Cost of Studying in Australia
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
Apply For Upcoming Intake
Yes, Australia is further from India than many study abroad destinations and might be a bit pricier than some European countries. But it’s definitely worth it! With excellent living conditions, vibrant student life, and top-notch education, Australia attracts over 500,000 international students, including nearly 100,000 Indians. Tuition fees in Australian universities vary by program and university, but here’s a rough idea of the annual costs for higher education there:
High-ranking universities and colleges usually decide the fee structures. Overall expense for studying humanities, arts and education courses is usually less compared to expense for subjects such as medicine and engineering. Tuition fees for postgraduate level is likely to be high, depending on the chosen program. As with most other countries, tuition fee for MBA programs is often the most expensive.
When planning to study abroad, the first big question is always: “How much will it cost me?” Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect if you’re considering Australia as your study destination.
Tuition Fees in Australia
- Tuition fees for course
- Living & day-to-day costs: rent, food, transport, bills, phone, misc.
- Visa & official costs: Visa fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), proof-of-funds requirements.
- One-time / program costs: Deposit, arrival, textbooks, course-specific fees (labs, placement fees), flights, insurance.
Tuition fees vary depending on your course, university, and level of study:
- Undergraduate Degrees: AUD 20,000 – 45,000 per year
- Postgraduate Degrees: AUD 22,000 – 50,000 per year In INR, this comes to roughly ₹11 – 27 lakhs annually, depending on the program and location.
Living Costs in Australia
Living expenses are just as important as tuition. On average, international students spend between AUD 1,100 – 2,000 per month (₹60,000 – ₹1.1 lakh).
Here’s a city-wise breakdown:
- Sydney & Melbourne: AUD 1,600 – 2,000 per month (premium cities)
- Brisbane & Perth: AUD 1,200 – 1,600 per month (balanced living)
- Adelaide: AUD 1,100 – 1,400 per month (most affordable)
This includes rent, food, transport, utilities, and social life.
Extra Costs You Shouldn’t Forget
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Around AUD 500 – 700 per year
- Books & Study Materials: AUD 500 – 1,000 annually
- Utilities & Internet: AUD 100 – 150 per month
Australia vs Other Countries
| Country | Average Tuition (UG/PG) | Average Living Cost | Visa Work Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 20,000 – 50,000 | AUD 1,100 – 2,000 | 24 hrs/week (during study) |
| UK | GBP 12,000 – 25,000 | GBP 1,000 – 1,500 | 20 hrs/week |
| Canada | CAD 15,000 – 35,000 | CAD 1,000 – 1,200 | 20 hrs/week |
While tuition may be slightly higher in Australia, the quality of education, global recognition, and strong post-study work visa (PSW) options make it worth every rupee.
Want a personalised first-year budget (with exact tuition + living estimate for your course & choice of city)?
Budget Tips for Indian Students
- Work part-time: Earn up to AUD 25 – 30 per hour in retail, hospitality, or campus jobs.
- Share accommodation: Splitting rent can save you AUD 400 – 600 per month.
- Apply for scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for Indian students.
- Use student concessions: Public transport and discounts on food, software, and events.
Studying in Australia is an investment in your future—and with smart planning, it’s completely manageable.
