Cost of Education in Australia

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Key Takeaways: Cost of Education in Australia (2026)

Bachelor’s degree tuition: AUD 17,000–50,000 per year
Master’s degree tuition: AUD 17,000–53,000 per year
Doctoral degree tuition: AUD 23,000–95,000 per year
MBA tuition: AUD 21,000–126,000 per year
VET (Vocational Education and Training): AUD 5,700–24,000 per year
English Language courses: AUD 300 per week
Food and groceries: AUD 300–400 per month
Accommodation: AUD 227–832 per week depending on housing type
Other living costs (utilities, transport, entertainment): AUD 150–625 per week
Student Visa (Subclass 500): from AUD 1,600
Estimated total annual cost (tuition + living): AUD 40,000–100,000+ per year, depending on program, university, and city

Australia ranks among the top study destinations globally. Seven Australian universities appear in the QS World University Rankings 2025 Top 100, and Australia ranks highly on OECD quality-of-life indices for healthcare access, safety, and post-study employment outcomes.

Australia is a common destination for international students due to university rankings, post-study opportunities, and quality-of-life indicators. However, the total cost of studying in Australia — including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses — typically ranges from AUD 40,000 to AUD 100,000+ per year. This financial requirement often exceeds personal savings, particularly for the upfront payment of tuition deposits and first-semester fees.

Many international students use an overseas education loan to bridge the gap when personal savings do not cover these requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of all major cost categories.

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Tuition Fees

International student tuition fees in Australia range from AUD 5,700 per year for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to AUD 126,000 per year for MBA programs, as of January 2026. Fees cover academic instruction, university services including library and student support, and access to extracurricular facilities. The table below provides the full tuition fee range by degree 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

The following table lists annual international student tuition fee ranges at the five highest-ranked Australian universities, as of January 2026. Fees vary by faculty and degree level; engineering, medicine, and law programs typically fall at the upper end of each range.

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, living expenses represent the second-largest cost category for international students. Key expense categories include accommodation, food and groceries, utilities, transport, and entertainment. A typical international student in Australia spends AUD 1,500–2,500 per month on living costs, depending on city and lifestyle. The total annual study cost is calculated as: annual tuition + (monthly living costs × 12) + one-time costs such as the student visa fee (AUD 1,600) and health insurance.

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: Accommodation costs vary significantly by city. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive markets, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are generally more affordable for international students.

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Other Living Costs

In addition to tuition and accommodation, international students in Australia incur the following recurring weekly living expenses. These figures represent typical ranges for a single student and vary by city and lifestyle:

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

International students in Australia are required to hold a Subclass 500 Student Visa in Australia, which costs from AUD 1,600. This visa permits holders to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. At Australia’s current minimum wage of approximately AUD 24.10 per hour (as of July 2024), part-time work can generate AUD 2,000–2,500 per month, which can partially offset the living cost burden. Students enrolled in Master’s research or doctoral programs have no weekly work hour restriction under this visa.

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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. Tuition costs in Australia vary by degree type and field of study. The most common international student programs — bachelor’s and master’s degrees — range from AUD 17,000 to AUD 53,000 per year. Specialized degrees such as medicine, veterinary science, and MBA programs carry higher fees, reaching up to AUD 126,000 per year. A broad average across all undergraduate programs is approximately AUD 25,000–35,000 per year.

Is living in Australia more costly than living in India?

Living costs in Australia are significantly higher than in India. International students in major Australian cities — Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — typically spend AUD 1,500–1,700 per month on living expenses (approximately INR 79,000–91,000 at an indicative rate of AUD 1 = INR 53, as of early 2026). Actual INR costs will vary with exchange rate fluctuations.

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.