Studying in Australia or New Zealand: visa and work
Universities, admission, student visa, the genuine student requirement, proof of funds, health insurance, working during your studies and post-study visas.
By Worldwide Studies team, Worldwide Studies teamPublished 4 min read
Well-ranked universities, an exceptional quality of life, the right to work during your studies and post-study visas: Australia and New Zealand are dream destinations. They are also distant and expensive, with visa rules that have recently become stricter. Here is what you need to know to study in Australia or New Zealand from Tunisia.
Why Australia or New Zealand?
Universities recognised worldwide.
Teaching in English and a practical approach.
Work permitted during studies, within set limits.
Post-study visas to gain professional experience.
Quality of life, safety and nature.
Australia
The universities
The Group of Eight universities (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, Queensland, UNSW, Monash, UWA, Adelaide) are the most prestigious, but many others offer excellent programmes, often with lower fees and in more affordable cities. There are also vocational education and training institutions (VET).
The Tunisian bac often gives access to a Foundation Program before the bachelor's; some universities accept it directly with very good grades. For a master's, the Tunisian bachelor's degree is assessed case by case.
The English test
IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic, with a score set by the institution and a minimum required for the visa. See IELTS in Tunisia.
The student visa
After admission, the institution issues you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You then apply for the student visa online. The authorities check in particular:
that you are a genuine student, with a coherent and well-explained project;
your financial capacity: tuition fees, living costs (a minimum annual amount set by the government and revised regularly), travel;
your mandatory student health insurance;
your English level;
your health and your criminal record.
The Australian authorities have tightened the requirements in recent years (higher funds threshold, stricter checks): a carefully prepared file is essential.
Working during and after your studies
During your studies: work limited to a number of hours per fortnight during term, with no limit during official holidays.
After your studies: the Temporary Graduate visa allows you to stay and work for a period that depends on the level of your degree, subject to age and English requirements.
Budget
Tuition fees: roughly 20,000 to more than 50,000 Australian dollars per year depending on the university and programme (medicine is much more expensive).
Daily life: expensive, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Adelaide, Perth or Brisbane are a little more affordable.
New Zealand
The universities
Eight public universities (Auckland, Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, Massey, Waikato, Lincoln, AUT), all recognised, as well as institutes of technology.
The student visa
With the offer of place and proof of payment of fees, you apply for the student visa online, with proof of funds, insurance and health documents.
Working
During your studies: part-time work during term for most students on an eligible programme, full-time during holidays.
After your studies: a post-study work visa, whose duration depends on the level and length of your studies.
Budget
Tuition fees slightly lower than in Australia for some programmes; high cost of living in Auckland and Wellington, more moderate elsewhere.
Australia or New Zealand?
| Criterion | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Number of universities | Wide choice | 8 public universities |
| Fees | High | High, sometimes a little lower |
| Lifestyle | Large cities | Smaller cities, nature |
| After graduation | Temporary Graduate visa | Post-study work visa |
Points of caution
Distance: expensive tickets and long journeys.
A significant time difference with your family.
Budget: allow a margin for housing and unexpected expenses.
Changing immigration rules: check them when preparing your file.
Typical timeline
The Australian academic year starts in February-March (with a second intake in July), and New Zealand's also at the beginning of the year. For a February intake:
March – June of the previous year: choice of universities, English test.
June – September: applications, offer of admission.
September – November: acceptance of the offer, payment, receipt of the Confirmation of Enrolment, visa application.
December – January: housing, insurance, departure.
This offset calendar is an advantage for a Tunisian bac holder: you get your bac in June and have a few months to finalise your file.
How to show that you are a "genuine student"
The visa file must convincingly show:
the consistency between your past studies, the chosen programme and your career plan;
the value of this programme for your career, in Tunisia or elsewhere;
your situation in Tunisia (family, studies, prospects);
your knowledge of the programme, the institution and living conditions.
Answer in a personal and precise way. Generic or copied answers are spotted and increase the risk of refusal.
Documents to prepare
valid passport;
Confirmation of Enrolment;
translated transcripts and diplomas;
English certificate;
detailed financial evidence (bank statements, parents' income, source of funds);
student health insurance;
medical certificate if requested;
criminal record extract.
Reducing your budget
Choose a medium-sized city (Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra or regional cities), where housing is more affordable and where some post-study visas may be longer. Also compare universities outside the Group of Eight, which are often cheaper and very well equipped.
Our support
Worldwide Studies helps you choose the institution and programme, prepare for the IELTS or PTE, put together a solid visa file (study plan, proof of funds) and prepare for your move. If your budget is limited, compare with Malaysia, where Australian universities have campuses.
👉 The amounts required for the visa change regularly: talk to an advisor for an Australia or New Zealand plan tailored to your budget.