Cost of Studying in Australia
Understanding the cost of studying in Australia is an important part of planning your education.
As an international student, you need to budget for:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Visa expenses
This guide explains tuition fees, living costs, housing options, and scholarships in simple and practical terms.
Tuition Fees in Australia
Tuition fees depend on:
- Level of study
- University or institution
- Course type
- Field of study
Below are general annual tuition fee ranges for international students.
Bachelor’s Degree
AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per year
Professional programs such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, or Dentistry may cost more.
Master’s Degree
AUD 22,000 to 50,000 per year
MBA and specialised professional programs may be higher.
Doctoral Degree PhD
AUD 20,000 to 42,000 per year
Many PhD students receive research scholarships that reduce or fully cover tuition.
VET Courses
AUD 12,000 to 40,000 per year
These include certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas.
Living Costs in Australia
The Australian Government requires student visa applicants to show a minimum financial capacity.
As of 2025, students must demonstrate access to:
AUD 29,710 per year for living costs.
This is a minimum requirement. Your actual expenses may be higher depending on the city and lifestyle.
Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown
Typical monthly expenses may include:
Accommodation
-
Shared rental: AUD 600 to 1,200
-
Private rental: AUD 1,200 to 2,500
-
On campus accommodation: AUD 800 to 2,000
Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive than Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart.
Food and Groceries
AUD 520 to 780 per month
Cooking at home reduces expenses significantly.
Utilities and Internet
AUD 150 to 250 per month
Some student accommodations include utilities in rent.
Transport
AUD 90 to 220 per month
Students are usually eligible for discounted public transport in many states.
Books and Study Materials
AUD 500 to 1,000 per year
Many universities provide digital resources to reduce costs.
Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC
All international students must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover.
OSHC covers:
- Doctor visits
- Some hospital treatments
- Ambulance services
- Limited prescription medication
OSHC does not usually cover dental or optical treatment.
The cost of OSHC depends on:
- Duration of visa
- Single or family coverage
You must have OSHC before applying for your Student visa subclass 500.
Scholarships for International Students in Australia
Studying in Australia is an investment, but scholarships can reduce financial pressure.
University Scholarships
Most Australian universities offer:
- Merit based scholarships
- International student scholarships
- Course specific scholarships
- Early acceptance scholarships
These may cover:
- Partial tuition fee reduction
- Full tuition waiver
- Living allowance in some cases
Always check the official university website.
Government Scholarships
The Australian Government offers scholarships such as:
- Australia Awards
- Research Training Program RTP for postgraduate research
Government scholarships are competitive and usually require strong academic performance.
Can International Students Get Loans?
International students cannot access the Australian Government HELP loan scheme.
However, students may:
- Apply for private education loans in their home country
- Apply for bank loans in Australia if eligible
- Receive sponsorship from family or employers
Loan approval depends on visa status, financial history, and income.
How Much Money Do You Really Need?
For most students, the estimated annual cost may include:
- Tuition: AUD 20,000 to 45,000
- Living costs: Minimum AUD 29,710
- OSHC: Varies
- Visa fees: From AUD 2,000
Total estimated budget per year:
Approximately AUD 45,000 to 75,000 depending on program and city.
Planning early makes the process smoother.
Ways to Reduce Study Costs
You can manage expenses by:
- Choosing regional universities
- Sharing accommodation
- Working part time within visa limits
- Applying for scholarships early
- Using student discounts
Budgeting is key to a successful study experience in Australia.
Next Step
Understanding tuition and living costs helps you prepare financially.
In the next guide, we explain working while studying in Australia and post study work visa options in detail.