How Much Does It Cost to Move to Australia from the Philippines?

TL;DR

Budget PHP 200,000 to PHP 600,000 (AUD 5,400 to AUD 16,200) depending on your visa pathway. Healthcare workers face additional AHPRA and ANMAC costs. English testing, NBI clearance, DFA authentication, and health exams add to the total. Balikbayan boxes cut shipping costs significantly.

Moving from the Philippines to Australia involves visa charges, skills assessments, English testing, health exams, police clearances, and settling-in costs. This guide breaks down every category in PHP and AUD.

All conversions use approximately 37 PHP = 1 AUD (June 2026). Check the live rate when you budget. For pathway details, see our Philippines-to-Australia visa options guide.

Visa application charges

Visa charges update annually on 1 July. Check the current schedule before you lodge.

| Visa subclass | Base charge (AUD) | Approx. PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | 4,910 | 181,670 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | 4,910 | 181,670 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | 4,910 | 181,670 |
| Skills in Demand (482) | 3,210 | 118,770 |
| Student (500) | 2,000 | 74,000 |
| Partner — offshore (309/100) | 9,365 | 346,505 |

Adding family members increases the total. On skilled visas, add AUD 2,455 (PHP 90,835) per adult and AUD 1,230 (PHP 45,510) per child. Use Migratio's visa cost calculator to estimate.

Second VAC (partner visas). If neither partner has functional English at decision time, an extra AUD 4,890 (PHP 180,930) applies. Passing an English test before the decision avoids this charge.

AHPRA and ANMAC costs for healthcare workers

Many Filipino migrants are nurses and aged care workers. Healthcare professions carry extra registration and assessment costs.

ANMAC skills assessment. Nurses and midwives need an assessment through the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council: AUD 600 to AUD 900 (PHP 22,200 to PHP 33,300).

AHPRA registration. After a positive ANMAC outcome, register with AHPRA. Fees: AUD 180 to AUD 550 (PHP 6,660 to PHP 20,350) depending on profession.

Bridging programs. If ANMAC identifies qualification gaps, a bridging program may cost AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 (PHP 185,000 to PHP 555,000). Not everyone needs one.

OET for healthcare workers. The preferred English test for health professions costs approximately PHP 25,000 (AUD 676). See alternatives below.

Skills assessment fees — other occupations

Skilled visas (189, 190, 491, 482) require a positive skills assessment. Fees depend on your occupation.

| Assessing body | Typical occupations | Fee range (AUD) | Approx. PHP |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACS (Australian Computer Society) | IT professionals, software engineers | ~550 | ~20,350 |
| VETASSESS | Trade and non-trade occupations across 350+ roles | ~1,240 | ~45,880 |
| Engineers Australia (CDR) | Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical) | 1,050–1,575 | 38,850–58,275 |
| TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) | Chefs, electricians, plumbers, mechanics | ~430–1,200 | ~15,910–44,400 |
| CPA / CA ANZ | Accountants | ~580 | ~21,460 |

OFWs with existing overseas certifications can use them to support their application. Processing takes 6 to 16 weeks. See our skills assessment guide.

English testing costs

Although English is widely spoken in the Philippines, no passport exemption applies. You must sit an approved test.

| Test | Fee (approx. PHP) | Fee (approx. AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 12,000–13,000 | 324–351 |
| PTE Academic | 12,000 | 324 |
| OET (healthcare) | 25,000 | 676 |
| TOEFL iBT | 11,500 | 311 |

Test centres operate in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Most skilled visas require Competent English (IELTS 6.0 per band). Higher scores add points: 7.0 adds 10, 8.0 adds 20. Budget for two attempts.

Health exams and NBI clearance

### Health examination

All applicants must attend a panel-approved clinic. Bupa Medical Visa Services operates panel clinics in Manila and Cebu. Expect AUD 350 to AUD 500 (PHP 12,950 to PHP 18,500) per person for a medical exam and chest X-ray. Results go directly to Home Affairs.

### NBI clearance

You need a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance. Apply online, pay the fee, and attend an NBI branch appointment.

| Item | Fee (PHP) | Approx. AUD |
|---|---|---|
| NBI clearance (standard) | 155 | 4 |
| NBI rush processing | 500 | 14 |

Processing is often same-day if your record is clear ("no hit"). A "hit" adds two to four weeks. If you lived in another country for 12+ months in the past 10 years, you need police certificates from there too.

DFA authentication and PSA document costs

Australian visa applications require authenticated civil documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA-OCA).

| Document | Fee (PHP) | Approx. AUD |
|---|---|---|
| PSA birth certificate | 365 | 10 |
| PSA marriage certificate | 365 | 10 |
| PSA CENOMAR (no-marriage record) | 420 | 11 |
| DFA-OCA authentication (red ribbon) | 100 per document | 3 |
| DFA apostille | 100 per document | 3 |

Budget PHP 2,000 to PHP 5,000 (AUD 54 to AUD 135) total. Order PSA documents online through PSA Serbilis. Allow one to three weeks for the full process. See our Philippines document authentication guide for the step-by-step walkthrough.

Travel costs

A one-way flight from Manila to Australia costs PHP 15,000 to PHP 35,000 (AUD 405 to AUD 946). Direct flights to Sydney sit at the premium end; one-stop routes via Singapore cost less. Book three to six months ahead. Budget PHP 2,000 to PHP 5,000 per person for travel insurance.

Shipping — balikbayan boxes and beyond

Filipino movers have a distinct advantage: the balikbayan box system. LBC, JRS Express, Forex Cargo, and others offer door-to-door shipping to Australia.

| Box size | Cost (PHP) | Approx. AUD |
|---|---|---|
| Standard balikbayan box | 3,000–4,500 | 81–122 |
| Large / jumbo box | 4,500–6,000 | 122–162 |
| Extra-large / custom | 6,000–10,000 | 162–270 |

Transit time is 6 to 10 weeks by sea. Multiple balikbayan boxes cost far less than a shared container.

Shared container. PHP 80,000 to PHP 150,000 (AUD 2,162 to AUD 4,054). Full 20-foot container. PHP 200,000 to PHP 350,000 (AUD 5,405 to AUD 9,459). Most Filipino movers find balikbayan boxes sufficient.

Personal effects owned and used for 12+ months are generally exempt from customs duty and GST. Keep receipts for new items.

Settlement costs by city

Your first month requires a cash buffer. The areas below are popular Filipino settlement suburbs.

| Expense | Sydney / Blacktown (AUD) | Melbourne / Dandenong (AUD) | Perth / Mandurah (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental bond (4 weeks) | 2,000–3,000 | 1,400–2,200 | 1,200–2,000 |
| Rent in advance (2 weeks) | 1,000–1,500 | 700–1,100 | 600–1,000 |
| Groceries (first month) | 400–600 | 350–500 | 350–500 |
| Public transport (monthly) | 200–250 | 170–220 | 150–200 |
| Mobile plan (monthly) | 30–60 | 30–60 | 30–60 |
| Subtotal (AUD) | 3,630–5,410 | 2,650–4,080 | 2,330–3,760 |
| Subtotal (PHP) | 134,310–200,170 | 98,050–150,960 | 86,210–139,120 |

Each suburb has established Filipino communities, grocery stores, and remittance centres. See our settling in Australia guide for housing, banking, and everyday life.

Student pathway costs

A subclass 500 student visa can lead to a 485 Temporary Graduate visa, giving you time to gain local experience and build points.

| Course type | Annual tuition (AUD) | Approx. PHP per year |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational / TAFE diploma | 8,000–15,000 | 296,000–555,000 |
| Bachelor's degree | 25,000–45,000 | 925,000–1,665,000 |
| Master's degree (coursework) | 30,000–55,000 | 1,110,000–2,035,000 |
| Nursing / healthcare degree | 28,000–42,000 | 1,036,000–1,554,000 |

Living costs. Home Affairs requires proof of at least AUD 29,710 (PHP 1,099,270) per year, plus return airfare and dependant costs.

OSHC. Mandatory health cover runs AUD 500 to AUD 700 (PHP 18,500 to PHP 25,900) per year.

All-in, a two-year master's could cost AUD 90,000 to AUD 140,000 (PHP 3,330,000 to PHP 5,180,000).

Migration agent fees

Expect AUD 2,000 to AUD 8,000 (PHP 74,000 to PHP 296,000) for a MARA-registered migration agent. Student cases sit at the low end; skilled and partner visas cost more. Compare quotes through Migratio's agent directory or see partner visa specialists. Read our guide to choosing an agent first.

Remittances. Many Filipino migrants support family back home. Factor regular remittance commitments into your Australian budget from day one.

Total budget summary

| Pathway | Estimated total (PHP) | Estimated total (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled visa — healthcare worker (single, no agent) | 250,000–400,000 | 6,750–10,800 |
| Skilled visa — other occupation (single, no agent) | 200,000–350,000 | 5,400–9,450 |
| Skilled visa (single, with agent) | 350,000–600,000 | 9,450–16,200 |
| Skilled visa (couple, with agent) | 500,000–900,000 | 13,500–24,300 |
| Partner visa (couple, with agent) | 550,000–850,000 | 14,865–22,975 |
| Student pathway (2-year master's, single) | 3,330,000–5,180,000 | 90,000–140,000 |

These ranges cover visa charges, assessments, health and police checks, English testing, flights, balikbayan box shipping, and first-month settlement. The student pathway includes tuition and two years of living expenses.

Saving tips:

- Check your points first. Use Migratio's points calculator before paying for a skills assessment. No refund if your occupation is not on the list.
- Start ANMAC early. Healthcare workers should begin months before visa lodgement.
- Test early. English retakes cost PHP 12,000 to PHP 25,000 each.
- Use balikbayan boxes. Three or four boxes cost far less than a shared container.
- Book flights midweek and outside December and school holidays.
- Ship light. Selling furniture and buying secondhand in Australia beats a container.
- Order PSA documents online. PSA Serbilis delivers to your door.
- Get NBI clearance early. A "hit" can delay your application by weeks.

Next steps

1. Review visa options for Filipino citizens and identify your subclass.
2. Use Migratio's points calculator to estimate your score.
3. Get your Philippine documents ready — PSA, NBI, DFA authentication.
4. Book your IELTS, PTE, or OET test early.
5. If you are a healthcare worker, begin the ANMAC process now.
6. Read our guide to choosing a migration agent.
7. Browse MARA-registered agents on Migratio and request quotes — free for applicants.
8. Start settlement planning so you hit the ground running.

Related resources

- Philippines to Australia — 2026 Overview
- Visa Options for Filipino Citizens
- Philippines Document Authentication
- Settling in Australia from the Philippines
- Filipino Nurse to Australia
- Filipino Aged Care Worker to Australia
- Filipino IT Worker to Australia
- How to Choose a Migration Agent
- What Is a Skills Assessment?
- Find a Skilled Visa Agent

How much does AHPRA registration cost for Filipino nurses?

ANMAC skills assessment fees are approximately AUD 600-900 (PHP 22,000-33,000). AHPRA registration fees add approximately AUD 180-550 depending on profession. Add English test fees (IELTS ~PHP 12,000, OET ~PHP 25,000) and potentially bridging program costs if required.

Can I send balikbayan boxes to Australia?

Yes. Balikbayan boxes are a cost-effective way to ship household items and personal effects from the Philippines. Services like LBC, JRS Express, and other Filipino logistics companies offer door-to-door service. A standard box costs approximately PHP 3,000-6,000 depending on size and destination city.

How much should I save before moving to Australia?

For a skilled visa pathway, budget PHP 400,000-600,000 total pre-arrival costs. For a student pathway, you need tuition plus approximately AUD 29,710 per year for living costs. Having 3-4 months of living expenses saved (PHP 300,000-500,000) beyond visa costs provides a safety net.