Cost of Education in Australia
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Key takeaways:
- Tuition (international): Bachelor 17,000–50,000/year; Master 17,000–53,000/year; MBA 21,000–126,000/year
- Food & groceries: 300–400/month (typical student range; varies by city)
- Accommodation (weekly): Shared house 227–307/week; 1BR unit 471–832/week
- Student visa (Subclass 500): application fee from 1,600 AUD
- Total annual budget: typically tuition + living costs, strongly dependent on city + program
Australia is ranked among the top countries for its high quality of life, healthcare, education, and career opportunities.
Australia is a common destination for international students due to university rankings, post-study opportunities, and quality-of-life indicators. However, this dream can be expensive, and not knowing its costs can be complicated, so many students consider an overseas education loan to cover tuition deposits, first-semester fees, and initial living costs, especially when savings do not cover the upfront cash requirement. In this blog, we will explore what it costs to study in Australia as an international student.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are considered the most important expense while studying internationally. It covers high-quality education, university services such as library, student support, and extracurricular activities. Average international tuition fee ranges in Australia (AUD), by program type:
| Education Type | Average Tuition Fee (as of Jan 2026) |
| Bachelor Degree | AUD 17,000 – 50,000 per year |
| Master Degree | AUD 17,000 – 53,000 per year |
| Doctoral Degree | AUD 23,000 – 95,000 per year |
| MBA | AUD 21,000 – 126,000 per year |
| Foundation Courses | AUD 18,000 – 49,000 (total) |
| Vocational Education and Training | AUD 5,700 – 24,000 per year |
| English Language Course | AUD 300 per week |
Top Universities Cost of Study in Australia
Australia is known for its top universities and diverse programs. The cost of study in Australia varies from university to your choice of program. Here’s an overview of top Australian universities fees for international students (as of Jan 2026):
| University | Cost of Study (AUD) |
| The University of Melbourne | AUD 35,000 – 71,000 |
| The University of Sydney | AUD 45,000 – 61,000 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | AUD 42,000 – 87,000 |
| The Australian National University | AUD 42,000 – 57,000 |
| The University of Queensland | AUD 30,000 – 57,000 |
Living Expenses
After tuition fees, the cost of living in Australia is the most important expense. These categories make up your monthly living budget. Your annual cost of studying in Australia is typically annual tuition + (monthly living cost × 12) + visa/insurance/one-time setup costs. Typical weekly/monthly living cost categories for international students (AUD):
Food and Groceries
Food and groceries can be expensive and amount to a major part of your expenses. Planning, buying bulk, and shopping from supermarkets can save you money. Eating out can cost you more compared to having home-cooked meals. On average, you will spend AUD 300 – AUD 400 on your food and groceries in Australia as an international student.
Accommodation
There are several types of accommodation in Australia for international students. On-campus dorms, shared apartments, homestays, and studio apartments are a few. Average accommodation costs in Australia for international students (AUD per week), by housing type:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Weekly Expenses (AUD) |
| Homestay | AUD 370 – 410 |
| Shared House | AUD 227 – 307 |
| One Bedroom Unit | AUD 471 – 832 |
| Managed Apartment | AUD 278 – 414 |
Note: The above expenses can vary based on the city you are staying in.
Other Living Costs
Apart from tuition fees and living expenses, here are some other costs in Australia as an international student:
| Components | Average Weekly Expenses (AUD) |
| Groceries and Eating Out | AUD 80 – 280 |
| Gas and Electricity | AUD 35 – 140 |
| Phone and Internet | AUD 20 – 55 |
| Public Transport | AUD 15 – 55 |
| Entertainment | AUD 80 – 150 |
Student Visa
A subclass 500 student visa is required to study in Australia as an international student. With this student visa, you can study any eligible course in Australia and travel in and out of the country. With a student visa, international students can also work up to 24 hours per week while studying. The cost of a student visa in Australia starts from AUD 1,600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education expensive in Australia?
The costs can depend on factors such as your choice of university, program, and specialization. Veterinary and medical degrees cost more than other degrees. The average tuition fee ranges from AUD 20,000 – AUD 30,000 per year.
Is living in Australia more costly than living in India?
Living in Australia is more costly than living in India. Top cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane have an average monthly cost of AUD 1,500 to AUD 1,700 (INR 79,000 – INR 91,000).
How much does a bachelor’s degree cost in Australia?
A bachelor’s degree typically costs AUD 17,000 – AUD 50,000 per year. So a 4-year degree would cost you around AUD 68,000 – AUD 200,000. However, the fee may vary based on your program and university.
What are the top universities in Australia?
The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australian National University (ANU), Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, University of Technology Sydney and RMIT University are the top 10 universities of Australia.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, you can work while studying in Australia on your student visa. You can work up to 24 hours per week while studying or training is in session. International students studying for a Master’s research or a doctoral degree have no work limit.
Mansi Jain Published on February 12, 2026
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