Introduction

International students who want to study their dream courses at top Australian universities often overlook one factor when planning. And that is the types of costs involved. This is one of the important factors to be considered while planning to study in the land down under. Understanding these costs beforehand will help students plan their finances better.

Two types of costs are involved in studying in Australia: tuition fees and living expenses. Tuition fees are charged by the university, while living expenses include essential expenses like rent, food, travelling, utilities, insurance, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia is home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world that provide practical learning to international students. Besides universities of academic eminence, the country also has a friendly and relaxed lifestyle. See the following reasons to understand why one should study in Australia:

• World-class education: Australia has 6 universities ranking in the top 50 in QS World University Rankings 2025. These universities are known for quality education, student satisfaction, and global reputation.

• Experiential learning: Tertiary institutes in Australia push international students to think and learn in new ways. During industry-relevant courses, students learn many soft skills that employers worldwide require.

• Friendly community: Australia is a friendly country that welcomes students from 192 countries. International students in the country get the same rights and freedom as locals.

• Earn-while-learn opportunities: International students can work for 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during holidays.

• Relaxed lifestyle: In addition to getting a superior-quality education, international students will have the opportunity to experience a comfortable lifestyle in Australia. Some extracurricular activities in Australia include going to beaches, watching sports (cricket, football, tennis, surfing), and hiking in the mountains.

Cost of Studying in Australia

Studying at top universities in Australia requires a huge amount of money. But how much? The cost of studying in Australia is made up of tuition fees and living expenses. Let’s understand the cost involved in both.

• Tuition Fees for International Students

The biggest expenditure for any international student in Australia is the tuition fee charged by universities. It varies depending on the type of program, specialization, and university chosen. The annual tuition fee range for different study levels in Australia is listed below:

1. UG Certificate/Diploma: AUD 6,000 – 4,0000
2. Bachelor’s Degree: AUD 17,000 – 53,000
3. PG Certificate/Diploma: AUD 8,400 – 48,000
4. Master’s Degree: AUD 6,000 – 57,000

Some universities also charge an application fee to process students’ applications. The application fee varies from AUD 50-150.

• Living Costs in Australia

The second biggest expense after tuition fees is the cost of living. It comprises multiple expenses like rent, food, transportation, utilities, health insurance, entertainment, and more. The cost of living is affected by the type of city, room, and personal spending habits. Here is the estimate of the cost of living in Australia for international students:

• Accommodation - There are two types of accommodation options for students in Australia. The cost of housing depends on the type of accommodation students choose. The average rent of on-campus accommodation ranges from AUD 360 to AUD 1200 per month. On the other hand, the off-campus accommodation can cost between AUD 600 – 4800 per month.

• Food - Food costs depend on whether students eat outside or cook at home. The average monthly cost of eating at a restaurant ranges from AUD 500 – 1,000, while groceries may cost AUD 320 to AUD 800 per month.

• Transportation - Public transportation is the best option for travelling in Australia. The monthly cost of public transport in Australia can be between CAD 100 and 150.

• Utilities - Utilities include expenses like electricity, water, internet, and heating. The cost of utilities in Australia may range from CAD 230 to 440 per month.

• Health Insurance – International students must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover in Australia. The cost of OSHC for international students in Australia is AUD 438 to 609 per year.

• Miscellaneous Costs – Apart from the costs mentioned above, there are some other expenses one has to bear while studying in Australia, like books, insurance, and visa fees. The miscellaneous expenses can cost between AUD 200 – 300 monthly.

Scholarships to Study in Australia

Australian government and universities provide a lot of scholarships to international students studying in Australia. The scholarships vary depending on the type of program, level of study, and other factors. Following are the various scholarships international students can avail of while studying in Australia:

• Australia Awards Scholarships – These are long-term awards provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Students covered under the scholarship are the ones who are going to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Australian universities.

Coverage: full tuition fees, airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses and health insurance

• Australia Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP): It is provided to international postgraduate research students. To get this scholarship, students must prove an outstanding record of academic achievement.

Coverage: The amount varies, as some scholarships cover full tuition fees while others provide a stipend of AUD 41,753 p.a.

• University-specific Scholarships: In addition to the above-mentioned government scholarships, international students can also benefit from scholarships provided by their chosen university.

Coverage: The amount of this scholarship varies depending on the university and type of program.

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Studying in Australia

Financial barriers shouldn’t stop students from pursuing their dream courses abroad. Here are some tips for international students to save money while studying in Australia.

• Choose a Budget-Friendly City: One of the ways to reduce the cost of living is to choose an affordable city to live in Australia. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can drain a lot from students’ banks, while Adelaide, Brisbane, and Hobart are some of the most economical cities in Australia.

• Search for Financial Aid: Tuition fees are one of the biggest costs for international students in Australia. And one would definitely want to alleviate it as much as possible. The best way to lower this cost is to look for financial aid options like scholarships.

• Work Part-Time: International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays. They can take advantage of this policy and work part-time and earn extra money.

• Make a realistic budget: Another underrated way to reduce the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students is to make a budget and stick to it. Having a budget in place will allow the students to keep track of their expenses and manage them effectively.

Conclusion

The cost of studying in Australia for Indian students depends on various factors such as university choice, type of program, type of accommodation, and more. The two parts that make up the study costs in Australia are tuition fees and living expenses. To reduce the tuition fees students can avail of various scholarships provided by the Australian government and universities. On the other hand, students can use the tips mentioned above to bring down living expenses. Aspiring international students looking for financial assistance in Australia can connect with a study abroad consultant.