February Intake in Australia 2026 for Indian Students

Planning to study in Australia? Australia welcomes more Indian students like you! However, you should note that universities in Australia accept students in three intakes: February Intake (Semester 1), July Intake (Semester 2) and the November Intake (Semester 3).

Among the three intakes, the February intake in Australia is the primary option. It is also considered the largest and most popular intake, as it marks the beginning of the academic year. In February 2025, Australia recorded 166,250 international student arrivals, the highest monthly total on record. This surpassed the previous peak of 142,370 arrivals in February 2024. The total number of international student arrivals for February 2025 was 197,270, according to the Institute of Public Affairs.

The February semester offers maximum UG & PG programmes, scholarships and internship prospects, compared to other Australia intakes. Moreover, the campus life in the February intake is in full swing, with a highly diversified student community and the majority of teaching staff actively working throughout.

This article includes a timeline, universities, programs, and financial aspects for students planning their application for the February intake 2026 in Australia, distinguishing the Australian Feb intake from the July intake and November intake.

What is February Intake in Australia? 

The February intake in Australia is the primary intake among prospective students. February intake is also known as the semester 1 intake, is a major period for commencing studies at Australian universities. It generally starts in February or early March and extends through late May or early June. The application process for the Feb intake of Australia typically begins in August or September of the previous year. During this period, universities receive the most applications in a short span. Moreover, a variety of full-time courses such as diplomas, bachelor's and master's are available in this intake. 

The February intake admission offers a smooth transition for many international students, including those from India. It provides the best financial aid and accommodation options. Australia’s February semester invites students to experience the summer season by exploring beaches, outdoor activities, and festivals. Therefore, 99% Indian students target February intake in Australia.

Australia February Intake Application Timeline 2026 

Many foreign students prefer the February intake as 90% of courses remain available. Early birds would ideally start their application process early between August and October of the previous year to avoid any unforeseen delays in their journey. The detailed February intake application timeline in Australia for cohorts for the year 2026 is given below. Check it out before you start with your application process.

April 2025 and June 2025: Research Universities and Courses

• This is the first and foremost step students take when planning for studying abroad. Students must explore top-tier universities and courses that guarantee good return on investment (ROI).
• Shortlist 8-12 Australian colleges to make strategic application decisions. Make sure the universities align with your interests and have high acceptance rates.
• Familiarize yourself with various bank loan options and college scholarships (public and private) based on affordability and low interest rates.
• Download the admission brochures and go through their offerings and facilities. It will be available more than a year earlier.
• If you're confident with the university you've selected, consider applying through Early Decision. If you're still unsure, you should consider applying through the Regular Decision.

July 2025 - September 2025: Prepare for Standardized Tests and English Language Proficiency Exams

• Register for the GMAT/GRE exam (as per university requirements) by June or three months prior to the test date as it provides sufficient time for preparation.
• Register for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE at least a month before the test date to select your desired test date and time.
• Check the test-taking process, before taking the test. Have a cushion period in case you need to retake the test. Ensure you check the re-exam process and guidelines.
• Prepare for the basics of the GMAT and GRE beforehand.
• Indian students planning to study in Australia must also apply for their APS certificate to speed up the admission process.

September 2025 - November 2025: Submission of Application Forms and Documents

• Fill out the respective application forms of the universities you’re applying for well before the deadline through the university's website or the central application portal Uni-Assist.
• Contact your professors and direct managers for 2 – 3 reference letters.
• Draft your statement of purpose (SOP) and essays, highlighting your strengths and uniqueness. Take a month for structuring and proofreading these documents.
• Submit your updated resume, SOP, letter of recommendations (LOR) and other documents before the deadline, often January 15th for summer semester courses. 

October 2025 - December 2025: Reply to College Emails and Responses

• By mid-October, you will receive emails from universities you've applied for.
• Check your inbox daily.
• Reply to college e-mails as soon as possible to create a positive impression. Do not wait till the last minute.
• Appear for personal (one-on-one) or video interviews. These are scheduled for around January to March 2025.
• It generally takes 4 to 12 weeks to receive a response regarding admission or acceptance from universities.
• Acknowledge the acceptance letter sent by the university to help them gauge engagement.
• Pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission.

November 2025 - December 2025: Settle Your Finances and Apply for a Australia Student Visa

• Apply for education loans to cover your tuition, travel and accommodation expenses.
• Complete the paperwork for your Australia student visa. Check visa requirements well before March 2025.
• Visa slots are expected to open sometime in June or July 2025 for Fall 2025 admissions.
• Apply for the student visa in time. Be aware of the visa processing time.

December 2025 - January 2026: Book Tickets and Prepare for Pre-Departure

• Book airline tickets.
• Arrange for an International Debit/Credit card.
• Look for student housing and accommodation options in Australia.
• Utilize social media and university housing portals to connect with potential roommates. Also, identify various
• on-campus and off-campus housing options.
• Collect all the documents and their photocopies.
• Check out your Pre-Departure checklist!

This timeline aligns with Indian academic schedules and global opportunities.

It's time to check the top universities in Australia, including popular courses, acceptance rates, application deadlines, and more. You’ll find all this essential information in the next section.

Top Universities & Popular Programs for February intake in Australia 2026

In February intake in Australia, almost all top universities fill their seats. Thereby, many Indian students develop a strong preference for this intake. Check out the universities, acceptance rates, popular programs offered and deadlines below to get admitted to this Feb intake of Australia.

Popular Australian Universities Offering February Intake 2025-2026
University Name	QS World University Rankings 2025	Popular Programs	Early Action Deadlines	Regular Action Deadlines	Acceptance rate
University of Melbourne	13	MBA/PGDM  MFA MS  Law  Psychology	October 31	November 30th of the preceding year	70%
University of Sydney	18	Architecture, design and planning Arts and social sciences Business	November 1	January 15	30%
Australian National University	30	Bachelor of Arts  Bachelor of Science  Bachelor of Laws Arts & Humanities Health & Medicine	-	December 15	35%
Monash University	37	Engineering  Computer Science Nursing Master of Business Analytics Pharmacy programs	-	October and December 2024	40%
University of Queensland	=40	Business  Commerce Engineering Criminology Physics  Chemical Engineering  Civil Engineering	-	November 30th of the previous year	40%
University of Western Australia	77	Automation and Robotics  Civil, Mining, and Mechanical Engineering Biomedical Science Pharmacology	November 30	December 23	38%
University of Adelaide	=82	Bachelor of Business  Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)  Bachelor of Medical Studies Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning  Business Analytics Data Science	-	November 1	75%
RMIT University	=123	Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)  Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) Bachelor of Design (Games)	-	February 14	22%
La Trobe University	217	Bachelor of Information Technology  Bachelor of Business  Bachelor of Nursing  Business Analytics  Digital Health  Engineering Management	-	February 14	100%
Griffith University	255	Nursing and Midwifery Hospitality and Tourism Management Business Engineering  Computer Science Law	-	mid-february	50%

Got a solid academic track record? Give yourself a head start—consider Restrictive Early Action to boost your chances for the February intake 2026!

Note: Students thinking about deferring entry should be aware that deferral is not always possible. So, we recommend you check with your course department first.

To apply for the above mentioned universities, check the necessary documents required in the following section.

What are the documents required for February intake in Australia 2026? 

Check out the documents required for February (main intake) intake admission 2025-2026 mentioned below:

1. English Language Proficiency Test Score: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo test scores are required if English is not your first language.
2. Standardized Test Scores: Submit SAT/ACT test scores for freshman and GRE/GMAT test scores for PG and Doctoral programs.
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP is required to showcase your goals and academic interests.
4. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Request 2–3 LORs from professors or managers, at least a month early.
5. Admission Essays: Answer university-specific essays clearly and directly.
6. Updated Resume or CV: Highlight academic background, work experience, and achievements.
7. Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Include Class 10, 12, and graduation transcripts and certificates.
8. Valid Passport: A valid passport is required as proof of identity.
9. Passport-Sized Photographs: You'll need to provide two identical photographs that should be recent and passport-sized.
10. Application Fee Receipt: Proof of fee payment may be required for your application to be processed.
11. Proof of Funds / Bank Statements: Financial proof is required to show your ability to afford tuition and living expenses.
12. Work Experience Certificates (if applicable): You’ll need work experience certificates, especially for MBA or master’s programs that require professional experience.

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to plan your finances smartly for winter intake in Australia. Learn about budgeting, funding options, and managing expenses in the upcoming section.

How to Plan Financially for February Intake in Australia 2026?

Worried about expenses for studying in Australia this February 2026? Plan your finances early with the below simple checklist. So, you can focus on your studies without the financial stress.

1. Estimate Costs & Create Your Budget (Do This Immediately!)

• Calculate all expenses: List tuition, housing (compare on/off-campus), living, food, books, travel, fees and personal spending to estimate your total cost of studying in Australia.
• Research Location Costs: Compare cost of living across cities—choosing a budget-friendly location helps cut expenses. Use student budget calculators for estimates.
• Create Budget: Prioritize essentials (tuition, housing); track your spending; know needs vs. wants.
• Budget for Currency: Keep a buffer for potential INR to Australian Dollars (AUD) fluctuations.

2. Secure Funding

• Apply for Scholarships: Research & apply for university-specific (merit-based included), organizational, and government scholarships/grants in Australia. Check deadlines.
• Explore Loans: Compare government and private bank education loan options (interest rates, terms). Apply early as processing takes time.
• Check Employer Sponsorship: If working, see if your employer offers tuition sponsorship or reimbursement.
• Research Assistantships (Grads): For graduate students, research Teaching or Research Assistantships (TA/RA) which offer stipends/tuition waivers.

3. Plan Earning & Saving in Australia

• On-Campus Jobs: Look for part-time job opportunities available at your university upon arrival.
• Off-Campus Work Opportunities: International students on a valid Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official holidays. Masters by Research and Doctoral students can work unlimited hours anytime.
• Arrange Health Insurance: Ensure you have mandatory provincial or university health insurance arranged for your entire stay.
• Save Money Daily: Buy used books, cook at home, use public transport & avail student discounts.

4. Manage Money Effectively in Australia

• Open an Australian Bank Account: Do this after arrival to manage your finances, pay bills and to avoid foreign transaction fees.
• Use Uni Financial Workshops: Attend university workshops on budgeting and financial management.
• Build Credit Carefully: Pay bills on time. Consider a student credit card later if needed and manageable.

Plan early, be prepared, and manage your money smartly to make your Australia February intake 2026 journey stress-free and successful.

2025 Updates on Australian University Admissions 

• Enrollment Caps: The Australian government has set a cap of 270,000 new international student enrollments for 2025. The opposition Coalition proposes a stricter cap of 240,000, aiming to address housing affordability concerns. 
• Visa Fees: Student visa application fees increased from A$710 to A$1,600 in July 2024. If re-elected, the Labor Party plans to raise fees further to A$2,000. The Coalition suggests even higher fees, ranging from A$2,500 to A$5,000 for top-tier universities.
• Visa Application Requirements: From January 2025, applicants must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) instead of just an offer letter when applying for the Subclass 500 student visa.

Want to study abroad at an Australian University? Connect with our Kanan Study Abroad Counsellors and get personalized guidance. We’ll help you with university admissions, test preparation, and everything in between. Start your application today and take the next big step in your academic journey!

Frequently Asked Questions for February Intake in Australia 2025-2026

1. What are the application deadlines for February intake in Australia?

Australian Feb intake deadlines usually fall between October and November of the previous year. However, deadlines may vary depending on the university and program. It’s advisable for students to check the official university websites and apply early to increase their chances of admission and scholarship consideration.

2. Do Australian universities accept gap year students in February intakes?

Yes, most Australian universities do accept gap year students in all intakes, provided they can justify the gap with valid reasons and supporting documents such as work experience, internships, or skill-building activities. For undergraduate and diploma programs, they typically accept gaps of up to one to two years, and for postgraduate programs, gaps of up to five years are generally considered.

3. What if I miss the deadline for February intake 2026 in Australia?

If you miss the deadline for February intake 2026 in Australia, you can apply for the next intakes, such as July intake and November intake. Some universities may allow late applications with additional fees or limited program options. Contact the university's admissions office for further guidance on your options.

4. Can I switch my intake after receiving an admission offer? 

Yes, many Australian universities allow students to switch their intake after receiving an admission offer, but this depends on the university’s specific policy and the availability of places in the new intake. If you change your intake or program, you will likely need a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required for your student visa. If you've already applied for or received your visa, you may also need to update your visa details. Always contact your university and the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible to ensure your visa remains valid and your enrolment is secure.

5. Can I re-apply to the same college for July 2025 if I get rejected in February Intake?

Yes, you can re-apply to the same college for July 2025 if you get rejected in the February intake. However, it’s important to review the reasons for rejection and address any weaknesses in your application, such as improving your documents or preparing better for interviews.

6. Is it harder to find part-time jobs if I arrive in the February intake in Australia?

Finding part-time jobs in Australia during the February intake is not generally more difficult than in other intakes. In fact, February is the main intake, with most universities offering a wide range of programs, which attracts a large number of international students. While this can mean increased competition, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The demand for part-time workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and tutoring remains consistently strong.

7. Can I get admission to Australian universities with a GPA below 3.0?

Getting admission to Australian universities with a GPA below 3.0 can be challenging, but it is possible. Some universities may have flexible admission policies or consider other factors like work experience, extracurricular activities, personal statements, or strong recommendation letters. You can also explore pathway programs or conditional offers that allow you to improve your GPA during initial semesters.

8. What is the CGPA requirement for University of Melbourne?

Although the University of Melbourne does not specify a minimum GPA for admission, successful candidates generally possess a GPA of 3.6 or higher, with significant emphasis on mathematics and science coursework.

9. Is the University of Sydney a good option for international students?

Yes, the University of Sydney is an excellent option for international students. It offers over 450 courses across 10 areas of study and is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse disciplines, and world-class research. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), it ranks among Australia's top universities. The university also provides extensive support services for international students, including career guidance, student communities, and language support, making it a welcoming and enriching environment to study in.

10. What Australian universities accept February 2026 applications for freshman (first-year) students?

Many top Australian universities offer February intakes for freshman (first-year) international students, allowing them to start their studies early in the academic year. Leading institutions that offer this intake include the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University, Monash University, and the University of Queensland.

11. Which is better, February or July intake?

The February intake is generally considered better due to its wider course availability, more scholarship opportunities, and alignment with the Indian academic calendar. However, the July intake can be ideal for students needing more preparation time or aiming for less competitive admissions. The best choice depends on your academic goals and readiness.

12. How to acquaint yourself with students?

If you're an introvert or nervous talking to others, well, many are in the same boat as you. Some of the best ways to acquaint yourself with students are:

• Strike up a conversation with small talk like, what’s your name, where you’re from, what your major is, etc.
• Join uni’s sporting teams or clubs. You will make friends there for life.
• Do group assignments, labs, chat casually, grab a coffee and debrief on a lecture.
• Try street food and new cuisines with new friends. Don’t hesitate to ask native students for recommendations.
• Be intentional. Don’t waste time on people who aren’t putting in the same effort.

13. How to plan financially for February intake in Australia 2026 as a middle class student?

If you're a middle-class student planning to study in the Australia for the February 2026 intake, here’s how you can prepare financially:

1. Estimate your total expenses. Include tuition fees, accommodation, food, travel, and emergency funds.
2. Apply for scholarships and bursaries. Check those offered by U.S. universities and Indian government programs.
3. Explore education loans. Consider taking a loan from a trusted bank or financial institution to cover upfront costs.
4. Choose budget-friendly housing. Look for shared or affordable accommodation near your campus to lower living expenses.
5. Work part-time. Use the work options allowed under your student visa to earn extra income and gain local experience.