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Study in Australia

Australia intakes and when to apply

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Australian courses start at set points in the year, and your visa needs a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) first. Plan backwards from your course start date so your offer, deposit, money and visa all line up.

The main intakes

  • February or March (Semester 1): the main intake, with the widest choice of courses.
  • July (Semester 2, mid-year entry): offered by many providers, but it depends on your subject, level and qualification. Applications usually open around April.
  • November: offered by some universities for selected courses.
  • Trimesters: some providers use three terms a year instead of two semesters.

Start dates can vary by course and provider, and PhD start dates are agreed with your supervisor. The academic year runs to November.

Working back from your start date

  1. Choose a course and apply

    Check that your course is open to international students and when its intakes are. Ask the provider for its application deadline.

  2. Accept your offer and pay the deposit

    Your provider then issues your CoE. You need a valid CoE for every course on your visa.

  3. Arrange your health cover and funds

    You need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless an exemption applies, and evidence of your funds.

  4. Apply for your visa from Nepal

    Apply online from outside Australia. Home Affairs publishes a guide to processing times for recently decided applications, so check it before you set your travel date.

Official sources

Common questions

What are the main intakes in Australia?
Semester 1 starts in February or March and is the main intake. Semester 2, also called mid-year entry, starts in July. Some providers use trimesters or term-based starts instead.
When do July intake applications open?
Applications for mid-year enrolment usually open around April each year. Confirm the exact date with your provider.
Do I need my Confirmation of Enrolment before I apply for the visa?
Yes. You need a valid CoE for your course, and it must still be valid when Home Affairs decides your visa.
Can I apply for the Student visa from inside Australia?
Only if you hold an eligible visa and meet an exemption. Most applicants from Nepal apply from outside Australia.

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