How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Australia? Fees, Visas & Savings Hacks

May 22, 2025

Studying abroad comes with significant costs, including tuition fees, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. This guide breaks down all the expenses and provides money-saving tips for students planning to study in Australia.

1. Tuition Fees in Australia

Tuition costs vary depending on the degree level and university. On average:

Undergraduate Degrees: AUD $20, 000 –$ $20$ $,$ $000-$ 45,000 per year
Postgraduate Degrees: AUD $22, 000 –$ $22$ $,$ $000-$ 50,000 per year
Doctoral Degrees: AUD $18, 000 –$ $18$ $,$ $000-$ 42,000 per year
Vocational Courses (TAFE/Diplomas): AUD $4, 000 –$ $4$ $,$ $000-$ 22,000 per year

Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees:

University of Melbourne: AUD $35, 000 –$ $35$ $,$ $000-$ 50,000
University of Sydney: AUD $38, 000 –$ $38$ $,$ $000-$ 52,000
Australian National University (ANU): AUD $36, 000 –$ $36$ $,$ $000-$ 48,000
University of Queensland (UQ): AUD $30, 000 –$ $30$ $,$ $000-$ 45,000

2. Student Visa Costs (Subclass 500)

To study in Australia, you’ll need a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which costs:

Visa Application Fee: AUD $710 (as of 2024)
Health Insurance (OSHC): AUD $450 –$ $450-$ 600 per year (mandatory)
Biometrics & Medical Checkups: AUD $100 –$ $100-$ 300

3. Cost of Living in Australia

Living expenses depend on the city, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive.

Monthly Living Expenses (Approximate):

Expense	Cost (AUD)
Accommodation	$800 –$ $800-$ 2,000
Groceries	$300 –$ $300-$ 600
Transport	$100 –$ $100-$ 200
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.)	$150 –$ $150-$ 300
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	$200 –$ $200-$ 500

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: AUD $1, 500 –$ $1$ $,$ $500-$ 3,500

4. Additional Costs

Flights to Australia: AUD $1, 000 –$ $1$ $,$ $000-$ 2,500 (round trip)
Textbooks & Study Materials: AUD $500 –$ $500-$ 1,000 per year
Part-Time Work Permit: Free (students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight)

5. Money-Saving Hacks for International Students

🔹 Scholarships & Financial Aid

Apply for Australia Awards, Endeavour Scholarships, or university-specific grants.
Check government-funded scholarships from your home country.

🔹 Work While Studying

International students can work part-time (up to 48 hours every 2 weeks).
Popular student jobs: Retail (AUD $20 –$ $20-$ 30/hr), Tutoring (AUD $25 –$ $25-$ 50/hr), Hospitality (AUD $22 –$ $22-$ 35/hr).

🔹 Affordable Accommodation Options

Shared Rentals: Split costs with roommates (AUD $150 –$ $150-$ 300/week).
Homestays: Live with a local family (AUD $200 –$ $200-$ 400/week, includes meals).
University Dorms: AUD $250 –$ $250-$ 600/week (varies by location).

🔹 Budgeting & Discounts

Use student discounts on transport (e.g., Opal Card in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne).
Buy second-hand textbooks or use library copies.
Cook at home instead of eating out frequently.

Studying in Australia can cost between AUD $30, 000 –$ $30$ $,$ $000-$ 70,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and course. Planning ahead, applying for scholarships, and working part-time can help reduce expenses. With proper budgeting, you can enjoy a world-class education while managing costs effectively.

Join us today and take the first step toward achieving your global education goals with Menazor. Together, let’s turn your aspirations into achievements!

Menazor - Your Study Abroad Companion.

The journey of a thousand miles begins here !

Loading...