Alternative Financing Options for International Students in Australia

Global opportunities and a unique cultural immersion are key benefits of studying in Australia. From world-class universities to affordable colleges, Australia continues to attract international students with quality education and strong career opportunities. Over 1.2 lakh Indian students choose Australia every year for higher education.

However, with annual study and living costs ranging from AUD 35,000-75,000, financing education can be challenging for many Indian families. While abroad education loans support many students, scholarships, part-time work, and university payment plans also play a major role in managing expenses.

From part-time work to scholarships and university payment plans, alternative financing options for international students in Australia must be uncovered – and that’s what we do in this blog!

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Financing Study in Australia – Quick Overview (2026)

• Tuition Range: AUD 20,000-58,000 per year
• Top Fully Funded Scholarship: Australia Awards Scholarship
• Best No-Collateral Loan Options: Leap Finance, MPOWER Financing, Prodigy Finance
• Indian Bank Education Loans: SBI abroad student loans from 9.65% with funding up to INR 3 Cr
• University Payment Plans: Available at ANU, University of Sydney, Monash University, UNSW, and more
• Part-Time Work Allowed: Yes – up to 48 hours per fortnight on Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students 

The cost of studying in Australia varies depending on your course, university, and city of residence. For example, the tuition fee for an MBA or MS is higher than for humanities courses. The major expenses in Australia are tuition fees, other academic fees, lab fees, library fees, transportation charges, rent, food, utilities, etc. 

Scholarships and Grants to Study in Australia

Scholarships and grants are your top financial options in Australia. They can fund up to 100% of your educational and living expenses. The amount of scholarships and grants varies for each program, depending on the study expenses and the number of scholarship openings available each year. 

Government Scholarships and Grants

The Australian government encourages international students to study in their tertiary education institutions and contribute to the cultural growth of Australia. Government-funded scholarships are available in most Australian universities. 

Government funds or grants cover full or partial tuition fees to partial or complete coverage of your living expenses. 

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships aim to nurture leadership, social responsibility, and empowerment. They are offered mainly based on extracurricular achievements and financial requirements. International students can apply for these scholarships through universities or privately. 

University Scholarships and Grants 

Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The scholarships cover full or partial tuition fees and contribute to living expenses. The primary criterion for university-funded scholarships in Australia is academic excellence. 

Australia Awards Scholarships are available to applicants from participating countries, subject to country-specific eligibility criteria. Applicants should check the official Australia Awards participating-country list and the requirements for their application cycle before applying. Australia Awards Scholarships also cover full tuition fees, living expenses, return airfare, establishment allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of study in Australia.

Education Loan Options for International Students in Australia

Education loans are popular financing options for international students in Australia. Education loan repayment terms vary by lender and loan type. Some lenders offer a moratorium during the study period, while others may require interest payments or repayments before course completion. Compare the applicable terms before choosing a loan. Depending on the availability of collateral or a cosigner, international students can apply for secured (with collateral) or unsecured overseas education loans. 

Note: Loan amounts, interest rates, repayment periods and eligibility criteria are indicative and may change. Actual terms depend on the lender, applicant profile, university, course and other eligibility requirements. Verify current terms with the lender before applying.

Part-Time Work as a Financing Option in Australia

International students in Australia may use part-time employment to help manage some living expenses while studying. However, students must follow the work conditions attached to their visa.

Under the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), most international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and can work unlimited hours when their course is not in session. Different rules apply in certain circumstances. For example, students studying a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree can work more than 48 hours per fortnight after their course has commenced.

Students should also check the pay rate that applies to their job. From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 per hour for employees to whom the National Minimum Wage applies. Many employees are instead covered by an award or enterprise agreement, which can determine different minimum rates, penalty rates and allowances.

Part-time income can help with everyday expenses such as groceries, transport and accommodation, but students should not assume that employment will cover their entire cost of studying or living in Australia. Actual earnings depend on factors such as hours worked, employment type, applicable award, age and job.

Popular part-time job sectors for Indian students in Australia include:

• Hospitality
• Retail
• Tutoring
• Customer service
• IT support
• Delivery services
• Administration

Note: Visa and employment rules can change. Students should check their individual visa conditions through VEVO and confirm current work-rights information with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For wage entitlements, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

University Payment Plans for International Students in Australia

University payment plans are installment plans for tuition fees provided by Australian universities to assist international students in financing their education expenses. 

Rather than simultaneously paying the entire tuition fee, students can spread their payments into several installments throughout the semester or academic year.

Here are the payment plan details offered by top universities in Australia:

Note: University payment arrangements, eligibility requirements, instalment options and application procedures can vary by university, course and individual circumstances. They may also change over time. International students should check the university’s official website or contact its student finance team for the latest information before relying on a payment plan.

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Private Education Loans for International Students in Australia

Private education loans in Australia are offered to international students with simple and fast documentation. The primary eligibility criteria include admission to a recognized university in Australia and to a program listed by the lender. 

Conclusion: Balancing Your Budget as An International Student in Australia

Studying in Australia requires more than budgeting for tuition fees. Scholarships, education loans, university payment arrangements and permitted part-time work can all form part of your overall financial plan.

Most international students holding a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to their individual visa conditions. While part-time earnings may help with everyday living expenses, students should build a realistic financial plan that does not depend entirely on employment income.

Scholarship availability, university payment arrangements and education-loan terms can also change. Compare your options carefully and verify current eligibility, fees, interest rates and repayment conditions before making a financial commitment.

If an education loan forms part of your study-abroad plan, Nomad Credit can help you compare suitable loan options from multiple lenders and understand which financing solution may fit your profile.

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