Australia remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students, especially from India, with over 120,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian universities as of 2025.
On average, international students spend between AUD 35,000–55,000 per year (₹19–30 lakh) depending on the course, university, and city of residence. Hence, it is essential to understand thecomplete cost of studying in Australiain 2025, including tuition fees, accommodation, visa charges, insurance, and everyday expenses.
This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know, from university tuition fees and living costs across major Australian cities to hidden expenses and part-time work options, helping you plan your education journey wisely, budget effectively, and make the most of your study abroad experience.
Before applying to universities, students often struggle to estimate the real cost of studying in Australia. Understanding the breakup of expenses, tuition fees, visa charges, OSHC health insurance, accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses helps create a realistic budget and avoids financial surprises after arrival.
Costs vary depending on the course, city, and lifestyle, but this breakdown gives a clear estimate of average yearly expenses for international students.
Cost Breakdown Table for International Students (2025)
Expense Category
Average Cost (Per Year)
Cost in INR (Approx.)
Tuition Fees (UG/PG – varies by program)
AUD 20,000 – 45,000
₹10 – 24 lakh
Living Expenses (rent, food, utilities, transport)
AUD 21,000 – 27,000
₹11 – 15 lakh
Health Insurance (OSHC)
AUD 500 – 1,000
₹28,000 – 55,000
Visa Application Fee (Student Visa Subclass 500)
AUD 710
₹39,000
Travel / Flight Tickets (one-time)
AUD 1,200 – 2,400
₹66,000 – 1.3 lakh
Miscellaneous / Personal Expenses
AUD 2,000 – 5,000
₹1 – 2.7 lakh
Note: Cost may increase based on major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
Tuition fees in Australia vary widely by program, university, and study level. On average, international students spend between AUD 20,000 and 50,000 per year (₹10.8L – ₹27L) on tuition.
Average Tuition Fees by Study Level
Study Level
Annual Fees (AUD/INR)
Examples
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
20,000 – 45,000
10.8L – 24.3L
University of Sydney, Monash University
Postgraduate (Master’s)
22,000 – 50,000
11.9L – 27L
UNSW, University of Melbourne
Doctoral (PhD)
20,000 – 42,000
10.8L – 22.7L
ANU, Curtin University
Vocational (TAFE/Diploma)
5,000 – 20,000
2.7L – 10.8L
TAFE NSW, Box Hill Institute
English Language Programs
300 – 500 per week
16K – 27K per week
Navitas, Kaplan, etc.
Business, Medicine, and Engineering programs are usually more expensive, while Arts and Humanities courses are comparatively affordable.
Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2025)
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), average living costs in Australia have risen slightly due to inflation, but remain manageable compared to the UK or USA. Students typically spend AUD 1,700–2,500 per month (₹93,000–₹1.36L) on essential living expenses.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Expense Type
Monthly Cost (AUD)
In INR (₹)
Accommodation (Shared Apartment)
750 – 1,500
41,000 – 82,000
Groceries & Food
350 – 600
19,000 – 33,000
Transport
120 – 200
6,500 – 11,000
Utilities (Internet, Electricity, Gas)
150 – 250
8,000 – 13,500
Health Insurance (OSHC)
40 – 60
2,200 – 3,200
Miscellaneous & Entertainment
150 – 300
8,000 – 16,000
Tip: Students who cook at home and share accommodation can save nearly AUD 4,000 annually.
While tuition and rent make up the largest share of your expenses, many students forget about smaller yet recurring costs that can quickly add up over the course of a year.
Planning for these hidden costs ensures you don’t face unexpected financial stress after arriving in Australia.
Common overlooked expenses include:
Textbooks and study materials: Depending on your course, books and lab supplies can cost between AUD 500–1,000 per year (₹27,000–₹54,000). Engineering, medicine, and business programs tend to have higher material costs.
Laptop and software: A good-quality laptop is essential for coursework, online submissions, and research. Expect to spend AUD 1,000–1,500 (₹54,000–₹81,000) if you don’t already own one. Some programs may also require paid software like MATLAB or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Orientation & student union fees: Universities charge AUD 100–200 per year for orientation programs and student associations, which cover campus events, workshops, and recreational activities.
Airfare (India–Australia): One-way flight tickets range between AUD 1,200–2,000 (₹65,000–₹1.1L) depending on the city and season. Booking 2–3 months in advance can help save costs.
Health check-ups, phone plans, and internet setup: Initial setup fees or deposits for utilities and SIM cards can total AUD 200–400 (₹11,000–₹22,000).
Buying second-hand textbooks through university forums or websites like StudentVIP and Gumtree, or using the campus library, can save you over AUD 700 per semester.
Similarly, opting for digital versions or academic sharing platforms like CourseHero and Google Scholar can help cut learning material costs by nearly 50%.
Working While Studying in Australia (2025)
International students can legally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during holidays.
Average Part-Time Earnings
Job Type
Hourly Pay (AUD)
Monthly Income (Approx.)
Retail/Customer Service
23 – 28
1,000 – 1,400
Hospitality (Waiter/Barista)
25 – 30
1,100 – 1,600
Tutoring/Academic Assistant
30 – 40
1,400 – 1,800
Delivery/Logistics
22 – 27
1,000 – 1,300
On average, part-time jobs can help you cover up to 40–50% of your monthly living expenses.
Creating a realistic budget is essential for international students planning to study in Australia. It helps you manage tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs effectively while ensuring financial stability throughout your studies.
By planning ahead, students can balance academic goals with smart money management.
Sample Annual Budget (in AUD)
Expense Category
Annual Cost (AUD)
INR Equivalent (₹)
Tuition Fees
30,000
16.2L
Living Expenses
24,000
13L
Visa + OSHC
1,200
65,000
Miscellaneous
1,000
54,000
Total Estimated Annual Cost
56,200
₹30.2L
Budget Tip: Choose regional universities and shared accommodations to reduce total costs by 15–25%.
Return on Investment (ROI) for Studying in Australia
A postgraduate degree from Australia often delivers a strong return on investment (ROI), especially in fast-growing sectors such as business, IT, engineering, and healthcare. Graduates enjoy high employability and competitive pay packages across major cities and regions.
Here’s why studying in Australia is a financially smart decision:
Average Graduate Salary: AUD 70,000–95,000 per year (₹37L–₹50L)
Post-Study Work Visa: Up to 4 years (and up to 6 years for regional graduates)
Top Employers: Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra
ROI Period: Students earning around AUD 75,000 annually can recover their full education cost within 2–3 years
Career Scope: Global recognition of Australian degrees opens opportunities in Asia-Pacific and beyond
With a balanced mix of high salaries, global career options, and extended work visas, studying in Australia ensures strong long-term value for your investment.
Conclusion
Australia continues to be a premier destination for quality education in 2025, offering a perfect mix of academic excellence, lifestyle comfort, and global exposure.
While the average cost of studying in Australia ranges between AUD 46,000–76,000 per year (₹25L–₹41L), strategic planning, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities make it financially achievable.
With careful budgeting and early application strategies, Indian students can experience world-class education without financial strain in one of the world’s safest and most welcoming countries.
There are public and private academic institutions in Australia. Public universities charge less fees in comparison with private institutions. International students can also apply for scholarships to deal with the high Australian college fees. Having said that, we can’t say that education is free in Australia.
How much can a student earn in Australia?
The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 20.33 per hour. International students can earn a minimum of AUD 406/week.
How much does a 4-year degree cost in Australia?
The average cost of studying for a bachelor’s degree is somewhere around AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000. A bachelor’s degree duration is three years, but students wanting to pursue an honors degree undergo a 4-year degree program.
How much money is required to study in Australia in Indian rupees?
The average cost of studying in Australia in Indian currency ranges from ₹11,16,538 to ₹25,12,210.
How much do student visas cost to study in Australia?
To study in Australia, you need to apply for a student visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 5 years and is in line with your enrollment. The application fee for a student visa under the Subclass 500 is AUD 710 unless exempt.
How much does student accommodation typically cost in Australia?
Student accommodation costs in Australia depend on whether you opt for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. Also, in off-campus accommodation, if you choose a private apartment, its rent would be higher than that of a shared one. However, on average, the cost of staying in an on-campus accommodation ranges from AUD 166 - AUD 394 per week and AUD 160 - AUD 440 per week for an off-campus accommodation.
Is it expensive to study in Australia?
Yes, studying in Australia can be expensive due to high tuition fees and living costs.
Tuition Fees: AUD 20,000 - AUD 50,000 per year (INR 10,97,200 - INR 27,43,000 per year)
Living Expenses: AUD 18,000 - AUD 25,000 per year (INR 9,87,480 - INR 13,71,500 per year) Scholarships, part-time work, and financial aid can help reduce expenses.
How much does a 3-year degree cost in Australia?
The total cost for a 3-year bachelor's degree in Australia is:
Living Expenses: AUD 54,000 - AUD 75,000 (INR 29,62,440 - INR 41,14,500) So, the total estimated cost ranges from AUD 1,14,000 - AUD 2,25,000 (INR 57,60,300 - INR 70,76,940) over three years.
How much money is required to study in Australia in Indian Rupees?
The estimated cost for Indian students based on 1 AUD = 54.86 INR:
Tuition Fees: INR 10,97,200 - INR 27,43,000 per year
Living Expenses: INR 9,87,480 - INR 13,71,500 per year
Student Visa: AUD 650 (INR 35,659)
Books & Study Materials: AUD 650 (INR 35,659)
Technology & Internet: AUD 100 (INR 5,486)
Extracurricular Activities: AUD 120 (INR 6,583)
For a 3-year degree, the total cost is between INR 57,60,300 - INR 70,76,940, depending on the university and lifestyle.
Is studying cheaper in Canada or Australia?
Canada is generally more affordable than Australia.
Tuition Fees in Canada: CAD 15,000 - CAD 40,000 per year (Approx. AUD 16,000 - AUD 43,000)
Tuition Fees in Australia: AUD 20,000 - AUD 50,000 per year
Living Costs in Canada: CAD 10,000 - CAD 15,000 per year
Living Costs in Australia: AUD 18,000 - AUD 25,000 per year
Overall, Canada has lower tuition fees and living expenses, making it the cheaper option. However, Australia offers excellent job opportunities and world-class universities, making it a great choice for those who can manage the higher costs.
How can international students calculate their cost of studying in Australia?
Students can calculate their study expenses by considering:
Tuition Fees – Check university websites for program-specific costs (INR 10,97,200 - INR 27,43,000 per year).
Living Expenses – Accommodation, food, transport, etc. (INR 9,87,480 - INR 13,71,500 per year).
Additional Costs – Student visa, health insurance, books, and extracurricular activities.
Exchange Rate – Convert all costs into home currency (1 AUD = 54.86 INR).
Scholarships & Work – Factor in financial aid and part-time work to reduce expenses.
Are scholarships available to reduce study costs in Australia?
Yes. Popular scholarships include Australia Awards, Destination Australia, and university-specific merit-based grants. These can cover 25–100% of tuition fees based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
How do living costs in Australia compare to Canada or the UK?
Australia’s living costs are slightly higher than Canada but often lower than the UK. However, higher post-study salaries and longer work visa durations in Australia make it a balanced investment.
How much should I budget for food and groceries in Australia?
Expect to spend around AUD 400–600 (₹22,000–₹32,000) per month. Cooking at home and buying in bulk from supermarkets like Woolworths or ALDI can save up to 30% monthly.
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Australia?
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory and costs around AUD 500–700 (₹27,000–₹38,000) per year, depending on the provider and coverage plan.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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