Australia is one of the best places for international students, which is characterized by quality education, lively cities as well as a multicultural environment. If you plan to study in Australia in 2025-2026, it is vital for you to know the upcoming intakes schedules, so you can smoothly complete your application process. In this article, we will first introduce the key intakes for Australian universities, then we will give detailed information about the deadlines and the application process.
Australia’s Major Intakes: When Can You Apply?
Australian universities are usually having two the main intakes each year:
- Semester 1 (February Intake): This is a vital entry to many students and is the main intake slot for most international students. It begins in February and most courses, especially at the undergraduate level, are held during this time. If you sign up for this slot, you have the chance to take courses from different universities in Australia, as they will be the courses of the largest number.
- Semester 2 (July Intake): The second major intake takes place in July and it is the one that is usually favored by students who want a little bit more time to get ready for their application. While the number of courses is lower than the February entry period, many favorite programs are still available.
There are still few universities that provide a third intake or a continuous intake for some specific courses, roughly on September or November, but it is quite sparsely offered and mostly postgraduate courses or some particular programs give it.
Key Deadlines for 2025-2026 Intakes
In view of the fact that the first-come-first-served places are filled within the shortest possible time, it is advisable to apply as early as possible, especially for the more competitive ones. Here is a general preview when you can start your preparation:
- February 2025 Intake: Following the general schedule, application calls usually start in the second semester of 2024, somewhere between March and October and are completed by December. The timetable may change according to the institution.
- July 2025 Intake: The application process for the July term is typically open by September 2024 and closes near the end of April 2025.
- November 2025 Intake (for select programs): The application phase for programs beginning in November is usually from the middle of May to the beginning of August 2025.
The deadlines at each school are sometimes a little different from each other, so it’s a good idea to confirm the exact schedule on the school’s website. It is recommended that you submit your application at least a few months before the deadline to account for time spent waiting for documents to arrive and visa processing.
What You Need to Prepare for Your Application
The method of application to study in Australia includes some among the leading steps in it. Here is the detailed guide on what you need to prepare here:
- Academic Transcripts: Do not forget to take the duly attested copies of your previous education, high school or university degrees.
- English Language Test: Most of the universities will require you to present proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL or any other equivalent test. However, it is necessary for entry-level programs that require a minimum English Language Testing System score of 6.5 or higher.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is where you can express your individual aspirations for studying in Australia, what you want to pick up and how it fits into your career plan.
- Letters of Recommendation: Depending on the course you attend, the faculty could be requiring letters of recommendation from your teachers or employers.
- Visa Application: In case you are an offer holder from an Australian university, then you will have to get a student visa (subclass 500). The visa processing time can vary, so it’s necessary to be aware of it, while constructing your timetable.
Popular Courses for International Students
If you’re curious about the courses that dominate the list of international students, we have here the courses that attract students the most:
- Business and Management: Courses on business, finance, and management are in high demand in Australia, which is the home of many international companies.
- Engineering: The Australian engineering degrees, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, are widely accredited programs globally.
- Information Technology (IT): The tech industry is growing in Australia, and therefore IT courses are very popular, especially in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
- Health Sciences: Nursing, medicine, and public health are among the growing sector, and Australian universities offer top programs in the field.
- Environmental Science: The issue of sustainability has gained more traction all around the world, and as a result, environmental science programs are on the rise in Australia.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
One of the main things why students come to Australia is the chance to remain and work after they finish their studies. By 2024, international students are allowed to apply for the Post-Study Work Visa that enables them to work for a term of 4 years in Australia (or more, if they are on a Ph.D. program). This freedom puts students in a great position to obtain cross-border job experience and, in some cases, get a permanent residency.
Scholarships for International Students
Australia sponsors a plethora of scholarships to international students so that they get a chance to study at a relatively cheap cost. The most popular scholarships are as follows:
- Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the government to meet the study expenses of students from lower-income developing nations.
- Destination Australia Scholarship program represents assistance to foreign learners who are enrolled in the courses that are conducted in the regional parts of the Land Down Under.
- The other source of funds is the university-specific scholarships offered by the individual schools, such as the University of Sydney International Scholarships or Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship that are given based on academic merit and neediness.