For Indian students planning to study abroad, the Australia February 2026 Intake (also known as Semester 1) is the biggest and most flexible admission window.Most Australian universities open the majority of their programs, from engineering and IT to business and health sciences, during this intake.
According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), over 122,000 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions by 2023, making India one of the largest source countries for higher education in Australia.
The February intake aligns with India’s academic calendar, allowing students completing their degrees in May–June 2025 to start fresh in Australia by early 2026.
Australia’s Academic Calendar at a Glance
Australian universities typically have two major intakes each year:
Intake | Also Known As | Start Period | Best For |
February | Semester 1 | Late Jan – Feb | All major programs, scholarships, and early visa slots |
July | Semester 2 | July – Aug | Fewer programs, ideal for mid-year transfers |
Many institutions also have Trimester 3 (October–November) for limited postgraduate or business programs.
Top Universities Accepting Applications for February 2026 Intake
Here’s a list of leading universities open for the February 2026 intake with wide program availability:
University | Popular Programs | Application Deadline (Approx.) |
University of Sydney | Data Science, Business, Medicine, Law | 1 December 2025 |
Monash University | Engineering, IT, Pharmacy, Finance | Rolling; apply by October 2025 |
University of Melbourne | Arts, Computing, Design, Biomedical Eng. | 31 October 2025 |
UNSW Sydney | Business Analytics, Law, Cybersecurity | November 2025 |
Deakin University | Health Sciences, IT, Sport Management | November 2025 |
Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Indian Students
The basic admission criteria for Indian students applying for the Australia February 2026 Intake generally include:
Academic qualification
- Undergraduate: 12th grade with at least 60–70% aggregate
- Postgraduate: A recognized bachelor’s degree with 55–65%
English language proficiency
- IELTS overall 6.5 (6.0 each band) or equivalent TOEFL / PTE score
SOP & LORs
- A clear Statement of Purpose and academic references
Proof of funds
- To meet Student Visa (Subclass 500) financial requirements
Scholarships for February 2026 Intake
Australia Awards Scholarships (Government-Funded)
- Managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Covers full tuition fees, living allowance, flights, and health insurance.
- Application window for 2026 starts February–April 2025.
- Monash International Merit Scholarship
- Value: Up to AUD 15,000 per year, renewable through the course duration.
- Competitive merit-based selection.
UNSW International Scholarships
- Range from partial to full tuition fee coverage.
- Available for Term 1 (February) starters.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship
- Up to 100% tuition fee waiver for exceptional students.
Step-by-Step Application Process for February 2026 Intake
Step | Description |
1. Shortlist Universities | Identify 3–5 target universities and check eligibility. |
2. Prepare Documents | Collect transcripts, IELTS/PTE scores, SOP, LORs, and passport. |
3. Apply for Admission | Submit university applications online (many close by Nov–Dec 2025). |
4. Receive Offer & Accept | Accept conditional/unconditional offer, pay tuition deposit. |
5. Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Lodge visa via the Department of Home Affairs portal. |
6. Fly to Australia | Orientation begins late January 2026. |
Why Choose the February 2026 Intake?
- Maximum course availability : Engineering, Medicine, Law, Design, and Business open in Semester 1.
- Early visa slots: Less congestion than July intake.
- Scholarship alignment: Most funding rounds (Australia Awards, Monash Merit) close before this intake.
- Best settlement period: Summer arrival allows time to adjust before winter semester exams.
- Peer advantage: Join thousands of Indian students starting together in the main session.
Conclusion
The Australia February 2026 Intake offers Indian students the best chance at top programs, scholarships, and smoother visa timelines.
By starting early (March–April 2025), you can align with government and university scholarship cycles, meet visa conditions, and arrive before classes start in late January 2026.
Plan proactively, research official deadlines, and use verified government resources such as Study in Australia, DFAT, and Department of Home Affairs for accurate updates.
If you’re unsure which universities or scholarships fit your profile, Go2West offers free consultation to help Indian students plan their Australia February 2026 applications, from shortlisting programs to preparing SOPs and visa files.
Also read next:
How Indian Students Can Find Part-Time Jobs Abroad (2026 Guide)
FAQs – Australia February 2026 Intake
Q1. When should I apply for the February 2026 intake?
Start your university applications between June and October 2025 to receive early offers and access scholarships.
Q2. Can I work while studying?
Yes. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks.
3. What are the best scholarships for Indian students?
Australia Awards Scholarships (DFAT), Monash Merit Scholarship, and UNSW International Scholarships are top picks for Feb 2026 intake.
Q4. What documents are needed for admission?
Academic transcripts, passport, SOP, LORs, IELTS/PTE score, and financial evidence.
