- Average tuition at Australian universities runs roughly AUD 22,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, with top programmes higher
- Student visa (subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours out of session
- From 1 July 2026 the student visa application charge starts at AUD 2,500
- The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of about AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, on top of tuition and travel.
Why Study in Australia?
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, blending strong universities with a high quality of life. Its outdoor culture, safe cities and welcoming, multicultural communities make settling in easier. Generous scholarships, post-study work rights and part-time work options add to why so many Indian students choose Australia each year.
Australia has grown into a leading education destination, attracting large numbers of international students. Beyond academics, students value the relaxed lifestyle, the outdoor culture and the friendly, diverse communities. The country is known as one of the more student-friendly places to study, which is why funding a place there is worth planning carefully.
10 reasons to study in AustraliaRead →What Does It Cost to Study in Australia?
Funding a degree in Australia means budgeting for more than tuition. For 2026, tuition generally ranges from AUD 22,000 to AUD 45,000 a year, with premium courses higher. On top of that you must plan for accommodation, food, transport and health cover, plus the visa living-cost requirement of about AUD 29,710 for the first year.
The cost of studying in Australia is not only tuition. When you plan an education abroad you have to budget for several things at once.
- Accommodation: finding a place that fits your budget is one of the first tasks. Options range from university halls to shared private rentals.
- Food: everyday food and groceries are an unavoidable expense and vary by city and lifestyle.
- Entertainment and personal costs: some downtime is essential, and this is an easy area to cut back on when saving money.
- Tuition: the largest single cost, spent on your course fees each year.
- Health cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the length of your visa.
For tuition specifically, most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programmes for 2026 sit between roughly AUD 22,000 and AUD 45,000 per year, though top-tier universities and specialised degrees such as medicine can cost considerably more. Always check the exact fee on your chosen university's official course page before you budget.
| Expense (2026) | Approximate Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (most UG/PG coursework) | 22,000 - 45,000 |
| Living costs (visa requirement) | 29,710 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (single) | 477 - 712 |
| Student visa application charge (from 1 Jul 2026) | From 2,500 |
How Can Scholarships Help Fund Your Studies?
Scholarships are the first funding route to explore. The Australian Government runs the Australia Awards Scholarships, which cover full tuition, return airfare, an establishment allowance, health cover and a living stipend. Regional-study students can apply for Destination Australia, worth up to AUD 15,000 a year, while most universities offer their own merit-based awards to international applicants.
Australia offers a wide range of scholarships to attract international students, most of them merit-based. The government-funded Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most generous, covering full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance towards accommodation and study materials, Overseas Student Health Cover and a fortnightly living stipend. Applications for the 2027 round were open from 1 February to 30 April 2026.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: fully funded government awards for students from eligible developing countries.
- Destination Australia: up to AUD 15,000 per year for students studying at regional campuses.
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP): support for research masters and doctoral students.
- University scholarships: merit-based awards offered directly by Australian institutions, searchable through the official Study Australia course search.
Are Education Loans a Good Option?
Education loans are a common way Indian students fund overseas study. With many lenders now competing, students can cover tuition, living costs and related expenses. Loans below Rs 4 lakh usually need no collateral; those between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh need a guarantor; and loans above Rs 7.5 lakh generally require security or collateral.
Over the past two decades the number of students opting for higher education abroad has grown sharply, and so has the number of lenders offering overseas education loans. This competition means students today have many options to help finance their studies. Requirements differ between loans for study in India and loans for overseas study, so compare terms carefully.
Typical criteria for an Indian education loan for overseas study include:
- A co-applicant (usually a parent or guardian) is required.
- A third-party guarantor is generally needed for loans above Rs 4 lakh and up to Rs 7.5 lakh.
- For loans above Rs 7.5 lakh, collateral or security is usually required.
- Repayment typically begins 6 to 12 months after the course finishes, depending on the loan terms.
- If the student is abroad, the lender recovers repayments from the co-applicant.
Most education loans cover tuition fees, examination and library charges, hostel or accommodation costs, the purchase of books, equipment and instruments, travel expenses, a refundable caution deposit, and costs for study tours or project work where relevant.
How Much Can You Earn From Part-Time Work?
Part-time work eases financial stress but should not be your only funding plan. On a student visa (subclass 500) you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Research masters and doctoral students have no work-hour cap. Jobs also build valuable local experience.
Australia allows international students to work while they study. Under the current rules, student visa holders can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session, and unlimited hours when it is out of session. The limit applies across all jobs combined, not per employer, and students who have started a research masters or doctoral degree have no work-hour limit.
Part-time work cannot be relied on to cover your full fees, but it relieves some financial pressure and some roles pay well. Beyond the income, working in Australia gives you local experience, helps you understand the country and adds to your CV alongside your studies.
How Should You Plan Your Student Budget?
Whatever your course or background, planning your budget is essential because studying abroad demands significant money. Map out tuition, living costs, health cover and the visa financial requirement, then decide which mix of scholarships, loans and part-time work will fund it. Good planning saves money and helps you choose realistic sources before you apply for your visa.
No matter which stream you choose, planning your budget matters. Careful planning can save you a lot of money and helps you decide the resources you will draw on to fund your studies. Combine scholarships, an education loan and part-time work to build a realistic plan, and confirm the latest figures on official sources before you commit.