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 degree in Australia is a dream for most Indian students, owing to its globally ranked institutions, research-oriented courses, and enticing post-study work opportunities. With 8 Australian universities featured in the QS World Top 100 (2025), Australia remains a magnet for thousands of Indian applicants every year.

However, it’s important to be financially prepared. The MS in Australia cost typically includes tuition fees and living expenses. As per official estimates, international students can expect tuition fees ranging from AUD 22,000 to 50,000 per year ( INR 12–28 lakhs approx.) In addition, students must show AUD 24,505 ( INR 13.7 lakhs approx.) annually for living expenses to meet visa requirements.

This blog gives you a complete breakdown of the total MS cost covering tuition, accommodation, visa, insurance, and more, so you can plan your finances smartly and avoid surprises during your study abroad journey.

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 amount  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, 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

Conclusion

The MS in Australia cost can be significant, typically ranging from  INR 25 to  INR 50 lakhs per year, including tuition, living expenses, visa charges, and additional fees. While this may seem high, the value lies in the globally recognised education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong career outcomes that Australian universities offer.

Indian students can make this journey more affordable by applying for scholarships, selecting budget-friendly cities, working part-time, and managing day-to-day expenses efficiently. When planned wisely, the cost of MS in Australia becomes a long-term investment in global employability and professional growth.

With post-study work visas, PR pathways, and access to high-demand job sectors, Australia continues to be a top choice for Indian students pursuing a master’s abroad.

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