Australia is one of the most popular countries for international student mobility because of its high-quality education and lifestyle options. When planning your education, there will be several aspects to consider, including your choice of university, but it’s also important to think about the financial side.
Everything from tuition fees, personal costs, living costs, and ways to save money, this blog will lay out the expectations for your study in Australia.
Tuition Fees at Australian Universities
The cost of tuition varies according to the university selected and the level of study.
Average Tuition Fees for International Students
Level of Study | Approximate Tuition Fees (per year) |
Undergraduate | INR 10L – 24L |
Postgraduate | INR 11L – 26L |
Ph.D. | INR 9L – 22L |
Vocational Education | INR 2L – 11L |
English Language Studies | INR 16K per week |
Cost at Top Universities
University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Tuition Fees (per year) |
University of Melbourne | 13 | INR 23L – 25L |
University of Sydney | 18 | INR 26L – 28L |
UNSW Sydney | 19 | INR 37L – 58L |
Australian National University (ANU) | 30 | INR 24L – 25L |
Monash University | 37 | INR 19L – 23L |
Although these costs are higher than the norm, students may explore cheaper universities across Australia, including, University of Sunshine Coast, Torrens University, and Victoria University with tuition fees as low as INR 7 lakh per year.
Cost of Living in Australia
The average cost of living in Australia ultimately depends on the city, lifestyle and accommodation. According to, “international students can budget for living expenses at a rate of between AUD 1,400 – 2,500 per month (approximately INR 75,000 – 1.3 lakh)”.
Breakdown of Living Expenses
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (per week) |
Rent (shared/private) | INR 93K – 1.1L |
Groceries | INR 7K – 15K |
Utilities (electricity, gas, water) | INR 531 – 1,062 |
Public Transport | INR 1K – 3K |
Mobile & Internet | INR 796 – 1K |
Entertainment | INR 4K – 7K |
The standard of living in Adelaide and Canberra is generally cheaper than that of Sydney and Melbourne. For international students, choosing their destination city must be considered carefully, due to the living costs in Australia.
Visa and Financial Requirements
Before you apply, it is important to know the primary requirements associated with an Australian student visa. These obligations are in place to make sure students are sufficiently prepared financially and can balance study with work.
- Visa Cost: In 2025, the Subclass 500 Student Visa fee is AUD 2,000 or approximately INR 1.1 lakh.
- Financial evidence: Besides tuition and travel costs, students must provide proof of access to funds of at least AUD 29,710 (or about INR 16 lakh) to cover living expenses.
- Work rights: International students are permitted to work up to a maximum of 48 hours in any two-week semester period and full-time while studying at university as long as, the studies don’t interfere with the students ability to complete their qualifications.
Overall, the requirements from the visa conditions afford students financial security during their time in Australia studying.
Scholarships to Reduce Costs
International students’ financial burden in Australia is greatly reduced by scholarships. Numerous grants from the government and universities pay for living expenses, tuition, or both:
- Scholarships are given by Australia: It offers a living stipend of AUD 34,500 per year in addition to full tuition coverage.
- Research Training Program (RTP): Provides postgraduate research candidates with up to AUD 143,000 in support.
- University-Specific Grants: The University of Sydney International Scholarship, for instance, can cover up to AUD 40,000 in tuition.
These scholarships not only lower overall study expenses but also increase international students’ access to highly regarded Australian universities.
Budgeting Tips for International Students
Apart from scholarships, the average cost of living and studying in Australia can be significantly decreased with good money management. A few useful tactics are as follows:
- Select Shared Housing: Rental costs are reduced by shared apartments, homestays, or university housing.
- Cook at Home: When compared to eating out frequently, cooking at home can reduce food expenses by almost half.
- Use Public Transportation: Take advantage of student discounts and travel cards to make your daily commute.
- Make the Most of Student Discounts: To receive discounted rates at eateries, movie theaters, and cultural events, always bring your student ID.
- Work Part-Time: To help pay for living expenses, international students are permitted to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while they are in class.
Conclusion
In 2025, the cost of education in Australia includes tuition fees between INR 10–26 lakh annually, and a cost of living in Australia for international students between INR 75000 – 1.3 lakh per month. While these numbers look excessive, sponsorships, scholarships and working part-time as well as making informed financial decisions can make studying in Australia possible and rewarding for you. If you are considering studying in Australia after 12th, it is wise to have an early budget plan and get advice from trusted study in Australia consultants, in advance of selecting this global education option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much money is required to study in Australia?
Ans: On average, INR 15–20 lakh per year is required, covering tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia.
Q2. Is studying in Australia expensive for international student after 12th?
Ans: Yes, but it is considered a long-term investment due to high graduate salaries and career prospects. Students often seek advice from study in Australia consultants to plan effectively.
Q3. How much gap is accepted for study in Australia after 12th?
Ans: Generally, a 2-year gap is acceptable with valid academic or professional justification.
Q4. What are the best courses to study in Australia?
Ans: The best course to study in Australia includes Engineering, IT, Business, Health Sciences, and Medicine. These fields offer strong employability and high salaries.
Q5. Can students save money through scholarships while studying in Australia?
Ans: Absolutely. Many universities and the Australian government offer scholarships that can partially or fully cover tuition and even provide living stipends, reducing overall expenses.