Last updated: June 2026. Tuition fees, visa fees, financial evidence requirements, and living costs are subject to change. Always verify the latest figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and your chosen university’s official website before applying.
Australia remains one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, attracting learners from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Alongside globally recognised universities, students benefit from excellent graduate employment opportunities, post-study work options, a high standard of living, and a multicultural environment.
However, understanding the true cost of studying in Australia is essential before making an application. Tuition fees are only one part of the equation. Students must also budget for accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, visa costs, and everyday living expenses.
For most international students, the total annual cost of studying in Australia ranges between AUD $45,000 and AUD $85,000 depending on the university, course, location, and lifestyle choices. This guide explains the full cost of studying in Australia in 2026, including tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs, student visa requirements, part-time earnings, and the scholarships available to help reduce the financial burden.
If you are still considering whether Australia is the right destination, read our guide on why international students choose Australia.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia? Quick Reference
| Key cost |
Typical range (AUD) |
| Undergraduate tuition (per year) |
$25,000 – $50,000 |
| Postgraduate tuition (per year) |
$28,000 – $55,000 |
| Living costs (per year) |
$29,710 – $38,000 |
| Student visa fee (Subclass 500) |
~$1,600 |
| Minimum financial evidence required |
$29,710/year (living costs only) |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
$600 – $3,500+/year |
| Part-time student earnings (20 hrs/week) |
~$1,900 – $2,300/month |
| Total estimated annual cost (tuition + living) |
$54,710 – $93,000 |
Total Annual Cost of Studying in Australia by Study Level
The total cost of studying in Australia depends on your course, university, accommodation choice, and study location. Students in Sydney and Melbourne generally face higher living costs than those in Adelaide, Perth, or regional campuses.
| Study level |
Annual tuition fees |
Average living costs |
Total estimated annual cost |
| Undergraduate degree |
$25,000 – $50,000 |
$29,710 – $38,000 |
$54,710 – $88,000 |
| Postgraduate coursework |
$28,000 – $55,000 |
$29,710 – $38,000 |
$57,710 – $93,000 |
| PhD / Research degree |
$20,000 – $45,000 |
$29,710 – $38,000 |
$49,710 – $83,000 |
Many students reduce these costs through scholarships, shared accommodation, university grants, and part-time work during their studies.
Tuition Fees in Australia by Course and Qualification
Tuition fees vary depending on the university, subject area, and level of study. Professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, and MBA degrees tend to be among the most expensive, while humanities and education programmes are often less costly.
| Qualification |
Typical annual tuition fees (AUD) |
| Bachelor’s degree |
$25,000 – $50,000 |
| Master’s degree |
$28,000 – $55,000 |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) |
$20,000 – $45,000 |
| MBA |
$40,000 – $90,000+ |
| Medicine and dentistry |
$60,000 – $100,000+ |
Students looking for high-ranking institutions should compare the best universities in Australia before making a final decision.
Course Costs by Subject Area
The cost of studying in Australia varies significantly depending on the subject you choose. Professional degrees often carry higher tuition fees, but they may also offer stronger graduate earning potential. The table below shows typical annual tuition fees by field.
| Subject area |
Typical annual tuition fee (AUD) |
Subject guide |
| Business and management |
$30,000 – $55,000 |
Business guide |
| Accounting and finance |
$30,000 – $55,000 |
Finance guide |
| Engineering |
$35,000 – $60,000 |
Engineering guide |
| Computer science and AI |
$35,000 – $55,000 |
CS guide | AI guide |
| Nursing |
$30,000 – $50,000 |
Nursing guide |
| Law |
$35,000 – $60,000 |
Law guide |
| Creative arts and design |
$25,000 – $45,000 |
Creative arts guide |
| MBA |
$40,000 – $90,000+ |
MBA guide |
Student Accommodation Costs in Australia
Accommodation is usually the largest living expense for international students. Costs vary significantly depending on location, property type, and whether students choose shared or private rental arrangements.
| Accommodation type |
Average weekly cost (AUD) |
| Shared rental accommodation |
$150 – $350 |
| Private rental |
$250 – $600+ |
| Purpose-built student accommodation |
$250 – $500 |
| Homestay |
$250 – $450 |
| University residence |
$250 – $600 |
Students studying in Sydney and Melbourne should budget more for accommodation than those in Adelaide, Perth, or regional Australia.
Average Cost of Living by Australian City
Your choice of city can have a major impact on your overall study budget. Sydney and Melbourne typically have the highest housing costs, while Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and regional campuses are often considerably more affordable.
| City |
Estimated annual living cost (AUD) |
Est. monthly cost |
| Sydney |
$30,000 – $40,000 |
$2,500 – $3,300 |
| Melbourne |
$28,000 – $36,000 |
$2,300 – $3,000 |
| Brisbane |
$24,000 – $32,000 |
$2,000 – $2,700 |
| Perth |
$24,000 – $31,000 |
$2,000 – $2,600 |
| Adelaide |
$22,000 – $28,000 |
$1,800 – $2,300 |
| Gold Coast |
$22,000 – $29,000 |
$1,800 – $2,400 |
| Canberra |
$25,000 – $33,000 |
$2,100 – $2,750 |
Monthly Living Expenses in Australia
Aside from tuition and accommodation, students should budget for food, transport, utilities, mobile phone plans, entertainment, and personal expenses.
| Expense |
Typical monthly cost (AUD) |
| Accommodation |
$900 – $2,500 |
| Food and groceries |
$300 – $800 |
| Public transport |
$80 – $220 |
| Utilities and internet |
$100 – $250 |
| Mobile phone |
$20 – $80 |
| Personal and social expenses |
$150 – $500 |
Most students spend between AUD $2,500 and AUD $3,500 per month depending on their lifestyle and location.
Australian Student Visa Costs and Financial Requirements
International students planning to study in Australia must apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa. The visa application fee and financial evidence requirements are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and are reviewed periodically.
| Requirement |
Typical cost (AUD) |
Notes |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) |
~$1,600 |
Subject to annual revision — verify at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Minimum living cost evidence |
$29,710/year |
Living expenses only — tuition and travel costs additional |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
$600 – $3,500+ |
Mandatory; must cover entire stay from arrival date |
| Flights and pre-arrival costs |
$1,500 – $5,000+ |
Varies significantly by country of origin |
For a full walkthrough of the visa application process, conditions, and the Genuine Student statement requirement, see the Australia student visa roadmap. Students should also review the full requirements to study in Australia before submitting a university application.
Can International Students Work While Studying in Australia?
Yes. International students studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 Student Visa can work while completing their degree, helping to offset a significant portion of their living expenses.
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, making part-time work a practical and widely used option for international students. Many find employment in hospitality, retail, customer service, administration, logistics, healthcare support, and university-based roles.
The exact hours students can work are subject to current visa conditions. Always check the latest Australian Government guidance before accepting employment.
How Much Can Students Earn in Australia?
As of 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage exceeds AUD $24 per hour. Casual and weekend roles often pay higher rates due to penalty rates and shift allowances.
| Hours worked per week |
Estimated monthly earnings (AUD) |
What it can offset |
| 10 hours per week |
$1,000 – $1,300 |
Food, transport, and mobile costs |
| 15 hours per week |
$1,400 – $1,700 |
Food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses |
| 20 hours per week |
$1,900 – $2,300 |
Most living costs in an affordable city |
| Full-time during holidays |
$3,500+ |
Significant contribution to savings or next semester costs |
While part-time work is unlikely to cover tuition fees, it can significantly reduce accommodation, transport, food, and day-to-day living costs for most students.
Scholarships and Funding Options for International Students
If the total cost of studying in Australia feels significant, scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden. Australian universities, government agencies, and private organisations offer a wide range of scholarships for international students — covering partial tuition fees, full tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, or research funding.
Popular funding options include:
- Australia Awards Scholarships — fully funded government scholarships covering tuition, flights, and living costs for students from eligible partner countries
- Destination Australia Scholarships — up to AUD $15,000/year for international students studying at regional campuses
- University merit scholarships — available at most institutions for high-achieving international applicants; typically 20–50% tuition reduction
- Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships — full tuition waiver and living stipend for eligible PhD candidates
- Faculty and subject-specific bursaries — targeted awards in engineering, nursing, business, and other high-demand fields
- Country-specific funding schemes — some source countries have bilateral or government-backed loan and scholarship programmes
Students should begin researching scholarships well before submitting their university application, as many awards have separate and earlier deadlines. Explore our complete guide to scholarships for international students in Australia.
Is Studying in Australia Worth the Cost?
For many students, the question is not simply “How much does it cost to study in Australia?” but “Will the investment pay off?” Australia consistently performs well for graduate employability, salary outcomes, and post-study work opportunities — particularly in engineering, healthcare, information technology, finance, and law.
| Field |
Est. total degree cost (AUD) |
Typical starting salary (AUD) |
Employment rate |
| Engineering |
$140,000 – $220,000 |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
~88% |
| Nursing |
$90,000 – $150,000 |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
~92% |
| Computer science / IT |
$120,000 – $200,000 |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
~87% |
| Business |
$100,000 – $180,000 |
$70,000 – $95,000 |
~84% |
| Finance / Accounting |
$100,000 – $180,000 |
$72,000 – $90,000 |
~86% |
| Law |
$140,000 – $250,000 |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
~82% |
Salary and employment data sourced from QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey. Total degree cost estimates include tuition and living costs across the standard degree duration.
Australia’s strong labour market means many graduates in skills shortage fields recover their educational investment relatively quickly compared with other study destinations. Students interested in career outcomes should also explore the highest-paying jobs in Australia for international graduates.
Post-Study Work and PR Opportunities in Australia
One of Australia’s major advantages over other study destinations is the opportunity to gain professional experience after graduation through the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This allows eligible graduates to remain in Australia and work full-time after completing their degree.
The length of post-study work rights varies depending on the qualification completed and study location:
- Bachelor’s, honours, or master’s degree graduates: 2 years (or up to 5 years for study in a regional area)
- Doctoral graduates: 4 years (or up to 6 years for regional study)
This additional work experience can significantly improve long-term earning potential and strengthen applications for skilled migration pathways. Many international graduates in high-demand occupations — including nursing, engineering, IT, and accounting — go on to apply for permanent residency through Australia’s General Skilled Migration programme.
Learn more about the Australian PR process for international students.
A Note for Indian Students on Funding and Costs
Indian students represent one of Australia’s largest international student cohorts, and there are a few financial considerations specific to Indian applicants worth noting alongside the general cost guidance above.
- Education loans: Indian students commonly fund Australian study through education loans from nationalised banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India), private banks (HDFC Credila, Axis Bank), and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) such as Avanse and InCred. Loan amounts of INR 20–75 lakh are typical for Australian undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and most lenders accept an unconditional university offer letter as the primary documentation to begin the process.
- Currency context: At current exchange rates, AUD $1 is approximately INR 55–58, meaning a total annual cost of AUD $60,000 is broadly equivalent to INR 33–35 lakh. Students should factor in exchange rate fluctuation when planning multi-year budgets, and consider converting a semester’s costs in advance when rates are favourable.
- India-specific scholarships: In addition to the general Australian scholarships listed above, Indian students may be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarship (applications typically close in April each year for Indian nationals), the HDFC Credila scholarship for meritorious students, and various state government international study grants. Check with your home state’s education department for any active bilateral schemes.
Planning Your Australian Study Budget: Where to Start
The cost of studying in Australia is significant, but so are the opportunities. International students gain access to world-class universities, globally recognised qualifications, strong graduate employment outcomes, post-study work opportunities, and a high quality of life. For most students, the key is planning ahead.
By combining scholarships, part-time work, careful city selection, and the right course choice, studying in Australia can be a realistic and worthwhile long-term investment.
Our advisers can help you compare universities, identify scholarship opportunities, understand visa requirements, and choose a course that aligns with your academic goals and career ambitions.
FAQs
How much does it cost to study in Australia as an international student?
The total cost of studying in Australia typically ranges between AUD $55,000 and AUD $90,000 per year when tuition fees and living expenses are combined. The exact amount depends on your university, course, accommodation choice, and location. Students studying medicine, dentistry, law, or MBA programmes often face higher tuition fees than those studying humanities or social sciences. Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and regional campuses are generally the most affordable options for living costs.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
As of 2026, international students are required to demonstrate access to at least AUD $29,710 per year for living expenses when applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This figure covers living costs only — you will also need to demonstrate funds to cover your tuition fees, travel costs, and any accompanying family members. Verify the current requirement at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying, as this figure is subject to periodic review.
What is the Australian student visa fee?
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee is approximately AUD $1,600 as of 2026. Students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory, and any pre-departure costs including biometric appointments, health examinations, and police clearance certificates.
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Yes. International students can work while studying in Australia, subject to the conditions of their Subclass 500 visa. Many students take part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, customer service, administration, and healthcare support to help cover living expenses. With a minimum wage exceeding AUD $24 per hour, part-time work is a meaningful way to reduce day-to-day costs.
How much can international students earn in Australia?
Earnings depend on the role, location, and hours worked. At 20 hours per week — a typical student workload — most students earn between AUD $1,900 and AUD $2,300 per month. During semester breaks, students working full-time can earn AUD $3,500 or more per month. Always check the current visa conditions regarding working hours before accepting employment.
Which Australian city is the cheapest for international students?
Adelaide and the Gold Coast are generally the most affordable cities for international students in Australia, with estimated annual living costs of AUD $22,000–$29,000. Regional campuses can be even more affordable and may also unlock additional post-study work rights under the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Is Sydney more expensive than Melbourne for students?
In most cases, yes. Sydney typically has higher rental prices and overall living costs than Melbourne. However, both cities offer excellent universities, strong graduate employment markets, and extensive student support services. Students on a tighter budget may find Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth a better balance of affordability and opportunity.
Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Yes. International students can apply for scholarships from universities, government bodies, and private organisations. These may cover partial or full tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses. Key awards include the Australia Awards Scholarships (fully funded), Destination Australia Scholarships (up to AUD $15,000/year for regional study), and a wide range of university merit scholarships. Learn more about scholarships in Australia for international students.
Which courses offer the best return on investment in Australia?
Courses in nursing, engineering, computer science, AI, finance, and accounting consistently offer the strongest combination of graduate employment rates (82–92%), high starting salaries (AUD $70,000–$95,000+), and access to skilled migration pathways after graduation. Students should weigh both the tuition cost and the long-term career outcome when choosing a degree.
Is studying in Australia worth the cost?
For most students in the right field, yes. Australia offers globally recognised qualifications, high graduate employability, competitive starting salaries, and post-study work rights of 2–6 years depending on your degree level and study location. The return on investment is strongest for students in skills shortage fields — nursing, engineering, IT, and accounting — where graduates qualify for priority skilled migration processing and strong employment rates within four months of graduating.
Can studying in Australia lead to permanent residency?
Studying in Australia does not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, graduates in occupations on Australia’s Skills in Demand list may have pathways available through the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), employer sponsorship, and the General Skilled Migration programme. Read more about the Australian PR process for international students.
How does Australia compare with the UK, Canada, and the USA for study costs?
Australia is broadly comparable to the UK and Canada in total study costs. It is generally less expensive than many private universities in the United States. Where Australia distinguishes itself is in post-study work rights (2–6 years vs 2 years in the UK), graduate salary levels (higher than Canada on average), and the clarity of its skilled migration pathways — all of which strengthen the long-term return on the educational investment.
