Planning to study in Australia requires a clear idea of your overall budget. The cost of study in Australia for international students is estimated at AUD 66,000 to AUD 101,000+ (approximately INR 44.6L-68.2L) per year, including tuition fees and living expenses. Highly specialized degrees, such as medicine or a top-tier MBA, may cost more.
The city you choose can also affect your overall budget, as tuition depends mainly on the university and course, while living costs vary by location. Sydney and Melbourne generally have higher expenses, while Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide can offer comparatively lower costs.
This article provides a detailed overview of the cost of studying in Australia for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, city-wise costs, additional expenses, scholarships and budgeting tips to help students plan their finances effectively.
Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students
Tuition is usually the largest component of the cost of studying in Australia for international students. Study Australia notes that international tuition fees depend mainly on the education provider, level of study and study location. Additional course-related expenses, such as learning materials and equipment, may also apply.
The following data includes approximate tuition fee according to the level of degree in Australia.
Undergraduate Course Fees in Australia
For international students, undergraduate tuition fees at Australian universities generally range from around AUD 30,000-50,000 (approximately INR 20.4-34.0 lakh) per year. The exact fee varies by course, university and specialization.
Below is a comparison of indicative undergraduate tuition fees at public and private universities.
Undergraduate Courses
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Public Universities
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Private Universities
Business & Management
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
AUD 25,000-40,000 (INR 17.0-27.2 lakh)
Engineering
AUD 35,000-50,000 (INR 23.8-34.0 lakh)
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
Computer Science/IT
AUD 32,000-48,000 (INR 21.8-32.6 lakh)
AUD 28,000-45,000 (INR 19.0-30.6 lakh)
Law
AUD 35,000-50,000 (INR 23.8-34.0 lakh)
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
Arts & Humanities
AUD 30,000-40,000 (INR 20.4-27.2 lakh)
AUD 25,000-38,000 (INR 17.0-25.8 lakh)
Healthcare
AUD 35,000-55,000 (INR 23.8-37.4 lakh)
AUD 30,000-50,000 (INR 20.4-34.0 lakh)
Masters Course Fees in Australia
The cost of studying masters in Australia generally ranges from around AUD 30,000-60,000 (approximately INR 20.4-40.8 lakh) per year for international students. Fees vary based on the university, specialization and duration of the program.
The table below compares indicative masters tuition fees at public and private universities, including programs that help students estimate the cost of studying law in Australia and other popular postgraduate courses.
Masters Courses
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Public Universities
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Private Universities
These programs are generally among the more expensive postgraduate courses in Australia. International students can expect MBA tuition fees of around AUD 40,000-70,000+ (approximately INR 27.2-47.6 lakh) per year, depending on the institution, program structure and specialization.
The table below provides an indicative comparison of cost of MBA in Australia at public and private universities.
MBA Program
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Public Universities
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Private Universities
General MBA
AUD 40,000-65,000 (INR 27.2-44.2 lakh)
AUD 30,000-55,000 (INR 20.4-37.4 lakh)
MBA in Finance
AUD 45,000-70,000 (INR 30.6-47.6 lakh)
AUD 35,000-60,000 (INR 23.8-40.8 lakh)
MBA in Marketing
AUD 40,000-65,000 (INR 27.2-44.2 lakh)
AUD 30,000-55,000 (INR 20.4-37.4 lakh)
MBA in International Business
AUD 40,000-65,000 (INR 27.2-44.2 lakh)
AUD 30,000-55,000 (INR 20.4-37.4 lakh)
Executive MBA
AUD 50,000-80,000+ (INR 34.0-54.4+ lakh)
AUD 40,000-70,000+ (INR 27.2-47.6+ lakh)
PhD Fees in Australia
Tuition fees vary considerably depending on the research area, university and funding arrangement. International students may generally encounter fees of around AUD 30,000-50,000+ (approximately INR 20.4-34.0 lakh) per year before scholarships or fee-offsets.
The table below provides indicative PhD fee ranges and can help research students estimate the cost of studying engineering in Australia, along with other popular doctoral specializations.
PhD Specialization
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Public Universities
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee in Private Universities
PhD in Engineering
AUD 35,000-50,000 (INR 23.8-34.0 lakh)
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
PhD in Computer Science/IT
AUD 35,000-50,000 (INR 23.8-34.0 lakh)
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
PhD in Business
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
AUD 28,000-42,000 (INR 19.0-28.5 lakh)
PhD in Law
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
AUD 28,000-42,000 (INR 19.0-28.5 lakh)
PhD in Healthcare
AUD 35,000-50,000 (INR 23.8-34.0 lakh)
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
PhD in Arts & Humanities
AUD 30,000-45,000 (INR 20.4-30.6 lakh)
AUD 28,000-42,000 (INR 19.0-28.5 lakh)
Note: These are indicative fee ranges for content planning and can vary significantly between institutions and courses.
Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
Tuition is only one part of the cost of studying in Australia for international students. Accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, health insurance and personal expenses can make up a significant portion of the annual budget.
Note: These are indicative monthly planning estimates. Actual expenses can vary depending on the city, accommodation type, lifestyle and whether costs such as rent and utilities are shared.
Cost of studying in Major Australian Cities
The city you choose can significantly affect your living expenses. Tuition is primarily determined by the university and course, while accommodation and daily expenses can differ considerably between cities.
The following are some of the popular cities in Australia with their cost of studying.
Sydney
The approximate cost of living in Sydney can be relatively higher than in other Australian cities. However, the city offers a wide range of universities, career opportunities and student facilities.
It is a popular choice among international students because of its universities, and student-friendly environment. The cost of living can be relatively high, particularly for accommodation in central areas.
This offers a comparatively relaxed lifestyle and can be more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. It is also a growing destination for students interested in business, technology and engineering.
It is known for its great resources and mining sector, making it a suitable destination for students interested in engineering and related fields. Living costs can vary depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
This city is considered a relatively affordable option for international students compared with some of Australia's larger metropolitan cities. It can be suitable for students looking to manage their overall study and living expenses.
When comparing the cost of studying in Australia for international students, it is important to consider tuition fees, accommodation and everyday living expenses, rather than focusing only on university tuition.
Wondering how to reduce your education costs? Explore how you can study in Australia for free with the right options.
Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students
Students looking to reduce their cost of studying can consider universities and institutions outside Australia's most expensive locations. However, "cheapest" does not mean that every program at a university has low fees.
Institutions such as the University of Southern Queensland, Federation University Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast, Charles Darwin University and CQUniversity among relatively affordable options, depending on the course.
Below is the detailed breakdown of affordable universities in Australia.
University
Approximate Annual Tuition fee
Popular Areas
University of Southern Queensland
AUD 28,000-38,000+ (INR 19.0-25.8 lakh+)
IT, Engineering, Business
Federation University Australia
AUD 22,000-32,000+ (INR 15.0-21.8 lakh+)
Business, IT, Engineering
Charles Darwin University
AUD 20,000-35,000+ (INR 13.6-23.8 lakh+)
IT, Engineering, Education
CQUniversity
AUD 26,000-34,000+ (INR 17.7-23.1 lakh+)
IT, Engineering, Business, Health
University of the Sunshine Coast
AUD 20,000-32,000+ (INR 13.6-21.8 lakh+)
Business, IT, Health
Note: Actual fees depend on the program and study load.
Before selecting a university solely because of its lower tuition, students should also compare rankings, course quality, location, accommodation costs, scholarships and graduate outcomes.
Besides tuition and living expenses, international students should budget for several one-time or recurring costs. Planning for these additional costs in advance can help students estimate their overall cost of studying in Australia more accurately and avoid unexpected financial pressure during their studies.
These may include:
Expense
Approximate Cost (AUD/INR)
Student Visa Application Fee (Subclass 500)
AUD 2,500 (INR 170k)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
AUD 470-850 per year (INR 32k-58k)
English-Language Test
AUD 310-440 per attempt (INR 21k-30k)
University Application Fees
AUD 0-150 per university (INR 0-10k)
Airfare
AUD 800-2,500 one way (INR 54k-170k)
Books and Study Materials
AUD 500-1,200 per year (INR 34k-82k)
Accommodation Bond
Equivalent to 4 weeks' rent (INR 68k-150k)
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
Up to AUD 373 per year (INR 25k)
Practical Course Equipment
AUD 200-800+ total (INR 14k-54k+)
These expenses can make a noticeable difference to the first-year cost of study in Australia, so it's important to include them in your initial budget instead of treating them as unexpected costs.
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of studying in Australia
Funding can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Australian universities, government bodies and other organisations offer scholarships for international students.
A realistic budget can help students manage the cost of studying in Australia for international students without putting pressure on their finances. It is also important to keep some extra funds aside for unexpected costs and one-time expenses, helping them manage their finances comfortably throughout their stay.
The following is step by step guidance on how to plan your budget in Australia.
Step 1 - Choose an affordable city: Compare accommodation and everyday expenses across cities instead of focusing only on university rankings.
Step 2 - Compare university fees: Check the exact annual or total program fee on the university's official website before applying.
Step 3 - Apply for scholarships: Research scholarships early, as even a partial tuition waiver can reduce your overall expenses.
Step 4 - Choose shared accommodation: Sharing accommodation with other students can help reduce rent and utility costs.
Step 5 - Use public transport: Public transport is generally more affordable than owning a car, especially in major student cities.
Step 6 - Cook at home: Preparing meals at home can help reduce your regular food expenses.
Step 7 - Use student discounts: Take advantage of eligible discounts on transport, food, entertainment, software and other services.
Step 8 - Plan expenses before arrival: Create a first-year budget covering tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, visa charges, travel, study materials and emergency expenses.
For Indian students, calculating the cost of study in Australia in Indian rupees before applying can make the financial planning process easier. However, because exchange rates fluctuate, the INR equivalent should be updated close to the time of payment.
Conclusion
The cost is made up of tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa charges and other personal expenses. International tuition can broadly fall within the AUD 36,000-56,000 (approximately INR 24.5-38.1 lakh) annual range at some providers, while living costs can add around AUD 30,000-45,000 (approximately INR 20.4-30.6 lakh) depending on location and lifestyle.
The cost of studying in Australia for international students can be reduced through scholarships, affordable accommodation, careful city selection and effective budgeting. Students should also consider course-specific expenses, because programs such as engineering, law, healthcare and technology can have different tuition structures.
How much can a student earn in Australia per month?
International students can typically earn around AUD 1,500-2,500 (approximately INR 1.0-1.7 lakh)per month, depending on their hourly wage, job type and permitted working hours. Actual earnings vary by role and schedule.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, international students can generally work while studying, subject to their visa conditions. During study periods, most Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
Which job is best for students in Australia?
Popular student jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, administration and customer service. The best option depends on your skills, location, availability and study schedule, while complying with visa conditions.
What is the cost of studying engineering in Australia?
The cost of studying generally ranges from around AUD 35,000-55,000 (approximately INR 23.8-27.4 lakh) per year for international students, depending on the university, specialization and program level.
What is the cost of study in Australia in Indian rupees?
The cost of studying in Australia for international students varies with the exchange rate, university and course. Tuition may broadly range from approximately INR 44.6L-68.2L per year, excluding living expenses.
What is the cost of studying law in Australia?
Studying law in Australia generally ranges from around AUD 30,000-55,000 (approximately INR 20.4-27.4 lakh) per year for international students. Fees vary based on the university, program and study level.
What is OSHC in Australia?
OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover, mandatory for all international students. It ensures access to medical services during your stay. Costs average around AUD 600/year (~₹30,000), depending on the provider.
What is the cost of studying masters in Australia?
The cost of masters in Australia generally ranges from around AUD 30,000-60,000 (approximately INR 20.4-40.8 lakh) per year. The actual tuition depends on the university, specialization, program duration and course structure.
Can I go to Australia without IELTS?
Yes, IELTS is not the only option. Depending on your circumstances, Australia accepts approved tests such as PTE, TOEFL iBT and C1 Advanced, while some applicants may qualify for exemptions.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in Australia?
Yes, fully funded scholarships are available for eligible international students. Depending on the scholarship, coverage may include tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance and other study-related costs.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Australia?
There is no universal CGPA requirement for Australian scholarships. Criteria vary by provider, with competitive merit-based awards generally requiring strong academic performance along with other eligibility requirements.
