Budgeting for Your Australian Study Journey
Australia offers an incredible lifestyle and top-tier education. Understanding the true costs upfront ensures a smooth visa process and a stress-free study experience.
Failure to properly account for living expenses is the number one reason student visas are rejected. The Australian Department of Home Affairs is very strict about applicants proving they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying heavily on part-time work.
Your primary costs will be split into two main buckets: Tuition Fees (which vary wildly by course and university rank) and Living Expenses (which are dictated heavily by the city you choose, e.g., Sydney vs. Adelaide).
Average Annual Costs (AUD)
- Bachelors Degree: $20,000 - $45,000
- Masters Degree: $22,000 - $50,000
- VET / Diploma: $4,000 - $22,000
- Official Living Expenses: $24,505+
Detailed Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown
While the government requires you to show $24,505 AUD for a year, your actual day-to-day spending will vary based on lifestyle and location. Here is a realistic monthly breakdown for a single student sharing accommodation:
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost (AUD) | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared House/Apartment) | $200 - $400 | $860 - $1,720 |
| Groceries & Eating Out | $140 - $280 | $600 - $1,200 |
| Gas & Electricity | $20 - $50 | $85 - $215 |
| Phone & Internet | $15 - $30 | $60 - $130 |
| Public Transport | $30 - $60 | $130 - $260 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | $80 - $150 | $340 - $645 |
| Total Estimated Cost: | $485 - $970 / week | $2,075 - $4,170 / month |
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Visa Approved in 2025Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this topic.
Average tuition fees range from $20,000 to $45,000 AUD per year for undergraduate programs, and $22,000 to $50,000 AUD per year for postgraduate programs. Medical and veterinary courses cost significantly more.
To get an Australian student visa (Subclass 500), the Australian government requires you to show proof of funds equivalent to 1 year of tuition fees, travel costs (approx $2,000), and 1 year of living expenses (officially set at $24,505 AUD).
A single international student typically needs between $1,500 and $2,500 AUD per month. This covers accommodation, groceries, utilities, internet, and public transport. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are at the higher end of this scale, while Adelaide or Perth are cheaper.
Yes, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during an active semester and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks. Earning Australian minimum wage can significantly offset living expenses.
Yes, OSHC is a mandatory visa requirement. You must have health cover for the entire duration of your visa. For a single student, OSHC costs approximately $500 to $650 AUD per year. You must pay this upfront before applying for the visa.
Yes! Regional universities such as Charles Darwin University, University of Southern Queensland, and Federation University offer much lower tuition fees (often around $20,000-$26,000/year) and lower living costs, plus regional study incentives for PR.
