Cost of Studying in Australia 2026
Complete guide to cost of studying in Australia covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and visa costs for International students.
Team TCF Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students
Australia maintains its position as a top choice for international students seeking quality education, a vibrant lifestyle and culture, and post-study work opportunities. Besides all these, the most important thing is the cost of studying in Australia. However, careful financial planning is essential. In 2026, expect total annual costs between AUD 45,000 and AUD 85,000, covering tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and visa requirements. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense with practical tips to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students - Overview (2026)
Australia attracts aspiring global students for its top universities and strong job market. But planning your budget is key before you pack your bags.
In 2026, expect total yearly costs for an international student to range from AUD 55,000 to AUD 85,000 or more. This covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and extras like travel. However, these costs vary particularly by course level, city, and lifestyle you choose. The Australian government sets a minimum living cost requirement of AUD 24,505 per year for student visas, but actual spending often runs AUD 25,000–30,000 in Australia's top cities.
Tuition accounts for the biggest chunk at 60-70%, which includes rent and food. If you use scholarships, part-time work, and spend on need-based goods, it will reduce your financial burden. Other than this, choosing regional areas could help you secure lower costs and extra visa perks.
Total Annual Cost Breakdown ( Tuition, Living & Other Expenses )
Let's take a look at the yearly breakdown for an international student in 2026.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are based on the University you choose.
- Undergrad courses like business or engineering: AUD 20,000–45,000.
- Postgrad (Master's): AUD 22,000–50,000.
- Medicine or law at top schools like the University of Sydney: up to AUD 70,000+.
- Vocational training (VET): AUD 12,000–40,000.
- English courses: AUD 300–500 per week.
(The fee bar keeps rising every year by 3% to 5%)
Living Expenses
AUD 24,505 minimum per government visa rules, but plan AUD 25,000–35,000.
- Accommodation: AUD 10,000–25,000 (shared apartment AUD 200–400/week in cities; on-campus AUD 300–500).
- Regional spots are cheaper at AUD 150–250/week.
- Food: AUD 5,000–8,000 (AUD 80–150/week, home-based).
- Transport: AUD 1,000–2,000 (Opal/Myki cards: AUD 30–50/week).
- Phone/Internet: AUD 800–1,200.
Sydney/Melbourne: +20% higher; Perth/Brisbane: 10-15% less.
Other Must Have Expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): AUD 600–1,000/year (mandatory insurance via Bupa or Allianz).
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): AUD 710 application fee + biometrics AUD 50–100.
- Books/Supplies: AUD 500–1,500 Approx.
- Travel/Setup: AUD 2,000–5,000 (flights, initial rent bond)
Is Australia Expensive to Study In Compared to UK and Canada?
Australia is considered higher than Canada, similar to the UK, or slightly higher than the UK. Here's a direct 2026 comparison for a one-year Master's.
|
Category |
Australia (AUD) |
UK (GBP) |
Canada (CAD) |
|
Tuition (Master's) |
22,000–50,000 |
12,000–25,000 |
20,000–40,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
25,000–35,000 |
12,000–18,000 |
15,000–20,000 |
|
Total Yearly |
50,000–85,000 |
25,000–45,000 |
36,000–60,000 |
|
Visa Fee |
710 |
490 |
150 |
|
Work Hours Allowed |
48/fortnight |
20/week |
24/week |
Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students (2026)
Regional universities, such as those in South Australia, often charge 10-20% less than spots in Sydney or Melbourne. Many universities offer scholarships that reduce fees by 20-50%. You can pay in installments per semester after enrollment. Here's the breakdown by level and field,
Undergraduate Tuition Fees in Australia
- Bachelor's degrees (3-4 years) cost AUD 20,000–45,000 per year.
- Humanities and business start at AUD 20,000–30,000
- Engineering, IT, or nursing: AUD 30,000–42,000.
- Sciences: AUD 28,000–40,000.
- The Top Group of Eight universities, such as UNSW and Melbourne, average AUD 35,000–45,000.
Postgraduate and Master's Tuition Fees in Australia
- Master's (1-2 years) range AUD 22,000–50,000 annually.
- MBA or business: AUD 30,000–45,000.
- IT/Data Science: AUD 35,000–48,000.
- Engineering: AUD 32,000–45,000.
- Humanities/Public Policy: AUD 25,000–35,000.
PhD and Research Degree Fees in Australia
- Unfunded international PhD fees: AUD 37,000–52,000/year.
- Standard PhD (3-4 years): AUD 40,000–50,000
- Health/Medicine PhDs: AUD 46,000–52,000.
The good news for PhD and research degrees in Australia is that many programs come with scholarships covering full fees plus a stipend (AUD 30,000–35,000/year living allowance).
RTP scholarships (Research Training Program) waive fees for strong applicants; international students compete via uni-specific awards like Destination Australia (AUD 15,000/year extra for regions).
Diploma and VET Course Fees in Australia
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) diplomas/certificates (1-2 years) suit quick-entry paths: AUD 12,000–25,000/year.
- Business/Cookery: AUD 10,000–18,000.
- Automotive/IT: AUD 15,000–22,000.
- Nursing diplomas: AUD 20,000–25,000.
CRICOS-registered courses qualify for post-study work visas. Shorter duration (6-18 months) keeps total costs low, ideal for trades leading to jobs.
Medical and Veterinary Degree Fees in Australia
High-demand fields cost more, like
- Medicine (MBBS, 5-6 years): AUD 60,000–85,000/year
- Postgraduate medicine: AUD 70,000+.
- Veterinary Medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 4 years post-undergrad): AUD 55,000–70,000
- Dentistry/Pharmacy: AUD 50,000–70,000. Limited spots; high entry scores needed. Some scholarships are available but competitive.
Tuition Fee Comparison Table by Degree Level and Field
|
Degree Level/Field |
Average Annual Fee (AUD) |
Examples (2026) |
|
Undergraduae |
||
|
- Business/Humanities |
20,000–30,000 |
|
|
- Engineering/IT |
30,000–45,000 |
UNSW Engineering: 48,000 |
|
- Sciences/Nursing |
28,000–40,000 |
Monash Nursing: 38,000 |
|
Postgraduate Master's |
||
|
MBA/Business |
30,000–45,000 |
|
|
IT/Data Science |
35,000–48,000 |
RMIT Data Science: 40,000 |
|
Engineering |
32,000–45,000 |
Melbourne Eng: 44,000 |
|
PhD/Research |
37,000–52,000 (often waived) |
|
|
VET/Diploma |
12,000–25,000 |
|
|
Medicine/Vet |
55,000–85,000 |
Sydney Medicine: 75,000; Melbourne Vet: 65,000 |
Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2026)
For international students, Australia is like planning for real daily needs like rent, meals, and getting around. For 2026, most students spend AUD 450–750 per week, or about AUD 2,000–3,500 per month, depending on the city and their choices.
The Australian government sets a minimum income requirement of AUD 29,710 per year (around AUD 2,475 per month) to ensure you can support yourself in Australia.
With smart moves like sharing a flat, shopping sales at supermarkets, and grabbing student deals on buses or for entertainment, you can stretch your money. Part-time jobs help in paying AUD 25–35 an hour. Regional spots cost 20-30% less and come with visa perks, such as more work hours.
Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Type
|
Expense Type |
Monthly Range (AUD) |
Smart Tips |
|
Rent/Accommodation |
1,000–2,200 (shared room or homestay) |
Go regional (AUD 800–1,200); uni halls include utilities. |
|
Groceries/Food |
350–600 |
AUD 80–140/week at Aldi/Woolies; cook Pakistani favorites |
|
Transport |
80–200 |
Concession cards (50% off) |
|
Utilities (Power/Gas/Internet) |
120–280 |
Shared = lower; bundle internet AUD 60/month. |
|
Phone/Internet |
25–55 |
Optus or Vodafone prepaid. |
|
OSHC Health Cover |
50–85 |
Mandatory: shop Bupa plans. |
|
Entertainment/Going Out |
80–250 |
Free beaches/parks; uni clubs. |
|
Books/Study Supplies |
40–120 |
Borrow from the library; Gumtree second-hand. |
|
Personal Care/Misc |
80–200 |
Kmart for basics. |
Cost of Living by City — Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane vs Adelaide vs Perth
Your city decides your price tag. Sydney feels premium, Adelaide stays friendly on the wallet. Monthly totals below for students sharing housing and a modest lifestyle (2026 estimates). Multiply by 12 for yearly.
|
City |
Monthly Total (AUD) |
Rent (Shared) |
Standout Costs & Perks |
|
Sydney |
2,800–4,500 |
1,400–2,200 |
Highest overall; transport AUD 150+. Iconic beaches, top jobs. |
|
Melbourne |
2,500–4,000 |
1,200–1,900 |
Coffee culture adds AUD 100; the arts scene is cheap/free. Ranked #5 student city. |
|
Brisbane |
2,100–3,500 |
1,000–1,600 |
Subtropical prices, such as groceries, are lower. Great for outdoors. |
|
Adelaide |
1,800–3,000 |
800–1,400 |
Cheapest major: wine/food steals. Quiet study vibe. |
|
Perth |
2,000–3,300 |
900–1,600 |
Mining pays well for jobs |
Accommodation Costs in Australia for Students
Housing sucks up most of the monthly budget, which is up 40-60%. Here is the range for recent years: AUD 150–600 per week (AUD 650–2,600 monthly). Shared setups are the smartest option for internationals. If you choose Sydney or similar cities, be prepared for a higher cost push, while Adelaide keeps it reasonable. Most need a 2-4 week bond (refundable) and proof of income for off-campus. Universities guarantee places for first-years if you apply early.
On-Campus Accommodation Costs
University residences offer security, proximity to classes and events, and are ideal for new arrivals. On campus accommodation costs: AUD 200–500 per week (AUD 860–2,150 monthly), including bills and sometimes meals. Shared rooms are cheaper; studios pricier.
Off-Campus and Shared Rental Accommodation Costs
Most students like to go off-campus for flexibility and savings: AUD 150–450 per week per person (AUD 650–1,950 monthly). Share a 3-bedroom house costs AUD 600–1,200/week total, split 3 ways = AUD 200–400 each.
Homestay Costs in Australia
Live with a local family for cultural immersion and meals: AUD 200–450 per week,k AUD 860–1,950 monthly. It often includes breakfast/dinner, utilities, and Wi-Fi. Great for English practice and for curing homesickness.
Student Hostel and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
PBSA like Scape or UniLodge: Modern studios/shares designed for students, AUD 250–600 per week (AUD 1,080–2,600 monthly). All-inclusive (bills, gym, cinema rooms, 24/7 support).
Hotspots:
Scape Sydney: AUD 350–550 shared ensuite.
Melbourne Central: AUD 300–500.
Brisbane PBSA: AUD 250–400.
Sharing off-campus or PBSA hits the sweet spot for around AUD 200–400/week. You should calculate your pick with the Casita or University Housing offices. Safe, verified spots first.
Food and Grocery Costs for Students in Australia
Food costs remain manageable if you plan: most international students budget AUD 350–650 per month for groceries and meals, or about AUD 80–150 per week.
Readymade food items or eating out can quickly add up to a rise in your budget, so balance it with home-cooked meals. Costs rose 3-5% from last year due to supply changes, but student discounts at supermarkets help you as well. Regional areas keep prices 10-15% lower than Sydney.
Average Monthly Food Budget for International Students
The monthly food cost for an individual cooking most meals is AUD 400-600. This includes 3 meals per day and snacks. Let's break it down by actual student spending:
|
Item/Category |
Weekly Cost (AUD) |
Monthly Total (AUD) |
|
Groceries (Rice, Veggies, Meat, Dairy) |
60–100 |
250–400 |
|
Fruits & Snacks |
15–25 |
60–100 |
|
Pantry Basics (Spices, Oil, Bread) |
10–20 |
40–80 |
|
Eating Out (1-2x/week) |
20–40 |
80–160 |
|
Drinks (Tea/Coffee) |
5–10 |
20–40 |
Eating Out vs Cooking at Home — Cost Comparison
Cooking wins big on savings; homemade meals cost 4-5 times less per serving. Here's a side-by-side for a typical day (breakfast, lunch, dinner):
|
Meal |
Cooking at Home (AUD) |
Eating Out (AUD) |
Savings per Meal (AUD) |
|
Breakfast (Oats/Toast/Eggs) |
1.50–3.00 |
15–18 (Cafe Avo Toast) |
13–16 |
|
Lunch (Rice/Leftovers/Curry) |
3.50–5.00 |
12–16 (Food Court) |
9–12 |
|
Dinner (Pasta/Stir-fry) |
5.00–7.00 |
20–30 (Casual Restaurant) |
15–23 |
|
Daily Total |
10–15 |
47–64 |
37–51 |
|
Monthly (x30 days) |
300–450 |
1,410–1,920 |
1,110–1,470 |
Transport Costs in Australia for Students
Public transport costs average AUD 100–250 per month, with student discounts and concession cards cutting fares by 30–50%. Buses, trains, trams, and ferries form the backbone, with contactless cards like Opal or Myki capping daily spends. Walking, cycling, or uni shuttles save even more. Costs rose about 4% from 2025, but caps prevent overruns—perfect for daily commutes to class.
Public Transport Costs by City
Fares vary by network, but weekly/monthly passes, along with daily caps, keep it predictable. Here are the estimates,
|
City |
Weekly Cost (AUD) |
Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|
Sydney (Opal) |
40–100 |
120–250 |
|
Melbourne (Myki) |
35–80 |
110–220 |
|
Brisbane (Go Card) |
20–50 |
80–150 |
|
Adelaide (Metrocard) |
25–60 |
90–180 |
|
Perth (SmartRider) |
30–70 |
100–200 |
Student Concession Cards — How to Save on Transport
Concession cards reduce costs. Apply through your university using an enrollment letter, passport, and visa. Valid for full-time CRICOS students; shows 30–50% off. Free for under-18s in some states.
|
Card/Network |
Discount |
How to Get |
Savings Example (Monthly) |
|
Opal (NSW/Sydney) |
50% off |
Uni applies to the Transport NSW site |
AUD 150 → 75 (daily commuter). |
|
Myki (VIC/Melbourne) |
50% |
PTV site/agents |
AUD 140 → 70; daily cap AUD 5.70 (2026). |
|
Go Card (QLD/Brisbane) |
50c flat off-peak |
Buy AUD 10; register online. |
Up to AUD 2,000/year vs full. |
|
Metrocard (SA/Adelaide) |
30–70% |
Student status verified online. |
Weekly pass AUD 20–40. |
|
SmartRider (WA/Perth) |
40–50% |
Transperth app/stations. |
Integrates ferries/trains. |
Student Visa and Application Costs in Australia
Applying for an Australian student visa involves upfront fees beyond tuition. In 2026, the budget is AUD 2,500–4,000 total for the main visa, health cover, and extras. The Subclass 500 is the go-to visa for full-time students, valid for your course length plus extra months.
Fees fund processing, health checks, and biometrics. Pay online via ImmiAccount; no refunds if the payment is rejected. Processing takes 1–3 months.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fee (2026)
The base application fee has risen from AUD 1,600 in 2024 to AUD 2,000 in 2025 (for each main applicant). This includes submission online through ImmiAccount. Include AUD 530 for each dependent (child/s or spouse).
Payment: Credit card; non-refundable.
When: After getting Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the uni.
Proof Needed: Finances (AUD 29,710/year living + tuition), English scores, GS statement.
OSHC Health Insurance Cost for International Students
Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your full stay, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and ambulances (not dental/optical). Buy from approved providers like Bupa, Allianz, or Medibank before a visa.
|
Duration/Type |
Cost (AUD) |
|
Single Student (1 year) |
478–700 |
|
Couples (1 year) |
2,600+ |
|
Family (1 year) |
4,200+ |
|
Per Extra Year |
400–600 |
Other Visa-Related Costs — Biometrics, Health Check, GTE
|
Cost Type |
Amount (AUD) |
Details |
|
Biometrics |
50–100 |
Fingerprints/photo at VFS Global. Book via the VFS site. |
|
Medical Exam |
300–600 |
Panel clinics (PKR 25,000–40,000/AUD 150–250). Chest X-ray, blood tests. TB focus for Pakistanis. |
|
Police Clearance |
50–200 |
PCC from Pakistan (AUD 20–50). |
|
English Test (if req'd) |
300–400 |
IELTS/PTE (one-off). |
|
GTE/GS Statement |
0–1,000 |
Free to write; agent help optional. |
|
Courier/Photos |
50–100 |
Passport pics, document shipping. |
How to Reduce Your Cost of Studying in Australia
Studying in Australia doesn't leave you with empty pockets if you plan smart. Many students cut costs by 20-40% through work, scholarships, affordable choices, and daily habits. Part-time jobs, uni aid, and regional picks make it doable.
Part-Time Work — How Much Can You Earn While Studying?
International students on Subclass 500 can work unlimited hours during breaks and 48 hours per fortnight during term (per the July 2023 rule). Minimum wage AUD 24.10/hour (2026)—popular jobs: Retail (Coles), hospitality (cafes), and tutoring.
Earnings
48 hours/fortnight: AUD 1,157 (pre-tax) = AUD 2,000–3,000/month during term.
Full breaks (12–16 weeks/year): AUD 4,000–6,000 extra.
Annual Total: AUD 15,000–25,000 (covers living costs).
Scholarships to Reduce Tuition Costs
Scholarships cover 10–100% of fees and provide living stipends. Applying early increases the likelihood of receiving it. The deadlines are 6–12 months away.
Top Options:
Australia Awards: Full tuition/living (govt-funded for developing countries).
Destination Australia: AUD 15,000/year for regional unis.
Uni-Specific: Edith Cowan (AUD 28,420 stipend + fees); Swinburne Excellence (AUD 2,500/year); Macquarie Vice-Chancellor (partial fees).
Others: La Trobe AES (25% off); Curtin Research (full PhD).
Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
Regional/public unis charge 20–40% less.
|
University |
Tuition (AUD/year) |
|
University of Southern Queensland |
20,000–32,000 |
|
Charles Darwin University |
22,000–35,000 |
|
Federation University |
23,000–33,000 |
|
Edith Cowan University |
25,000–37,500 |
|
Central Queensland Uni |
24,000–36,000 |
|
University of Wollongong |
25,000–38,000 |
All CRICOS-registered post-study work is the same as in big cities. Save extra with the Destination Australia bonus.
Tips to Save on Living Costs in Australia
Practical steps from student experiences:
Housing: Share flats (save AUD 500+/month)
Food: Cook bulk (AUD 400/month vs 800 out)
Transport: Concession cards (50% off)
Daily: UNiDAYS app (10–50% off shops/movies)
Utilities: LED lights, short showers (cut AUD 50 bill).
Shop Smart: Gumtree second-hand books/clothes
Australia vs UK vs Canada — Cost of Studying Compared
Choosing where to study?
Australia offers a vibrant lifestyle and job opportunities, but how does it stack up against the UK (short courses) and Canada (PR paths)?
Australia is mid-range on total cost, with higher living costs than Canada/UK, but comparable tuition and strong earnings offset this. UK saves via 1-year masters (total ~£25k–45k vs Australia's AUD 50k–85k for 2 years). Canada is the cheapest overall, especially in provinces. Figures for 1-year full-time study (local currencies; convert: 1 AUD ≈ 0.52 GBP ≈ 0.92 CAD).
Work rights: Australia 48 hrs/fortnight, Canada 24 hrs/week, UK 20 hrs/week. Post-study work: All 2+ years.
Tuition Fee Comparison Table (Australia vs UK vs Canada vs USA)
|
Degree Level |
Australia (AUD) |
UK (GBP) |
Canada (CAD) |
USA (USD) |
|
Undergraduate |
25,000–45,000 |
12,000–25,000 |
20,000–40,000 |
30,000–60,000 |
|
Master's |
25,000–50,000 |
15,000–35,000 |
20,000–45,000 |
25,000–55,000 |
|
MBA |
35,000–60,000 |
20,000–45,000 |
30,000–60,000 |
40,000–80,000 |
|
PhD |
Often waived |
18,000–30,000 |
Often waived |
25,000–50,000 |
Cost of Living Comparison by Country
Yearly for students (shared housing, modest lifestyle). Australia's highest, Canada's lowest—but wages balance (Australia AUD 25+/hr min wage).
|
Expense/Category |
Australia (AUD) |
UK (GBP) |
Canada (CAD) |
|
Accommodation (Shared) |
12,000–24,000 |
9,000–15,000 |
10,000–18,000 |
|
Food/Groceries |
5,000–8,000 |
2,500–4,000 |
4,000–6,000 |
|
Transport |
1,200–3,000 |
800–1,500 |
1,000–2,000 |
|
Utilities/Phone |
1,500–2,500 |
1,200–2,000 |
1,200–2,500 |
|
Health Insurance |
500–1,000 |
Free (NHS) |
600–900 |
|
Total Yearly |
25,000–40,000 |
15,000–25,000 |
18,000–30,000 |
Conclusion
This is the best of all worlds for studying in Australia – sunny campuses, top-notch education, and real career prospects – for a smart budget. Beware: AUD 45,000 to 85,000 per year in tuition is the bulk of it, with work (AUD 20,000+ earnings) and scholarships helping it along. Large urban centers, such as Sydney, are suitable for big spenders, whereas regional cities such as Adelaide can cut living expenses to AUD 25,000. An upfront cost of AUD 3,000 for visa/health fees. Australia's mid-range is competitive, and it excels in lifestyle/PR paths when compared to the UK/Canada. Prepare: Select cheap unis, cook/house of community food, order concessions. It's easy to see how thousands of people achieve success every year, and your salary starts at AUD 70,000 plus with your degree.
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