Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students : Fees & Expenses

Overview of studying in Australia

Tuition fees, accommodation, daily living expenses and course duration shape the overall cost of studying in Australia. Tuition is typically the largest academic expense, while living costs include housing, food, transportation and utilities. Students should also budget for visa fees, health insurance, travel and one-time expenses. Undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses have different fee structures. Location also affects living costs, with major cities generally requiring a higher budget. An education loan for Australia can help finance eligible study-related expenses.

Tuition fees in Australia by course level

For 2026, international tuition typically ranges from AUD 30,000 to 56,000 annually, with higher fees for specialized programs. Australian master’s fees vary by discipline, with nursing and MBA programs often more expensive. An education loan for overseas studies can help cover eligible tuition expenses.

Undergraduate course fees

International undergraduate tuition generally ranges from AUD 30,000 to 56,000 per year. BSc nursing fees in Australia are typically around AUD 34,000-46,000 annually, based on 2026 university fees. Nursing fees in Australia vary by institution, study load and specialization.

Postgraduate/Masters course fees

International master’s tuition generally ranges from AUD 35,000 to 63,000 annually, although specialized programs can exceed this range. Fees vary by discipline, university, credit load, and program duration. Students pursuing an MS can explore an MS education loan to finance eligible tuition costs.

MBA and professional course fees

MBA fees in Australia generally range from AUD 29,000 to 82,000, depending on the institution and program. For example, KBS lists AUD 58,920, while UNSW’s 2026 MBA programs range up to AUD 82,260 for international students. Program format, specialization, and duration affect total fees. An education loan for MBA can help finance eligible costs.

Living expenses in Australia

Students should budget AUD 30,000-45,000 annually for living expenses, with accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal spending accounting for the overall costs.

Accommodation costs (on-campus vs off-campus)

On-campus and managed student accommodation often includes utilities and internet, while shared rentals can reduce individual costs. In Melbourne, median weekly rents range from AUD 500 for a one-bedroom flat to AUD 690 for a three-bedroom flat. Location, room type, facilities and included bills influence costs, with shared housing generally offering lower individual expenses overall.

Food, transport and utility costs

Study Australia estimates Melbourne students spend AUD 150-250 weekly on food and eating out, AUD 30-60 on public transport, AUD 15-30 on phone and internet, and AUD 10-20 on utilities. Cooking at home and using public transport can reduce discretionary spending and overall monthly costs.

City-wise cost of living comparison

Monthly student living costs range from about AUD 1,300-2,400 across these cities. Sydney and Melbourne generally sit at the higher end, while Adelaide and Perth are at the lower end. Brisbane falls between them. Accommodation is the main variable, and shared housing can substantially reduce costs. The following estimates convert published weekly student budgets into monthly figures for consistent comparison.

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth

Student visa (Subclass 500) costs and requirements

The Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge is AUD 2,000 from 1 July 2026. Applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of financial capacity to cover travel, tuition, and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Where required, applicants must also provide approved English test results or qualify for an exemption. Visa fees and requirements can change, so verify details carefully with Australia’s Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Health insurance (OSHC) costs

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps cover eligible hospital, medical and prescription costs in Australia. Most Student visa holders must maintain OSHC for the duration of their stay. Indicative premiums range from about AUD 900 – 1,500 per year for single cover. Costs vary by provider, coverage period, and whether you choose single, couple or family cover.

One-time and miscellaneous costs

Students should budget separately for one-time expenses incurred before or after arrival. Application, test, airfare, initial accommodation, and study material costs can vary. These should be included in the first-year budget rather than treated as recurring annual expenses.

Application fees, IELTS/PTE, flight tickets

Application fees are based on UTS and University of Melbourne charges. IELTS and PTE figures use current India fees converted to AUD. Airfares vary by departure city, season and booking date.

Total estimated annual budget for studying in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia can total about AUD 53,000-87,000 annually, before one-time setup costs.

Tuition and living costs recur annually, while visa and setup expenses mainly affect the first year. Actual costs vary by course, university, city and lifestyle. Students can use an Education loan EMI calculator to assess potential monthly repayments.

How to fund your education in Australia: Loan options

An education loan can finance tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel and other eligible study costs. Secured loans require collateral, while unsecured loans do not. Compare education loan interest rates, loan limits, collateral rules and repayment periods. For example, SBI’s Student Loan offers a repayment period of up to 12 years, with a moratorium of the course period plus one year or six months after employment, whichever is earlier.

Scholarships to reduce the cost of studying in Australia

Scholarships can reduce tuition and living costs. For example, UNSW’s 2026 International Student Award covers 20% of tuition annually, while Australia Awards covers full tuition, travel, OSHC and living expenses. Options include university-specific, merit-based and international student awards. Check eligibility, deadlines and covered expenses carefully, as scholarships may be partial or full.

Cost of studying in Australia vs USA vs Canada vs UK

Costs vary considerably across destinations. The following figures provide indicative annual ranges for international students, but actual expenses depend on the institution, course and location.

Compare total education costs, not tuition alone, because living expenses and program duration can materially change affordability.