Study in Australia - Study abroad destination

Costs & Funding - Study in Australia

A realistic breakdown of tuition, living costs, scholarships, and part-time work earnings — with city-by-city comparisons and budgeting examples.

Updated March 23, 2026 12 min read

Costs & Funding

Studying in Australia is a significant investment — but it's also one with strong returns. Australian graduates earn competitive salaries, enjoy generous post-study work rights, and hold degrees recognized globally. The key is going in with realistic numbers and a solid funding plan.

Here's the honest picture: total costs for international students typically range from AUD 45,000 to AUD 85,000 per year, depending on your program, university, and city. That includes tuition and living expenses. But with scholarships and part-time work, many students reduce their out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Tuition Fees (2025–2026)

Tuition varies enormously by program type, university prestige, and field of study. Here's what to expect:

Tuition by Program Level

Program Level	Annual Tuition (AUD)	Notes
VET/TAFE Diploma	10,000 – 22,000	Vocational qualifications, 1–2 years
Bachelor's Degree	20,000 – 45,000	3–4 year programs
Master's (Coursework)	22,000 – 50,000	1.5–2 year programs
Master's (Research)	20,000 – 42,000	Often scholarship-funded
PhD / Doctorate	20,000 – 42,000	Many scholarships available (RTP)
MBA	40,000 – 120,000	Total program cost, 1–2 years

Tuition by Field of Study

Field	Annual Tuition Range (AUD)
Humanities, Social Sciences, Education	20,000 – 30,000
Business, Accounting, Economics	28,000 – 42,000
IT and Computer Science	30,000 – 42,000
Engineering	33,000 – 46,000
Science (Lab-based)	30,000 – 45,000
Law	30,000 – 45,000
Architecture	30,000 – 42,000
Nursing and Health Sciences	28,000 – 40,000
Medicine	60,000 – 90,000
Dentistry	55,000 – 75,000
Veterinary Science	50,000 – 65,000

Pro tip: The same program can cost AUD 10,000+ more per year at a Group of Eight university compared to a non-Go8 institution. A master's in IT at the University of Melbourne might cost AUD 47,000/year, while a similar program at Deakin University costs AUD 35,000/year. Both are CRICOS-registered and accredited — the difference is mainly brand and research intensity.

Tuition at Top Universities (2025–2026 Examples)

University	Bachelor's (Business)	Master's (Engineering)	Master's (IT)
University of Melbourne	AUD 44,000	AUD 47,000	AUD 47,000
UNSW Sydney	AUD 42,000	AUD 46,000	AUD 44,000
University of Sydney	AUD 43,000	AUD 46,000	AUD 46,000
Monash University	AUD 40,000	AUD 44,000	AUD 41,000
University of Queensland	AUD 39,000	AUD 43,000	AUD 40,000
UTS	AUD 36,000	AUD 39,000	AUD 37,000
RMIT	AUD 34,000	AUD 38,000	AUD 35,000
University of Adelaide	AUD 38,000	AUD 42,000	AUD 40,000

Monthly Living Costs by City

Living costs vary dramatically depending on where you study. Sydney and Melbourne are significantly more expensive than regional cities.

Category	Sydney	Melbourne	Brisbane	Perth	Adelaide	Canberra
Rent (shared apartment)	900–1,300	800–1,200	600–950	600–900	500–800	600–900
Groceries	300–400	300–400	250–350	250–350	250–350	260–360
Transport	100–160	80–150	80–120	80–120	70–100	70–100
Utilities (share)	60–100	50–90	50–80	50–80	40–70	50–80
Phone/Internet	50–80	50–80	50–80	50–80	50–80	50–80
OSHC	50–60	50–60	50–60	50–60	50–60	50–60
Entertainment/Social	100–200	100–200	80–150	80–150	70–120	80–150
TOTAL/month	1,560–2,300	1,430–2,180	1,160–1,790	1,160–1,740	1,030–1,580	1,160–1,730
TOTAL/year	18,720–27,600	17,160–26,160	13,920–21,480	13,920–20,880	12,360–18,960	13,920–20,760

Pro tip: Living in Adelaide, Hobart, or regional cities like Wollongong, Newcastle, or Geelong can save you AUD 5,000–10,000 per year compared to Sydney. These locations also count as "regional" for post-study work visa purposes, giving you an extra 1–2 years of work rights after graduation.

Housing Costs in Detail

Housing is your single biggest expense. Here are the main options:

Housing Type	Weekly Cost (AUD)	Monthly Cost (AUD)	Includes
University residential college	300–600	1,200–2,400	Meals, utilities, internet, social activities
Purpose-built student housing	250–450	1,000–1,800	Utilities, internet, gym
Shared apartment (2–3 people)	150–300	600–1,200	Rent only — add utilities and internet
Homestay	250–380	1,000–1,520	Meals (usually 2/day), utilities
Private studio apartment	350–650	1,400–2,600	Rent only

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is mandatory for all international students in Australia. You must maintain coverage for the entire duration of your visa.

Cost: AUD 500–700 per year (approximately AUD 50–60/month)

What OSHC covers:

GP (doctor) visits — Most GPs bulk-bill, meaning no out-of-pocket cost
Hospital treatment — Emergency and planned admissions
Ambulance services — Including emergency transport
Prescription medications — Partial coverage under the PBS
Some specialist consultations (with GP referral)

What OSHC does not cover:

Dental care (unless you buy extras cover)
Optical (glasses, contact lenses)
Physiotherapy (unless extras cover)
Pre-existing conditions (waiting periods apply)
Cosmetic procedures

OSHC providers: Allianz, Bupa, Medibank, NIB, and ahm. Your university may have a preferred provider, but you can choose your own.

Pro tip: Prices and coverage vary between providers. Bupa and Medibank are the most popular, but Allianz and NIB are often slightly cheaper with similar coverage. Compare OSHC providers and prices →

Compare student health insurance options for Australia →

Scholarships & Funding Options

Scholarships can dramatically reduce your costs. Here are the main options:

Australian Government Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships

Value: Full tuition + living allowance (AUD 35,000/year) + return airfare + establishment allowance + OSHC
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible developing countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
Level: Master's and PhD
Competition: Very competitive — strong academic record and leadership experience required
Deadline: Typically April–June (varies by country)

Destination Australia

Value: AUD 15,000 per year
Eligibility: International and domestic students studying at regional campuses
Level: Certificate IV to PhD
Application: Through participating institutions, not directly to the government

Research Training Program (RTP)

Value: Full tuition waiver + living stipend (AUD 35,000/year tax-free for domestic; varying for international)
Eligibility: Research master's and PhD students
Application: Through your university after admission

University Scholarships (Examples)

Most universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students. Here are some prominent ones:

University	Scholarship	Value
University of Melbourne	Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship	AUD 10,000/year (renewable)
University of Melbourne	Graduate Research Scholarships	Full tuition + AUD 35,000/year stipend
UNSW	International Scholarships	AUD 5,000–20,000/year
University of Sydney	Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship	Up to AUD 40,000/year
Monash University	International Merit Scholarship	AUD 10,000/year
University of Queensland	UQ International Scholarship	10%–25% tuition reduction
ANU	ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship	AUD 25,000/year
University of Adelaide	Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship	15%–50% tuition reduction
UTS	UTS President's Scholarship	AUD 15,000/year
Macquarie University	Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship	AUD 10,000 (one-time)

Pro tip: Many universities automatically consider you for scholarships when you apply for admission — no separate application needed. But check the deadlines carefully, as some merit scholarships require applications 2–3 months before standard admission deadlines.

Scholarships from Your Home Country

Many countries fund students studying abroad. Check with:

Your country's Ministry of Education
National scholarship boards (e.g., DAAD for Germany, CSC for China, Chevening for UK residents)
Professional associations in your field

Other Funding Sources

Education loans: Banks in your home country may offer international education loans. Interest rates and repayment terms vary.
Employer sponsorship: Some employers fund employees' postgraduate education in exchange for a return-to-work commitment.
Crowdfunding and community support: Platforms like GoFundMe and local community organizations sometimes help fund education.

Part-Time Work

International students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Typical Wages

Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world: AUD 24.10/hour (2026). Most student jobs pay above minimum wage:

Job Type	Hourly Rate (AUD)	Common Employers
Retail	24–30	Woolworths, Coles, Target, JB Hi-Fi
Hospitality	24–32	Cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels
Tutoring	30–60	Private tutoring, university programs
Campus jobs	28–38	Library, admin, IT support, research assistant
Aged care/disability support	28–38	Care facilities, NDIS providers
Delivery/gig work	20–35	Uber Eats, DoorDash (variable)
Freelancing (IT, design, writing)	35–80	Upwork, Fiverr, direct clients

Earning Potential

Working 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours/week) at AUD 27/hour average:

Weekly earnings: AUD 648
Monthly earnings: AUD 2,592
Annual earnings (40 weeks semester + 12 weeks break): Approximately AUD 26,000–30,000

This can cover most or all of your living costs in every city except possibly inner Sydney.

Pro tip: Aged care and disability support work through the NDIS pays well (AUD 28–38/hour), has flexible hours, and is in massive demand across Australia. Many students find these roles more fulfilling and better-paying than typical hospitality work.

Budgeting Examples

Example 1: Bachelor's in Business at University of Queensland (Brisbane) — 3 Years

Item	Annual Cost (AUD)	3-Year Total (AUD)
Tuition	39,000	117,000
Living costs (Brisbane)	18,000	54,000
OSHC	650	1,950
Books and supplies	800	2,400
Setup costs (first year)	2,500	2,500
Total cost	—	177,850
Part-time work income	–22,000	–66,000
Net cost	—	111,850

Example 2: Master's in IT at UNSW Sydney — 2 Years

Item	Annual Cost (AUD)	2-Year Total (AUD)
Tuition	44,000	88,000
Living costs (Sydney)	25,000	50,000
OSHC	650	1,300
Books and supplies	600	1,200
Setup costs (first year)	3,000	3,000
Total cost	—	143,500
Part-time work income	–24,000	–48,000
Net cost	—	95,500

Example 3: Master's in Engineering at University of Adelaide — 2 Years (Budget Option)

Item	Annual Cost (AUD)	2-Year Total (AUD)
Tuition	42,000	84,000
Living costs (Adelaide)	15,000	30,000
OSHC	650	1,300
Books and supplies	600	1,200
Setup costs (first year)	2,000	2,000
Total cost	—	118,500
Part-time work income	–22,000	–44,000
Scholarship (25% tuition)	–10,500	–21,000
Net cost	—	53,500

Financial Proof for Your Student Visa

The Australian government requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your student visa (Subclass 500). As of 2026, the requirements are:

Requirement	Amount (AUD)
Living costs	29,710/year
Tuition	As per your CoE (first year)
School-aged dependents	8,296/year per child
Partner	10,394/year
Return airfare	Approximately 2,000–3,000

Acceptable evidence:

Bank statements (in your name or your sponsor's name) showing the required amount held for at least 3 months
Education loan approval letter from a recognized financial institution
Scholarship letter confirming your funding
Government funding letter
A combination of the above

Pro tip: Having funds available doesn't always mean having them in cash. A loan approval letter plus some savings is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure all documents are recent (within 1–3 months) and clearly show the amounts.

Money-Saving Tips

Study in a regional city — Save AUD 5,000–10,000/year on living costs and gain extra post-study work rights
Cook at home — Eating out costs AUD 15–25 per meal; cooking costs AUD 5–8
Buy second-hand textbooks — Save 50–70% through student Facebook groups or Textbook Exchange
Use student discounts — UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer discounts on tech, clothing, food, and entertainment
Get a concession transport card — 40–50% off public transport in most states
Share housing — A shared apartment costs 40–60% less than living alone
Apply for every scholarship you qualify for — Even small awards (AUD 2,000–5,000) add up
Work during breaks — Unlimited hours during semester breaks can help build a financial buffer

Next Steps

Explore scholarship options — Find programs at universities offering the best financial aid
Apply to universities — Start your application with our step-by-step guide
Check visa financial requirements — Understand exactly what you need to prove
Plan your living costs — Detailed guide to housing, transport, and daily expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study in Australia as an international student?

Total costs are typically AUD 45,000–85,000 per year, including tuition (AUD 20,000–50,000) and living costs (AUD 25,000–35,000). Costs vary significantly by program type, university, and city.

What is the cheapest city to study in Australia?

Adelaide, Hobart, and regional cities like Wollongong and Geelong are the most affordable, with monthly living costs of AUD 1,000–1,500. These cities also qualify as regional areas, giving you extra post-study work rights.

Are there full scholarships for international students in Australia?

Yes. Australia Awards cover full tuition, living expenses, and flights for students from eligible developing countries. Some universities also offer 100% tuition waivers for exceptional students, though these are highly competitive.

How much can I earn working part-time as a student in Australia?

The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10/hour (2026). Working 48 hours per fortnight (the student visa limit) at average wages of AUD 25–30/hour, you can earn approximately AUD 1,500–2,000/month.

What is OSHC and how much does it cost?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for international students. It costs approximately AUD 500–700 per year and covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and some prescriptions.

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

You need to demonstrate access to AUD 29,710 per year for living costs (2026 requirement), plus your full tuition fees and return airfare. This can be shown through bank statements, loan approvals, or scholarship letters.

Are Australian university tuition fees paid upfront or per semester?

Tuition is typically paid per semester, not annually. You'll pay a deposit (AUD 5,000–10,000) to accept your offer, with the remaining semester fees due before each semester begins. Some universities offer payment plans.

Can part-time work really cover my living costs in Australia?

In many cases, yes. Working 20 hours per week at AUD 25/hour earns about AUD 2,000/month — enough to cover living costs in most cities outside Sydney. During semester breaks, you can work unlimited hours to save more.

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