Australia has become a top destination for international students including those from India looking for quality education and cultural experiences. If you’ve decided to study in Australia, it is important to understand the cost of education in Australia, which involves more than just tuition fees. There are other costs to consider such as student accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and visa charges. Knowing these costs in advance will help you plan your budget better and avoid financial surprises.
This article will give you a rundown of the cost of education in Australia for 2025, covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and other costs, tailored for Indian students.
Studying in Australia involves several expenses, from tuition fees to living costs and other essential charges. It’s crucial to understand these financial aspects to budget effectively.
Tuition fees in Australia for international students vary greatly depending on the level of study, course and university. It goes without saying that the tuition fees for international students are higher than for domestic students. Here’s a breakdown:
Level of study | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
Undergraduate | AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 |
Postgraduate | AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 |
Doctoral | AUD 20,000 0 AUD 42,000 |
It’s essential to note that these figures are approximate and can vary. Prospective students can check the below table for average annual fees for top courses at top Australian universities.
University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
University of Melbourne | 13 | AUD 45,000 – AUD 47,000 |
University of Sydney | 18 | AUD 50,000 – AUD 54,000 |
University of New South Wales | 19 | AUD 7,000 – AUD 11,000 |
Australian National University (ANU) | 30 | AUD 46,000 – AUD 48,000 |
Monash University | 37 | AUD 37,000 – AUD 45,000 |
University of Queensland | 40 | AUD 2,900 – AUD 3,500/credit |
University of Western Australia | 77 | AUD 9,000 – AUD 44,300 |
University of Adelaide | 82 | AUD 45,000 – AUD 48,000 |
University of Technology Sydney | 88 | AUD 1,256 per credit |
The cost of education in Australia largely depends on your choice of course and institution. Engineering, Medicine, and Law programs tend to have higher tuition fees compared to Humanities and Arts courses. Likewise, the academic requirements also vary.
Apart from tuition fees, you must also consider the cost of living in Australia for Indian students. This includes expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials.
Accommodation costs depend on the type such as on-campus or off-campus and location. According to the Australian Government website, here is a breakdown of the weekly costs of the accommodation options.
Accommodation Type | Cost per week |
Hostels and Guesthouses | AUD 90 – AUD 150 |
Shared rental | AUD 95 – AUD 215 |
On campus | AUD 110 – AUD 280 |
Homestay | AUD 235 – AUD 325 |
Rental | AUD 185 – AUD 440 |
Living costs vary across Australian cities. Here’s an approximate monthly breakdown:
City | Average monthly expense |
Gold Coast | AUD 1700 |
Canberra | AUD 1800 |
Adelaide | AUD 2000 |
Brisbane | AUD 2100 |
Perth | AUD 2200 |
Melbourne | AUD 2400 |
Sydney | AUD 2500 |
These estimates include accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while Gold Cost and Canberra are relatively affordable.
Also read: Indian Education System vs Australian Education System.
The Australian Government mandates that international students demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the cost of living in Australia for Indian students. The estimated annual cost of living for students in Australia is around AUD 35,000, covering essentials like food, transport, groceries, accommodation, and other basic expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of these living costs:
Type of expense | Average cost per month |
Accommodation | AUD 297 – AUD 743 |
Food and Groceries | AUD 208 – AUD 416 |
Transportation | AUD 44 – AUD 89 |
Household Bills | AUD 20 – AUD 50 |
Apart from tuition and living costs, there are additional expenses that students must account for while calculating the overall living expenses in Australia for Indian students.
International students require a student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The base application charge is approximately AUD 1600 unless you are exempt. Processing times vary for each applicant. You can visit the Department of Home Affairs website for detailed information and tips to help expedite your visa processing.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students. The cost for OSHC is typically around AUD 500 to AUD 800 per year, depending on the provider and coverage level. A 2-year cover may cost close to AUD 1,600 while a 3-year cover can be approximately AUD 2,500. It’s essential to compare rates from various insurers to find the best option, as this is a mandatory expense included in the cost of living in Australia for Indian students.
Airfare from India to Australia varies based on the airline, booking time, and travel class. On average, a one-way ticket can range from INR 30,000 to INR 60,000. Booking in advance and during off-peak seasons can result in lower prices.
The total cost of education in Australia includes tuition fees and living expenses. While tuition fees vary based on the university and course, living costs also differ depending on the city you choose to live in. On average, international students in Australia spend AUD 55,000 to AUD 90,000 per year, combining both tuition and living expenses. Note that the cost may be higher for professional degrees like medicine, dentistry or law where tuition fees can be above AUD 50,000 per year. Keep in mind that you can reduce your expenses by applying for scholarships, choosing affordable accommodation, and working part-time to offset costs.
The WorldGrad offers a feasible study route for international students. Students complete their first year overseas studies in their home country and complete their degree studies on-campus in Australia. This approach leads to significant savings on the cost of education in Australia. Additionally, it provides flexibility and a smoother transition to the Australian education system.
Our Smart Programs: Global Year 1 Program and Global Online Accelerator Program provide Indian students with a fast, cost-saving way to guarantee admission to the best Australian universities.
Why Choose The WorldGrad?
A1. The total cost of education in Australia includes Australian university fees for international students (AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year) and living expenses in Australia for Indian students (around AUD 35,000 per year). Additional costs include visa fees, health insurance, and travel expenses.
A2. Yes, numerous scholarships are available for international students based on academic merit, financial need, and specific fields of study. It’s advisable to check with individual universities and the Australian Government’s scholarship programs.
A3. Yes, student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This can help offset living expenses in Australia for Indian students.
A4. The cost of living in Australia for Indian students is comparable to other developed countries. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while cities like Gold Coast and Canberra offer a lower cost of living.
A5. Yes, additional costs may include textbooks, study materials, transportation, and personal expenses. It’s advisable to budget for these to avoid unexpected financial strain.
A6. Applying for scholarships, choosing regional universities, and working part-time can help reduce the study in Australia cost for Indian students.