Australia is a popular higher education destination because it offers international students diverse academic programs within a multicultural community. Its universities support teaching and research across a broad range of fields, helping students develop academic knowledge, practical skills, and international experience.
This article explains the tuition fees, other academic expenses, and living costs that international students should consider when planning to study in Australia.
Costs of Studying in Australia
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Tuition and other academic costs vary by university, course, study load, and year of commencement. International students generally pay full tuition fees, so applicants should use current official course pages rather than relying on broad university-wide averages.
The table below provides current tuition guidance. The figures are indicative and should not be treated as fixed fees for every course.
| AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTION | UNDERGRADUATE TUITION GUIDANCE | POSTGRADUATE TUITION GUIDANCE |
|---|
| University of Sydney | Generally A$49,200–A$65,900 per year for the listed study areas, based on a full-time load of 48 credit points. | Generally A$46,400–A$83,500 per year for listed postgraduate coursework study areas, based on 48 credit points. Research and exceptional professional-course fees may differ. |
| Monash University | A$39,500–A$101,600 per 48 credit points, which is the standard full-time annual load. Medicine is at the upper end of the range. | A$41,000–A$101,600 per 48 credit points for courses listed in the international graduate guide. Short or intensive courses may use a different study load. |
| University of Melbourne | Typical first-year course fees range from A$38,004 to A$80,984 per EFTSL, depending on the degree and subjects selected. | Listed postgraduate coursework rates range from A$24,000 to A$122,976 per EFTSL. Actual first-year fees depend on the course and study load. |
| University of New South Wales | A$930–A$2,075 per unit of credit, equivalent to approximately A$44,640–A$99,600 for the standard 48-unit full-time annual load. | A$525–A$1,735 per unit of credit across the listed postgraduate rates, equivalent to approximately A$25,200–A$83,280 for 48 units. |
| University of Queensland | A$2,862–A$5,928.50 per unit for listed undergraduate programs, equivalent to approximately A$45,792–A$94,856 for UQ’s standard 16-unit annual load. | A$2,862–A$6,507.50 per unit for listed postgraduate coursework and professional programs, equivalent to approximately A$45,792–A$104,120 for 16 units. |
Other Academic Costs
International application fees vary by university and application route, and exemptions may apply. The University of Sydney charges A$150, Monash University charges A$125, the University of Melbourne charges A$154 for each direct international application, UNSW charges A$150 for an online application, and the University of Queensland charges A$150 for each direct application.
Higher education providers may also charge a Student Services and Amenities Fee. The maximum is A$373 for a full-time student and A$279.75 for a part-time student. The amount and whether international students must pay it depend on the institution. For example, the University of Melbourne states that it covers this fee for its international students.
Students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover, textbooks, equipment, course materials, field trips, and other course-specific expenses. Overseas Student Health Cover must generally be maintained for the duration of a student visa, while the other costs vary substantially by course.
Costs of Living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia varies significantly according to the city, accommodation type, household size, and lifestyle. The official Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator can help students prepare a personal budget.
The following figures are current official planning examples rather than standardized city averages. Because the sources measure different types of accommodation and expenses, the figures should not be used to rank the cities directly.
| City | Current Official Planning Guidance |
|---|
| Sydney | Estimates include A$312–A$464 per week at the University of Sydney’s Queen Mary Building and A$390 per week for a room in a five-bedroom apartment at UNSW’s Cowper Street accommodation. Food, transportation, utilities, and private-market rent are additional unless specifically included. |
| Melbourne | University of Melbourne accommodation for 2026 ranges from approximately A$430 to A$947 per week, depending on the residence, room type, and contract. Meal and program inclusions differ among residences. |
| Brisbane | UQ estimates that purpose-built student accommodation starts at A$279 per week for shared accommodation or A$489 per week for an entire apartment. Private rentals near UQ start at approximately A$286 per person per week in a shared three-bedroom property or A$522 per week for a one-bedroom apartment. |
| Perth | The University of Western Australia estimates living costs of approximately A$30,000 per year for a single student, excluding tuition fees. Individual costs may be higher or lower. |
1. Sydney
Sydney is a major Australian study destination and is home to institutions such as the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Accommodation can account for a large part of a student’s budget, so students should compare university housing, shared rentals, and private apartments before making a commitment.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its arts, coffee culture, and multicultural community. It offers several types of student accommodation and is home to institutions such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Costs vary considerably by neighborhood, residence, and room type.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane can offer lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne, although expenses still depend on a student’s accommodation and lifestyle. The city is home to institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. Its parks, cultural activities, and access to nearby coastal destinations also provide opportunities for recreation outside the classroom.
4. Perth
Perth offers a relaxed environment and access to institutions such as Curtin University and the University of Western Australia. The University of Western Australia estimates that a single student may need approximately A$30,000 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition, although actual spending will depend on accommodation and lifestyle choices.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Australia
Scholarships for International Students
International students can apply for university scholarships that may reduce tuition fees or contribute toward living expenses. Scholarship values, eligible programs, commencement years, and application conditions can change, so applicants should review the current terms before applying. Examples include:
| AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIPS |
|---|
| University of Sydney | Sydney International Student Award (eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students from selected countries; 20% tuition contribution)
University of Sydney International Scholarship (postgraduate research; current listed stipend of A$40,109 per year) |
| Monash University | Monash International Leadership Scholarship (undergraduate; 100% of course fees, with four awards offered per year)
Monash International Merit Scholarship (undergraduate; A$15,000 per year, up to A$75,000)
Monash International Tuition Scholarship (research master’s and doctoral degrees; tuition fees and single Overseas Student Health Cover) |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (bachelor’s; 20% tuition)
Graduate Research Scholarships (research master’s and doctoral degrees; benefits depend on the award and may include full fee remission, a stipend, relocation support, and Overseas Student Health Cover) |
| University of New South Wales | International Student Award (eligible new international students from selected countries; 20% tuition contribution)
AGSM Full-Time MBA Scholarships (Master of Business Administration; available awards and benefits vary) |
| University of Queensland | UQ International Excellence Scholarship (eligible full-time international students; 25% tuition-fee reduction)
Graduate Research School Scholarships (Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy, and eligible research-focused professional doctorates; living stipend) |
Part-time Work for International Students
Most student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and semesters, including examination periods. They may work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or doctoral degree may work more than 48 hours per fortnight after their course has started. Students should review the current student visa work conditions and check their individual conditions through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system.
Part-time work may help with some living expenses, but students should not assume that employment will cover all tuition and living costs. Common types of part-time work include:
- Retail assistant
- Hospitality worker, such as a server, barista, or kitchen assistant
- Administrative assistant
- Tutor or teaching assistant
- Customer service representative
Studying in Australia can be a valuable experience for international students, but careful financial planning is essential. Applicants should confirm their tuition fees, application costs, health insurance, accommodation, and other expenses before accepting an offer.
This article provides a starting point for estimating costs and exploring scholarships and part-time employment. For more information, visit the Available Programs for International Students and Australia Study Guide.
