses to Study in the UK for Australian Students
- 4 How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK for Australians?
- 5 Can You Study in the UK for Free as an Australian Student?
- 6 How to Apply to Study in the UK from Australia
- 7 Entry Criteria to Study in the UK for Australian Students
- 8 Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for Australian Students
- 9 Work Conditions for International Students in the UK
- 10 Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies?
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 FAQs
Why Study in the UK as an Australian?
So, why swap the Aussie sun for British charm? There are heaps of reasons why studying in the UK is a fantastic choice for Australian students.
World-Class Education System
The UK has some of the oldest and most admired universities on the planet. Places like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and many others are known worldwide for their high-quality teaching and research.
Shorter Course Durations
Often, Bachelor’s degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are just three years long, and Master’s degrees can often be finished in just one year. This means you can get your qualification faster and start your career sooner compared to some other countries.
Rich Culture and History
Living in the UK means you’re surrounded by history and culture. Castles, museums, famous landmarks, and diverse festivals are everywhere you look. It’s a chance to really immerse yourself in a different way of life.
Travel Opportunities
Being based in the UK means you’re perfectly placed to explore Europe. Weekend trips to Paris, Rome, or Barcelona are totally doable. It’s an incredible chance to see a lot more of the world.
Best UK Universities to Study at for Australian Students
Choosing a university is a huge decision, and the “best” one really depends on what you want to study and what kind of place you want to live in. The UK has hundreds of universities, each with its own strengths.
Finding the Right University
Don’t just look at the famous names! While universities like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL) are top-ranked and amazing, there are many other brilliant universities across the UK. Consider places like the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, the University of Bristol, and countless others that excel in specific subjects.
Best Courses to Study in the UK for Australian Students
The UK offers a massive range of subjects. Whatever you’re enthusiastic about, you can probably study it here.
Popular Courses in the UK
Many Australian students head to the UK for subjects like Law, Business and Management, Arts and Design, Engineering, Computer Science, and various Humanities. UK universities have strong traditions and cutting-edge research in these areas.
Niche Subjects
The UK also has unique courses in areas like fashion design, specific historical periods, music production, marine biology, and much more.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK for Australians?
Studying in the UK is an investment, and it’s important to understand the costs involved when planning to study in the UK from Australia. The costs of studying in the UK involve two aspects: tuition fees and living costs.
Tuition Fees
UK university tuition fees for international students vary slightly depending on the university and the course.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees
You can expect fees to range roughly from £11,400 to £38,000 per year, sometimes even higher for popular courses like medicine.
Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) degrees
Fees might range from £9,000 to £30,000 per year, again, depending on the course and university.
Remember that UK Bachelor’s degrees are often 3 years instead of 3 or 4, and Master’s degrees can be just 1 year, which can save you money on overall fees and living costs compared to longer programs elsewhere.
Living Costs
Your living costs will depend a lot on where you study.
Living in London
It’s the capital and generally the most expensive. Budget for around £1,300 to £1,400 per month for things like rent, food, transport, and fun.
Living outside London
Costs are usually lower. You might budget somewhere between £900 and £1,300 per month, depending on the city.
These are just guides. Your true spending will depend on your way of life and where you choose to reside (student halls vs. private renting).
Can You Study in the UK for Free as an Australian Student?
Getting a completely free ride to study in the UK as an Australian student is very rare. While UK students might have different funding options, international students generally need to cover tuition fees and living costs.
Scholarships and Funding
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get help! Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available that can significantly reduce the cost, sometimes even covering everything. We’ll talk more about those next.
So, while “free” study isn’t really an option, making it affordable through funding is definitely possible.
How to Apply to Study in the UK from Australia
Applying to study in the UK involves a few steps. The process is slightly different for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Undergraduate Applications (Bachelor’s Degrees)
Most applications for full-time undergraduate courses are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, known as UCAS. It’s a central online system where you can apply for up to five courses at different universities. You’ll need to write a personal statement explaining why you want to study the course and why you’d be a good student. There are deadlines, usually in January, but earlier for Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine/vet/dentistry courses.
Postgraduate Applications (Master’s and PhD Degrees)
For postgraduate courses, you usually apply directly to the university through its online application system. You’ll need to submit transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose, references, and sometimes a research proposal (especially for PhDs).
Entry Criteria to Study in the UK for Australian Students
UK universities look for academic qualifications that are equivalent to UK A-levels for undergraduate study and UK Bachelor’s degrees for postgraduate study.
Academic Qualifications
For undergraduate courses in the UK, your Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (like the ATAR in most states) will be considered. Universities will look at your overall score and your results in specific subjects relevant to your chosen course. The exact ATAR needed will vary a lot depending on the university and the course.
For postgraduate courses, you’ll typically need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Australian university. Universities will look at your GPA or equivalent result. They usually require a UK 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) equivalent, though some courses might accept a 2:2 (Lower Second Class Honours).
Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for Australian Students
As an Australian citizen, if you plan to study in the UK for longer than six months, you will need a UK Student visa (this replaced the old Tier 4 visa). This is a points-based system, and you need to score enough points to be granted the visa.
Key Requirements for the Student Visa
To get your Student visa to study in the UK from Australia, you’ll need to meet several conditions:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
This is a unique electronic reference number given to you by your university once they offer you a place and you accept it, proving you’ve been accepted onto a course with a licensed student sponsor (your university). You can’t apply for the visa without your CAS.
Financial Proof
You need to show you have enough money to cover your first year’s tuition fees (or the total fee if your course is less than a year) plus living costs. The amount required for living costs is set by the UK government and depends on whether you study in London (£1,483 per month) or outside London (£1,136 per month). You usually need to show you’ve had this money in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
Work Conditions for International Students in the UK
Yes, you can usually work while studying in the UK on a Student visa! This can be a great way to earn some extra money and get some work experience.
Work Hour Limits
The rules for working on a Student visa are generally:
- 20 hours per week during term time
- You can usually work full-time during official university holidays:
There are some jobs you cannot do, like being self-employed or working as a professional sportsperson.
Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies?
The good news is that the UK has a visa route specifically for international students who want to stay and work or look for work after finishing their degree. It’s called the Graduate visa.
Conclusion
Thinking about studying in the UK from Australia is exciting! It’s a chance to get a world-class education, experience a new culture, travel, and potentially open up new career paths. We know there’s a lot to consider – choosing a university and course, understanding costs, finding funding, and navigating the visa process.
Ready to take the leap? Get in touch with Atlas Apply today! You can connect with us via WhatsApp on +447498782831. Let’s start planning your UK study adventure together!
FAQs
If you have done studies in Australia, no.
Once you’ve submitted your online application and provided your biometrics, it usually takes about 3 weeks to get a decision on your Student visa from outside the UK. However, processing times can vary, so apply early!
Yes, your partner and children might be able to apply to join you in the UK as your dependents if your course is at a postgraduate research degree or PhD and lasts for 9 months or more, or if you are government-sponsored on a course lasting more than 6 months.
When you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, you get access to the NHS on the same basis as a permanent UK resident. This means most healthcare is free at the point of use, though there might be charges for things like prescriptions or dental treatment.
Yes, typically you are allowed to work full-time during official university vacation periods if your visa permits it. Always check the conditions on your visa or BRP.
