November 19, 2025 
Studying in Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. It’s also home to some of the world’s prestigious universities, a vibrant culture, and an affable lifestyle, and it even attracts a large number of scholars year after year. But, before you plan for your educational path, you must know about the Study in Australia fees beforehand. A lot of students assume that it is just tuition only when studying abroad, which is not true, as living, day-to-day, and other extra expenses also make a great impact on how you plan your budget.
At Career Width, we clarify real-time cost structures to students so they can make that informed choice. This blog explains everything you should know about the cost of living in Australia, the cost of studying in Australia, and how much you might be required to pay as an international student.
Cost of Living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia will vary depending on your lifestyle, the city you live in and whether your habits are relatively modest. It’s considered pricey for places like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and cheaper in the likes of Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart.
The majority of students try to find out the average cost of living in Australia, particularly for Indian students who are looking at the monthly living costs.
Average Monthly Living Costs for Students
Let’s take a look at the normal spending of an international student:
- Accommodation (room in shared apartment or student accommodation): AUD 500–900 per month
- Food & groceries: AUD 300 – 450/month
- Transport: AUD 100–150 per month
- Utilities (electricity, internet, gas): AUD 150-200 a month
- Mobile top-up: AUD 30-50 per month
- Personal spending: AUD 150 – 250 a month
As you combine these categories, the cost of living in Australia per month generally falls between AUD 1,200 and AUD 2,500, depending on the city.
This also gives students a clear insight into the average cost of living in Australia without needing external references.
Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
The cost of living in Australia for Indian, and especially the cost of living in Australia for Indian students, is nearly as same as it is with other international students, except for some points, such as food habits, calling plans to India, and a few cultural expenses. Students with Indian meal choices may invest a little more for groceries or dining out because the outside indian food is expensive than homemade.
But Indian students who cook regularly, share accommodation, use public transport, and obtain student discounts can manage their expenses effectively.
Cost of Studying in Australia
Before getting to living expenses, let’s look at the cost of studying in Australia. Tuition You pay tuition for your course and the level of study, as well as the university you decide to attend. A lot of students want to find out what is the cost of studying in Australia is, mainly for bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees.
Average University Tuition Fees
The following is a brief overview by study levels:
- Diploma/Certificate: AUD 10,000–20,000 a year
- Bachelor’s programs: AUD 20,000–45,000 per year
- Master’s degrees: AUD 25,000–55,000 per year
- Doctoral (PhD) programs: AUD 30,000-65,000 per year
- MBA programmes: AUD 35,000-70,000 per year
This information provides students with an estimated average cost of studying in Australia without relying on outside resources.
Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students
Programs like business, IT, engineering, nursing, hospitality, and health sciences are the most sought after by Indian students in Australia. Australia Study Cost for Indian students would be required to bear, depending on the course and the time period.
For example:
- Tuition Fees for a 2-year Master’s program: from AUD40,000 to AUD90,000.
- A 3-year bachelor’s degree could cost from AUD 60,000 to AUD 110,000.
Also, it’s important to note that students need to factor in other costs, such as:
- Visa fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Books and stationery
- Course materials
- Laptop and software requirements
Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students
The cost of studying in Australia for international students, however, living expenses may vary. International students also must provide financial evidence of how they will cover costs when applying for visas. This comprises fees and living costs for one year.
Many students also enquire about the total cost of studying in Australia in advance. The word “total cost” refers to tuition, living expenses, medical insurance, travel, and emergency funds.
For example, a student pursuing a 2-year master’s degree may spend:
- Tuition: AUD 40,000–100,000
- Cost of living (per year): AUD 14,000 — 24,000
- 2 years living: AUD 28,000–48,000
- Visa + OSHC + Travel: $4,000 to $6,000
So, the total cost of studying in Australia for a 2-year program could be somewhere between AUD 72,000 to 150,000, depending on your lifestyle and course, and city.
Other Important Expenses to Consider
1. Accommodation cost
Students can choose between:
- On-campus housing
- Off-campus rentals
- Shared apartments
- Homestay options
Shared living lowers the average cost of living in Australia considerably.
2. Travel and Transport
On the bus, train, and tram, there’s usually a student discount. Using public transport makes the cost of living in Australia per month manageable.
3. Medical Insurance
Health cover is compulsory, and the price depends on the duration of your stay.
4. Books & Study Material
Depending on your course studies, textbooks can range between $AUD 300–600 per semester.
5. One-time costs
- One-time costs
- Bedding
- Kitchen items
- Initial grocery shopping
- Transport card
These initial expenses should be added while calculating the total cost of studying in Australia.
Ways to Manage Costs as a Student
Australia has really good options for part-time jobs. During periods of study, students may work for up to 48 hours per fortnight, and there are no restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked during recess periods. This goes some way to mitigating the high cost of living in Australia for Indian students and budget stress.
Here are a few ways to cut costs:
- Sharing your accommodation
- Using student discounts
- Cooking meals at home
- Using public transport
- Buying used textbooks
- Choosing budget-friendly mobile/data plans
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying
There are several universities providing scholarships for students from abroad. These can help cut the cost of studying in Australia for international students by paying part or full your tuition fees.
Types of scholarships include:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- Course-specific
- Research-based
Scholarship received can reduce your average cost to study in Australia considerably.
Conclusion
Australia is a great place for good education and international experience. Although the prices can be shocking, budget-conscious planning will help you get there. Whether you are wondering how much it cost to live in Australia, what the cost of studying in Australia or how much you should budget for the total cost of studying and living expenses in Australia, knowledge will get you ready.
Students can easily find affordable options, apply for scholarships, and pick the city that suits their budget with proper guidance from reliable platforms such as Career Width. Learning in Australia is more than an academic option, it’s a life experience and groundwork for your career.
FAQs
Ques. 1. What is the average cost of living in Australia for a student?
Ans. The cost of living in Australia, on Average 1200-2000 AUD per month (depending on the city and lifestyle).
Ques. 2. What is the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students?
Ans. The cost of studying in Australia for Indian students varies between AUD 20,000–55,000 per year for most courses.
Ques. 3. Is Australia expensive for Indian students?
Ans. The cost of living in Australia for Indian students is manageable if you share accommodation, use public transport, and cook meals at home.
Ques. 4. How much money is required for 2 years of study?
Ans. The total cost of studying in Australia for 2 years can range between AUD 72,000–150,000, depending on tuition and living expenses.
Ques. 5. Is part-time work allowed for international students?
Ans. Yes, Australia allows students to work 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions, which helps support the cost of living in Australia.
