Students at an international school in China apply to Australian universities directly or through the university’s international admissions process, with entry decided by each university based on the student’s final school qualification, English proficiency and any subject prerequisites for the chosen course. After receiving an offer and accepting it, the student receives a Confirmation of Enrolment and applies for a Student visa (subclass 500). Because requirements differ between universities and courses, the best starting point is each university’s international entry requirements page for your country and qualification.
This guide from Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) explains how applying to Australian universities from China works for international school students, from entry requirements to the student visa.
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How Australian Universities Assess International School Students
Each Australian university sets its own entry requirements for international students. Universities publish the qualifications they accept by country and curriculum, so a student with an American-style high school diploma and AP courses is assessed differently from a student with A-Levels or the Chinese gaokao.
For students following a US curriculum, universities may look at the high school diploma and grades together with standardized results such as the SAT, ACT or AP exams. The exact combination and minimum results vary by university and course, and competitive courses such as medicine or engineering often set higher requirements and prerequisite subjects, such as advanced mathematics or a laboratory science.
Some students take a foundation program before starting a bachelor’s degree. These one-year programs are run by or with universities and can be an option when a student’s qualification does not meet direct entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
Australian universities ask international applicants to show English proficiency, usually with a test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic. Some universities accept English-medium schooling as evidence instead, under conditions they set. Required scores differ between courses, with teaching, nursing and law often asking for more. Our guide to IELTS and TOEFL for university explains the main tests.
When to Apply: February and July Intakes
The Australian academic year usually starts in February or March, and many universities also offer a mid-year intake in July. Because the Australian year starts early, students graduating from an international school in China in June typically aim for entry the following February or March, or a July intake.
Application deadlines vary by university and course. A sensible plan is to shortlist universities in Grade 11, sit English tests and any SAT or AP exams by early Grade 12, and apply in Grade 12 once predicted or final results are available.
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Talk to admissions →The Student Visa (Subclass 500)
International students need a Student visa (subclass 500). The Australian Government’s Study Australia guide to the Student visa and the Department of Home Affairs set out the main requirements:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): issued by the university once the student accepts an offer, and needed before applying for the visa.
- Genuine Student requirement: applicants must show they are a genuine student and that studying in Australia is the main reason for applying. Home Affairs explains this on its Genuine Student requirement page.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): required for the whole stay in Australia.
- Financial capacity: evidence of enough money for tuition, travel and living costs.
Visa rules change from time to time. From 2 October 2026, new rules apply to who can apply for and be granted a Student visa while in Australia, and to including family members, as set out on the Home Affairs page about changes to Student visa application rules. Families should always check the official pages before applying.
Costs and Scholarships
Tuition for international students varies by university and course, and living costs depend heavily on the city. Many Australian universities offer merit scholarships for international students, usually as a partial reduction of tuition. Our guide to university scholarships for international students explains how to search for them.
Planning Applications to Australia With QISS
The QISS University and College Admissions Counseling Center helps students apply to universities in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, Korea and Japan, preparing balanced college lists and running essay writing workshops. QISS is a member of NACAC and IACAC.
QISS follows a US curriculum with AP courses and is accredited by WASC and CIS. Students can sit the SAT and AP exams on campus at our SAT and AP test center. Students comparing destinations can also read our guides to applying to universities in Japan, Canadian universities and UK universities through UCAS.
To talk about university pathways for your child, you are welcome to visit our campus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian universities accept an American high school diploma?
Many do, alongside results such as the SAT, ACT or AP exams. Each university publishes its own requirements by country and qualification, so check the international entry requirements for your course.
What English score do I need for an Australian university?
It depends on the university and course. Most accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic, and courses like teaching, nursing and law often ask for higher scores.
When does the Australian university year start?
Usually in February or March, and many universities also offer a July intake. Students graduating in June often aim for the following February or March.
What do I need for an Australian student visa?
A Student visa (subclass 500) application needs a Confirmation of Enrolment, evidence that you meet the Genuine Student requirement, Overseas Student Health Cover and proof of funds. Check the Department of Home Affairs pages for the current rules.
What is a foundation program?
A one-year program run by or with a university that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree. It can be an option when a school qualification does not meet direct entry requirements.
