What it costs to study in Australia: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | A$25,000 to A$50,000 |
| Postgraduate | A$25,000 to A$50,000 |
Medicine and veterinary science can exceed A$70,000. Vocational (VET) diplomas cost A$8,000 to A$20,000.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | A$800 to A$1,800 (Sydney highest, Adelaide and Perth lowest) |
| Food and groceries | A$350 to A$500 |
| Transport | A$80 to A$180 with concession fares in most states |
| Utilities and phone | A$120 to A$200 |
| Health insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover, about A$50 to A$70 a month, paid upfront |
Total: A$1,800 to A$2,800 a month depending on the city.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | A$2,000 (from July 2025) |
| Health cover | Overseas Student Health Cover for the full visa period, budgeted above |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much does the Australian student visa cost?
The application charge is A$2,000 from 1 July 2025, non-refundable. Add OSHC, biometrics in some countries and a health examination.
How many hours can I work in Australia as a student?
48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks. The cap is monitored through your tax file number.
Is a study gap a problem for Australia?
Gaps of up to two years are common and accepted with evidence. Longer gaps need a clear Genuine Student statement explaining the reason and how the course fits your plans.