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Your Guide to Studying in Australia on a Budget

Studying in Australia is affordable with the right financial plan. Explore tuition costs, scholarships, and living expenses to prepare better.

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    Education in Australia is one of the best in the world, but it’s important to know how much it will cost. Education costs for international students vary between 20,000 to 50,000 Australian dollars per year for the tuition fee based on the chosen University and course. Ticket, food, accommodation and transportation take about AUD 21,041 per year. Universities are often able to provide scholarships to cut the cost of study in Australia and there are many jobs available to students to save money.

    Don’t wait any longer, begin planning your study path today! Discover scholarships, compare tuition fees, and plan your education budget to optimise the experience in Australia.

    Tuition Fees

    Below is the cost of education in Australia:

    Level of study

    University or college

    Field of study

    Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree

    AUD 20,000 – 45,000 per year

    Postgraduate Master's Degree

    AUD 22,000 – 50,000 per year

    Doctoral Degree

    AUD 18,000 – 42,000 per year

    Vocational Education and Training

    AUD 4,000 – 22,000 per year

    Note: These are average figures and the actual costs may vary.

    Top Australian Universities Fees

    University/CollegeQS World University RankingsAvg. Tuition Fees (Annually)
    The University of Melbourne13AUD 37,000 to AUD 52,000
    Monash University37AUD 48,600 to AUD 50,000
    RMIT University123AUD 20,750 to AUD 60,250
    LA TROBE University217AUD 39,000 to AUD 44,900
    CQ University495AUD 38,000
    Australian Catholic University901AUD 19,500 to AUD 30,500
    UWA Perth University77AUD 34,000 to AUD 50,000
    Bond University587AUD 18,000 to AUD 55,000
    Victoria University601AUD 22,500 to AUD 37,000
    The University of Canberra403AUD 22,000 to AUD 42,000

    Cost of Living in Australia

    The cost of living in Australia varies on the city you live in. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive than others. Below is a general cost you can expect to pay while living in Australia:

    Expenses

    Monthly Average Cost

    Food and Groceries208 – 416 AUD
    Gas and Electricity35 – 140 AUD
    Accommodation297 – 743 AUD
    Transportation50 – 150 AUD
    Shopping118 – 223 AUD

    Additional Expenses

    ExpenseAvg. Cost
    Health InsuranceAUD 478
    Study permit feesAUD 1,600
    Flight ExpenseAUD 1,000 to 2,500
    University Application feeAUD 50-100
    Proficiency tests feeIELTS – AUD 375–450
    GRE (general/subject) – AUD 270 – 420
    TOEFL iBT – AUD 315
    GMAT – AUD 470
    CAEL – AUD 312
    Biometric feeAUD 200

    Best Cities in Australia for Students

    CityAvg. Cost of Living
    MelbourneAUD 2,367
    SydneyAUD 2,480
    BrisbaneAUD 3,642
    AdelaideAUD 3,436
    CanberraAUD 4,453

    Accommodation Costs in Australia

    The major part of living expenses in Australia goes to accommodation costs. There are several accommodation options available for international students in Australia and some of them are listed below:

    Type of ResidenceAvg. Rate of Living
    Homestays450 AUD – 1,200 AUD
    Halls of Residence440 AUD – 1,100 AUD
    Apartment750 AUD – 1,700 AUD
    Shared Apartment650 AUD – 950 AUD

    Taxes in Australia

    Understanding taxes in Australia is important if you plan to work while studying. As an international student, you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to legally work in the country. You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations.

    Your income is subject to tax, and you may need to file a tax return at the end of the financial year. Exchange rate fluctuations can also impact your expenses, so managing your budget wisely is essential.

    Scholarships for Australia

    You have access to various scholarships while studying in Australia. Listed below are a few of them:

    Government Scholarships

    1. Australia Awards Scholarship
    2. Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship
    3. Australian Government Research Training Program
    4. Destination Australia Scholarship

    University Scholarships:

    1. University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships
    2. University of New South Wales International Scholarships
    3. University of Sydney International Scholarship
    4. Griffith Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    Students who score good marks can also get merit-based scholarships.

    Want to know more about scholarships? Contact Transglobal Overseas’ expert counsellors to understand the details, eligibility, and deadlines of each scholarship today.

    Part-time Jobs in Australia for Students

    Students are allowed to work part-time while studying. Here are some jobs you can take up:

    On-Campus Jobs

    1. Research Assistant: Work on research projects
    2. Library Assistant: Work in the library
    3. Campus Tour Guide: Show visitors around the campus
    4. Barista: Work in a cafe
    5. Teaching Assistant: Teach a class
    6. Administrative Assistant: Work in administration
    7. Student Ambassador: Represent the student body

    Off-Campus Jobs

    1. Retail Job: Working in retail chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.
    2. Child Care or Babysitting: Students can earn on a per-hour basis by babysitting.
    3. Food or Package Delivery: Companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Menulog often need riders and delivery persons.
    4. Front Office: Clinics and some corporate offices hire people to work at the front desk.
    5. Cashier: Many small stores and shops hire young people to work as cashiers in their stores.
    6. Waiting Tables: You can also work as a waiter or waitress in the local restaurants for side income.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What factors influence the cost of education in Australia?

    The cost of education in Australia depends on several factors, including tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses.

    Some of the hidden costs of studying in Australia include health insurance, lifestyle costs, and regional living variations.

    The minimum budget required for an international student in Australia is AUD 29,710 per year. You must be able to show this amount to receive a student visa.

    Below are some tips to reduce the living and studying costs in Australia for Indian students:

    • Opt for shared accommodation
    • Cook at home
    • Use public transportation
    • Work part-time
    • Shop at local markets
    • Use public libraries
    • Buy used textbooks
    • Find scholarships
    • Study at public universities

    Yes, there are many scholarships and financial aid options available to help reduce the cost of studying in Australia. Some scholarships include Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS), Australia for ASEAN scholarships, RTP scholarships, Maitri scholarships, etc.

    University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Charles Sturt University (CSU), and the University of Wollongong are some of the affordable universities in Australia for international students.

    The estimated cost of living in Australia for Indian students is between AUD 5,000–6,000 per month.Yes, you can work while studying in Australia.

    Yes, the cost of living in Australia varies between cities. Sydney and Melbourne are considered expensive while Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane are one the affordable side.

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      45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us

      Take the first step today.

      Talk to an expert for FREE