How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia for Bangladeshi Students?

Studying in Australia typically costs a Bangladeshi student between AUD 45,000 and AUD 90,000 per year (approximately BDT 39 lakh to 77 lakh), once tuition, living expenses, visa fees and health cover are combined. The exact figure depends heavily on your city, university and course, with regional campuses and moderate-cost cities sitting well below the higher end of that range.

If you have already read our guide on why Bangladeshi students choose Australia, this is usually the next question, and it is a fair one. Between tuition, living expenses, visa fees and health cover, the total can look daunting at first glance, but it is entirely manageable once you understand what each part covers and where genuine savings exist.

This guide breaks down exactly what you will pay to study in Australia, from tuition and everyday living costs through to the financial requirement for your student visa, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

How Much Are Tuition Fees in Australia?

Tuition fees for international students in Australia vary considerably depending on the institution, course and level of study. As a general rule, specialised programmes such as medicine, engineering and MBAs cost more, while regional universities and campuses outside Sydney and Melbourne tend to charge less.

These are indicative ranges, so always confirm exact fees directly with your shortlisted university, particularly for competitive programmes at Group of Eight institutions, where fees sit at the higher end of these ranges.

What Are Living Costs Like in Major Australian Cities?

Where you choose to study has a significant impact on your overall budget. Sydney and Melbourne offer the widest choice of universities and industries, but also carry the highest rent and day-to-day costs. Cities such as Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and regional campuses generally cost noticeably less, without any drop in course quality or recognition.

• Sydney and Melbourne. Expect higher rent and general living costs, often at the top end of the Department of Home Affairs’ living cost benchmark.
• Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. A more moderate cost of living, while still offering strong universities and job markets.
• Regional campuses. Typically the most affordable option, and some also come with additional migration incentives for graduates.

Whichever city you choose, budget separately for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for the full length of your visa and generally costs between AUD 500 and AUD 700 per year for a single student. This is a cost that is easy to overlook when comparing tuition fees alone.

What Does an Australian Student Visa Cost?

Beyond tuition and living expenses, your Australian student visa (Subclass 500) comes with its own set of costs and requirements. As of 2026, the visa application charge for the main applicant is AUD 2,500, and this fee is non-refundable even if your application is unsuccessful.

You will also need to demonstrate financial evidence of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to your tuition fees and return airfare. This figure is reviewed periodically by the Department of Home Affairs, so it is worth checking the current threshold before you apply.

Can You Work While Studying in Australia?

Yes, and this is one of the most useful ways to manage your budget once you arrive. Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with no cap during official scheduled breaks.

Many students use part-time work to cover day-to-day expenses such as groceries, transport and social activities, though it should not be relied on to meet the visa’s financial requirement, which must be demonstrated in advance through savings, loans or sponsor income.

How Does Australia Compare to Other Study Destinations on Cost?

Overall, Australia sits in the mid-to-upper range compared with other popular destinations. It is generally more expensive than Canada and broadly comparable to the UK once tuition and living costs are combined, though this varies significantly by city and course.

What helps offset this is Australia’s relatively generous part-time work rights during study and strong scholarship availability across most universities, both of which can meaningfully reduce the real cost of your degree.

How Can You Reduce Your Overall Costs?

There are several practical ways to bring your total study costs down without compromising on the quality of your degree.

• Consider a regional campus. Many regional universities charge lower tuition and offer additional visa and migration incentives for graduates.
• Apply early for scholarships. Early-bird and merit-based scholarships can reduce tuition by a meaningful percentage, and deadlines are often much earlier than the course application deadline itself.
• Choose shared accommodation. Purpose-built student accommodation or shared housing is typically far cheaper than living independently, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Time your intake carefully. Off-peak intakes can sometimes offer more availability for scholarships and lower-demand accommodation options.

Find Your Best-Fit Option in Australia

Working out which of these levers make sense for your situation is exactly where a conversation with a specialist counsellor helps.

StudyIn has supported students across Bangladesh with realistic, personalised cost planning, so your budget is based on your actual course, city and intake, rather than general averages.

FAQs

How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?

As of 2026, you need to demonstrate access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to your tuition fees and return airfare.

Is Australia cheaper or more expensive than the UK for Bangladeshi students?

Overall costs are broadly comparable once tuition and living expenses are combined, though this varies by city, course and university, so it is worth comparing specific options rather than relying on national averages.

Do I need to pay for health insurance separately in Australia?

Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the full length of your student visa and typically costs between AUD 500 and AUD 700 per year for a single student.

Can international students work part-time in Australia?

Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with no cap during official scheduled breaks.

Which Australian cities are the most affordable to study in?

Regional cities and campuses, along with cities such as Adelaide and Perth, generally offer lower living costs than Sydney and Melbourne, without any drop in course quality.