Cost to Study in Australia 2026: Tuition, Living Expenses and Visa Fees

Planning to study in Australia is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but it also requires careful financial planning. Australia offers world-class education, a high standard of living, and post-study work opportunities — all of which come with a price tag that you need to understand before you commit. This guide breaks down every major expense you will face as an international student in Australia in 2026, from tuition fees and visa costs right through to daily living expenses and what you can realistically earn from part-time work.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Home Affairs, sets minimum financial thresholds that all student visa applicants must meet. These figures are not arbitrary — they are based on actual cost-of-living data and are updated regularly. As of mid-2026, the financial capacity requirement for a single student stands at $29,710 per year for living costs alone, on top of course fees and other mandatory expenses. Let’s walk through exactly what you will pay and where your money goes.

Tuition Fees: What You Will Pay for Your Course

Tuition is the single largest expense for most international students. Australian universities charge international students full-fee rates that vary significantly depending on the institution, the discipline, and whether the campus is in a capital city or a regional area.

For undergraduate degrees, international students should expect to pay between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. A Bachelor of Arts at a mid-tier university might cost $28,000 to $32,000 annually, while a Bachelor of Engineering at a Group of Eight (Go8) university could run $45,000 to $52,000 per year. Postgraduate coursework degrees are slightly more expensive on average, ranging from $22,000 to $50,000 annually. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a top-tier institution can exceed $60,000 per year, while a Master of Information Technology typically sits in the $35,000 to $45,000 range.

Research degrees (MPhil and PhD) tend to fall toward the lower end of these ranges and many are eligible for Research Training Program (RTP) fee offsets, which can reduce your tuition to zero if you secure a place. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses at TAFE institutions are significantly cheaper, with diploma and advanced diploma programs costing between $6,000 and $15,000 per year. English language intensive courses (ELICOS) cost approximately $300 to $500 per week depending on the provider.

Annual fee increases are standard practice at Australian universities, with most institutions raising international tuition by 3% to 7% each year. This means the advertised fee when you enrol may not be the fee you pay in your final year — factor this into your long-term budget. Always check the university’s published international fee schedule for the specific course and intake year you are targeting.

Living Costs: The Home Affairs Minimum and What It Really Takes

The Department of Home Affairs requires you to demonstrate access to $29,710 per year for living costs as a single student (as of the May 2024 update, which remains in effect through mid-2026). This figure is designed to cover accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and entertainment, but many students find the real cost varies significantly depending on which city they live in.

In Sydney, a single international student should budget between $35,000 and $45,000 per year for comfortable living. A shared room in a house or apartment near a university campus costs $350 to $550 per week, while a studio apartment in the same area can run $600 to $900 per week. Food and groceries typically cost $100 to $200 per week, and public transport (using an Opal card) adds another $40 to $60 per week depending on distance.

Melbourne is approximately 10-15% cheaper than Sydney. Shared accommodation near the CBD or university precincts runs $250 to $400 per week, with studios at $400 to $600. A Myki public transport pass for zones 1 and 2 costs around $50 per week. Total annual living costs in Melbourne typically range from $30,000 to $38,000.

Brisbane offers the most affordable living among the major east-coast capitals. Shared accommodation ranges from $200 to $350 per week, and studio apartments from $350 to $500. The Go Card transit system costs approximately $30 to $50 per week. Brisbane’s total annual living cost for a student is estimated at $25,000 to $33,000.

Regional cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Newcastle, and Geelong offer significantly lower costs. In Adelaide, for instance, shared accommodation can be found for $150 to $250 per week, and total annual living costs often fall between $22,000 and $30,000. This regional cost advantage, combined with scholarship opportunities and migration incentives, makes regional study an increasingly popular choice.

For a detailed city-by-city breakdown of accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment costs, see our guide on cost of living in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane for students.

Visa Costs: Subclass 500 and Associated Fees

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary visa for international students and comes with its own set of fees. As of July 2026, the base visa application charge for the Subclass 500 is $1,600 for the main applicant. If you are bringing a spouse or de facto partner, you must pay an additional $1,190, and each dependent child adds $390 to the total visa cost.

There are additional costs tied to the visa process that you should budget for. English language testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic) costs between $400 and $450 per test sitting. Biometrics collection, if required by Home Affairs, costs approximately $80 to $120. Health examinations performed by a panel physician typically cost $350 to $500 for a standard examination, with additional charges for blood tests and chest X-rays depending on your country of origin and intended course of study.

If you plan to apply through an education agent, be aware that most reputable agents do not charge students a fee — they are compensated by the education provider. However, migration agents registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) do charge fees if you need assistance with your visa application, typically ranging from $500 to $3,000 depending on complexity.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the financial documents you need to show, read our guide on Subclass 500 Student Visa financial requirements for 2026.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All international students on a Subclass 500 visa must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay. OSHC is not optional — it is a visa condition (Condition 8501), and your visa grant will align with your OSHC coverage dates.

A single OSHC policy costs approximately $500 to $800 per year depending on the provider. For a typical two-year master’s degree, you should budget $1,000 to $1,600 for OSHC. Couples policies (covering you and your partner) cost approximately $1,800 to $3,000 per year, and family policies (couple plus children) can reach $3,500 to $5,000 annually.

Australia has six registered OSHC providers: ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia, Bupa, CBHS International Health, Medibank, and nib. Prices and extras vary between providers. Some universities have preferred-provider arrangements that offer streamlined enrolment, but you are legally entitled to choose any registered OSHC provider. For help choosing the right policy, see our guide on how to compare OSHC providers.

Flights, Setup Costs, and One-Off Expenses

Your first month in Australia involves costs that don’t recur. A one-way international flight to Australia typically costs between $800 and $2,500 depending on your departure country, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Budget airlines sometimes offer lower fares, but check baggage allowances carefully — many student fares include extra luggage.

Setup costs for your first month include a rental bond (usually four weeks’ rent paid upfront), two weeks’ rent in advance, basic furniture and household items ($500 to $1,500 for a furnished room or basic essentials for an unfurnished one), a mobile phone plan ($15 to $40 per month for SIM-only), and initial groceries and transport top-ups. A realistic first-month setup budget, excluding flights, is $3,000 to $5,000 depending on your city.

Work Rights: How Much You Can Earn

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks. At the national minimum wage of $24.10 per hour (as of July 2026), a student working the full 48 hours per fortnight during study periods can earn approximately $1,157 before tax every two weeks, or about $2,314 per month. During the summer break (typically November to February), working full-time hours can significantly boost your annual income.

Common student jobs and their typical pay rates include hospitality (café and restaurant work at $24 to $30 per hour), retail ($24 to $28 per hour), tutoring ($30 to $50 per hour), aged care and disability support ($30 to $40 per hour), and administrative or campus jobs ($28 to $35 per hour). The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces minimum pay rates and conditions — always check your payslip and know your rights. For more details, see our guide on working while studying in Australia.

Income earned in Australia is taxable. You must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office and lodge a tax return each financial year. Most part-time student workers fall below the tax-free threshold of $18,200, meaning you may owe little or no income tax, but you still need to file.

Total Annual Cost: A Realistic Estimate by City

Bringing all these elements together, here is what a single international student should budget for a standard university year in 2026. These figures assume a mid-range tuition course, shared accommodation, and moderate spending patterns.

Sydney: Tuition ($35,000-$50,000) plus living costs ($35,000-$45,000) plus OSHC ($600-$800) equals a total of $70,600 to $95,800 annually. With 48 hours per fortnight of part-time work at minimum wage, you could offset approximately $26,000 to $28,000, bringing the net annual cost down to roughly $43,000 to $70,000 depending on tuition.

Melbourne: Tuition ($35,000-$50,000) plus living ($30,000-$38,000) plus OSHC ($600-$800) equals $65,600 to $88,800. After part-time earnings, the net cost falls to approximately $38,000 to $63,000.

Brisbane: Tuition ($35,000-$45,000) plus living ($25,000-$33,000) plus OSHC ($600-$800) equals $60,600 to $78,800. Net cost after part-time earnings: roughly $33,000 to $53,000.

Regional areas (Adelaide, Newcastle, Geelong): Tuition ($28,000-$40,000) plus living ($22,000-$30,000) plus OSHC ($600-$800) equals $50,600 to $70,800. Net cost after part-time earnings: roughly $23,000 to $45,000. Regional tuition discounts and the Destination Australia scholarship ($15,000 per year) can reduce these figures even further.

These are broad estimates. Your actual costs depend on your specific university, course, lifestyle, and city. Use the Study Cost Calculator to work out your exact numbers based on your chosen course, city, and personal circumstances.

Planning Your Budget

The Australian Government expects you to have funds available before you arrive — your visa application will be assessed on your capacity to cover costs without relying on future Australian income. This means saving or securing loans, scholarships, or family sponsorship before you lodge your application. Budget for currency fluctuations too; the Australian dollar can move 5-10% against most currencies in a year, which can meaningfully change your real costs. For help timing your transfers and understanding exchange rates, see our AUD to CNY exchange rate guide or use our currency converter tool.

Studying in Australia is a major investment, but one that pays dividends through a globally recognised qualification, post-study work rights, and potential migration pathways. The key is going in with your eyes open and your finances planned.

Use the Study Cost calculator to estimate your total tuition and living expenses for your specific course and city. For detailed guidance on financial requirements, see our student visa financial requirements guide and cost of living comparison.

Disclaimer: Visa requirements, fees, and policies are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and may change. University tuition fees and scholarship availability vary by institution and intake. This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice or education agent services. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and with your chosen institution. Last updated: July 2026.