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 top 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 –
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 –
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 –
|
University
|
Medicine (AUD) |
Law (AUD) |
Accounting (AUD) |
Engineering (AUD) |
Business (AUD) |
|
University of Adelaide |
76,000 |
39,000 |
39,000 |
42,000 |
39,000 |
|
Uni SA |
- |
32,600 |
32,600 |
35,900 |
32,600 |
|
Flinders University |
74,000 |
33,500 |
31,500 |
37,000 |
31,500 |
Note – The tuition costs for undergraduate programs quoted above are before any scholarships or bursaries are applied.
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 –
|
University |
Business |
Medicine |
Accounting |
Engineering |
Law |
|
University of Adelaide |
43,000 |
- |
42,000 |
42,000 |
40,500 |
|
Uni SA |
35,900 |
- |
35,900 |
36,900 |
- |
|
Flinders University |
35,000 |
74,000 |
36,000 |
37,500 |
- |
Note – The tuition costs for undergraduate programs quoted above are before any scholarships or bursaries are applied.
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 –
|
University |
Tuition Costs Starting From (Approximately) |
|
IPAG Business School |
14000 AUD/year |
|
Flinders University |
10,350 AUD/year |
|
University of New England |
19,500 AUD/year |
|
University of Wollongong |
19,000 AUD/year |
|
Victoria University |
22,000 AUD/year |
|
Australian Catholic University |
25,000 -28,000 AUD/year |
|
Federation University |
23,000-29,000 AUD/year |
|
University of Sunshine Coast |
24,000-29,000 AUD/year |
|
Western Sydney University |
26,000 -32,000AUD/year |
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 –
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 –
|
Type of Accommodation |
Cost Per Week in Australian Dollar |
|
Hotels and Guesthouses |
$90 -$150/week |
|
Shared Rental |
$95- $215/week |
|
On-campus |
$110-$280/week |
|
Rental |
$185-$440/week |
|
Boarding Schools |
$11,000-23,000/year |
|
Halls of Residence |
$400-1000/month |
One can easily purchase groceries from local supermarkets for around 500-1000 AUD per month. It is also possible to save money by shopping at affordable supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi.
The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost 20 AUD, while a three-course meal for two is 100 AUD. You can also go to various Asian, Greek, and Italian restaurants if you enjoy their cuisine.
The total studying cost in Australia also includes the transportation cost. Certain universities have a private transport supplier that enables students who reside on campus or those who need to go to some remote areas.
Based on the area you are living in, you can also avail of benefits from other discounts from state programmes like QLD (Queensland), SA (South Australia), or VIC (Melbourne).
Other than that, based on the distance to be covered, individuals can select the commute means. Have a look at the list of travel options based on the distance –
|
Distance |
Commuting Means |
|
Short Distance |
Public means of transportation, like a short ride on the train or bus, can cost about 5 AUD. Weekly passes of 22 AUD or monthly passes of 100 AUD can also be acquired. |
|
Long Distance |
To travel across cities or any area further away, the best option is by airways, train or long-distance bus services. |
One can also get around using a bicycle. You can easily rent one for around 40-50 AUD per day.
It is essential for international students to have health insurance coverage before they land in Australia for higher studies. The cost of the health insurance policy can range anywhere between 700-3500 AUD.
Apart from all these expenses, you should also consider these common expenses when making the budget –
|
Essential Aspects |
Average Cost ($AUD) |
|
Gas and Electricity |
$35-$140 per week |
|
Phone and Internet |
$20-$55 per week |
|
Entertainment |
$80-$150 per week |
|
Household Bills |
$14-$29 per week |
|
Shopping |
$118-$223 per week |
|
Car (after purchase) |
$150-$260 per week |
|
Books and Other Study Materials |
$500-$1000 per year |
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 –
Certain outstanding scholarships offered by the government to international students in Australia are –
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 –
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 –
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 Scholarships are offered as either merit scholarships or access and equity scholarships.
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.
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 top colleges and universities, funding some of their education through work.
However, it is crucial to get your Tax File Number (TFN) first.
There are two kinds of part-time jobs that students can explore to reduce their study costs while studying in Australia –
On-campus part-time work opportunities include –
The off-campus work opportunities include –
Here are some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students –
|
Part-Time Jobs |
Average Pay Per Hour |
|
Delivery Driver |
AUD 20.33 |
|
Aged Care Worker |
AUD 35 |
|
Personal Tutor |
AUD 21 |
|
Customer Service |
AUD 26 |
|
Sales Representative |
AUD 30 |
|
Secretary |
AUD 26 |
|
Waiter |
AUD 25 with tips |
|
Personal Trainer |
AUD 26 |
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.
If you decide to enroll in a top 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 –
However, fortunately, a majority of international students are now entitled to claim a tax refund at the end of the year.
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 –
|
IELTS Registration Fee |
286 AUD-319 AUD |
|
TOEFL Registration Fee |
212 AUD-332 AUD |
|
GRE Fee |
335 AUD |
|
GMAT Fee |
275 AUD |
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 –
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.
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 –
|
Insurance Provider |
Annual Price of the Cover (AUD) |
|
Bupa |
$516 |
|
ahm Health Cover |
$480 |
|
Medibank |
$520 |
|
Allianz Global Assistance |
$530 |
|
nib |
$480 |
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.
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.
Fill in your details and we'll call you back!
The average tuition fees in Australia hugely vary depending on the discipline you opt to study. It also depends on the degree level and the university you plan to enrol. The average tuition fee for Bachelor's degrees is between 20,000-45,000 AUD/year and PhD and Master's degrees are between 22,000-50,000 AUD/year.
Apart from tuition fees, the additional costs of studying in Australia include –
There is no one size fits all accommodation cost plan for an individual in Australia. Single international students may need to spend 20,000 AUD every year on average. Again, living with family requires more than 45,000 AUD annually to get by in Australia.
Your budget will also greatly vary based on the kinds of accommodation like homestays, halls of residence, apartments or shared apartments.
International students planning to live in Australia for higher studies will require 1400- 2800 AUD/month to cover all their living expenses. This incorporates accommodation, food, and social activities. Have a look at the average budget you will require to survive in some of the most renowned student cities in Australia –
Yes, of course. The Australian Government and certain eminent universities offer a huge number of scholarships for international students who desire to study in Australia. Here are some of the most common ones –
An international student can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while they are studying in Australia. However, they can work unlimited hours during their holiday breaks. Again, as per the new rule that will come into effect from July 1, the permissible work hours limit for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours every fortnight.
The cost of healthcare and insurance or OSHC hugely vary based on the kind of cover required. The lowest cost of minimum cover is AUD$478 for 12 months of singles cover, $2600 for 12 months of couples cover and $4200 for 12 months of family cover. Remember, OSHC does not always include dental services. So, make sure to speak with your OSHC provider to find out if dental coverage is available.
International students cannot work in Australia without acquiring their Tax File Number (TFN). Now, if you decide to work along with your studies, your earned income becomes taxable.
Also, additional expenses of studying in Australia can include entertainment costs (119.56 AUD-225 AUD per week), books and other study materials (500-1000 AUD per year), etc.
All international students seeking admission to Australia must pay for the English language proficiency tests separately. Here are some of the registration fees you need to incur –
The success of the Australian visa getting approved hugely depends on fulfilling financial requirements. It is the most vital step while applying for a student visa. Here are the financial requirements for obtaining a student visa in Australia –
The cost varies depending on the course and university. The following are the average costs for various levels of education and accommodation-
MBA tuition fees in Australia vary widely. It is important to research specific universities for accurate cost information.
Tuition fees for nursing degrees in Australia vary by institution and level of study.
The cost of a master's degree varies based on the course and university. It is advisable to check with specific universities for precise cost details.
Undergraduate tuition fees depend on the program and university.
Tuition fees in Australian universities vary by course and institution. The following are the average costs for various levels of education-
Textbook and study material costs can vary. You can consider buying second-hand books or accessing digital resources to save money.
English language course costs differ based on the type and duration of the course. It is always a wise decision to research specific language schools for accurate pricing.
Affordable student housing options include - Costs vary by location and type, but you might budget around AUD 150 to 350 per week for accommodation.
Yes, many Australian universities offer opportunities for paid internships or work placements as part of their programs. These experiences can provide valuable income and practical skills for students.
The cost of an Australian student visa can vary.
The base application fee for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD 620.
Additional expenses might include health insurance and English language proficiency tests.
Costs for recreational activities and sports vary.
Yes, international students with a valid student visa are typically allowed to work part-time during their studies. On-campus job opportunities can help cover living expenses. Make sure to check visa regulations for specifics.
Personal and entertainment expenses depend on lifestyle choices. You must be very mindful of your spending to manage costs effectively.
Transportation costs vary.
