Last Updated on September 21, 2024
With nine universities ranking among the QS World Universities Rankings 2024 top hundred, Australia is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for international students. The group of eight comprising leading research-intensive Australian universities has placed the country even higher on the list of countries offering higher quality education abroad, the example education system, vibrant city, global reputation, stable economy, impressive technology, ease and quality, lifestyle, Australia, a sort of international student education destination.
The universities in Australia have unique learning processes, a critically thinking-based process of teaching, globally recognized qualifications, diverse cultures, and a strict standard-based education system of the Australian Education Services for Overseas Students Act, 2000, guarantees the entitlement of overseas students to study programs that are too stringent government criteria skill based on a career-oriented education system.
The cost of studying in Australia ranges between AUD 20,000 and AUD 42,000. However, if you are wondering how much it costs overall to study in Australia, this blog will cover the details.
What is the cost of studying in Australia?
The cost of studying in Australia for Indian students includes tuition and other miscellaneous expenses. Apart from learning expenses, they also need to manage the cost of living. We have listed the significant expenses you would need to manage. The pre-arrival cost of studying in Australia will come out to approximately AUD 3000, including affair college application fees, which the charges are, and standardized exam charges.
Annual Tuition Fees in Australia for Indian Students
The cost of studying in Australia depends on the educational university, the location, and the level of study. Here is the breakdown of the median annual cost of studying in Australia.
| Level of Study | Average Annual Cost of Studying in Australia |
| Undergraduate bachelors degree | AUD, 20,000 –AUD 45,000 |
| Post-graduate masters degree | AUD, 22,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | AUD, 20,000 – AUD 42,000 |
These figures exclude high-value courses, such as a medical degree or veterinary, and their tuition cost could be significantly higher per the official fee estimates provided by the Australian National University. The annual cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree is around UD 42,560 for a bachelor of arts program and AUD 47,940 for a bachelor of science or medical science program. On the other hand, the cost of studying in Australia for the ANU’s graduate degree program can range from AUD 45,360 to AUD 47,940, and the annual fee for a doctorate of medicine and surgery degree is around AUD 85,120.
University-wise list of the cost of studying in Australia
Let us delve deeper into the cost of studying in Australia across top universities, as given in the table below:
| Name of the university | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Top Courses | Average cost of studying in Australia (in AUD) |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 34 | Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) science; Master of Applied Data Analytics; Masters of Heritage Studies; Master’s of Engineering and Electrical Engineering | $46,000 –48,000 |
| The University of Melbourne | 14 | Bachelor of Agriculture, Master of architectural engineering, master of business analytics | $45,000 –47,000 |
| The University of Sydney | – | MBA; Master of engineering (software engineering); bachelor of science (health); bachelor of economics | $50,000 –54,000 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 19 | Master of Mining Engineering; Bachelor of Science (advanced mathematics); Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) (mechanical); Bachelor of Engineering (mechanical and manufacturing) | $7000 –11,000 |
| The University of Queensland | 43 | Master of tourism and event management; bachelor of health, sports, and physical education | $2900 – 3500 credit |
| Monash University | 42 | Bachelor of architectural design; Master’s of information, technology, technology; Master of data science; Master of Advanced Nursing | $37,000 –45,000 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | 72 | Master of professional engineering, Master of biological science, and Master of biotechnology; Bachelor of marine sciences | $9000- 44,300 |
The University of Adelaide | 89 | Master of engineering (mining); master of petroleum engineering; bachelor of oral health; bachelor of nursing | $45,000 – 48,000 |
| University of Technology, Sydney | 90 | Bachelor of Business; Bachelor of Economics; Bachelor of Accounting; master of artificial intelligence; Master of Physiotherapy; | $ 1256 per credit |
How do you choose the best university/course?
Firstly, you must start compiling a list of the universities you want to study in. It is always advised to begin at least 18 months before the course start date. Start by choosing a course in Australia for Indian students to study in Australia. Students must visit the university website to get all appropriate information about the admission procedure, fees, accommodation costs, and eligibility requirements. These make up the entire cost of studying in Australia.
Checklists to choose the top university/course to Study in Australia for Indian Students
- Academic credentials of the university
- Whether the course structure meets your needs and career goals
- Support for International students is there or not
- Financial aid provided by the university or not
- Tuition fees & cost of living
- Where is the university located?
Deadlines to Meet to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Generally, Indian students have two intakes to apply to Australian universities:
| Intake | Starts in |
| Intake 1 | Starts in February month |
| Intake 2 | Starts in July month |
Application Procedure to Study in Australia for Indian as well as Overseas Students
- Research the universities you want to enroll in.
- Select your course of choice.
- Begin appearing for the required entrance exams like GRE, SAT, & GMAT
- Apply online
- Get ready for visa interviews
- Wait for the offer letter from the university
- Submit all the required documents (SOPs, LORs & CVs)
Student Visa
A student visa will allow you to study in Australia for five years. Furthermore, you can work 20 hours per week and unlimited time during the semester breaks. You have to submit the following papers to get a Student Visa:
- Acceptance letter from your university
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) scores
- Proof of financial funds
- Health Insurance
- No Criminal record
- Good medical history
Requirements for Indian Students
Diploma Programs
Bachelor’s Programs
- Class XII Exams: Minimum 65%
- IELTS Score: 0
- TOEFL Score: 55
- PTE Score: 50 TO 57
Master’s Programs
- 3-year degree program from a recognized university
- IELTS Score: 5
- TOEFL Score: 79
- PTE Score: 58 TO 64
Cost of Living Expenses in Australia
The living expenses for an average Indian student as their cost of studying in Australia are listed below-
| Type of Expenses | Average living expenses per week |
| On-campus accommodation | AUD 166 – AUD, 394 |
| Off-campus accommodation | AUD 160– AUD, 440 |
| Groceries and eating out | AUD 140 – AUD 280 |
| Public transport | AUD, 30 – AUD, 60 |
| Gas and electricity | AUD 10 – AUD 20 |
| Phone and Internet bills | AUD 15– AUD 30 |
| Entertainment | AUD 80 – AUD 150 |
Besides university fees for Indian and Australian students, living expenses are significant. However, different cities in Australia have different living costs, and we have given a rough estimate of these apart from the cost of studying in Australia. The weekly expenses in other parts of Australia are shown below.
| Name of the city | The average expense per week |
| Adelaide | AUD 571.5 |
| Melbourne | AUD, 643.5 |
| Sydney | AUD, 690.5 |
| Perth | AUD 619.5 |
| Brisbane | AUD 610.5 |
| Canberra | AUD, 700.5 |
| Hobart | AUD, 583.5 |
| Darwin | AUD 546.5 |
The cost of living in Australia could be reduced if you opt for shared accommodation and public transport instead of private cars. Opting for on-campus accommodation helps significantly because it can reduce transportation costs and control the frequency of choosing takeaways or social leisure; thrifting stores instead of buying new ones all the time enables you to save.
Health Insurance
It is necessary for students holding an Australian visa to have a valid overseas student health cover OSHC for the duration they will be staying in the country. If you are doing your program, you might have to spend AUD 768 for your health coverage, whereas the healthcare coverage charge for two years is AUD 1589 and AUG 2386 for three years. However, these rates may vary from one insurance provider to the other. Hence, checking the rates for the selected coverage will help your insurance provider improve and reduce the cost of studying in Australia.
Additional Costs
Besides the cost of studying in Australia and living expenses, here are some additional costs associated with studying there-
| Additional cost | Average expense incurred |
| Student visa | AUD, 650 |
| Books and study materials | AUD, 650 |
| Technology and Internet | AUD, 100 |
| Extracurricular activities and entertainment | AUD, 120 |
To manage the cost better, Indian students can take loans from-
- Nationalised banks like State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda
- Private banks like HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank
- Non-bank financial companies like HDFC Credilla, refund, etc
However, aspects like collateral, loan, amount, rate, interest, etc., vary depending on factors like the loan provider and duration to make up the total cost of studying in Australia.
Financial Assistance Opportunities
While considering the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students, tuition expenses often take the spotlight, but taking care of living costs is equally important. The Australian Government, education providers, and public and private organizations offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries that can assist you financially with the cost of studying in Australia.
- Destination Australia Program: The Australian Government funds tertiary education providers to fund scholarships of up to $15,000 per year for students to study and live in regional Australia.
- Short-term Mobility Opportunities: The Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program funds Australian universities to offer short-term two-way mobility opportunities to inbound and outbound students between Australia and a few selected Asian countries.
- Australia Awards: These are the international scholarships and short courses offered by the Australian Government and taken care of by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Students wanting to undertake study, research, and professional development in Australia can avail of any of these four awards – Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships, Australia Awards Scholarships, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research awards, and short courses.
Scholarships in Australia For Indian Students
International students looking for low-cost study in Australia should apply for scholarships offered by the Australian government, public or private universities, and higher education institutions to deserving overseas students. These can reduce the cost of studying in Australia.
| Name of the Scholarship | Eligibility Criiteria | Benefits |
| Australia Awards | Available to students from selected countries for full-time study, like theAsia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas regions | Covers total tuition fees, travel allowance & stipend |
| Endeavour Leadership Program | For high-achieving students undertaking postgraduate study | Covers tuition fees, Australia visa fees, Travel establishment allowance |
| University-specific Scholarships | Vary based on institution and program | Offers partial or complete tuition fee waivers |
These help reduce the overall cost of studying in Australia. Here are some of the other Australian scholarships you should check before applying for your dream course in the country:
ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship:
The award can be granted to 80 Indian students, who can benefit from a 25% to 50% tuition fee waiver. The selection for the same is based on academic merit.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation- Gates Cambridge Scholarships:
Approx. Eighty scholarships are awarded under the program. Eligible candidates get AUD 37,977 for 12 months pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months. In addition, PhD scholars will be funded for up to 4 years, inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge, one-way airfare, and 100% fee remission.
UNSW’s Future of Change Scholarship:
A stipend of AUD 10,000 per annum is awarded to Indian students enrolled in UG and PG courses for the minimum duration of the program. The award is granted based on academic merit.
Global Excellence Scholarship at UWA:
It is open to graduate and postgraduate students. The fund amount for eligible courses may vary from AUD 48,000 to 24,000 over two years. The scholarship is given out on academic merit.
Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students & Taxes in Australia
The Australian student visa allows international students to work 20 hours weekly during studies and full-time during semester breaks. This not only eases the burden of college fees in Australia but also helps with the experience of working in a foreign country. However, the income that students generate from part-time work is taxable. They have to get a Tax File Number (TFN). The application for the TFN has to be submitted online via the official website. These help balance the average cost of studying in Australia. Here are a couple of tax slabs:
- AUD 18,201 – 45,000 – 16%
- $ 45,001 – AUD 135,000 – 30%
- $ 135,001 – AUD 190,000 – 37%
- Over AUD 190,000 – 45%
Here are some popular part-time jobs options in Australia:
- Tutoring
- Food services – bartenders/servers/kitchen staff
- Office Executive
- Customer service/call centers
Budgeting and Financial Planning
It is crucial to be financially prepared before you study abroad. Also, once you land there, these essential tips will help you balance your finances well. You must set a budget to manage your finances with the cost of studying in Australia.
- One can use a budgeting tool to understand the common areas where you spend your money. This helps reduce a major chunk of the cost of studying in Australaia.
- Students can use Moneysmart, which is an Australian Government initiative. This website offers free tools, tips, and guidance on creating a budget. Not just that, the website’s student life and money page provides information tailored to university students.
- Buy groceries and cook them independently, which are always cheaper than takeaways. Before you head out to the supermarket, you can check their online catalog to compare prices at different stores. This can help you save the cost of studying in Australia in the long run.
- You can get a MyWay student card for public buses and light rail services to travel at the lowest fares. This card can be prepared by taking your student ID card to a recharge agent when purchasing the card. Australia has a separate network of bicycle paths. Therefore, you should consider buying a bicycle to save time and money. This helps reduce the cost of studying in Australia.
- Regarding textbooks or study materials, go for second-hand ones instead of buying a new one or relying on your university’s library.
- Try to get weekly specials and student nights, or go to venues offering free entry. These helps reduce the cost of studying in Australia.
High-Paying Jobs in Australia For Indian Students
Indians with solid IT skills are in high demand in Australia. It translates to high-paying jobs across various sectors, but opportunities extend beyond technology. The thriving economy of Australia offers attractive salaries in engineering, event, management, and medical fields for skilled professionals seeking a rewarding career abroad. Australia’s presence is a compelling destination with a welcoming environment and high quality of life. These job roles provide a great return on investment to the overall cost of studying in Australia.
| Job profile | Qualification or eligibility | Annual salary in INR |
| Psychiatrist | MBBS and MDDiploma in Psychiatric Medicine (DPM) | ₹13,40,934 |
| Surgeon | MBBS MS in General Surgery | ₹19,21,725 |
| Anaesthetist | MBBSMS in Anaesthesia | ₹23,55,719 |
| Internal Medical Specialist | MBBS and MDMSBDS and MDS | ₹20,90,007 |
| IT Portfolio Manager | Bachelor’s degree in Finance IT experience | ₹14,28,240 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting Finance-related studies with the ACCA qualification | ₹14,28,240 |
| Head of Technology | Bachelor’s degree in ProgrammingComputer ScienceComputer Engineering | ₹15,00,000 |
| Investment Director | Bachelor’s degree in FinanceEconomicsBusinessAccounting (Master’s preferred) | ₹15,00,000 |
Conclusion
With such a significant number of international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, knowing the financial landscape becomes crucial for prospective students’ tuition fees. The average living costs are around 20 lakhs per year, and the living costs are about 10 lakhs in a city like Sydney or Melbourne. Smart budgeting is essential for a successful educational experience down under. This was all about the cost of studying in Australia.
FAQs
Q. Is education free in Australia?
There are public and private academic universities in Australia. Public institutions charge a lower cost of studying in Australia in comparison with private universities. International students can also apply for various high Australian college field scholarships. However, some scholarships provide hundred percent that waive 100% of tuition fees but are competitive.
Q. How much can a student earn in Australia?
The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 20.33 per hour. International students can earn up to a minimum of AUD 406 per week. This can help them manage the overall cost of studying in Australia.
Q. How much does student accommodation typically cost in Australia?
Accommodation in Australia depends on whether you opt for a campus or campus accommodation. Also, in off-campus accommodation, if you choose a private apartment, its rent would be higher than a shared one. However, on average, the cost of staying in on-campus accommodation ranges from AUD 166 to AUD 394 per week and AUD 160 to AUD 440 per week for off-campus accommodation to mitigate the cost of studying in Australia.
Q. Why is Australia so popular among prospective Indian students who want to pursue higher education?
Australia is famous because it is home to the top seven universities in the world. It has 76% student satisfaction and a high return on investment. The emphasis on quality education and student success is underscored. The cost of studying in Australia can also be backed by several scholarships and part-time jobs.
Q. What are the different types of accommodation available in Australia?
The different types of accommodation include campus starting from ₹40,000 INR per week, Home safe. Start from ₹23,000, wherein we live with a local host family. A shared rent type could start from ₹31,000.
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
