Now that you have decided to study in Melbourne (Australia’s best student city!), there are a few ways you can enrol in your preferred course.

Prerequisites and prior learning

Before you can be accepted to study a particular course, you may have to show that you meet the prerequisites.

Prerequisites refer to a course’s entry requirements. For example, some engineering programs have subject prerequisites, where students must have completed some previous study in mathematics or science, while some higher degrees require students to have completed an undergraduate degree before they can enrol. Please read the course information carefully to find out what is required before you enrol. You may even be eligible for exemptions or credit towards your degree for prior learning or life experience.

English Proficiency Test

The Australian Government requires international students to have reached a certain level of English proficiency before they can study in Australia and before they can obtain a student visa. To prove your English proficiency, you will typically need to take an English language test. There are various providers through which you can take these tests, including IELTS, Cambridge and PTE. In general, the test will include sections that test 4 key elements of your language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Visit the designated provider’s website to learn more about the test and how to book yours.

What if I don’t meet the minimum English Language proficiency requirements?

If you do not yet meet the language requirements, you may be able to qualify for a student visa by enrolling in an approved English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program.

Many of these courses are offered by education providers and provide direct entry to substantive courses. This means that, upon successful completion of one of these English language programs, you will be granted immediate entry to the institution without having to take a formal English test.

Remember to always double-check the details of the programs you are considering and contact the provider if you have questions. To learn more, you can also visit our page on English language providers to learn more.

Pathways

If you don’t yet meet the academic requirements to start your course - such as minimum English language proficiency or the minimum GPA score - you may still be able to enrol through a pathway program.

Pathway programs are usually offered by providers that offer both VET courses and higher education degrees. Pathway programs allow you to start your studies and gain valuable foundational knowledge and skills through studies at a lower level.

VET courses are those at the certificate, diploma or advanced diploma level. Under the Australian Qualifications Framework, these are at a lower educational level than undergraduate courses, which include bachelor, associate and honour degrees.

For example, if you wish to study a Bachelor of Business but you don’t meet the prerequisites, you could choose to complete a Diploma of Business first through a pathway program.

Once you have completed the pathway course, you should be able to enter your desired course. In some cases, you may even be able to use credits earned from your pathway program towards your degree, meaning you could graduate even faster.

CRICOS

When you are applying for your course or your student visa, you might come across the term CRICOS.

CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. As an international student, you must enrol in a CRICOS approved course to study in Australia.

Not only is enrolling in an approved course a requirement of your student visa, but it also ensures you receive the world-class learning experience and opportunities you deserve.

Providers can only be listed on the CRICOS register if they meet the codes and requirements outlined by the Australian Government Department of Education. This means that, no matter what you choose to study or which institution you decide to go to, you will receive a quality education.