Study in Australia from Lesotho in 2023
The vibrant, welcoming life and seasonal climate makes Australia the perfect destination for students from all over the world including from Lesotho.
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for International Students worldwide. Australia is a great place to study.
As a student from Lesotho you will feel at home as Australia is home to many students from Lesotho.
Study in Australia from Lesotho
Why is Australia so popular with Basotho Students?
Here are 6 reasons why:
1 – A Great Lifestyle
Australians are known for their relaxed lifestyles and many of Australia’s major universities are located in remote areas, offering many hiking trails, parks, beaches and other outdoor activities. Australian students approach their free time with a sense of pride, as they undoubtedly take their education very seriously.
The naturally beautiful nation of New Zealand is also just a short flight away and a social paradise. If you can rely on it to be a safe environment where you can move to a safer environment, you can count on a good education, good food and great people.
2 – Excellent Academic reputation
Australian universities have built up an outstanding academic reputation over the years and are highly regarded worldwide.
The Australian education system is a combination of practical and independent learning, with extensive experience. Students have the freedom to improvise and experiment with their own projects and to cultivate them as independent learners.
3 – Australia offers Student visas for University as well as College and shorter Technical Courses
If you want to enroll in Australia and attend basic education courses, you can go to Australia to attend one of the many Australian colleges.
4 – The Cost is Less
The Cost of Australian Study is less than the UK and the US while being excellent quality.
5 – Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship of Australia
Studying and working in Australia offers citizens of Lesotho the opportunity to achieve more points towards their application to live in Australia on a permanent basis.
Australia realizes that people who have committed to study in Australia and have lived in Australia are well positioned to decide if they want to stay longer term and make great candidates for Permanent Residency – thus Australia grants extra immigration points to these candidates.
6 – Easier Student Visa Requirements
Compared to the UK and the US, which have much stricter requirements, Australia is much friendlier to international students from all over the world and indeed very welcoming to students from Lesotho.
International students can stay in Australia for up to two years depending on their qualifications. This means that you have the opportunity to add international training and experience to your CV.
Australia also has one of the largest populations of Lesotho citizens outside of Lesotho so you will find friends from home and Australia alike, even if you’re thousands of miles from home.
The Australian Academic Application Deadlines
The academic year in Australia starts in early March and lasts until November. Most universities have two semesters per year, but some universities have three semesters.
How long does a University degree take to complete in Australia?
The majority of undergraduate courses in Australia usually last three years, but if you choose an honorary doctorate, you will need an extra year.
Types of Degrees Available in Australia for students from (C1)
Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor’s Degree – Usually 3 years
- Bachelor’s Degree (with Honors) Usually 4 years
- Double Degree (Usually 4-5 years and you graduate with 2 full Bachelors Degrees)
Postgraduate Degrees
- Masters Degree – Usually 18mths – 2 years
- PHD – Usually 3-4 years
Australia’s Best Universities
List of All Australian Universities
Australia has an extensive list of very good Universities. There are 8 Universities in particular which are world renowned and appear each year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Lists, which ranks the world’s best Universities against each other.
These Universities call themselves the Group of 8. Here is a list of some of our top universities for those institutions that belong to the elite Group of Eight.
Australia’s Top 8 Universities
| University | THE Ranking | ||
| The University of Melbourne | #33 | ||
| The Australian National University | #52 | ||
| The University of Sydney | #56 | ||
| The University of Queensland | #60 | ||
| Monash University | #73 | ||
| University of New South Wales | #82 | ||
| The University of Western Australia | #109 | ||
| The University of Adelaide | #149 |
Requirements to study in Australia from Lesotho
The academic requirements you will need to study in Australia vary depending on the course you choose and the university you are applying to.
Different access requirements are taken into account by different institutions, so you should check the course information carefully. For potential students wishing to study in Australia, a number of requirements must be met.
As English is the language of instruction and examination throughout Australia, sufficient English is a minimum academic requirement.
What Does it Cost to study in Australia from Lesotho?
Tuition fees:
| Qualification Level | Estimated Fee Per Year (AUD) | |
| Bachelor’s Degree | AUD15,000 to AUD33,000 | |
| Master’s Degree | AUD20,000 to AUD37,000 | |
| Doctoral Degree | AUD14,000 to AUD37,000 |
Living Costs in Australia for a student from Lesotho
There are 2 main costs of living for international students from Lesotho
1 – Accommodation
The 2 main types of Accommodation available:
Campus accommodation
The cost of these types of accommodation range from $140 – $350 AUD per week.
Benefits are that they include food (so you don’t have to do any cooking) and they organise social functions.
Private rentals
The cost can vary between $200 and $450 per week (depending on how many other students you are sharing with and where you are located).
Benefits are that it is cheaper to book this accommodation directly, and you can choose your own food.
2 – Living Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, there are a number of other expenses incurred during university life.
This what you might expect to spend on living expenses each week:
| Item | Estimated Costs Per Week (AUD) |
| Groceries and dining out | AUD80 to AUD280 per week |
| Gas and electricity | AUD35 to AUD140 per week |
| Phone and internet | AUD20 to AUD55 per week |
| Public transport | AUD15 to AUD55 per week |
| Misc. personal expenses | AUD80 to AUD150 per week |
The Australian Government will require you to show you have funding available to be able to support yourself. The Government has deemed this amount to be around $19 000 AUD per year.
Can I work in Australia while I am Studying?
You are able to work up to 20 hours per week during semester, and more hours during semester breaks.
You are not allowed to work full time during semester periods. If you are caught doing so you might lose your student visa. This rule is very strict. 20 hours is the maximum.
How to Study in Australia from Lesotho
a – Choose your course
Many students already know the field they would like to study. It is important to remember that not all Universities or colleges offer all courses. You need to find the course you would like to study and you will need to know the level you would like to study at, eg diploma, undergraduate degree, Masters, PHD etc.
b – Choose your University
Find out which courses are offered at your university and compile a shortlist of your preferred university. Not all courses at every university will be the same, so it is important to remember that no matter which subject you choose, you will always remember which university is best for your subject.
c – Apply to your chosen University
Some universities charge an application fee, others are free to apply, but you need to understand the application process and look up the university website. There is no centralized application process in Australia, each University or college handles their own admissions process.
d – Accept the offer from the University
If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of offer from the university. If it is an unconditional offer, this means that you have already fulfilled all the requirements and can accept the offer immediately. However, if it is a conditional offer, it means that you will be granted a place to study if you meet all the conditions set out in the letter.
e – Receive your CofE Confirmation of Enrolment
Once you have accepted the offer, you will receive confirmation of your registration (CofE). This document is a prerequisite for applying for a student visa. You must wait for your CoE to arrive before you submit your visa application.
f – Apply for your Australian Student Visa
Requirements to study in Australia from Lesotho
The key requirements that you need to meet to study in Australia from Lesotho
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) certificate from an Australian university
- Proof that you are a genuine student intending to stay temporarily in Australia (This will be a Statement of Purpose document)
- English language proficiency
- Proof of sufficient funds for airfares, course fees and living expenses
- Health and character requirements
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (an insurance)
g – Finished
Now you can book your tickets and make your plans for arriving in Australia.
When to Apply to study in Australia from Lesotho
There are dates you need to know to time your application correctly.
Australian Universities have 2 intakes per year.
- Intake 1 – starts in late February – to be considered for this intake you must have your application submitted by Mid December
- Intake 2 – Starts in July – to be considered for this intake you must have your application submitted by Mid May
What are your options Once you are finished your Course of Study in Australia?
1. A working holiday visa
A working holiday visa might be just the thing for you when you finish your degree. The visa allows you to travel and work around Australia as you please for a full year. It is a simple and easily available option to extend your time in Australia if you don’t wish to be tied to a particular employer and want to have the freedom to travel and work through the country.
2. A Temporary Graduate Visa
A Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) makes it possible for international students who studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years to remain in the country for up to 4 years.
This visa is to encourage students who have studied in Australia to remain and work. This is a valuable opportunity to gain further experience as well as points towards a permanent residency application to Australia if you wish. Post graduation work experience will be valuable upon return to Lesotho as it will give you experience others in the jobs market may not have.
3. A Skilled Immigration Visa
If you have the right skills in a specific area that is in demand, you can try applying for a working visa that will allow you to live and work in the country.
Australia has different work visas with different requirements. Some may require employer sponsorship, some are based on a points system, and some have a maximum visa duration. It’s important to check through the details to see if you qualify.
Australia runs a skilled migration program with 400 occupations determined to be in need within the country. Citizens of Lesotho are encouraged to apply. Having studied and or worked in Australia gives you more points in the program and increases your chances of gaining a visa.
4. Return home to Lesotho
If you plan on returning home, there is nothing extra to do other than to ensure you have left Australia before your student visa expires. Then travel home and catch up with your family and friends.
