Cost of Study in Australia : Tuition Fees, Living & Other Costs

Studying in Australia is a popular choice for Indian students, but understanding the costs involved is essential for proper planning. In 2025, the cost of study in Australia typically ranges between AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 (approximately INR 12 lakhs to INR 27 lakhs) annually, depending on the course and city.

Tuition fees for undergraduate programs generally vary from AUD 17,000 to AUD 45,000 (about INR9 lakhs to INR 24 lakhs), while master's degrees may cost anywhere between AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 (around INR 12 lakhs to INR 27 lakhs). Living expenses in Australia, including rent, groceries, and transport, can add another AUD 11,000 to AUD 18,000 (around INR 6 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs) per year. Additional costs like visa fees, insurance, and study materials should also be considered. 

In this blog we will help you understand the complete breakdown of the costs associated with studying in Australia.

Kickstart your journey to study in Australia with upGrad’s tailored programs for Indian students.

What is the Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students?

The cost of study in Australia for Indian students typically ranges from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (approx. INR 12 lakhs to INR 27 lakhs) for most university-level programs. However, the actual amount varies based on the course type and institution.

Here's a breakdown:

Program Type	Annual Tuition Fees (AUD)	Approx. in INR (INR)
Undergraduate	20,000 – 45,000	INR 10.8L – INR 24.3L
Postgraduate	22,000 – 50,000	INR 11.8L – INR 27L
Doctoral	25,000 – 55,000	INR 13.5L – INR 29.7L
MBA Programs	30,000 – 65,000	INR 16.2L – INR 35.1L
VET Courses	5,000 – 20,000	INR 2.7L – INR 10.8L
English Courses	300 per week	INR 16,200/week

Note: INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on current exchange rates.

Pro Tip: Public universities tend to be more affordable than private institutions. Also, applying early may open up scholarship opportunities to cut down costs.

Top Universities in Australia for Indian Students

Australia is home to several top-tier universities that offer world-class education and attract Indian students from all over the globe. The choice of university plays a crucial role in shaping the academic and career prospects of students. 

In this section, we’ll highlight the leading Australian universities for Indian students, categorized based on their undergraduate and postgraduate offerings.

Top Universities for Undergraduate Courses

The following universities offer diverse undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, and more, making them ideal choices for Indian students pursuing their higher education in Australia.

QS World University Rankings 2025	University	Tuition Fee Range (AUD) (INR)
#13	University of Melbourne	AUD 30,000–45,000/year (INR 16.2L–24.3L)
#18	University of Sydney	AUD 35,000–50,000/year (INR 18.9L–27L)
#19	University of New South Wales (UNSW)	AUD 32,000–50,000/year (INR 17.3L–27L)
#30	Australian National University (ANU)	AUD 28,000–50,000/year (INR 15.1L–27L)
#37	Monash University	AUD 25,000–45,000/year (INR 13.5L–24.3L)

Top Universities for Postgraduate Courses

When it comes to postgraduate education, Australian universities continue to maintain their reputation for offering specialized and high-quality courses. Here are some of the top universities for postgraduate in Australia (Master’s/MBA) programs.

QS World University Rankings 2025	University	Tuition Fee Range (AUD) (INR)
#19	University of New South Wales (UNSW)	AUD 30,000–50,000/year (INR 16.2L–27L)
#30	Australian National University (ANU)	AUD 28,000–50,000/year (INR 15.1L–27L)
#37	Monash University	AUD 30,000–50,000/year (INR 16.2L–27L)
#40	University of Queensland (UQ)	AUD 28,000–45,000/year (INR 15.1L–24.3L)
#44	University of Adelaide	AUD 25,000–45,000/year (INR 13.5L–24.3L)

Living Expenses in Australia for Indian Students

Living costs in Australia are a crucial part of planning your education abroad. On average, Indian students can expect to spend between AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 annually (INR 10.8 lakhs to INR 16.2 lakhs) depending on their city, lifestyle, and accommodation type.

Average Monthly Living Expenses in Australia

Expense Category	Cost in AUD	Cost in INR (approx.)
Accommodation	600 – 1,800	INR 32,400 – 97,200
Food & Groceries	560 – 1,200	INR 30,200 – 64,800
Transportation	120 – 260	INR 6,480 – 13,950
Miscellaneous	200 – 600	INR 10,800 – 32,400
Total (Monthly)	1,480 – 3,860	INR 80,000 – 2,08,000

For a detailed breakdown by city, tips on saving money, and how to budget smartly, check out our dedicated guide here: Cost of Living in Australia. 

Visa, Insurance & Other Essential Costs for Indian Students

In addition to tuition and living expenses, Indian students should account for several other essential costs when planning to study in Australia. These include visa fees, health insurance, airfare, and other miscellaneous expenses. Here's a detailed breakdown:​

Expense Type	Cost in AUD	Cost in INR (approx.)
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	AUD 1,600	INR 86,400
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	AUD 500 – 700/year	INR 27,000 – 37,800
Airfare (One-way from India)	AUD 130 – 650	INR 7,000 – 35,000
Books & Study Materials	AUD 30 – 90/month	INR 1,620 – 4,860
Internet & Mobile Plan	AUD 53 – 84/month	INR 2,862 – 4,536
Personal Expenses	AUD 100 – 300/month	INR 5,400 – 16,200

Note: INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on current exchange rates.

Read more: Australia Study Visa Requirements: Fees, Processing & Eligibility

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Australia

Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students are available to ease the overall cost of study in Australia. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and financial need, and they can significantly reduce tuition and living expenses.

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students:

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Coverage
Australia Awards Scholarships	Australian Government	Full tuition, OSHC, living expenses, airfare
Destination Australia Scholarships	Australian Government	Up to AUD 15,000/year (INR 8.1 lakhs approx.)
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)	Australian Universities	Tuition + living allowance for research students
Deakin India Scholarships	Deakin University	25–100% tuition fee reduction
University of Sydney International Scholarships	University of Sydney	Covers tuition fees and living costs
Macquarie University India Scholarship	Macquarie University	AUD 10,000 (INR 5.4 lakhs) toward tuition

Pro Tip: Start applying 8–12 months before your intake and always check eligibility and deadlines on official university and scholarship portals.

Can Indian Students Work While Studying in Australia?

Yes, Indian students can work while studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 student visa. This opportunity allows students to gain practical experience, supplement their income, and immerse themselves in Australian culture. However, there are specific regulations governing work hours and conditions.

Work Rights for Subclass 500 Visa Holders

• During Study Periods: Students are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week) during the academic semester. ​
• During Scheduled Course Breaks: Students can work unlimited hours during official university holidays or breaks. ​
• Dependents: Family members accompanying the student visa holder may also be subject to the same work hour restrictions unless exempted under specific conditions. ​

Average Hourly Rates for Part-Time Jobs

Part-time job opportunities in Australia are abundant across various sectors, offering students flexibility and competitive wages. Here are some common job types and their average hourly rates:​

Job Type	Average Hourly Rate	Average Monthly Earnings
Retail Assistant	AUD 20–25 (INR 1,080–1,350)	AUD 800–1,000 (INR 43,200–54,000)
Barista / Waitstaff	AUD 18–25 (INR 972–1,350)	AUD 720–1,000 (INR 38,880–54,000)
Tutor	AUD 30–50 (INR 1,620–2,700)	AUD 1,200–2,000 (INR 64,800–1,08,000)
Customer Service Roles	AUD 20–28 (INR 1,080–1,512)	AUD 800–1,200 (INR 43,200–64,800)
Delivery Driver	AUD 22–25 (INR 1,188–1,350)	Varies based on deliveries

Note: Hourly rates can vary based on location, experience, and specific employer; INR conversion (at 1 AUD = INR 54)

Important Considerations:

• Minimum Wage Compliance: All part-time jobs must comply with Australia's minimum wage laws. As of July 2024, the national minimum wage is AUD 24.10 (INR 1,300) per hour. ​
• Tax Obligations: Students are required to pay taxes on their earnings and must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN). Employers will deduct taxes at the applicable rates.​
• Workplace Rights: International students have the same workplace rights and protections as Australian workers, including the right to receive payslips and fair treatment. ​

How to Budget Your Study in Australia from India

Studying in Australia can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to plan your finances carefully to ensure a smooth academic journey. Here's how you can budget effectively and manage the cost of study in Australia without compromising your education or lifestyle.

1. Choose Affordable Options
   • Opt for universities with lower fees (e.g., University of Tasmania at AUD 25,000 (INR 13.7L/year vs. University of Melbourne at AUD 45,000 (INR24.3L)/year.
   • Choose budget-friendly cities like Adelaide or Perth (AUD 1,500–2,000/month ~INR 81,000–1.08 lakhs) over Sydney (AUD 2,000–2,500/month ~INR 1.08–1.35 lakhs).
   • Consider shared rentals or homestays instead of on-campus housing (AUD 150–350/week).
2. Leverage Part-Time Work
   • Work up to 48 hours per fortnight, earning AUD 25–35/hour (INR 1,375–1,925).
   • Look for jobs in retail, hospitality, or campus roles.
   • Tip: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to start working legally.
3. Apply for Scholarships
   • Explore scholarships like Australia Awards or UQ High Achievers’ Scholarship (up to 50% tuition waiver).
   • Tip: Apply early for merit-based and need-based scholarships.
4. Save on Daily Expenses
   • Cook at home, shop at Aldi (AUD 80–150/week ~INR 4,320–8,100), and use student transport discounts (AUD 30–70/week ~INR 1,620–3,780).
   • Share utility costs with housemates (save AUD 20–50/week ~INR 1,080–2,500).
   • Tip: Use second-hand textbooks or library resources.
5. Plan Finances Early
   • Consider securing an education loan from Indian banks like SBI or HDFC Credila.
   • Provide proof of funds (AUD 29,710 ~INR 16.1 lakhs) for visa approval.
   • Tip: Track INR-AUD exchange rates to lock in favorable rates.
6. Track Spending
   • Use apps like Pocketbook or Splitwise to monitor your monthly budget of AUD 1,500–2,000 (INR 82,500–1.1 lakh).

Check out: 7 Best Cities in Australia for International Students

Conclusion

Studying in Australia can be a life-changing experience, offering high-quality education and a global perspective. However, understanding the cost of study in Australia is crucial for Indian students to plan their finances effectively. With tuition fees ranging from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 (~INR 12 lakhs to INR 27 lakhs), along with additional expenses like living costs, visas, and insurance, the total cost can vary significantly depending on the city and course you choose.

By exploring scholarships, taking advantage of part-time work opportunities, and selecting affordable cities and universities, you can manage your expenses more efficiently. Careful budgeting and tracking your spending will ensure a smooth academic journey in Australia.

For personalized guidance on studying in Australia, book your free consultation with upGrad today!