
Australia is a popular study destination, attracting over 450,000 international students in 2022. However, it is also an expensive place to study, with high living costs and tuition fees. International students can expect to pay between $20,000 and $45,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, and between $22,000 and $50,000 per year for master's degrees. These fees vary depending on the university, course, and duration of study. In addition to tuition fees, international students must also budget for living expenses, which can range from $1,400 to $2,500 per month, including accommodation, food, transport, and other costs. Students can explore scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | AUD 20,000-50,000 per year for a bachelor's degree; AUD 22,000-54,000 per year for a master's degree; AUD 20,000-42,000 per year for a doctoral degree. Fees are based on the number of subjects studied each year and vary depending on the university and course of study. |
| Living costs | AUD 30,000-36,000 per year, including accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. |
| On-campus accommodation | AUD 440-1,120 per month |
| Homestay | AUD 940-1,300 per month |
| Shared rental accommodation | AUD 740-1,760 per month |
| Utilities | Electricity and gas: AUD 50-100 per month; Internet: AUD 70-120 per month |
| Public transport | AUD 30-70 per month for a student pass; AUD 4 for a one-way ticket |
| Study materials | AUD 500-1,000 per year |
| Groceries | AUD 500-1,000 per month |
| Scholarships and financial aid | Australia Awards, Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship Program, Destination Australia Program (DAP), and other scholarships offered by universities and private organisations. |
| Payment methods | Online or over the phone using BPAY®. |
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What You'll Learn

Scholarships and bursaries
International students in Australia can fund their studies through scholarships and bursaries, which are offered by both the Australian government and individual universities. These scholarships and bursaries are typically merit-based or needs-based, recognising academic excellence and supporting those with financial difficulties.
The Australian Government offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Australia Awards Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for successful applicants. These scholarships are highly competitive and tend to be awarded to students with strong academic records and leadership potential.
Many universities in Australia also provide their own scholarships and bursaries, which can cover a portion of the tuition fees or provide a living allowance. These awards are often merit-based, recognising outstanding academic achievement, but there are also equity scholarships that consider financial need and other criteria, such as leadership qualities or community involvement.
Some universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship, which provides a partial tuition fee waiver. Additionally, there are discipline-specific scholarships, like those for engineering or medicine, which are usually funded by industry partners or alumni donors.
To be considered for scholarships and bursaries, international students typically need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which may include academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, and personal statements or essays. It is important to research and apply for these opportunities early, as they often have strict application deadlines and limited availability.
In addition to scholarships and bursaries, international students can also work part-time while studying to supplement their income. The minimum wage in Australia guarantees international students approximately $23.23 per hour, allowing them to earn around $1,115 per fortnight or $557 per week if they work the maximum allowed hours.
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Student loans
International students in Australia can apply for education loans from nationalised banks, private banks, and non-bank financial companies to help manage their costs. The cost of living for international students in Australia ranges from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500 per month, including accommodation, food, and social activities. Groceries typically cost around AUD 500–1,000 per month, while a meal at a restaurant is around AUD 18. The average annual cost of living for international students in Australia is between AUD 21,041 and AUD 36,000, depending on the city and lifestyle. Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than cities like Adelaide and Perth.
Tuition fees for international students in Australia vary depending on the university, course, and level of study. Undergraduate fees typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, while postgraduate fees can range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 54,000 per year. Fees for specialised degrees, such as veterinary or medical degrees, can be significantly higher.
There are also additional expenses to consider, such as Overseas Student Health Cover, course materials, and accommodation costs. On-campus accommodation typically costs between AUD 440 and AUD 1,120 per month, while a homestay can cost between AUD 940 and AUD 1,300 per month.
To help with these costs, international students can explore scholarships and grants offered by the Australian Government, higher education institutions, and other public or private organisations. The Australia Awards, for example, cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of the monthly living costs. The Destination Australia Program (DAP) encourages both local and international students to enrol in academic institutions in regional areas of Australia.
Additionally, international students can take advantage of discount programmes for transportation, with some universities providing a private transport system free of charge. A weekly public transport pass without a discount costs between AUD 30 and AUD 70, while a one-way ticket is around AUD 4. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport in urban university areas, especially in Melbourne.
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Living costs
The cost of living in Australia is generally high, and this is reflected in the living costs for international students. The amount an international student will need to live in Australia varies according to the city, lifestyle, and individual choices. The average annual cost of living for international students in Australia ranges between AUD 20,000 and AUD 40,000.
Students need to show proof of sufficient funds, typically around AUD 21,041 annually, and the cost of a student visa is around AUD 630. Health insurance is another cost, ranging from AUD 609 to AUD 3,438 per year. All international students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to get a visa and cover medical expenses. OSHC usually costs around AUD $500 per year.
The cost of accommodation varies depending on the city and location. Students can expect to pay between AUD 200 and AUD 400 per week for shared accommodation, and for a one-bedroom apartment, the cost can be between AUD 300 and AUD 500 per week. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and cooling can cost AUD 50 to AUD 150 per month. Phone and internet plans can cost around AUD 30 to AUD 60 per month.
Groceries will cost between 500 and 1,000 AUD per month, and eating out will cost more. A short ride on public transport costs around AUD 3, and a monthly pass costs upwards of AUD 80. Students can also benefit from discounted rates in some states and territories.
There are also other academic costs, such as textbooks, stationery, and electronic resources, which can cost between 500 and 1,000 AUD per year.
To support living expenses, international students can work part-time. The minimum wage is around $17 per hour, and there are on-campus jobs as well as local jobs available.
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Tuition fees
Australia is a mix of private and public universities, each with distinct fee structures. The government funds public universities and offers lower tuition fees, while private universities offer specialised courses with smaller classrooms and unique academic experiences.
International students are considered full-fee-paying students and are typically charged per subject enrolled in rather than per course. The cost of each subject is determined by its discipline fee band and study load. Students should carefully review the university's tuition fee terms and conditions before enrolling.
To manage their costs, international students can apply for education loans from banks and non-bank financial companies. Additionally, scholarships and bursaries are available from various sources, including the Australian Government, universities, and private organisations. The Australia Awards scholarship, for example, covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of the monthly living costs. International students can also save money by choosing more affordable accommodation options, such as on-campus housing or homestays, and shopping at cheaper supermarkets.
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On-campus accommodation
Most students in Australia live off-campus, and there is a high demand for housing located close to the university campus. International students can choose to rent a private property, live with a local Australian family through a homestay program, or stay in hostels or guest houses. Homestay programs offer single or shared rooms, usually costing between A$110 and A$270 per week, including amenities such as water, food, and internet. Rental accommodations can range from A$100 to A$400 per week, while shared accommodations are typically cheaper, ranging from A$70 to A$250 per week.
The cost of living in Australia for international students can range from A$1,400 to A$2,500 per month, including accommodation, food, travel, and social activities. Groceries can cost between A$300 and A$500 per month, and utility bills can be around A$200 to A$300 per month. International students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to help with the cost of living and tuition fees.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of studying in Australia varies depending on the university, course, and duration. Bachelor's degrees can cost between AUD 9,000 and AUD 50,000 per year, while Master's degrees can range from AUD 9,000 to AUD 54,000 per year. The average annual living cost for international students is between AUD 16,000 and AUD 36,000, including accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses.
There are various scholarships and grants available for international students in Australia, such as the Australia Awards, which cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of the monthly living costs. The Destination Australia Program (DAP) encourages both local and international students to enrol in academic institutions in regional areas. Additionally, the Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship Program offers financial support to female researchers from APEC economies who plan to pursue research in partnership with Australian universities.
International students should consider additional expenses such as Overseas Student Health Cover, course materials, accommodation, and other living costs. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type and region, with on-campus accommodation typically ranging from AUD 440 to AUD 1,120 per month. Students can also apply for off-campus residence, such as shared rental accommodation or staying with a local Australian family.

























