
Australia is known for its high-quality education, attracting students from around the world. However, studying in Australia can be expensive, with tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs to consider. While it is not possible to study in Australia for absolutely no cost, there are ways to reduce the financial burden. Scholarships are a popular option, with many universities and the Australian government offering scholarships to international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even provide additional benefits such as health coverage and relocation allowances. Additionally, some universities in Australia do not charge application fees for international students, making it more accessible to apply to multiple institutions and increase the chances of receiving a scholarship. Another option is to work part-time while studying, as international students have the right to work in Australia during their studies. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work, and it may not be enough to cover all expenses. Overall, while studying in Australia as an international student may not be completely free, there are various options to make it more affordable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application fees for international students | Many Australian universities do not charge application fees for international students. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are available for international students, including the Endeavour Postgraduate Leadership Awards, Flinders University Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (AGRTPS), and University of Sydney (USydIS) scholarship. |
| Tuition fees | Tuition fees for international students can range from $9,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the program. |
| Living expenses | Scholarships may cover living expenses through fortnightly stipends. |
| Student visas | International students must apply for a student visa, which costs $450. |
| Work opportunities | International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week with a student visa, but it may not be enough to cover all expenses. |
| English language proficiency | International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, such as through IELTS or TOEFL tests. |
| Academic qualifications | Scholarships are often based on academic merit, and students must provide detailed information about their previous education and grades. |
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What You'll Learn

Scholarships for international students
Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of studying in Australia. While studying in Australia is not free, there are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to international students to help fund their education. These scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and public and private organisations.
The Australian Government offers the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) to students from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region. The AAS provides full tuition fees, travel allowances, living expenses, and more. The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program is another option for international students pursuing postgraduate studies. This scholarship includes full tuition fees, a monthly allowance, housing, medical insurance, and travel expenses.
Additionally, many Australian universities offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit. For example, the University of Sydney offers a fully funded master's and PhD scholarship that covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance. The Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship is another option for undergraduate and master's students, offering $2500 per year towards course fees. Deakin University also offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate studies, providing a stipend, relocation allowance, and health insurance.
Other notable scholarships include the Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship for students from the UK, the Endeavour Postgraduate Leadership Awards for master's and PhD students, and the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) for master's and doctoral research studies.
To find and apply for scholarships, students can use resources such as university scholarship portals, Australian government scholarship portals, and external websites like the Institute of International Education (IIE). It is important to note that scholarship requirements vary, with most scholarships being based on academic merit and some requiring English language proficiency.
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No application fees for international students
Although international students cannot study for free in Australia as universities charge tuition fees, there are several universities that do not charge application fees for international students. These include:
- RMIT University
- Victoria University
- University of South Australia
- Bond University
- The University of Wollongong
Most top colleges in Australia do not charge an application fee and offer fee waiver accreditation to both domestic and international students. Some universities waive fees for students from low-income countries and for specific courses. Postgraduate research students, in particular, often do not have to pay application fees.
To study in Australia for free, international students can apply for fully funded scholarships. These include the Flinders University Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (AGRTPS), which is offered in collaboration with the Australian Government to support outstanding international students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). The Endeavour Postgraduate Leadership Awards are another option, which are fully paid scholarships for postgraduate students.
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Student visas and working in Australia
To study in Australia, international students must obtain a valid visa. The type of visa required will depend on the student's situation. Most international students who plan to study full-time will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500). However, it is important to note that other types of visas may also be suitable, depending on the individual's circumstances.
The process of applying for a student visa involves several steps. Firstly, students should research the specific visa requirements and conditions, including eligibility criteria, necessary documents, costs, and application procedures. This information is available through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Once an international student has received an offer from a university and formally accepted it, they can proceed with the visa application. It is recommended to apply for the visa as soon as the student receives their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). The CoE is issued after the student has paid the initial payment specified in their offer letter. The eCoE is a document issued by the university, containing specific details about the applicant and their course. It is crucial to apply for the visa promptly, as processing times can be lengthy, and it is the student's responsibility to ensure they receive their visa on time.
To comply with visa conditions, international students must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered program, maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance, and inform the university of any changes to their Australian address or contact details. Additionally, students are required to hold approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while in Australia. This ensures that they have adequate health insurance coverage during their stay.
It is important to note that scholarships typically only cover the expenses of the student and do not extend to any accompanying family members or companions. Therefore, students planning to bring family members with them to Australia should state this during the visa application process.
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English language proficiency requirements
While it is not possible to study in Australia without spending any money, international students can study in Australia at an affordable cost. One way to do this is by receiving scholarships. To gain scholarships, international students need to meet certain requirements, including English language proficiency requirements.
English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are generally accepted, depending on the requirements of the scholarship. Most scholarships will exempt students from this requirement if they can prove that their previous education was taught in English. International students can demonstrate English language proficiency through a record of satisfactory achievement in at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) tertiary study in a recognised bachelor's degree or other approved tertiary qualifications, within five years of the date of course commencement, in one of the following English-speaking countries:
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Canada (excluding Quebec)
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)
- United States of America
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Alternatively, students can demonstrate proficiency through a record of satisfactory achievement in a completed and recognised secondary education (high school) qualification undertaken in English, such as the Cambridge GCE Advanced Levels and International Baccalaureate diploma.
Some universities, like the University of Sydney, require proof of English language proficiency for their scholarships. The University of Western Australia also has an English language requirement for direct entry, for which international applicants who do not meet the requirement may consider an Academic English and Study Skills Bridging course at the UWA Centre for English Language Teaching.
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Tuition fees and living expenses
International students in Australia are expected to pay tuition fees and cover their living expenses. However, there are ways to reduce these costs, such as through scholarships or part-time work.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students in Australia vary depending on the level of study and the specific university. For instance, foundation courses can range from $9,000 to $15,000, while undergraduate programs can cost between $10,000 and $14,500. Graduate Certificate Diplomas typically range from $9,000 to $16,000, and a Master's degree can cost between $11,000 and $19,000. MBAs are usually the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.
Living Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, international students in Australia should expect to pay between $100 and $300 per week for living expenses, including room and board. There may also be additional school expenses, such as student organization fees, sports facilities, lab costs, books, and excursions. The cost of a student visa is a one-time fee of $450.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of studying in Australia. Many universities in Australia offer scholarships to international students, and some even provide full tuition fee waivers. For example, the University of Queensland's Engineering School covers tuition fees of $30,000 per year for international students. Additionally, postgraduate research scholarships in Australia often include fortnightly stipends to cover living expenses.
Part-Time Work
International students in Australia are allowed to work while studying, which can help cover living expenses. However, with a student visa, the work hours are limited to 20 hours per week, so it may not be enough to cover all costs.
Application Fees
It is worth noting that many Australian universities do not charge application fees for international students, making it easier to apply to multiple universities and increase the chances of receiving scholarships or admissions.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not possible to study in Australia with absolutely no expenses, there are ways to reduce costs. Many universities do not charge application fees for international students, and there are scholarships available that cover tuition fees and living expenses.
There are scholarships available from university scholarship portals, Australian government scholarship portals, and other external portals. Some scholarships are aimed at students from specific countries, while others are for international students in general.
Most scholarships are based on academic merit, so you will need to provide detailed information about your previous education and grades. Some scholarships also require English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, but this can sometimes be waived if your previous education was taught in English.
International students are allowed to work in Australia while studying, which can help to cover expenses. However, students are restricted to working 20 hours per week, so it is recommended that you do not rely on this as your sole source of income.




































