MS in Australia Cost for Indian Students in 2025

Latest update: The minimum funds you must show as part of your student visa application have increased (to about AUD 29,710 for individual students). 

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. 

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

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	Ranges between 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)	Ranges between 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)	Ranges between AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,500	INR 55,000 – INR 1.4 lakhs

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

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

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

MS in Australia Fees by Popular Courses (University-wise Comparison) 

Tuition fees for MS in Australia vary depending on the specialisation. STEM programs like Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering generally cost more than programs in humanities or business. 

Average MS tuition fees by course: 

MS Course (Popular Programs)	Top Universities Offering It	Approx Range of Tuition Fees (AUD/year)
MS in Computer Science	University of Melbourne, ANU, Monash	AUD 36,000 – 49,000  ₹19.4L – ₹26.5L
MS in Data Science	University of Sydney, UNSW, RMIT	AUD 38,000 – 55,000  ₹20.5L – ₹29.5L
MS in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering	University of Adelaide, Curtin, Deakin	AUD 33,000 – 48,000  ₹17.8L – ₹26L
MS in IT / Cybersecurity	University of Queensland, Deakin, La Trobe	AUD 32,000 – 45,000  ₹17.2L – ₹24.4L
MS in Biotechnology / Life Sciences	University of Tasmania, Griffith	AUD 31,000 – 42,000  ₹16.7L – ₹22.8L

Tip: Universities in regional areas (Adelaide, Tasmania, Perth) are cheaper and offer extra PR benefits. 

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	Range of 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. 

Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia 

Cheapest Cities for MS in Australia (City-wise Cost Comparison) 

Your living cost depends on which city you choose. Sydney and Melbourne are expensive, while Adelaide and Perth are budget-friendly for students. 

City	Avg Range of Living Cost (AUD/month)	INR Equivalent (₹)
Adelaide (cheapest for students)	AUD 1,100 – 1,300	₹61,000 – ₹72,000
Perth	AUD 1,200 – 1,400	₹66,000 – ₹78,000
Brisbane	AUD 1,300 – 1,500	₹72,000 – ₹83,000
Melbourne	AUD 1,500 – 1,700	₹83,000 – ₹94,000
Sydney (most expensive)	AUD 1,700 – 2,000	₹94,000 – ₹1,10,000

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

If budget is the priority, choose Adelaide, Perth, or Tasmania, lower rent + extra 5–10 PR points under the regional category. 

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 Range (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

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

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 

Scholarships for MS in Australia (Exclusively for Master's Students) 

Australia offers multiple scholarships specifically for MS and research postgraduate students. Many of them cover tuition + monthly stipend. 

Scholarship Name	Covers	Offered By
Research Training Program (RTP)	Full tuition + stipend (AUD 32,000/year)	Australian Government
Destination Australia Scholarship	Up to AUD 15,000/year	Regional Universities
Australia Awards Scholarship	Tuition + living + airfare + health	Government of Australia
University-specific Merit Scholarships	25% – 100% tuition fee	Monash, Adelaide, Sydney, RMIT

MS students applying to research-based programs have higher scholarship chances. 

Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia 

Salary & ROI After MS in Australia (Post-Study Reality) 

Your return on investment depends on your field and location. Australia offers a 2–4 year Post Study Work Visa after MS, allowing students to work full-time. 

Field	Average Salary Range (AUD/year)	INR Equivalent (₹)
Data Science / Cloud Computing	AUD 90,000 – 125,000	₹48L – ₹68L
IT & Software Engineering	AUD 85,000 – 118,000	₹45L – ₹64L
Mechanical / Civil Engineering	AUD 80,000 – 110,000	₹42L – ₹60L
Biotechnology / Healthcare	AUD 75,000 – 105,000	₹40L – ₹57L

Most students recover their full MS cost within 12–18 months of working full-time. 

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 

Conclusion 

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.