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/College | QS World University Rankings | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
| The University of Melbourne | 13 | AUD 37,000 to AUD 52,000 |
| Monash University | 37 | AUD 48,600 to AUD 50,000 |
| RMIT University | 123 | AUD 20,750 to AUD 60,250 |
| LA TROBE University | 217 | AUD 39,000 to AUD 44,900 |
| CQ University | 495 | AUD 38,000 |
| Australian Catholic University | 901 | AUD 19,500 to AUD 30,500 |
| UWA Perth University | 77 | AUD 34,000 to AUD 50,000 |
| Bond University | 587 | AUD 18,000 to AUD 55,000 |
| Victoria University | 601 | AUD 22,500 to AUD 37,000 |
| The University of Canberra | 403 | AUD 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 Groceries | 208 – 416 AUD |
| Gas and Electricity | 35 – 140 AUD |
| Accommodation | 297 – 743 AUD |
| Transportation | 50 – 150 AUD |
| Shopping | 118 – 223 AUD |
Additional Expenses
| Expense | Avg. Cost |
| Health Insurance | AUD 478 |
| Study permit fees | AUD 1,600 |
| Flight Expense | AUD 1,000 to 2,500 |
| University Application fee | AUD 50-100 |
| Proficiency tests fee | IELTS – AUD 375–450GRE (general/subject) – AUD 270 – 420TOEFL iBT – AUD 315GMAT – AUD 470CAEL – AUD 312 |
| Biometric fee | AUD 200 |
Best Cities in Australia for Students
| City | Avg. Cost of Living |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,367 |
| Sydney | AUD 2,480 |
| Brisbane | AUD 3,642 |
| Adelaide | AUD 3,436 |
| Canberra | AUD 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 Residence | Avg. Rate of Living |
| Homestays | 450 AUD – 1,200 AUD |
| Halls of Residence | 440 AUD – 1,100 AUD |
| Apartment | 750 AUD – 1,700 AUD |
| Shared Apartment | 650 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
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship
- Australian Government Research Training Program
- Destination Australia Scholarship
University Scholarships:
- University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships
- University of New South Wales International Scholarships
- University of Sydney International Scholarship
- 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
- Research Assistant: Work on research projects
- Library Assistant: Work in the library
- Campus Tour Guide: Show visitors around the campus
- Barista: Work in a cafe
- Teaching Assistant: Teach a class
- Administrative Assistant: Work in administration
- Student Ambassador: Represent the student body
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail Job: Working in retail chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc.
- Child Care or Babysitting: Students can earn on a per-hour basis by babysitting.
- Food or Package Delivery: Companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Menulog often need riders and delivery persons.
- Front Office: Clinics and some corporate offices hire people to work at the front desk.
- Cashier: Many small stores and shops hire young people to work as cashiers in their stores.
- Waiting Tables: You can also work as a waiter or waitress in the local restaurants for side income.