Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students 2026–2027
It requires tuition fees of AU $20,000 – $50,000 annually for mid-tier and AU $55,000 – $90,000 annually for top-tier universities and specialised degrees in Australia. Read on to find out the other costs involved.
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Australia is rapidly moving to the top three in the list of countries to study abroad for international students. More than half a million international students are enrolled in various institutions owing to the numerous benefits of studying in Australia.
Knowing the expected cost of studying in Australia will help you in proper budget planning for the 2026–2027 session. The tuition costs for studying in Australia differ broadly, depending on the course and university, and can range from AU $20,000 to AU $50,000 on average. However, the top-tier universities and specialised degrees can cost AU $55,000 – $90,000 per year.
Costs of living while studying in Australia are a different aspect altogether. Other costs include application fees, student fees, books and supplies, Australia standardised exam fees, travel and student health insurance costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Let us first explore the expected cost of studying in Australia against international student tuition fees for different courses.
The undergraduate tuition bands, postgraduate research cost caps, state-by-state student density metrics, and mandatory border health insurance baselines detailed below are compiled from official 2026 educational cost publications administered by the Australian Department of Education, and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
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International Tuition Fees Australia for 2026–2027
The average annual cost of studying in Australia for courses in Medicine and Health Sciences is higher due to their professional nature, while Humanities and Social Sciences cost relatively less. It is highly recommended to consult a particular university for the exact amount of fees payable.
Australia Degree Cost by Level of Study 2026–2027
As a crucial part of the overall cost of studying in Australia, the following are the average tuition fee ranges associated with various degrees for overseas students.
| Education Level | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelors Degrees) | AU $20,000 – $65,000 | 3 – 4 years |
| Postgraduate (Masters Degrees) | AU $22,000 – $65,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Doctoral (PhD/MPhil) | AU $20,000 – $58,400 | 3 – 4 years |
| Diploma Courses | AU $8,000 – $30,000 | 6 months – 1.5 years |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | AU $4,000 – $30,000 | 3 months – 2 years |
| English Language Studies | AU $300 – $500+ per week | 5+ weeks |
Source: Study Australia - Living & Education Costs · CRICOS Courses in Australia
Australia University Fees by Field of Study 2026–2027
Fees for highly specialised, resource-intensive programmes, such as Medicine and Health Sciences, will be high. Similarly, courses like Humanities and Social Sciences will be relatively cheaper. Check out the expected international student cost of studying in Australia for different fields and degree levels:
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Science | AU $20,000 – $56,000 | AU $28,000 – $57,500 |
| Business and Management/MBA degrees | AU $25,000 – $61,000 | AU $38,000 – $75,000+ |
| Engineering and Technology | AU $30,000 – $63,000 | AU $45,000 – $63,000 |
| Medicine and Health Science | AU $30,000 – $90,000 | AU $40,000 – $85,000 |
| Natural and Physical Science | AU $28,000 – $61,000 | AU $38,000 – $62,000 |
Source: Study Australia - Cost of Studying & Living · Australian Government CRICOS Framework
Province-Wise Australia Tuition Fees 2026–2027
Tuition fees in Australia for international students are likely to be higher in major urban areas or provinces like New South Wales and Victoria, where there are more prestigious universities and a higher cost of living. Provinces such as Queensland and South Australia charge more affordable fees, thereby increasing the overall cost of studying in Australia.
| Province | No. of International Students | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 200,000+ | AU $25,000 – $60,000 | AU $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Victoria | 175,000+ | AU $25,000 – $55,000 | AU $30,000 – $65,000 |
| Queensland | 80,000+ | AU $20,000 – $50,000 | AU $25,000 – $60,000 |
| South Australia | 30,000+ | AU $20,000 – $45,000 | AU $25,000 – $55,000 |
| Western Australia | 50,000+ | AU $23,000 – $48,000 | AU $27,000 – $58,000 |
| Tasmania | 3,500+ | AU $20,000 – $40,000 | AU $24,000 – $50,000 |
| Northern Territory | 3,000+ | AU $22,000 – $42,000 | AU $25,000 – $48,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 12,000+ | AU $25,000 – $50,000 | AU $28,000 – $55,000 |
Source: Study Australia - Budgeting Calculator
Note: The University of Tasmania has specific pricing tiers, so not all programmes at this university are cheaper.
Do you have a specific budget and are looking for full-time options within a suitable range? Contact our Australian experts to receive financial guidance specifically tailored to suit your profile. Let them help you find a suitable course and college that allows you to enjoy your education journey in Australia without burning a hole in your pocket.
Mandatory Cost of Studying in Australia
Several mandatory expenses apart from tuition fees and student accommodation costs are incurred when you plan to study abroad. These include university and visa application fees, health and travel insurance, and others.
Australian Course Application Fees 2026–2027
The foremost cost of studying in Australia begins with paying the standardised exam fees. However, this is an expense that you have to pay well before applying to any Australian university. For more details, refer to the fees and usage of different kinds of Australian entrance exams.
The second expense is the cost of application fees for different programmes. The application cost for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Australia varies widely across institutions. Knowing about these fees in advance would help you meet the financial requirements for applying to the respective Australian universities without stress.
| Course Type | Application Fees (in AUD) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors Degrees | AU $50 – $150 Commonly AU $100 | Consistent across undergraduate programmes within the same university. |
| Masters Degrees (Coursework) | AU $50 – $150 Commonly AU $100 | Same as the bachelor’s level of the same university |
| PhD Degrees (Research) | AU $0 – $150 Most international PhDs are on RTP Scholarships | Many Australian universities, especially the Group of Eight (Go8), waive the application fee for research degrees (MPhil/PhD) to encourage quality applications by linking them to scholarship rounds |
| Diploma Courses | AU $0 – $300 | Fees for pathway/diploma programmes vary widely. University-affiliated colleges (pathway providers) charge a fee (AU $100 – $150). Some vocational (TAFE) or private colleges may charge a smaller fee, or sometimes a compulsory Enrolment Fee after an offer is made. |
Source: Study Australia Portal for Estimate Budgeting
What You Should Know About Australia University Application Fees?
Unlike the complete cost of studying in Australia, the university application fees can be waived off depending on the different kinds of institutions and courses in Australia that you choose to study. There may be enrolment fees involved in some cases as well.
- Fee Waivers: Many universities waive the application fee if an international student applies through one of their registered, approved education agents. It is considered the most effective way to reduce the heavy application charges.
- Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil): Most universities do not charge an application fee for Higher Degree Research (HDR) programmes like a PhD in Australia, especially if the course application is accompanied by a scholarship application. Please note that you must cross-check the specific programme admissions page on the official university website.
- Non-Refundable: Irrespective of the candidate’s selection or rejection, application fees would be almost always non-refundable. Please note that the exact application cost of studying in Australian institutions must be verified on the official university website.
- Enrolment Fee (Post-Offer): The compulsory Enrolment Fee or acceptance deposit is different from the Application Fee. This is due only after you accept an offer and is credited toward your first semester tuition. The one-time fee can be anywhere between AU $200 and AU $5,000.
Health Cover, Travel, and Supplies Costs
The application cost of the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs, and books and supplies all constitute an undeniable set of mandatory costs of studying in Australia.
| Expense Type | Annual / One-Time Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Ticket | AU $1,000 – $2,500 | One-time cost; varies heavily by country of origin, airline, and time of booking |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AU $680 – $1,000 annually | Single Student |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | AU $2,500 | Official fee effective from July 1, 2025, expected to apply for the 2026–2027 period |
| Books and Supplies | AU $600 – $1,500 annually | Varies heavily by course; Humanities students spend less, while Medicine, Engineering, or Fine Arts students may need specialised textbooks, lab fees, or equipment that push costs higher |
Source: DHA - Student Visa Subclass 500 Fees · Study Australia - Plan Your Move with OSHC
Additional Cost of Studying in Australia
The additional cost of studying in Australia, such as leisure activities and personal items, is considered miscellaneous expenses and primarily relies on the student's lifestyle and location. It is important to note that these costs might differ from person to person and primarily rely on the student’s lifestyle. Here are a few examples of these expenses:
| Expense Type | Recommended Average Monthly Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU $400 – $1,760+ | Shared apartment (low end) up to private rental (high end) |
| Food & Groceries | AU $300 – $600 | All groceries and basic meals; high-end covers frequent, casual eating out |
| Utilities (Shared House/Apartment) | AU $150 – $280 | Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet/Mobile phone combined |
| Transportation | AU $80 – $220 | Public transport passes, with student concession where applicable |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | AU $150 – $400 | Entertainment, leisure, clothing, grooming, stationery, gym memberships, and more |
Source: Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide
Note: The cost of studying in Australia is subject to change without prior notice by the government and universities. To get the exact cost and fee, ensure to visit the official university website.
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Cost Reduction Tips in Australia: Part-Time Jobs & Scholarships
The wide range of Australian scholarships offered by the country’s government and universities contributes significantly to reducing the overall cost of studying in Australia. These awards may cover the following:
- Tuition Reduction: Scholarships can greatly reduce or compensate for the cost of degrees, particularly for MS by Research and PhD, covering 100% of tuition fees.
- Living Stipends: As per the Australian Department of Education, many top-tier scholarships provide a tax-free stipend, nearly AU $39,500 – $42,754 per year, to aid with the cost of living, such as housing and food.
- Travel and Establishment: Scholarships can assist students in covering initial costs like return airfares and an establishment allowance upon arrival.
- Networking and Community: Scholarship programmes include opportunities for students to connect with other foreign students and form new friendships from around the globe.
Part-Time Employment: While tuition fees are fixed, international students can take up part-time work in Australia to manage their personal expenses. The Australian Fair Work Ombudsman has set a 48-hour fortnight during active academic terms and full-time during holidays, along with a national minimum wage of AU $24.95 per hour. Students can also explore relevant paid and unpaid internship opportunities in their field of study to add valuable experience to their profiles, alongside earning potential.
Real-World Cost vs. Visa Requirement: While the Subclass 500 Australian Visa requires students to show AU $29,710 for one year of living expenses as per the Australian DHA, students living in high-demand suburbs of Sydney (Surry Hills, Randwick) or Melbourne (Carlton, Docklands) should budget closer to AU $35,000 – $40,000 annually to account for current rental market trends.
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In conclusion, the cost of studying in Australia varies greatly, based on the subject of your choice, the province that your college belongs to, and the level of study that you want to pursue. Prospective students have to consider not only tuition fees but also accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses in a manner that can be within their budget.
Take your first step to studying in Australia? Register at AECC and let our experts help you with not only tuition fees, living costs, and financial planning, but also the entire application process. From course and university shortlisting to scholarship and visa filing, our experts make your international education journey smooth and successful.
Sources & References
Academic Tuition Databases
- Government of Australia - CRICOS Framework - official, legally binding Commonwealth database tracking every institution registered to offer courses to overseas students, along with their approved, explicit baseline tuition fee structures.
- Study Australia Portal - Living and Education Costs Guide - framework defining education cost variables, course choice factors, and student financial compliance criteria.
Cost Saving Framework Data
- Fair Work Ombudsman: International Students Workplace Rights - verifies the legally protected national minimum wage framework of AU $24.95 per hour and the statutory 48-hour-per-fortnight work limitation applied during active academic terms.
- Department of Education: Research Training Program (RTP) - reference points for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, verifying that full-time base RTP living stipends sit between AU $34,315 and $53,608 in 2026.
Statutory Immigration & Visa Governance
- Department of Home Affairs - Student Visa Subclass 500 - legislative guidelines confirming the mandatory AU $2,500 Visa Application Charge and the strict AU $29,710 liquid cash evidence thresholds.
- Study Australia - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Guidelines - mandatory minimum health insurance coverage rules, registered provider parameters, and compliance conditions for international single-applicant student visas.
- Study Australia - Cost of Living and Budgeting Guide - national consumer metrics tracking average shared rental configurations, utility costs, transport zone ticketing, and city-by-city lifestyle calculators.
Cost of Studying in Australia 2026–2027 FAQs
According to Study Australia, it can cost international students nearly AU $20,000 – $50,000 per year for tuition, which varies significantly with programme and university. Additionally, you would need AU $29,710 against living expenses for one year at the time of visa filing as per the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Besides these, other mandatory costs include the student visa filing cost, medical and travel insurance costs, and other miscellaneous expenses, making a total of AU $50,000 – $100,000 per year.
Universities in Adelaide offer significantly lower living costs and rent compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Hence, it is widely considered the most budget-friendly city for international students in Australia. Other affordable options that provide good quality education and lower overall expenses include Hobart, Brisbane, Perth, the Gold Coast, and more.
Yes, Australia offers 100% scholarships to international students that cover tuition, living costs, and travel, thereby reducing their overall study costs. However, these awards are highly competitive and are awarded for master's degrees or PhD programmes.
Several need-based and academic excellence awards are offered for international students from developing countries or with exceptional academic merit. Examples include government-funded Australia Awards Scholarships for leadership development, university-specific academic scholarships, and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships for research degrees.
To minimise the high cost of studying in Australia, you can do the following:
- Apply for scholarships and grants
- Look for research programme grants
- Choose a more affordable university and city
- Look for lower-cost course options
- Consider pathway programmes
- Use budgeting apps to track your daily expenses
- Work part-time jobs for international students
Fairwork.gov.au ensures that all international students on a student visa get equal pay and rights as the national workers.
Beyond international student tuition fees in Australia for international students, costs for studying include living costs of AU $29,710 per year for accommodation, food, and transport, and a student visa filing fee of AU $2,500. Additionally, a mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costing around AU $600 per year, and travel insurance is also required. Additional costs for textbooks and study material, potential upfront costs like a rent bond, entertainment costs, and miscellaneous expenses must also be considered. These expenses vary based on course requirements, location, and student lifestyle.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra
QEAC Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | 18 Years Advising International Students
Nidhi Mehrotra holds QEAC certification, the Qualified Education Agent Counsellor credential that is the recognised professional standard for counsellors advising students on Australian study pathways. The certification is awarded through PIER Online and reflects formal training in Australian institutional requirements, visa regulations and the obligations that education agents hold under Australian law. Nidhi has been advising students in this field for 18 years.
Over that time she has worked through considerable change in Australia's international student environment. The move to the Genuine Student requirement in 2024, the introduction of the Student Support and Visa Framework, and the tightening of financial capacity thresholds that now apply to student visa applications. Students she advises are working with current, accurate information about what Australian institutions and the Department of Home Affairs actually require today.
Her advice is built around helping students form a realistic plan, one that accounts for visa requirements honestly, works within their financial situation, and is genuinely aligned with what they want to do after graduation, whether that is returning home or pursuing a post-study work pathway in Australia or New Zealand. She is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.
