Overseas Students (On-Shore Study or via Distance Education)

Study in Australia

Enquiries are welcome from international students seeking on-shore studies in Australia at St Andrew’s (Sydney) that would require compliance with Australian government student visa requirements. Please contact the Registrar for more information.

International students are those students who chose to undertake their tertiary education in a country other than their own and move to that country for the purpose of studying. In Australia you are considered to be an international student if:

  • you are not an Australian citizen
  • you are not an Australian permanent resident
  • you are not a New Zealand citizen, or
  • you are not a holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa

St Andrew's and the Australian University College of Divinity (AUCD) do not use agents to recruit and/or administer international students. Students must make a direct enquiry to St Andrew's. We advise that you enquire 5-6 months ahead of the new academic year (see 'Important Dates') to ensure that you have sufficient time to explore your options, receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, apply for your visa, and make arrangements to live and study in Australia.

For information on becoming an international student at St Andrew's, please see the AUCD International Students information page [here], and browse through the Study Australia website [here].

Off-Shore Study (via distance education)

Off-shore study through St Andrew’s is also open to students residing outside Australia by means of distance education (online mode including real-time video conferencing). The following courses are available:

  • Diploma of Christian Studies (undergraduate - 8 units, 1 year full-time [part-time option available], equivalent to the first year of the Bachelor of Theology)
  • Bachelor of Theology (undergraduate - 24 units, 3 years full-time [part-time option available])
  • Master of Theology (postgraduate - 12 units, 2-3 years part-time [full-time option not available]; available to students who have completed a Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity or equivalent degree)

Applicants who hold a bachelor degree from a recognised university or tertiary college in any field other than theology, ministry or divinity studies, may commence theological studies at a graduate level by means of the following courses:

Off-shore students are strongly encouraged and welcome to attend the on-campus orientation program in Sydney. In this regard, only a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) would normally be required for entry into Australia. Please seek professional advice from a registered travel agent in your home country.

The cost of travelling to the College is not included in the course tuition fees. Students are required to make their own travel arrangements.

Refreshments are provided on campus at no additional cost and in keeping with the feasting and fasting periods of the Church.

St Andrew’s is not able to provide accommodation during the residential school period. Students are advised of nearby accommodation options which include:

For more accommodation options, visit http://www.hotel.com.au/sagotc.htm.

BEFORE YOU APPLY, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

  • Contact the Registrar to discuss your interest in theological studies, or to request a call back via telephone or Zoom
  • Submit an autobiographical statement (750-1000 words) which introduces you to the College and also outlines the reason(s) why you wish to undertake theological education. Please refer to GUIDELINES FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENTS (PDF)
  • Collate any relevant academic transcripts and official identification documents early.
  • Allow enough time for important supporting documentation to arrive by mail (if applicable).
APPLICATION CLOSING DATES FOR ENTRY IN FEBRUARY 2026:
 

Application Closing Date for Study in Australia (on student visa): 31 October 2025 (applications open 1 August 2025)

Application Closing Date for Off-Shore Study via Distance Education: 5 December 2025 (applications open 1 September 2025)

Applications for admission to St Andrew's for 2026 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Admissions Committee will consider applications during these periods and inform applicants of its decision within 14-21 days.

The application process is normally paper-based whereby applicants submit their materials via postal mail service. However, applicants may also lodge their application form and supporting materials via email and good quality pdf scans and jpeg attachments.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need to provide:

  • APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION FORM (PDF) [except audit students]
  • Proof of Citizenship (e.g. certified copy of birth certificate or current passport)
  • A certified copy of your Driver Licence
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts [except audit students] or ask your university or tertiary institution to provide an official digital version of transcript(s) and academic document(s) (e.g. My eQuals)
  • A digital photograph of passport size and quality, taken not more than 3 months prior, submitted as a jpeg file.
  • An autobiographical statement (as cited above)
  • IELTS or TOEFL documents or other evidence of equivalent English Language proficiency (if previous academic training was undertaken in a language other than English).
  • An entrance test (e.g. short assignment, online quiz) may be required for students seeking admission into undergraduate courses under Mature Age or Special Entry provisions
  • A reference letter from your local bishop or parish priest may be requested, depending on the applicant's circumstances. 

Successful applicants will receive written confirmation and other relevant information. All students should nurture a good reading knowledge of the Bible through conscientious daily scripture reading.

Courses

How to Apply

Useful links

Subscribe to our Blog!


Subscribe to our blog written by our Faculty and learn more about your Orthodox Christian faith

Subscribe here