Guide To Study In Australia From Malaysia

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So, you want to study in the Land Down Under! Australia is a popular destination for many Malaysians, mainly due to the number of families that have migrated from South East Asia. It is also the closest Western country where Malaysians can receive their education without being too far from home. If you are looking for a guide on how to study in Australia from Malaysia, we at Mayflower have just the right thing for you! Make sure you have everything below prepped before applying for your dream university in Australia.

 

Why Choose To Study In Australia?

 

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Ozzie, ozzie, ozzie! The charming country has been a top study destination for numerous reasons—one of it being culturally diverse with an affordable cost of living standard. Malaysians studying in Australia will be exposed to numerous cultures and races, which will help educate and open their minds to new horizons. Australia also has many beautiful beaches, zoos to visit critters such as kangaroos and koalas, and gorgeous cities that any Malaysians would fall in love with.

 

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Asides from cute kangaroos and koalas, Australia has plenty to offer from an educational standpoint. With over 22,000 courses offered in the country, Australia ranks as the third most popular country for further education—next to the US and UK.

 

Australia also has a variety in their forms of education; with technical and further education (TAFE), English language courses, vocational education and training (VET), and universities. This way, students who choose to study in Australia can build their future career possibilities based on which courses interest them best.

 

Where To Study In Australia?

 

The country’s major cities are all student hubs, which makes them a perfect education choice.

 

Melbourne

 

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With Victoria as its capital, Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and is the top study destination in Australia. With over 8 top universities located in the city, Melbourne has the biggest student population—of which international students make up one third of! Its vibrant and welcoming vibe has invited students from everywhere in the world for decades.

 

Sydney

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Commonly mistaken for the capital of the country, Sydney has always made waves with its iconic opera house and beautiful views. It is also Australia’s most happening city, as it is home to the top research universities. Known for its entertainment, it is no coincidence that Sydney is the most expensive Australian city to live in. Make sure to plan your expenses ahead!

 

Brisbane

 

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The second student city, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and is a haven for students coming from warmer climates. A smaller city compared to the likes of Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane is an affordable alternative to those looking to study in Australia on a budget.

 

Canberra

 

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The capital city of Australia, Canberra is the most developed and accessible city with top ranking universities. Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and national parks, Canberra offers students a refreshing escape from the busy cities where they can spend their downtime.

 

Top Universities In Australia

Australian education has always been at the forefront of the country, becoming a well-established player in the global ranks of universities. Here are the top universities in Australia and in the world that you can begin your education journey with:

*According to Times Higher Education Ranking 2023

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• The University of Queensland
• University of Sydney
• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Adelaide
• The University of Western Australia
• University of Technology Sydney
• Macquarie University

Asides from being consistently ranked the highest Australian universities, these universities have also ranked globally worldwide and are respectable institutions.

 

What Do You Need To Know About Australian Universities?

 

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The Australian university application process is quite different from Malaysia, so you must be prepared! Here is a list of all the things you will need before applying for an Australian university.

 

1. Entry Requirements

Luckily for Malaysians, the entry requirements to study in Australia are with test results that we already have. There are no additional Australian tests that need to be taken.

• Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is equivalent to the Australian Secondary School Certtificate
• Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) is equivalent to Australian Senior Secondary Certificate

Foundation, A Levels, and other Pre-University results are also valid forms of results that may be used to apply, though requirements may vary based on universities and specific subjects.

For existing students who are currently doing a twinning or tertiary program with an Australian university, you will be exempted from this requirement. However, please make sure to check with your current university if there are any additional academic requirements before completing your final year abroad in Australia. 

 

2. Language Requirements

Australians do speak English, though their slang may confuse the average Malaysian. While your tests may not include saying the phrase, “put a shrimp on the barbie”, it is still a requirement for Malaysians to take one of the following language tests—as MUET is not recognized.

• International English Language Testing Systems (IETLS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL – iBT)
• Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Occupational English Test (OET)

Did you know that to increase your chances of entering an Australian institution, you can also take Australian matriculation? For those who haven’t done their pre-university yet, it’s time to take a gander at AUSMAT courses!

 

3. Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Studying abroad can be quite costly. However, Australia is one of the more affordable countries to study in! Depending on the course and university you ultimately apply for, the cost of tuition fees will differ.

Here is a rough estimate of what it could cost to study in Australia per year:

• Bachelor’s – 30,000 AUD to 50,000 AUD (RM89,000 to RM149,000)
• Masters – 20,000 AUD to 37,000 AUD (RM59,000 to RM110,000)
• Ph.D. - 14,000 AUD to 37,000 AUD (RM41,000 to RM110,000)

As for the cost of living, the city you choose to study and live in in Australia will make a huge difference in your expenses. Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne might be more costly but closer to tourist attractions and events, while smaller and quieter cities such as Brisbane and Canberra may not have as much going on—but be far cheaper in comparison.

Make sure to prepare your finances if you are keen on studying abroad in Australia!

 

4. Application Process and Student Visa

Once you’re set on studying in Australia, you can begin your application process! The process of applying for an Australian university is pretty simple, just follow our steps below!

1. Submit your application and all your necessary documents to the university of your choice.
2. Receive your Offer Letter and Acceptance Letter.
3. Receive your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).

Next, it’s time to start your Visa application! As a Malaysian student, you must apply for a student visa at the Australian Department of Home Affairs website under “STUDENT”.

A very important thing to note is that Malaysian students are also required by law to take a tuberculosis examination at specialised and approved test clinics. Please visit the link here to learn more information. 

• Prepare the following documents to upload alongside your application:
• Passport with an expiry date no less than 6 months before the end of your study period
• Academic transcripts
• English as a Second Language certification
• Proof of sufficient funds (parent or guardian’s annual financial statement) of a minimum of 60,000 AUD or RM177,870.
• A statement from a parent or guardian agreeing to support you financially during your period of study.
• Results of a medical examination by a doctor approved by the Australian immigration department.
• A copy of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

And that’s it! You should receive your Visa 120 days before your course begins. Do note that you cannot travel to Australia until your OSHC is valid.

 

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With that, we conclude our list of all you need to know about admissions and studying in Australia! We at Mayflower hope that you understand the requirements to study in Australia a lot better now and that your application process will be smooth. In fact, we’d like to help you out a little more ;) 

For all students applying to study abroad, flights purchased under Mayflower will be entitled to exclusive perks such as free baggage allowances and complimentary date changes*! This is a special rate for students, but we also offer a special package for parents who would like to accompany their kids!

 Students struggling with Visa applications may also reach out to us for help as Mayflower is here to make your education journey a lot smoother. For any further inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!