Your Complete Study In Australia For Malaysian Students Guide 2026

To study in Australia, Malaysian students first need to apply to a CRICOS-registered university, often using qualifications like STPM, UEC, A-Levels, AUSMAT, SACE or Diploma. Once you receive an offer and accept it, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You must then purchase mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

With your CoE and OSHC, you can apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) online via an ImmiAccount. This application requires you to prove you have sufficient funds (on average approximately AUD $29,710 for annual living costs) and to satisfy the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement by answering a series of targeted questions about your study and future plans. The final steps include a biometrics and health check.

If this sounds a little overwhelming, that’s why you need study abroad consultants like Uni Enrol to simplify the journey to study in Australia for Malaysian students.

1. Why Study in Australia? Your Guide to Studying Abroad

For decades, why study in Australia has been a key question for Malaysian families. The answer in 2026 is clearer than ever: it remains a top-tier destination that balances academic excellence, an unbeatable lifestyle, and tangible, long-term career opportunities.   

World-Class Education & The “Group of Eight” (Go8)

Australia’s academic reputation is globally recognised and quantifiable. According to the prestigious QS World University Rankings, Australia has 9 universities in the global top 100 and 4 in the top 200. This includes institutions like the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Sydney, which are household names for many Malaysian and international students.   

The pinnacle of Australian higher education is the “Group of Eight” (Go8). This is Australia’s equivalent of the US Ivy League or the UK’s Russell Group, and these 8 universities are research-intensive powerhouses.   

Key statistics on the Go8’s dominance include:

• Research: The Go8 conducts 70% of all university-based research in Australia and receives almost 70% of Australian Competitive Grant funding. 99% of their research is rated “world class” or above. 

• Economic Impact: A report in 2018 showed the Go8 had a staggering AUD 66.4 billion contribution to the Australian economy annually.  

• Graduate Outcomes: Go8 universities educate over half of Australia’s doctors, dentists, and veterinarians, 50% of Australia’s science graduates, and over 40% of its engineering graduates.  

For Malaysian students, especially those planning further study in Australia at a postgraduate level, a Go8 university provides direct access to world-leading researchers and projects. As Australia introduces new student caps for international students, a visa application backed by an offer from a high-prestige Go8 institution is likely to be viewed with high credibility.   

Multicultural, Safe, And Close To Home For Malaysians

Australia is one of the world’s most successful multicultural countries. This diversity is reflected on its campuses. Melbourne, for example, was ranked the #5 city in the world for “Student Mix” in the QS 2026 Best Student Cities rankings.   

For Malaysians, this diversity means a “soft landing.” The widespread availability of halal food, familiar Malaysian restaurants, and well-stocked Asian grocery stores in major student hubs creates a true “home away from home,” which is proven to reduce culture shock and support student well-being.   

The proximity is a unique and practical benefit. A 5 to 8-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur is far more manageable and affordable for family visits than a 15+ hour journey to the UK or US. Perth is even in the same time zone as Malaysia (MYT), making calls home simple. Australia is also consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with strong quality assurance frameworks to protect international students. 

Unique Learning Culture (Independence & Critical Thinking)

The Australian teaching style is a significant shift from the typical Malaysian classroom. The system is built on developing independence, critical thinking, and the ability to challenge ideas.

University classes focus on theory, debate, application, and self-directed research, while TAFE courses emphasize practical, face-to-face, and industry-embedded skills. 

Universities in Australia lean their grading towards assignments more than exams, which in turn gives students the time and opportunity to craft their work well. This is in contrast to the practice of cramming the information they need for an examination.

This learning culture is not just an academic exercise; it is direct preparation for the modern, global workforce, producing graduates who can problem-solve and innovate.

Post-Study Work & Career Opportunities

This is a primary driver for choosing to study in Australia. The government’s post-study work visa in Australia (officially the Temporary Graduate visa, Subclass 485) acts as a crucial bridge from education to a professional career.   

This visa allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia and gain invaluable local work experience. It is a critical component for those looking to build a global career or explore pathways to permanent residency. The existence of this visa shows that Australia is still actively competing for high-quality global talent, using its education system as a filter.

2. How to Study in Australia: Your Pathway From Malaysia

This section covers the “how” of your journey. For every Malaysian qualification, there is a clear, established pathway to How to study in Australia.

Understanding Your Study Options: University vs. TAFE

Your first major choice is between a university and a TAFE institute.

• University: Focuses on academic, theoretical, and research-based knowledge. This pathway leads to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree. A university degree is required for highly specialised professions like law, medicine, or psychiatry.

• TAFE (Technical and Further Education): This is Australia’s government-backed vocational education sector. TAFE focuses on practical, hands-on, job-ready skills. Courses are often shorter and more affordable than university degrees.

TAFE is not a “lesser” option. High-demand skilled trades (like carpentry, cookery, or as an electrician), are also on the permanent residency (PR) skills lists. However, most international students come to Australia to enrol into university institutions.

Pre-University Pathways (AUSMAT, A-Levels, STPM, UEC)

Malaysian students have a significant advantage: your pre-university qualifications are widely accepted for direct entry, often allowing you to skip the costlier (AUD $18,000+) foundation year required by students from other countries.

• STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia): Accepted by all Australian universities. Your GPA is converted to an equivalent Australian score.

• UEC (Unified Examination Certificate): Widely recognised by most Australian universities, including many Go8 members.

• A-Levels / IB Diploma: Both are globally recognised and accepted.

• AUSMAT / SACE: Australian-based pre-university programs (like South Australian Matriculation or WACE) offered at colleges in Malaysia provide a seamless and direct transition.

Entry scores vary by university. Here is a general guide to how Malaysian exam results qualifies for a degree entry into Australian universities:

Qualification	Business & Commerce	Engineering	Science (General)	Healthcare (e.g., Nursing, Health Science)
A-Level	8 – 10 points (e.g., CCD, BCC)	10 – 12 points (e.g., BCC, BBB)	10 – 12 points (e.g., BCC, BBB)	12 – 14 points (e.g., BBB, ABC)
STPM (CGPA)	2.67 – 3.00 (e.g., B- B- C+)	3.00 – 3.33 (e.g., BBB, B+B B)	3.00 – 3.33 (e.g., BBB, B+B B)	3.33 – 3.67 (e.g., B+B+B, A-B+B)
UEC	15 – 20 points (from best 5 subjects)	12 – 15 points (from best 5 subjects)	12 – 15 points (from best 5 subjects)	10 – 14 points (from best 5 subjects)
AUSMAT / SACE (ATAR)	ATAR 70 – 80	ATAR 80 – 85	ATAR 80 – 85	ATAR 85 – 90+
IB Diploma	25 – 28 points	28 – 30 points	28 – 30 points	30 – 35+ points
Diploma	CGPA 2.5 or 60%	CGPA 2.5 or 60%	CGPA 2.5-.30 or 60%-65%	CGPA 3.0 or 65%-70%
Prerequisite Subjects	Maths for certain courses e.g. Accounting	Maths, Physics and/or Chemistry	Maths, Chemistry and/or Biology/Physics	Maths, Chemistry, Physics and/or Biology. Might require higher scores

The Diploma-to-Degree Route (Saving Time & Money)

This is one alternative pathway to study in Australia for Malaysian students.

The pathway works like this: you enrol in a 1-2 year Diploma course, often at a college affiliated with a university (like UNSW College) or a TAFE institute. Upon successful completion, you gain guaranteed entry and academic credit, allowing you to enter directly into the second year of the matching Bachelor’s degree.

This pathway has two major benefits:

• Cost: The tuition fee for the Diploma year is often significantly cheaper than the first-year tuition fee at the university.

• Access: It provides a “back door” for students whose STPM or UEC grades were just below the direct entry requirement for their dream university.

Planning Your Further Study in Australia (For Master’s & PhD)

For postgraduate students, further study in Australia offers access to world-class research. The Go8 universities are research leaders, awarding 50% of all doctorates in the country.

The application for a research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) is different: you must typically find a potential supervisor and write a research proposal before you apply.

The primary funding source for research degrees is the Research Training Program, which covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend. You apply for the RTP directly with the university, not the government. Malaysian-specific funding, like the MARA Graduate Excellence Programme (GrEP), is also a key option.

Key Entry Requirements: Academic & English (IELTS, PTE)

Besides your academic grades, you must prove your English language proficiency. The 2 most common tests are IELTS Academic and PTE Academic. General requirements are:

• Diploma / Foundation: Overall IELTS 5.5-6.0 / PTE 42-50

• Bachelor’s Degree: Overall IELTS 6.0-6.5 / PTE 50-58

• Master’s / PhD: Overall IELTS 6.5-7.0 / PTE 58-65

Note: Always check the exact score required by your specific course. The Department of Home Affairs also updated its visa English test requirements effective from August 2025, so check both university and visa rules with Uni Enrol.

Understanding Australian Intakes

A crucial part of your planning is understanding the Australian academic calendar, which is different from Malaysia’s. Universities operate on two major intakes.

• Main Intake: Most popular intake. Begins in late February or early March. This intake offers the widest range of available courses and the most scholarship opportunities. Application deadline is between October and November.

• Mid-Year Intake: Secondary intake, which starts in late July or early August. While many courses offer a mid-year start, some specialised programs may not be available. The application deadlines for a July intake are usually between April and May of the same year.

• Minor Intake: A few universities offer smaller intakes in months like September, October, or November, but these are typically for a limited selection of courses.

For the best selection of courses and scholarship options, Malaysian students should aim to apply for the Main Intake.

3. How Much To Study In Australia? A Breakdown For Malaysian Students

Understanding how much to study in Australia requires breaking down the two main components: tuition fees and living costs.

Cost Of Study In Australia For Malaysian Students (Average Tuition Fees)

The cost of study in Australia for Malaysians varies significantly based on the institution, level, and field of study. A Go8 university in Sydney will cost more than a Edith Cowan University in Perth. High-cost degrees like medicine or veterinary science are in their own category.

Here is a general estimate of annual tuition fees:

Level of Study	Average Annual Tuition (AUD)	Approx. Annual Tuition (MYR)
Bachelor’s Degree	$27,000 – $53,000	~RM81,000 – RM165,000
Master’s/PhD	$22,000 – $52,000	~RM66,000 – RM156,000

Study In Australia Living Cost

As of 10 May 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires all new student visa applicants to provide evidence of financial access to AUD $29,710 for their first year of living costs.

This is an increase from the previous requirement of $24,505. This new figure (which translates to approximately RM90,000) is not random. The government has indexed it to 75% of the national minimum wage.

This policy is a deliberate filter. It is designed to ensure students are financially prepared for life in Australia and are less likely to fall into “financial distress” or be “vulnerable to worker exploitation”. For Malaysian families, this means the proof of funds requirement is a critical hurdle that requires early planning.

However, your desired lifestyle in Australia may require more money than the minimum requirement above. It is imperative that you start drawing up a monthly living expense budget to be able to cover what you need.

Sample Weekly Budget (Accommodation, Food, Transport)

The $29,710 figure (approx. $570/week) is the official amount you must prove for your visa. Your actual study in Australia living cost can be managed more frugally.

Here is a sample actual weekly spend for a student in a major city like Melbourne or Sydney with a frugal budget:

Expense	Avg. Weekly Cost (AUD)	Notes
Rent (Shared)	$150 – $250	Based on $300-500/month shared rent
Food/Groceries	$90 – $110	Based on $400/month. Cooking at home saves the most.
Transport	$35 – $45	Based on $160-180/month. Varies by city.
Phone/Internet	$15 – $25	Based on $35-40/month + utilities.
Entertainment	$30 – $50	e.g., one movie, coffee with friends
TOTAL	~$320 – $480 / week

The official government figure of $570/week is intended to include some safety buffer to cover emergencies and set-up costs.

4. Your Study In Australia Scholarship Guide

A study in Australia scholarship can be the key to making your dream more affordable. Here is a guide to the main options for Malaysians.

How To Get A Scholarship To Study In Australia

Securing funding requires preparation. This is how to get a scholarship to study in Australia:

• Academic Excellence: This is the #1 requirement. You will need high-achieving transcripts.

• Compelling Application: Many scholarships require a personal statement or essay. You must clearly explain your ambitions, why you chose Australia, and how you align with the scholarship’s goals.   

• Strong Recommendations: Get strong, detailed Letters of Recommendation from your teachers or professors.   

• Meet the Deadlines: Major scholarships have early deadlines.

There are two main types of scholarships:

• Automatic Scholarships: Many universities offer automatic tuition fee reductions (e.g., 15-25% off) to international students who meet certain academic grades. You are automatically considered when you apply for your course.   

• Application-Based Scholarships: These are major, competitive awards (like the Australia Awards Scholarship) that require a separate, detailed application.   

Top Scholarships For Malaysians

This is a critical source of funding for Malaysian students.

• JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam): The Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN) 2025 is for top-tier SPM 2024 students (minimum 8A+/9A+). It sponsors A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) followed by an undergraduate degree at a top overseas university, including in Australia. The 2025 application round closed on 11 May 2025. This is a convertible loan (pinjaman boleh ubah), which can be waived if you achieve top grades or serve in the Malaysian public service.   

• MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat): The Graduate Excellence Programme (GrEP) is the key funding option for Bumiputera students pursuing a Master’s or PhD overseas. Applicants must be Bumiputera and meet the age limit for overseas study (not more than 35 for Master’s, 40 for PhD). This is also offered as a convertible loan. 

You can check out our article on the Top 10 scholarships in Malaysia to study abroad.

University-Specific Scholarships & Financial Aid

Beyond Malaysian government funding, look at these options:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS): These are prestigious, full-ride scholarships for future leaders from developing countries, including Malaysia. They cover full tuition, return airfare, a living stipend, and health cover.   

• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP): This is the main scholarship for international (and domestic) students undertaking a research PhD or Master’s. It covers tuition and provides a living stipend. You must apply directly to your chosen university as part of your application.   

• Destination Australia Scholarship: A government program that provides funding for students who choose to study at a campus in regional Australia (which includes cities like Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast).   

• University Merit Scholarships: Almost every university offers its own scholarships which may vary amounting to between AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000 which represents 15%-25% in fee reduction for international students based on their merit achievements.

5. Applying For The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The visa application process has seen its biggest changes in years. This section is critical for a successful application.

CRITICAL UPDATE: The New ‘Genuine Student’ (GS) Requirement (Replaces GTE)

Effective from 23 March 2024, the old ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ (GTE) statement (a 300-word essay) has been replaced by the Genuine Student Requirement.   

This is a major policy shift. The old GTE required you to prove you were only a temporary student. The new GS requirement explicitly acknowledges that students may develop skills Australia needs and may go on to apply for permanent residence.   

Instead of a free-form essay, you must now answer a specific set of questions in your online visa application form :   

1. Give details of your current circumstances (including ties to family, community, employment, and your economic situation).

2. Explain why you wish to study this course with this specific education provider.

3. Explain how completing this course will benefit you.

4. If you are in Australia on another visa, provide details of your study history.

5. Provide any other relevant information you wish to include.

This is a test of your research. Vague answers will lead to visa refusal. You must be specific, demonstrating your understanding of the course and its link to your future career. This new test, combined with the financial proof hurdle, is the government’s new “filter” to select high-quality, motivated students.

Proof Of Funds

How much funding is sufficient for your visa application? The Australian Government provides guidance here:

You may show proof that your parents earn an annual income of AUD 87,856 in the past 12 months, or if other family members are coming along, to show an annual income of AUD 102,500. 

OR, you may show that you have sufficient funds in the bank based on;

• Your travel – at least AUD 2,000 for Malaysian students.

• 12 months of your course fees – at least AUD 20,000 or more for a 3 year degree

• 12 months of living costs:
  • Student (you) – AUD 29,710
  • Accompanying parents/partners – AUD 10,394
  • A child with you – AUD 4,449

• School fees for any school-age children who accompany you – at least AUD13,502

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process (CoE, OSHC, ImmiAccount)

Here is a simple 10-step guide to the visa process :   

1. Get your letter of offer.
2. Accept your offer and pay application fee.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
4. Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance.
5. Create an ImmiAccount for visa applications.
6. Fill up Subclass 500 form, answer GS questions.
7. Upload documents (CoE, OSHC, passport, financial proof).
8. Submit application and pay the visa fee online.
9. Book your medical check-up at a Home Affairs-approved panel clinic.
10. Book your biometrics, mandatory for Malaysian applicants.   
11. Await decision, approval can take 1-2 months.

Document Checklist & Common Mistakes For Malaysian Applicants

Avoid these common mistakes that lead to visa delays or refusals:

• Weak GS answers.  
• Insufficient financial proof.
• Forgetting biometrics.
• Wrong medical clinic, use official panel.
• Incorrect details, typo or wrong info
• Missing certified translations: e.g. documents in Bahasa Melayu.

That’s why hiring a study abroad consultant like Uni Enrol helps mitigate mistakes like this.

Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) For Parents

If the student is under 18 years of age, one parent or legal guardian can apply for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) to accompany them to Australia.   

Key conditions for this visa:

• You must be the parent or legal/nominated guardian.
• You cannot work in Australia.   
• You must prove you have sufficient funds to support both yourself and the student.   
• You must have your own health insurance (Overseas Visitors Health Cover, or OVHC).   

Vei Kit is one of Uni Enrol’s experienced study abroad consultants you can speak to at Uni Enrol. Book a free consultation with Kit below!

6. Best Courses To Study In Australia For Malaysians

This is a strategic decision. The best courses to study in Australia for Malaysians are those that offer both a world-class education and strong, long-term career prospects.

Top Student Cities & Leading Universities

Australia has some of the world’s most liveable and student-friendly cities.

• Melbourne: Ranked the #5 Best Student City in the world (QS 2026). It’s celebrated for its arts, culture, and high “Student Mix” ranking. It is home to Go8 members, the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

• Sydney: Ranked #6 Best Student City globally, this is a fast-paced, global financial hub with iconic landmarks and world-class universities like UNSW and the University of Sydney.

• Other Top Cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra all rank in the world’s top 40, offering a slightly more relaxed pace and lower cost of living.

A key trade-off for students is rank vs. cost. Melbourne and Sydney are the most expensive cities. Cities like Perth or Adelaide offer Go8 universities (University of Western Australia, Adelaide University), but with a lower cost of living.

Furthermore, studying in a “regional” designated area (which includes cities like Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast) can provide access to a second post-study work visa in Australia and bonus points for future skilled migration applications as those areas lack expertise that bigger cities have.

High-Demand Fields (Health, IT, Engineering, Education)

Your course choice should be guided by industry demand. Australia has critical skill shortages in key sectors, making graduates in these fields highly employable.

• Health (Nursing, Allied Health, Aged Care): Driven by Australia’s aging population and a global shortage of healthcare workers.

• Information Technology (IT): Fueled by the rapid growth of AI, data science, and cybersecurity.

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural): Needed for massive public infrastructure projects and the transition to renewable energy.

• Education (Teaching): A nationwide shortage of teachers, especially in Early Childhood, Secondary STEM, and Special Needs

Courses With Strong Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways

The smartest way to study abroad in Australia is to align your course with an occupation on the government’s Skilled Occuptation List that fall into the categories of

• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Regional Occupation List (ROL)

This provides a clear, strategic pathway:

Here are the top courses that lead to high-demand occupations on the skilled lists:

Field	Recommended Courses	High-Demand Occupation (on Skilled Lists)
Health	Bachelor/Master of Nursing, Diploma in Aged Care	Registered Nurse, Aged Care Worker
Computing & IT	Bachelor in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence	Cyber Security Analyst, Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer
Engineering	Bachelor/Master in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)	Civil Engineer, Mechanical, Electronics Engineer
Education	Bachelor/Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)	Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary Teacher
Trades (TAFE)	Cert III in Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Cookery	Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, Chef

7. Where to Live: Your Accommodation Guide

Choosing where to live is your biggest non-tuition decision. It’s a trade-off between cost, convenience, and independence.

On-Campus (Residential Halls): Pros & Cons

Estimate cost: AUD 250 – AUD 450 per week

This is the classic student experience. You live in a college or hall on university grounds. It’s the most convenient and a great way to make friends, but it often comes at a premium price.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): The Modern Option

Estimate cost: AUD 150 – AUD 250 per week

These are private, off-campus apartment buildings designed only for students (e.g., Scape, UniLodge). They offer modern studios or shared apartments with fantastic amenities like gyms, cinemas, and study rooms, but they are often the most expensive option.

Shared Rentals: The Independent & Budget-Friendly Choice

Estimate cost: AUD 150 – AUD 250 per week

This is the most common option for second-year students and beyond. You and 2-4 other people (flatmates) rent a house or apartment together. It is the cheapest and most independent option, but you are responsible for finding flatmates, signing a lease, and managing all your own bills.

Homestay: For a Supported, Cultural Experience

Estimate cost: AUD 200 – AUD 350 per week

A homestay involves living with a local Australian family in their home. This is an excellent option for students under 18 or those who want a supported, cultural experience. Meals are often included, but you will have less independence and will likely have to travel further to get to campus.

8. Study And Work In Australia: Your Guide To Life & Careers

This section covers the practical side of your new life, from your first day to your first job after graduation.

Settling In: Bank Accounts, Phone Plans, and Finding Malaysian Food

Your first week will be busy. Here are the top three tasks:

• Bank Account: You can start this before you leave Malaysia. Banks like NAB and ANZ allow international students to open an account online from overseas. When you arrive, you just need to visit a branch with your passport, eCoE, and proof of address to activate it and receive your debit card.   

• Phone Plan: Bring your unlocked phone from Malaysia. The easiest option is to buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport (from providers like Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone).   

• Finding Malaysian Food: You will not be homesick for long. Major student suburbs like Clayton (near Monash, Melbourne) or Kingsford (near UNSW, Sydney) are filled with Malaysian restaurants and Asian supermarkets, making it easy to find nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik.

Working While Studying (The 48-Hour Per Fortnight Rule)

This is one of your most important visa conditions: Condition 8105.   

The Rule: You can study and work in Australia for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight when your course is “in session.” You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (e.g., semester holidays).   

CRITICAL DEFINITION: A “fortnight” is not simply “24 hours per week.” It is a rolling 14-day period that starts on a Monday and ends on a Sunday.   

This is a common trap for students. For example:

• Week 1 (Mon-Sun): You work 15 hours.
• Week 2 (Mon-Sun): You work 30 hours.
• Week 3 (Mon-Sun): You work 30 hours.

In this scenario, the fortnight of Week 1 + Week 2 is 45 hours (which is OK). But the fortnight of Week 2 + Week 3 is 60 hours. This is a breach of your visa and can be grounds for cancellation. You must track your hours carefully. This rule is linked to the minimum financial requirement where the government expects you to be financially stable without needing to work excessive hours.   

The Post Study Work Visa in Australia (Subclass 485)

This is the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). It is your primary goal after graduation.   

CRITICAL 2025 ELIGIBILITY RULES:

• Age Limit: You must be 35 years old or under at the time you apply for degree graduates.   

• Qualification: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered degree-level course (Bachelor’s or higher) within the last 6 months.   

• English: You must provide a new English test result, such as an IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5) or PTE 55 (min 40-42) (for tests taken after 7 Aug 2025).

Visa Duration:

• Bachelor’s Degree / Master’s (Coursework): 2 years    
• Master’s (Research) / PhD: 3 years    

From Graduate To Professional: Career & PR Pathways

The Subclass 485 visa is your bridge, not the final destination. The goal is to use those 2-3 years to gain skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.   

The most common long-term career pathway is:

1. Graduate from a course on the Skilled Occupation List (e.g., Tech, Engineering).   
2. Secure the Subclass 485 visa.
3. Gain 1-2 years of professional work experience.
4. Use this experience to apply for a permanent skilled migration visa (like the Subclass 189, 190, or 491).

9. Start Your Journey To Study in Australia

This is a major undertaking, but with proper planning and support, it is a straightforward process.

Application Checklist To Study In Australia For Malaysian Students

Use this timeline to plan your journey:

• 12-18 Months Out: Research courses, universities, and PR pathways. Consult Uni Enrol.

• 6-9 Months Out: Prepare for and take your IELTS or PTE Academic test.

• 4-6 Months Out: Start applying to universities. Prepare scholarship applications.

• 3 Months Out: Receive your Letter of Offer from your chosen university.

• 2 Months Out: Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your CoE. Purchase your OSHC policy.

• 1-2 Months Out: Lodge your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application online via ImmiAccount.

• 1 Month Out: Complete your biometrics appointment and health check. Book your flight and initial accommodation.

How We Can Help You Succeed

A successful journey to Study in Australia requires strategic planning. From choosing a course that aligns with your career goals to navigating the new GS visa requirements and the financial requirements, being prepared is essential. This guide for study in Australia for Malaysian students is your comprehensive first step to achieving your academic and professional dreams Down Under.

10. Visit Uni Enrol Or Book A Free Consultation

Drop by Uni Enrol Study Abroad Office and let us help you plan your perfect pathway to study in Australia together! 🎓

Find us at B-02-03, Level 2, Sunway Geo Avenue, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Our friendly counsellors are highly experienced with Australian higher education options and are ready to help you discover scholarships, compare universities, and submit your application.

We also specialise in:

• Study in the UK
• Study in Ireland
• Study in New Zealand

You can also book a free online consultation by clicking the button below!

About the Author:

Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.