MS in Australia Cost for Indian Students in 2025: Tuition, Living & Total Expenses

Latest update: From July 1, 2025, extending your student visa (or applying for one) must be done offshore; online applications from Australia may no longer be accepted. 

Pursuing a Master’s in Australia is a dream for many international students due to its globally ranked universities, research opportunities, and high employability rates. 

As of 2025, the MS in Australia typically costs AUD 28,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (approx. INR 15–27 lakh), depending on the university and program. 

According to the Australian Government’s latest education statistics, the number of international postgraduates has risen by over 12% in the past year, making it one of the fastest-growing study destinations. 

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for living expenses, averaging AUD 21,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials. Understanding the complete cost structure is crucial for planning your finances before applying.

Get detailed insights on expenses, budgeting tips & how to save smartly. Check out the Cost of Living in Australia with upGrad before you go!

What is the Total Cost of MS in Australia for Indian Students?

The total cost of MS in Australia for Indian students generally ranges from AUD 46,000 to 75,000 per year (INR 26 – 42 lakhs), depending on the course, city, lifestyle, and university.

Below is the exact breakdown:

Expense Category	Cost (AUD/year)	Approx. INR
Tuition Fees	AUD 22,000 – AUD  50,000	INR 12 – 28 lakhs
Minimum Living Expenses (visa requirement)	AUD 24,505	INR 13.7 lakhs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	AUD 600 – AUD 1,000	INR 33,000 – INR 55,000
Student Visa Fee (Subclass 500, from July 2025)	AUD 2,000	INR 110,000
Flights (round‑trip India)	AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,500	INR 55,000 – INR 1.4 lakhs

Note: Student visa fees rose to AUD ~2,000 per application as of July 2025 

Note: The amount mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Discover top universities, course options, fees & scholarships all in one place. Explore Masters in Australia with upGrad and start your dream abroad today!

What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Australia for MS Students?

The monthly cost of living in Australia for MS students typically ranges between AUD 1,200 to 2,500 ( INR 66,000 –  INR 1.4 lakhs), depending on the city, accommodation type, and lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of average monthly expenses:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (AUD)	INR Approx.
Rent (shared apartment)	600 – 1,200	INR 33,000 –  INR 66,000
Food & groceries	300 – 600	INR 16,500 –  INR 33,000
Transport (public)	100 – 200	INR 5,500 –  INR 11,000
Utilities & internet	100 – 200	INR 5,500 –  INR 11,000
Miscellaneous (leisure, mobile, etc.)	100 – 300	INR 5,500 –  INR 16,500

Note: The amount  mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

What are the Additional Expenses for MS in Australia?

Apart from tuition and living costs, Indian students pursuing an MS in Australia should plan for a few additional mandatory expenses. These are one-time or recurring charges that can impact your overall budget.

Expense	Estimated Cost (AUD)	INR Approx.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	AUD 600 – 1,000/year	INR 33,000 –  INR 55,000
Student Visa Application Fee	AUD 1,600 (as of July 2025)	INR 88,000 approx.
Flight Tickets (Round Trip)	AUD 1,200 – 2,500	INR 66,000 –  INR 1.4 lakhs
Study Materials & Supplies	AUD 500 – 1,000/year	INR 27,000 –  INR 55,000
Accommodation Setup (one-time)	AUD 1,000 – 1,500	INR 55,000 –  INR 82,000

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Also Read: Which Are the Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students?

How Can Indian Students Reduce the Cost of MS in Australia?

Pursuing an MS in Australia can be expensive, but there are several practical ways Indian students can reduce their overall expenses. From choosing the right location to applying for financial aid, here's how you can save smartly:

1. Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many universities offer merit-based, need-based, and research-based scholarships for international students. Some cover partial tuition, while others offer a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, or even travel and health coverage.

2. Study in Regional or Affordable Cities

Cities like Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, and Hobart are not only cheaper in terms of rent and transport but may also offer extended post-study work rights as incentives. Living expenses in these cities can be up to 30% lower than in Melbourne or Sydney.

3. Take Up Part-Time Jobs

With an Australian student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks. Typical part-time jobs in hospitality or retail can pay AUD 20–25/hour (INR 1,100 –  INR 1,400), helping you manage rent or groceries.

4. Live in Shared Accommodation and Cook at Home

Sharing rent with other students and preparing meals at home can significantly reduce monthly living costs. On average, shared accommodation costs AUD 150–250/week (INR 8,250 –  INR 13,800), while eating out regularly may double your expenses.

5. Use Student Discounts and Offers

Students get exclusive discounts on public transport, tech gadgets, software, health services, and entertainment. Keeping your student ID handy can lead to substantial monthly savings.

Check out: MBA Jobs in Australia (2025) : Opportunities, Salary, Top Recruiters

Is Studying MS in Australia Worth the Cost?  

Yes, studying for an MS in Australia can be worth the cost if it aligns with your career goals, return on investment expectations, and academic aspirations. Australia has some of the world’s top universities, offering degrees that are recognized globally. Additionally, there are strong research opportunities and a growing job market, especially in fields like IT, data science, engineering, healthcare, and finance.  

Why It’s Worth It:  

• High Graduate Employability: Australian universities rank highly for global employability. Graduates from top MS programs often secure roles with starting salaries ranging from AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000 per year (approximately INR 38 to 55 lakhs).  
• Post-Study Work Opportunities: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows students to stay and work for 2 to 4 years after graduation. This can help offset your investment and provide international experience.  
• Pathway to PR: Studying in regional areas and gaining skilled work experience may increase your chances of getting Permanent Residency (PR), which is a major draw for many Indian students.  
• Research & Industry Exposure: Many MS courses have strong links to industry, including internships, capstone projects, or lab-based learning. This adds real-world value to your degree.  

Also Read: Top Career Opportunities in Australia: A Complete Guide for Indian Students & Professionals

An MS in Australia presents an exceptional, educational experience with world-class education, industry connections, and good job prospects. However, the MS in Australia cost must be understood thoroughly to include tuition, living costs, and other fees to allow for planning on finances. 

Tuition for Masters degrees can range from AUD 28,000–50,000 (about ₹15–27 lakh) per year, while living expenses are about AUD 21,000 (around ₹11.5 lakh). Students should plan their budgets or inquire about scholarships to lessen the financial burden. 

Thus, by preparing a clear budget and searching opportunities for funding, a prospective graduate can focus on succeeding academically and enjoying the Australian experience and lifestyle.

Get expert 1:1 counselling to plan your MS in Australia; costs, universities, and more with upGrad.