Question 1

What is CRICOS?

Accepted Answer

CRICOS stands for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Only CRICOS-registered providers are legally permitted to enrol international students in Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy lists all 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses from the April 2026 register.

Question 2

What student visa do I need to study in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most international students require a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must be enrolled at a CRICOS-registered institution and hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and must meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. For visa applications, always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.

Question 3

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Tuition fees vary widely by course level and institution. Bachelor degrees typically range from AUD 20,000–45,000 per year. Diplomas and VET courses range from AUD 5,000–25,000. The Department of Home Affairs currently cites living costs of AUD 29,710 per year for the primary Student visa applicant — always verify the latest figure on the Home Affairs website. Always confirm current fees directly with your chosen institution, as fees shown in CRICOS are indicative only.

Question 4

Is HeadStart Academy a migration agent?

Accepted Answer

No. HeadStart Academy is a free information resource — not a registered migration agent. We do not provide immigration advice or visa application services. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Study Locations in Australia

New South Wales 4

Victoria 4

Queensland 6

South Australia 1

Western Australia 1

Tasmania 2

Australian Capital Territory 1

Northern Territory 1