Studying in Australia is a significant investment — and knowing the real numbers before you apply can save you from serious financial stress later.Whether you're planning for a Bachelor's, Master's, or a short diploma course, costs go well beyond tuition. Accommodation, visa requirements, daily living, and transport all add up fast. This guide breaks it all down — clearly, honestly, and in one place — so you can plan with confidence.
Breakdown of Cost For Studying in Australia
Australian universities are globally recognized, and tuition fees reflect that prestige. Costs vary significantly depending on your institution, city, and field of study. Here's a full breakdown of what to expect at each education level.
| Education Level | Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School | $7,800 – $30,000 |
| English Language Course | ~$300 per week |
| VET / TAFE Certificate & Diploma | $4,000 – $22,000 |
| Foundation / Pathway Course | $15,000 – $32,000 (one-time) |
| Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree | $15,000 – $33,000 |
| Arts / Humanities | $22,000 – $35,000 |
| Commerce / Business | $26,000 – $40,000 |
| Science Degrees | $26,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate Master's Degree | $20,000 – $37,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) Degree | $14,000 – $37,000 |
| MBA | $19,000 – $100,000+ (one-time) |
| * Medicine and Veterinary Science excluded — check individual university websites for those fees. | |
Accommodation Options
Where you live will be one of your largest ongoing expenses. Australia offers a range of options from on-campus housing to private rentals, each with different price points and trade-offs.
Hostels & Guesthouses
$90 – $150 per weekShared Rental
$85 – $215 per weekOn-Campus Housing
$90 – $280 per weekHomestay
$235 – $325 per weekPrivate Rental
$165 – $440 per weekBoarding School
$11,000 – $22,000 per yearWeekly Living Expenses
Beyond tuition and rent, day-to-day living adds up quickly. Below is a realistic breakdown of average weekly costs in Australian cities.
| Expense | Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Groceries & Eating Out | $80 – $280 |
| Gas & Electricity | $35 – $140 |
| Phone & Internet | $20 – $55 |
| Public Transport | $15 – $55 |
| Car (running costs) | $150 – $260 |
| Entertainment | $80 – $150 |
| Gym / Fitness | ~$18 |
| * Costs vary by city. Sydney and Melbourne sit at the higher end; Adelaide and Brisbane are generally more affordable. | |
⚠️ Student Visa Financial Requirements
The Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds before a student visa is granted. The 12-month minimum living costs are:
- You (primary applicant): AUD $19,830
- Partner or spouse: AUD $6,940
- Each dependent child: AUD $2,970
- Return airfare for all family members
- School fees for children aged 5–18: ~AUD $8,000/year
AUD
- Estimated minimum total annual cost for a single international student — assuming a mid-range course
- Tuition (mid-range course)~$25,000 / year
- Accommodation shared rental ~$1300 /yr
- Living expenses (modest ~$6,000 / year
- Total ~$ 44000
💡 Tips to Reduce Your Costs
Choose on-campus or shared housing
On-campus accommodation starts at just $90/week and includes utilities. Sharing a private rental with 2–3 housemates can also slash costs to under $200/week in most cities.
Cook at home and meal prep
Eating out in Australia averages $16–$75 per meal. Cooking at home can reduce your food budget to under $80/week. Weekly markets often have fresh produce at great prices.
Use student concession cards for transport
Most Australian states offer student discounts on public transport of up to 50%. Apply for a concession card as soon as you enrol — it pays for itself in the first week.
Work part-time on your student visa
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester (unlimited during breaks). The minimum wage is over $23/hour — enough to cover many living costs.
Apply for scholarships early
The Australian Government's Australia Awards, as well as university-specific scholarships, can reduce tuition significantly. Many have early application deadlines, so research them 12+ months before you plan to start.
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