Cost of Study in Australia

Guide to Study Cost of International Students in Australia

Australia can certainly be considered one of the most exceptional destinations for international students. The country has 7 eminent institutions ranking among the QS World University Rankings 2023 in the top 100. The Group of Eight (Go8), consisting of leading research-intensive Australian universities, has led the country to rank higher on the list of countries offering remarkable education.

The global reputation, spectacular education system, marvelous cities, impressive technologies, stable economy, and outstanding lifestyle make the country a much sought-after education destination for students around the world.  

Now, Australia being a developed country, the cost of pursuing higher studies is relatively much higher than in most countries globally. So, before you consider Australia as your study destination, it is crucial to know all the costs. These crucial aspects can then enable you to plan and align your monetary budget remarkably.

To help you kick off your study abroad journey in Australia, this post covers all you need to know about the total expenditures to pursue higher studies in the country. Read on for a complete breakdown of each and every cost you will incur in detail –

What are the Tuition Fees in Australia?

Tuition fees are perhaps one of the most significant factors you need to keep in mind when considering the cost of pursuing higher studies in Australia. The tuition fees will hugely vary based on the university and the course chosen.

It is also crucial to note that most of the tuition fees in Australia require being paid on a yearly basis. Here's a brief overview of the tuition fees for studying in Australia –

Undergraduate Programs

The cost of undergraduate programs or Bachelor’s degrees in Australia ranges from 20,000-45,000 AUD every year. Let's take a look at a brief overview of the costs (per annum) of various fields of study at three eminent universities in Adelaide, Australia –

Note – The tuition costs for undergraduate programs quoted above are before any scholarships or bursaries are applied.

Postgraduate Programs

The tuition fees of postgraduate programs range from AUD22 000-50,000 per year. Here's an overview of the tuition fees (per annum) of various postgraduate programs at three eminent universities in Adelaide –

Note – The tuition costs for undergraduate programs quoted above are before any scholarships or bursaries are applied.

Professional Courses

Vocational training courses in Australia, known as the VET (Vocational Education and Training), are a professional education system. This completely concentrates on the practical preparation for students to work in their chosen occupations. The cost of pursuing these professional courses may range from 4000-22000 AUD per year.

Now, let us take a look at the list of certain popular Australian universities with the most affordable tuition fees –

What are the Living Expenses in Australia?

Living expenses are another vital aspect contributing to the cost of pursuing higher studies in Australia. An international student will need to spend 20,000 AUD on a yearly basis. Your living expenses will also hugely vary on the basis of different choices, types of residential areas, rent of accommodations, groceries, food, restaurant dining, nightlife expenses, miscellaneous, etc.

Here is an overview of the same –

Accommodation Costs

Most universities in Australia provide international students with on-campus residence facilities. You can also choose to stay in an off-campus accommodation where you can share apartments with other students or choose to stay with a local Australian family. The rent is generally paid every two weeks in advance. And it is also crucial to note that the rentals may vary hugely from city to city.

As per the Australian Government Website, the table provided below demonstrates the average weekly costs of most accommodation options –

Foods and Groceries

One can easily purchase groceries from local supermarkets for around 500-1000 AUD per month. It is also possible to save money by shopping at affordable supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi.

The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost 20 AUD, while a three-course meal for two is 100 AUD. You can also go to various Asian, Greek, and Italian restaurants if you enjoy their cuisine.

Transportation

The total studying cost in Australia also includes the transportation cost. Certain universities have a private transport supplier that enables students who reside on campus or those who need to go to some remote areas.

Based on the area you are living in, you can also avail of benefits from other discounts from state programmes like QLD (Queensland), SA (South Australia), or VIC (Melbourne).

Other than that, based on the distance to be covered, individuals can select the commute means. Have a look at the list of travel options based on the distance –

One can also get around using a bicycle. You can easily rent one for around 40-50 AUD per day.

 Healthcare Insurance

It is essential for international students to have health insurance coverage before they land in Australia for higher studies. The cost of the health insurance policy can range anywhere between 700-3500 AUD.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Apart from all these expenses, you should also consider these common expenses when making the budget –

What Kinds of Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Aids Are Available?

Countless scholarship opportunities and grants are available to international students who desire to study in Australia. Some of the main providers of these financial aids are higher education institutions, the Australian government, and other private or public organisations.

Every scholarship provider is responsible for establishing the criteria of application, but most financial aid opportunities are available for all international students.

Let’s take a look at certain exceptional scholarship opportunities and financial aids that can reduce your cost of studying by notches in Australia –

Government Scholarships

Certain outstanding scholarships offered by the government to international students in Australia are –

• Education Future international scholarship- USA & Non-USA 2023
• Australia Awards
• Destination Australia Program (DAP)
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
• RSPCA Australia Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship 2023
• Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship 2023
• Keith and Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travelling Scholarships 2023
• The Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship 2023
• Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2023
• ICT Fund’s Betha Program for UAE Students 2023

University Scholarships

More than 1000 scholarships are offered by top Australian universities. These scholarships offer an average monthly stipend of AUD 20,000 along with accommodation costs, tuition fees, health insurance and travel allowance. Certain exceptional scholarships offered by renowned universities are –

• Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships (AUD $20,000- AUD$30,000)
• Deakin University Scholarships (AUD 28,600 per annum)
• Melbourne Research Scholarships (AUD 31,200 per year)
• Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Covers 50% of the tuition fees)
• Charles Darwin University Scholarships (Covers up to 50% of the tuition fees)
• Queensland University Law Scholarships (Covers 25-50% of the tuition fees)
• University of Sydney International Scholarships (AUD 40,000)
• Monash Research Training Program (AUD 29,000 per year)

External Scholarships

Many private companies, foundations, and organisations offer amazing scholarship opportunities to support international students. These can be based on merit, financial need, or both.

Have a look at some external scholarship opportunities available in Australia –

American Australian Association Scholarship

The Graduate Education Fund offers support of up to US$40,000 to Australian, American, Indigenous Australian, and Indigenous America planning to pursue higher studies (Masters, Bachelors, or PhD).  

TAFE Queensland International Scholarships

TAFE Queensland Scholarships are offered as either merit scholarships or access and equity scholarships.  

Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship Program

This remarkable program offers financial aid to female researchers from APEC economies. They should also be aiming to pursue a research program in partnership with Australian universities.

Work-Study Programs

The Australian immigration system offers students visiting the country on student visas a chance to work up to 20 hours per week during the term. They can work full-time during vacations. This excellent opportunity makes it much more affordable for students to attend colleges and universities, funding some of their education through work.

However, it is crucial to get your Tax File Number (TFN) first.

What Kind of Part-Time Work Opportunities Are Available for International Students?

There are two kinds of part-time jobs that students can explore to reduce their study costs while studying in Australia –

On-Campus

On-campus part-time work opportunities include –

• Peer Tutoring
• Teaching Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Library Assistant

Off-Campus

The off-campus work opportunities include –

• Customer Support Representative
• Store Associate
• Translator
• Waiter

Here are some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students –

What is the Cost of Healthcare and Insurance?

It is necessary for international students to have health insurance to study in Australia. The coverage should be from overseas student health. This cost ranges from 610 AUD- 3500 AUD.

What are Taxes and Other Expenses While Studying in Australia?

If you decide to enroll in a course at an educational institution in Australia that lasts 6 months or more, you will be considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. And you will need to pay tax on the income you earn while studying in Australia. Students who work part-time while studying in Australia need to pay, on average, 15.5% income tax on their earnings. Any income that amounts to AUD 18,200 or more is taxable.

Here are a few tax slabs –

• AUD 18,300-AUD 45,000 – 19%
• AUD 45,000 – AUD 120,00 – AUD 5,092 basic and a levy of 32.5% on income over AUD 45,000

However, fortunately, a majority of international students are now entitled to claim a tax refund at the end of the year.

What are the Costs of English Language Proficiency Tests Required to Study in Australia?

Most universities in Australia demand entrance exam scores. An excellent score in these exams will enhance your admission applications effectively.

Have a look at some of the popular exams undertaken along with their costs –

What are the Additional Expenses for International Students in Australia?

Apart from all the essential costs mentioned above, you also need to incur certain additional costs for a seamless study abroad experience in the country.

Let's have a look at each of them below in detail –

Visa Fees

The fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) currently stands at AUD 650. This visa will enable you to stay for 5 years or in line with your course duration at an eminent educational institution in Australia.

You can also apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) if you are an international student and recently graduated with the skills and qualifications required by the country. With this visa, you can live and work in the country for 18 months and bring your family. This visa will cost AUD 1650.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As a visa requirement, you must organise Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any accompanying family members. This should be valid for the duration of your stay. It is not necessary to use the provider your university recommends. However, whichever you choose, make sure it is government approved.

International students depending on their OSHC plan, get essential services like doctor visits, certain hospital treatments, ambulance cover, and limited medicines. There are various providers for OSHC, like Allianz Care, Australian Health Management, and BUPA Australia.

Take a look at the costs of certain popular overseas student health covers –

Examination Fees

International students who apply to study in Australia have to pay the fee for entrance exams, as we mentioned above, like GRE and GMAT. They must also pay the fee for English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, which is compulsory for all students. The fee for these exams can range between 215-330 AUD.

Proof of Funds

All international students also should have proof of funds to demonstrate they have enough sufficient funds to study in the country. The minimum proof of funds they must show is 21,000 AUD per year.