How does CollegeCountdown help with SAT/ACT prep?

CollegeCountdown lets teens log SAT and ACT scores section-by-section, builds a personalised test timeline, and provides AI-powered focused practice sessions targeting each student's weakest areas. Parents can monitor practice activity, set target scores, and compare progress against each college on the shortlist.

Can parents monitor their teen's test prep progress?

Yes. Parents have a dedicated monitoring view showing their teen's score history, practice session activity, predicted test-day score range, and a College Readiness indicator per school. Parents can also set prep milestones and send in-app messages directly from the dashboard.

How does the 529 tracker work?

Connect your 529 plan via Plaid to see your current balance, projected growth, and funding gap relative to real-time college cost data — all in one dashboard view alongside scholarships and savings goals.

What is the SECURE 2.0 Roth rollover feature?

SECURE 2.0 §126 allows unused 529 funds to roll into your child's Roth IRA tax-free — up to $35,000 lifetime. CollegeCountdown tracks your 529 open date, eligibility, and logs each rollover against the lifetime cap and annual Roth contribution limit.

How does scholarship matching work?

CollegeCountdown matches scholarships from a database of 5,000+ opportunities based on your teen's state, GPA, intended major, extracurricular activities, and parent employer affiliations. You can track each scholarship through a pipeline from research to award.

How much does it cost to study in Australia as an international student?

International undergraduate tuition ranges from A$20,000 at regional universities to A$48,000+ per year at Group of Eight institutions. Add A$14,000–A$30,000 for living costs depending on city. OSHC health cover (~A$650/yr) is also mandatory.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international graduates to live and work in Australia after completing their degree. The Post-Study Work stream grants 2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for honours/double master's, and 4 years for doctoral graduates. Regional study can add 1–2 years.

What IELTS score do I need for Australian universities?

Most Australian universities require IELTS Academic Band 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate. Medical, nursing, and education programs typically require 7.0–7.5. Group of Eight universities generally require 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0.

What are the Group of Eight (Go8) universities?

The Group of Eight is Australia's alliance of eight leading research-intensive universities: ANU, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia, and University of Adelaide. All eight rank in the global QS Top 150.

What is HECS-HELP and who is eligible?

HECS-HELP is an Australian government loan that covers tuition for eligible domestic students in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). It is available to Australian citizens and eligible permanent residents only. International students must pay full tuition fees upfront each semester.

42 Universities · All States & Territories

Study in Australia 🇦🇺

Explore every Australian university with ATAR requirements, international tuition, QILT graduate outcomes, and step-by-step Student Visa guidance.

Australian universities

750K+

International students

2–4 yrs

Temp Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

A$20K–A$50K

Typical international tuition/yr

🔍 Search Australian Universities

Search by name or filter by state and university group

🏛️ Group of Eight (Go8)

Australia's eight leading research-intensive universities. All rank in the global QS Top 150.

🧭 Everything You Need to Study in Australia

All the tools for international students planning to study in Australia.

🏛️

All 42 Australian Universities

Search every public and private university — from Group of Eight research powerhouses to regional campuses — with ATAR requirements, international tuition, QILT outcomes, and campus tour videos.

📋

UAC & QTAC Application Guide

Step-by-step checklist for the Tertiary Admissions Centre process: ATAR calculation, preference submission, early entry offers, adjustment factors, and offer acceptance deadlines.

🛂

Student Visa Checklist (Subclass 500)

Interactive checklist: CoE from university, GTE requirement, OSHC health cover, biometrics, DHA online application, and the 8105 work condition (48 hrs/fortnight during term).

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Temporary Graduate Visa Guide

Subclass 485 lets you stay 2–6 years after graduation. Understand the Graduate Work stream vs. Post-Study Work stream, regional incentives, and the pathway to permanent residency.

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AQF Qualification Framework

Understand how Certificate I through Doctoral Degree qualifications map together, how TAFE credit counts toward university, and how international qualifications are recognised.

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Australia Scholarship Finder

Australia Awards, RTP stipends, state government bursaries, Northcote, Fulbright, and 17 more scholarships — filtered by funding source, study level, and nationality.

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OSHC Health Cover Explained

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for your visa. Compare the 5 approved providers, understand cover levels, and calculate the annual premium for your course length.

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Pre-Departure & Arrival Guide

Set up a TFN, open an Australian bank account (CommBank, ANZ, NAB, Westpac), find accommodation, register with Medicare if eligible, and understand your 48 hr work condition.

📅 Application Timeline for International Students

18 Months Out

Research universities using ATAR, QS, and QILT outcomes data
Sit IELTS Academic / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT
Begin researching scholarships (Australia Awards deadline ~April)

12 Months Out

Register with UAC / QTAC / SATAC / VTAC / UTAS
Submit scholarship applications (most deadlines Jul–Oct)
Attend virtual open days and campus tours

6 Months Out

Receive university offer + Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Purchase OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Apply for Subclass 500 Student Visa online (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

1 Month Out

Attend biometrics appointment if required
Book flights — aim to arrive 5–7 days before semester
Set up Australian bank account (CommBank, ANZ, NAB) before arrival

🎓 Australian Scholarships

0 scholarships — government, state, and university awards

💰 Annual Cost of Studying in Australia (AUD)

International student tuition + estimated living costs. All amounts in Australian dollars.

Institution Type	Tuition (AUD/yr)	Living (AUD/yr)	Total (AUD/yr)
TAFE / VET Diploma	A$5K–A$20K	A$15K–A$22K	A$20K–A$42K
Undergraduate (regional uni)	A$20K–A$30K	A$14K–A$20K	A$34K–A$50K
Undergraduate (metro / Go8)	A$28K–A$48K	A$18K–A$30K	A$46K–A$78K
Master's Coursework (1–2 yrs)	A$25K–A$50K	A$16K–A$26K	A$41K–A$76K
PhD (RTP stipend available)	Funded (RTP)	A$32K stipend/yr	Effectively zero fees

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OSHC Required

~A$600–A$750/yr

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for your Student Visa. Must be purchased before visa is granted and cover your full study period.

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Proof of Funds Required

A$21,041/yr living costs

DHA requires you show funds to cover living costs, tuition, and travel for yourself and any dependants for the first year of study.

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Work Rights (Subclass 500)

48 hrs/fortnight term-time

8105 condition: 48 hrs per fortnight during term. Unlimited work during scheduled breaks. Full work rights on Temporary Graduate Visa (485).

🗣️ English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic

🌍 Most accepted

Required by almost all Australian universities. Minimum scores vary by program: typically 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate, 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate and health programs. Also accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for Subclass 500.

Band 0–92h 45min

PTE Academic

💻 Fast results

Pearson Test of English — fully AI-scored, results in 48 hours. Accepted by all Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs for the Student Visa. Growing in popularity as a faster IELTS alternative.

10–90~2 hrs

TOEFL iBT

🎓 Academic

Accepted for admission by most Australian universities. Not accepted by Department of Home Affairs for student visa purposes. Use for admission only, then use IELTS or PTE for the visa application.

0–120~3 hrs

Cambridge C1/C2

🏅 No expiry

C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency are accepted by many Australian universities and some programs as an alternative to IELTS. Not accepted by DHA for visa purposes. No expiry date.

Grade A–C~4 hrs

IELTS Band Requirements by Program Type

5.5Some English pathway programs

6.0Most undergraduate programs

6.5Standard UG / postgraduate entry

7.0Go8 standard / Health programs

7.5Medicine / Nursing / Teaching at Go8

8.0+Clinical Medicine / Elite research programs

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🇦🇺 Ready to Study in Australia?

Track universities, manage your Subclass 500 visa checklist, discover scholarships, and plan your student life — all free.