Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students 2026–2027
Tuition fees for international students studying in Australia range from AU $4,000 to over AU $90,000 per year, varying heavily by course type and institution. Read on to explore the other costs involved.
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Australia is rapidly moving into the top three countries for international students to study abroad. More than half a million international students are enrolled in various institutions because of the many benefits of studying in Australia.
Knowing the expected cost of studying in Australia will help you budget for the 2026–2027 session. Tuition costs for studying in Australia vary widely by course and university and can range from AU $20,000 to AU $50,000 on average. However, top-tier universities and specialised degrees can cost AU $55,000 – $90,000 per year.
The cost of living while studying in Australia is a different matter altogether. Other costs include application fees, student fees, books and supplies, Australia standardised exam fees, travel and student health insurance costs, and miscellaneous expenses.
Let us explore the expected cost of studying in Australia against international student tuition fees for different courses and check out a real case study of a Genuine Student (GS) statement refusal turned around by our decade-experienced Australian expert counsellor.
The undergraduate tuition bands, postgraduate research cost caps, state-by-state student density metrics, and mandatory border health insurance baselines detailed below are compiled from official 2026–2027 educational cost publications administered by the Australian Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
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International Tuition Fees in Australia for 2026–2027
The average annual cost of studying in Australia for courses in Medicine and Health Sciences is higher due to their professional nature, while Humanities and Social Sciences cost relatively less. It is highly recommended to consult a particular university for the exact amount of fees payable.
Australia Degree Cost by Level of Study 2026–2027
As a crucial part of the overall cost of studying in Australia, the following are the average tuition fee ranges associated with various degrees for overseas students.
| Education Level | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelors Degrees) | AU $20,000 – $65,000+ | 3 – 4 years |
| Postgraduate (Masters Degrees) | AU $22,000 – $65,000+ | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Doctoral (PhD/MPhil) | AU $20,000 – $58,400 | 3 – 4 years |
| Diploma Courses | AU $8,000 – $30,000 | 6 months – 1.5 years |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | AU $4,000 – $30,000 | 3 months – 2 years |
| English Language Studies | AU $300 – $500+ per week | 5+ weeks |
Source: Study Australia - Living & Education Costs · CRICOS Courses in Australia
Australia University Fees by Field of Study 2026–2027
Fees for highly specialised, resource-intensive programmes, such as Medicine and Health Sciences, will be high. Similarly, courses like Humanities and Social Sciences will be relatively cheaper. Check out the expected international student cost of studying in Australia for different fields and degree levels:
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Science | AU $20,000 – $56,000 | AU $28,000 – $57,500 |
| Business and Management/MBA degrees | AU $25,000 – $61,000+ | AU $38,000 – $75,000+ |
| Engineering and Technology | AU $30,000 – $63,000 | AU $45,000 – $63,000 |
| Medicine and Health Science | AU $30,000 – $90,000+ | AU $40,000 – $85,000+ |
| Natural and Physical Science | AU $28,000 – $61,000 | AU $38,000 – $62,000 |
Source: Study Australia - Cost of Studying & Living · Australian Government CRICOS Framework
State-Wise Australia Tuition Fees 2026–2027
Tuition fees in Australia for international students are likely to be higher in major urban areas or states like New South Wales and Victoria, where there are more prestigious universities and a higher cost of living. States such as Queensland and South Australia host more affordable universities, thereby decreasing the overall cost of studying in Australia.
| States | No. of International Students | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 200,000+ | AU $25,000 – $60,000 | AU $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Victoria | 175,000+ | AU $25,000 – $55,000 | AU $30,000 – $65,000 |
| Queensland | 80,000+ | AU $20,000 – $50,000 | AU $25,000 – $60,000 |
| South Australia | 30,000+ | AU $20,000 – $45,000 | AU $25,000 – $55,000 |
| Western Australia | 50,000+ | AU $23,000 – $48,000 | AU $27,000 – $58,000 |
| Tasmania | 3,500+ | AU $20,000 – $40,000 | AU $24,000 – $50,000 |
| Northern Territory | 3,000+ | AU $22,000 – $42,000 | AU $25,000 – $48,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 12,000+ | AU $25,000 – $50,000 | AU $28,000 – $55,000 |
Source: Study Australia - Budgeting Calculator
Note: The University of Tasmania has specific pricing tiers, so not all programmes at this university are cheaper. Also, universities in Adelaide offer some of the most affordable tuition fees and also boast a lower cost of living in the region.
Do you have a specific budget and are looking for full-time options within a suitable range? Contact our Australian experts to receive financial guidance specifically tailored to suit your profile. Let them help you find a suitable course and college that allows you to enjoy your education journey in Australia without burning a hole in your pocket.
Mandatory Costs of Studying in Australia
Several mandatory expenses apart from tuition fees and student accommodation costs are incurred when you plan to study abroad. These include university and visa application fees, health and travel insurance, and others.
Australian Course Application Fees 2026–2027
The foremost cost of studying in Australia begins with paying the standardised exam fees. However, this is an expense that you have to pay well before applying to any Australian university. For more details, refer to the fees and usage of different kinds of Australian entrance exams.
The second expense is the cost of application fees for different programmes. The application cost for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Australia varies widely across institutions. Knowing about these fees in advance would help you meet the financial requirements for applying to the respective Australian universities without stress.
| Course Type | Application Fees (in AUD) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors Degrees | AU $50 – $150 Commonly AU $100 | Consistent across undergraduate programmes within the same university. |
| Masters Degrees (Coursework) | AU $50 – $150 Commonly AU $100 | Same as the bachelor’s level of the same university |
| PhD Degrees (Research) | AU $0 – $150 Most international PhDs are on RTP Scholarships | Many Australian universities, especially the Group of Eight (Go8), waive the application fee for research degrees (MPhil/PhD) to encourage quality applications by linking them to scholarship rounds |
| Diploma Courses | AU $0 – $300 | Fees for pathway/diploma programmes vary widely. University-affiliated colleges (pathway providers) charge a fee (AU $100 – $150). Some vocational (TAFE) or private colleges may charge a smaller fee, or sometimes a compulsory Enrolment Fee after an offer is made. |
Source: Study Australia Portal for Estimate Budgeting
What You Should Know About Australia University Application Fees?
Unlike the complete cost of studying in Australia, the university application fees can be waived off depending on the different kinds of institutions and courses in Australia that you choose to study. There may be enrolment fees involved in some cases as well.
- Fee Waivers: Many universities waive the application fee if an international student applies through one of their registered, approved education agents. It is considered the most effective way to reduce the heavy application charges.
- Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil): Most universities do not charge an application fee for Higher Degree Research (HDR) programmes like a PhD in Australia, especially if the course application is accompanied by a scholarship application. Please note that you must cross-check the specific programme admissions page on the official university website.
- Non-Refundable: Irrespective of the candidate’s selection or rejection, application fees would be almost always non-refundable. Please note that the exact application cost of studying in Australian institutions must be verified on the official university website.
- Enrolment Fee (Post-Offer): The compulsory Enrolment Fee or acceptance deposit is different from the Application Fee. This is due only after you accept an offer and is credited toward your first semester tuition. The one-time fee can be anywhere between AU $200 and AU $5,000.
Health Cover, Travel, and Supplies Costs
The application cost of the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs, and books and supplies all constitute an undeniable set of mandatory costs of studying in Australia.
| Expense Type | Annual / One-Time Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Ticket | AU $1,000 – $2,500 | One-time cost; varies heavily by country of origin, airline, and time of booking |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AU $600 – $1,000 annually | Single Student |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | AU $2,500 | Official fee effective from July 1, 2025, expected to apply for the 2026–2027 period |
| Books and Supplies | AU $600 – $1,500 annually | Varies heavily by course; Humanities students spend less, while Medicine, Engineering, or Fine Arts students may need specialised textbooks, lab fees, or equipment that push costs higher |
Source: DHA - Student Visa Subclass 500 Fees · Study Australia - Plan Your Move with OSHC
Additional Cost of Studying in Australia
The additional cost of studying in Australia, such as leisure activities and personal items, is considered miscellaneous expenses and primarily relies on the student's lifestyle and location. It is important to note that these costs might differ from person to person and primarily rely on the student’s lifestyle. Here are a few examples of these expenses:
| Expense Type | Recommended Average Monthly Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU $400 – $1,760+ | Shared apartment (low end) up to private rental (high end) |
| Food & Groceries | AU $300 – $600 | All groceries and basic meals; high-end covers frequent, casual eating out |
| Utilities (Shared House/Apartment) | AU $150 – $280 | Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet/Mobile phone combined |
| Transportation | AU $80 – $220 | Public transport passes, with student concession where applicable |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | AU $150 – $400 | Entertainment, leisure, clothing, grooming, stationery, gym memberships, and more |
Source: Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide
Note: The cost of studying in Australia is subject to change without prior notice by the government and universities. To get the exact cost and fees, ensure you visit the official university website.
From Rent to Groceries: International Students Reveal Australia Costs
How expensive is Australia really? International students reveal their actual spending on rent, food, and travel, no filters, no guesses. Get the real numbers and tips to plan your student budget better.
Real-World Cost vs. Visa Requirement
While the Subclass 500 Australian Visa requires students to show AU $29,710 for one year of living expenses as per the Australian DHA, students living in high-demand suburbs of Sydney (Surry Hills, Randwick) or Melbourne (Carlton, Docklands) should budget closer to AU $35,000 – $40,000 annually to account for current rental market trends.
Applicants from higher-risk countries such as India and Nepal are also expected to show a three-month history of these funds, so where the money sits and how it moved matters as much as the total. Even a fully sanctioned education loan doesn't always settle the question. If the family's own finances look thin or recent, the assessor may still doubt the profile, as one of our recent cases shows.
Case Study: Reversing a GS Refusal by Strengthening the Financial Documentation — Mary Philomina
Mary Philomina shares a real case of a student with a 100% education loan who received a Genuine Student (GS) statement refusal from an Australian university, and how she turned it around.
Client Profile: Indian Student (Australia Aspirant)
Core Challenge: Initial GS refusal from a reputed Australian university; financial profile weakened by a 100% education loan and recently filed parental ITRs.
Outcome: Agent change, GS resubmission approved, currently pursuing 2nd semester in Australia (as of October 2026)
In the last intake, Mary helped a student who had received a GS refusal from a reputed Australian university through another consultancy. The student had a 100% education loan, while his parents had recently filed their ITRs, which weakened the overall financial profile.
After assessing his case, Mary advised the family to provide their business MSME registration, GST certificate and current account statements. During her financial assessment, she noticed they had no matured FDs in a nationalised bank. However, on a closer check of their finances, she found approximately INR 13.5 lakhs in FDs with a cooperative society.
So, she advised them to transfer the matured FD amount to a nationalised bank and provide a covering letter confirming the FD maturity, along with transaction statements showing the movement of funds. Mary then took over the application through an agent change and resubmitted the GS Statement with the strengthened documentation. The student received approval and is now happily pursuing his second semester in Australia.
Funding your studies with an education loan or family savings? Our counsellors will map your total cost, check how your loan, sponsors' income documents and savings will read to the DHA, and help you close gaps before you apply. Register for a free financial planning session.
Cost Reduction Tips in Australia: Part-Time Jobs & Scholarships
The wide range of Australian scholarships offered by the country’s government and universities contributes significantly to reducing the overall cost of studying in Australia. These awards may cover the following:
- Tuition Reduction: Scholarships can greatly reduce or compensate for the cost of degrees, particularly for MS by Research and PhD, covering 100% of tuition fees.
- Living Stipends: As per the Australian Department of Education, many top-tier scholarships provide a tax-free stipend, AU $35,550 – $55,537 per year in 2027, to aid with the cost of living, such as housing and food.
- Travel and Establishment: Scholarships can assist students in covering initial costs like return airfares and an establishment allowance upon arrival.
- Networking and Community: Scholarship programmes include opportunities for students to connect with other foreign students and form new friendships from around the globe.
- Part-Time Employment: While tuition fees are fixed, international students can take up part-time work in Australia to manage their personal expenses. The Australian Fair Work Ombudsman has set a 48-hour fortnight during active academic terms and full-time during holidays, along with a national minimum wage of AU $24.95+25% per hour.
- Internships: Students can also explore relevant paid and unpaid internship opportunities in their field of study to add valuable experience to their profiles, alongside earning potential.
Australian Scholarships Explained by International Students
Can you really study in Australia for free? International students share their scholarship journeys, covering eligibility, expenses covered, and insider tips to help you maximise your chances of securing funding.
In conclusion, the cost of studying in Australia varies greatly, based on the subject of your choice, the state that your college belongs to, and the level of study that you want to pursue. Prospective students have to consider not only tuition fees but also accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses in a manner that can be within their budget.
Take your first step to studying in Australia? Register at AECC and let our experts help you with not only tuition fees, living costs, and financial planning, but also the entire application process. From course and university shortlisting to scholarship and visa filing, our experts make your international education journey smooth and successful.
Sources & References
Academic Tuition Databases
- Government of Australia - CRICOS Framework - official, legally binding Commonwealth database tracking every institution registered to offer courses to overseas students, along with their approved, explicit baseline tuition fee structures.
- Study Australia Portal - Living and Education Costs Guide - framework defining education cost variables, course choice factors, and student financial compliance criteria.
Cost Saving Framework Data
- Fair Work Ombudsman: International Students Workplace Rights - verifies the legally protected national minimum wage framework of AU $24.95+25% per hour and the statutory 48-hour-per-fortnight work limitation applied during active academic terms.
- Department of Education: Research Training Program (RTP) - reference points for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, verifying that full-time base RTP living stipends sit between AU $35,550 – $55,537 per year in 2027.
Statutory Immigration & Visa Governance
- Department of Home Affairs - Student Visa Subclass 500 - legislative guidelines confirming the mandatory AU $2,500 Visa Application Charge and the strict AU $29,710 liquid cash evidence thresholds.
- Study Australia - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Guidelines - mandatory minimum health insurance coverage rules, registered provider parameters, and compliance conditions for international single-applicant student visas.
- Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide - national consumer metrics tracking average shared rental configurations, utility costs, transport zone ticketing, and city-by-city lifestyle calculators.
Cost of Studying in Australia 2026–2027 FAQs
It can cost international students nearly AU $20,000 – $50,000 per year for tuition, which varies significantly with programme and university. Additionally, you would need AU $29,710 against living expenses for one year at the time of visa filing. Besides these, other mandatory costs include the student visa filing cost, medical and travel insurance costs, and other miscellaneous expenses, making a total of AU $50,000 – $100,000 per year.
The universities located in Adelaide offer significantly lower living costs and rent compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Hence, it is widely considered the most budget-friendly city for international students in Australia. Other affordable universities in Australia that provide good quality education and lower overall expenses include Hobart, Brisbane, Perth, the Gold Coast, and more.
Yes, Australia offers 100% scholarships to international students that cover tuition, living costs, and travel, thereby reducing their overall study costs. However, these awards are highly competitive and are awarded for master's degrees or PhD programmes.
Several need-based and academic excellence awards are offered for international students from developing countries or with exceptional academic merit. Examples include government-funded Australia Awards Scholarships for leadership development, university-specific academic scholarships, and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships for research degrees.
To minimise the high cost of studying in Australia, you can do the following:
- Apply for scholarships and grants
- Look for research programme grants
- Choose a more affordable university and city
- Look for lower-cost course options
- Consider pathway programmes
- Use budgeting apps to track your daily expenses
- Work part-time jobs for international students
Fairwork.gov.au ensures that all international students on a student visa get equal pay and rights as the national workers.
Beyond international student tuition fees in Australia for international students, costs for studying include living costs of AU $29,710 per year for accommodation, food, and transport, and a student visa filing fee of AU $2,500. Additionally, a mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costing around AU $600 per year, and travel insurance is also required. Additional costs for textbooks and study material, potential upfront costs like a rent bond, entertainment costs, and miscellaneous expenses must also be considered. These expenses vary based on course requirements, location, and student lifestyle.
Tuition fees in Australia vary depending on your chosen university, level of study, and specific degree programme:
- General Fee Range: Minimum annual tuition fees generally range from AU $25,000 to AU $40,000 per year, or approximately ₹18 to ₹22 lakh per year. Across all courses and universities, annual fees fall between AU $25,000 and AU $55,000 per year.
- Group of Eight (Go8) Universities: Top-tier institutions, such as Group of Eight (Go8) universities, sit at the higher end of the scale, with annual tuition fees often around AU $50,000 per year.
- Scholarship Discounts: Students who have achieved strong academic results (70% to 90% or above in their previous qualification) stand a good chance of securing merit-based scholarships of up to 30% off their tuition fees, significantly lowering the overall cost.
For your initial total budget, studying in Australia costs approximately ₹40 to ₹50 lakh per year. This total budget covers your 1-year university tuition fees together with the required annual living expenses, which average around AU $29,710 per year, as well as health insurance and travel expenses.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all international students for the full duration of their visa. For example, if you are enrolled in a 2-year Master's degree programme, you must secure OSHC coverage for the full 2 years, which costs between AU $1,600 and AU $2,000.
We maintain direct partnerships with leading Australian health insurance providers, including BUPA, Medibank, Allianz, and others, allowing students to arrange and purchase their mandatory OSHC through us at a lower price compared to buying it directly through the university.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Vasudha Shenoy
Australia Study Abroad Specialist | 10 Years in International Education
Vasudha Shenoy came to international education after careers spanning IT and air travel management, bringing 13 years of professional experience to the field. That background shapes how she counsels students today. She approaches every profile methodically, with a precise eye for where documentation gaps or inconsistencies can create problems down the line. Over 10 years at AECC, she has counselled students bound for Australia, New Zealand, UK, Dubai, and Ireland across engineering, IT, business, MBA, health sciences, social work, and psychology programmes at bachelor, master, and PhD level.
The cases she is known for are the difficult ones. A student who had unknowingly overstayed an Australian visa and was refused elsewhere came to her without clear direction. After reviewing the profile carefully, she identified New Zealand as the right pathway, rebuilt the documentation and Statement of Purpose, and secured the visa. In another case, an Australian student visa was refused due to an administrative error just one week before the course was set to begin. She analysed the refusal, prepared a detailed explanation, and re-lodged. The visa was granted in five days. The student, who had already started heading home, turned around and boarded a flight to Australia. She has also guided married applicants, mature-age students between 35 and 50, students with double master's degrees, and students who had discontinued a bachelor's degree and wanted to re-enrol. She connects current students with former students already at the destination, giving them a ground-level view that no brochure can provide. She has attended professional familiarisation sessions at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and participated in the University of Western Australia's counsellor engagement event in Pune, giving her first-hand knowledge of what these institutions expect from international applicants. She received the Top Performer Award for the Karnataka and Kerala Region at AECC in 2025, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Portsmouth, UK for outstanding contribution in 2024-25.
Vasudha holds a BA from Mangalore University and is both QEAC Certified and British Council Certified. She has 10 years of experience in international education at AECC. She works in English, Kannada, Hindi, Tulu, and Konkani. She also answers student questions on Quora.
Reviewed by Kanika Goel
Australia Study Abroad Expert | 14 Years in International Education
Kanika Goel has spent over 14 years in international education, building expertise across university relationship management, student recruitment, admissions and compliance, student counselling, and stakeholder engagement. In her current role at AECC, she manages and strengthens relationships with Australian and New Zealand university partners while supporting recruitment and enrolment growth across AECC branches. Her QEAC certification is the professional standard for education agents counselling students on Australian study pathways, and it underpins the accuracy and compliance focus she brings to Australia content.
Her professional experience spans Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, and Canada, with extensive knowledge of admissions operations, visa and GTE processes, university engagement, agent training, market intelligence, and escalation management across these markets. That multi-perspective understanding of how Australian universities assess applications, what GTE requirements mean in practice, and how compliance standards work across different student profiles is what she applies when assessing whether Australia-facing content reflects the reality students will encounter.
Kanika holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi and is QEAC Certified. She has over 14 years of experience in international education at AECC. She works in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
