Cost of Studying in Australia: A Full Breakdown

Tuition fees by level

English language courses (ELICOS) cost around AUD 300 to 450 per week depending on the provider and intensity. A typical 10-week course runs AUD 3,000 to 4,500, and is often a pathway before university.

Vocational training (certificates and diplomas via VET providers or TAFE) ranges from around AUD 8,000 to 22,000 per year depending on the field and state.

Undergraduate bachelor degrees range from around AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per year depending on the university and field, with engineering, science, and business typically higher.

Postgraduate degrees (master's) range from around AUD 22,000 to 50,000 or more per year. Professional master's degrees and MBA programs sit at the premium end. Research degrees vary and are sometimes subsidised.

The AUD 29,710 living-cost benchmark

The Government sets the living-cost benchmark at around AUD 29,710 per year for a single international student. It covers essentials: rent (commonly AUD 150 to 250 per week in shared housing, more for a studio), food, transport, phone and internet, utilities, and personal items.

The benchmark is reviewed periodically and varies by location. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive (students often spend AUD 35,000 to 40,000 a year), while regional cities are substantially cheaper. The figure is a conservative assumption used for visa assessment, not a typical or maximum spend.

If you bring a partner, add roughly AUD 10,394 per year, and each dependent child adds roughly AUD 4,449 per year.

Overseas Student Health Cover

OSHC is mandatory for the full length of your visa and costs roughly AUD 500 to 700 per year for a single student, depending on the provider and policy tier. Younger students are typically cheaper, and policies with higher excess or limited extras cost less than comprehensive cover.

OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescribed medicines, but generally does not cover dental, optical, or allied health such as physiotherapy. Many universities offer subsidised counselling and basic medical services on campus, while dental is usually out of pocket.

You pay OSHC upfront when you enrol, often through your provider, so budget for it — it's non-negotiable and checked at enrolment.

Visa charge and other upfront costs

The student visa (subclass 500) application charge is around AUD 2,500 for a higher-education course, and around AUD 2,050 for an ELICOS or non-award course (it rose from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 on 1 July 2024, to AUD 2,000 on 1 July 2025, and to AUD 2,500 on 1 July 2026). It's a one-time fee paid when you lodge online. This charge has moved every year recently, so check the current Home Affairs fee schedule before you budget.

Other upfront costs include an airport transfer, initial accommodation for your first few weeks (often arranged through the university), and possibly a health examination if your circumstances require one. Some providers charge an enrolment or orientation fee.

Travel to Australia is a significant one-time cost that varies by origin and season — generally lower from Asia and higher from Europe and the Americas.

Total first-year cost: worked examples

A 10-week ELICOS course in a major city might total around AUD 15,000 to 16,000 once you add tuition, 10 weeks of living costs, OSHC, the visa charge, a flight, and accommodation setup.

A one-year bachelor degree in Sydney might total around AUD 75,000 once you add tuition (around AUD 35,000), a full year of living costs, OSHC, the visa charge, a flight, and setup costs.

A two-year master's degree in a more affordable city might total around AUD 140,000 to 150,000 across the two years once tuition, living costs, OSHC, the visa charge, and travel are included.

These examples exclude personal spending, any part-time work income, and scholarships, all of which change the real figure.

Ways to manage costs

Scholarships and bursaries reduce tuition, with merit scholarships covering anywhere from a portion of tuition to, rarely, the full amount, and some including a living allowance. Competition is high, so apply well in advance.

Studying in a regional area is substantially cheaper, with lower tuition at some providers and living costs often 20 to 30 per cent below the big cities, and some regional scholarships available.

Part-time work is permitted for subclass 500 holders — up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited during breaks — which can meaningfully offset living costs, though you shouldn't rely on it to meet the financial-capacity requirement at application time.

Sharing accommodation, using student transport concessions where available, and cooking at home rather than eating out are practical ways to keep your real living costs below the benchmark.

Is the AUD 29,710 benchmark the same in every city?

The benchmark figure is national, but actual costs vary. Sydney and Melbourne run well above it; regional areas below. The Department uses the single figure for visa assessment, but your real spending depends on your location and lifestyle.

Does the visa fee include a health examination?

No. The visa charge (around AUD 2,500 as at 1 July 2026) is for the application only. A health examination, if required, is separate. Many applicants don't need one unless their country or circumstances trigger it.

Can part-time work cover my living costs?

It helps but shouldn't be your whole plan. Subclass 500 holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited during breaks. You still need to demonstrate sufficient funds at application time rather than relying on future earnings.

Is OSHC the same price for everyone?

No. Premiums vary by age and policy tier. Younger students generally pay less, and comprehensive policies cost more than basic ones. Compare providers and tiers to find suitable cover.

Do scholarships cover living costs too?

Most cover tuition fully or partly; some include a living allowance, and full-cost scholarships are rare. Always read your offer letter — a tuition-only scholarship still requires you to show separate living-cost funds for your visa.