Applying to university in Australia: a practical guide

Australia is known for its friendliness, its welcoming culture, its multiculturalism – and its world-class universities.

Many of Australia’s universities are ranked among the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. They are located all over the country: in major cities, small towns and rural areas. 

There are more than 600,000 international students currently enrolled in Australian universities. How you apply as an international student differs depending on whether you are an onshore international student or a student applying directly from your home country. Applications can be via a tertiary admissions centre or directly to the university. Universities tend to be welcoming and willing to help international applicants.

There are five tertiary admissions centres in Australia. These are: QTAC, SATAC, TISC, UAC and VTAC. Applications to study in Tasmania should be made directly to the universities located there. 

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) 

QTAC administers applicants for most universities in Queensland. Onshore international students can apply via QTAC. All other international applicants must apply directly to the relevant university.

Detailed information about studying at Queensland’s universities is available here.

South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre and Northern Territory (SATAC) 

Onshore international Year 12 students wanting to apply to Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia can apply for undergraduate courses through SATAC. All other international applicants must apply directly to the relevant university. 

Detailed information about studying at South Australian and Northern Territory universities is available here and here, including how to apply to universities in this territory that are not listed above. 

Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) – Western Australia

TISC asks all international students wanting to attend university in Western Australia to apply directly to the relevant university.

Detailed information about studying at university in Western Australia is available here. 

Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) – Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales 

UAC administers applications to universities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW).

Year 12 international students studying an Australian curriculum in Australia or overseas, following an IB curriculum at an Australian school or studying towards a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement, level 3, should apply via UAC.

All other international students should apply directly to the university. 

The following links provide detailed information about university study in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) 

Onshore Year 12 international students can apply to study via VTAC. All other international students should apply directly to the university. 

Detailed information about studying at university in Victoria is available here. 

Tasmania 

All students should apply directly to the University of Tasmania. This is the only university on the island. 

Detailed information about studying in Tasmania is available here.