How much will it cost to study in Australia?

Wondering how to manage your expenses in Australia? Here’s our list of estimates to help! 

Studying abroad as an international student can be an expensive affair, but planning your budget smartly can help you get a hold on your finances effectively. Before you depart from Singapore, ensure that you consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travel along with your tuition fees to get a clearer estimated cost of studying abroad. This will help you plan your budget more effectively. 

The following table offers a general overview of average annual fees for different study programmes in Australia: 

*Source: StudyAdelaide, please note all figures are indicative 

Australia is a top choice for international students seeking high-quality education. Boasting 9 universities within the world's top 100 university rankings (QS 2026), alongside its diverse culture and vibrant lifestyle, it draws students from all corners of the globe. If you're thinking about studying in this captivating country, getting a clear understanding of how much it will cost is essential for smart financial planning. 

For those aiming for a Bachelor's Degree, the annual cost of education in Australia can range from approximately AUD $17,000 to $50,000. Similarly, the cost of studying abroad in Australia for a Postgraduate Degree typically falls within the AUD $17,000 to $53,000 bracket per year. These figures are a general indication of the significant investment involved in pursuing higher education in the country. 

When considering your student fees, it's important to understand that it's not a fixed amount for everyone, and several factors come into play. The main ones are the type of course you choose, the level of study you're pursuing (undergraduate or postgraduate), and the reputation of the university you select. Keep in mind that each Australian university sets its own fee structure, which means you can see variations not just between different universities but also across different programs and even locations within Australia. For instance, veterinary and medical degrees cost substantially more than other degrees.  Generally, you might also find that courses in humanities, education, and the arts tend to be a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the specific costs will depend on the program you choose. To give you a clearer idea, here are general tuition fee ranges based on the type of course: 

Undergraduate Courses:  

• Arts and Social Sciences: AUD $25,000 to $40,000 per year  

• Business/Commerce: AUD $30,000 to $50,000 per year 

• Engineering/Technology: AUD $30,000 to $50,000 per year 

• Law: AUD $35,000 to $50,000 per year 

• Science: AUD $30,000 to $45,000 per year 

• Medicine and Health: AUD $50,000 to $80,000 per year 

Postgraduate Courses: 

• Master's Degrees: AUD $17,000 to $53,000 per year 

• Professional Doctorates: AUD $23,000 to $95,000 per year 

• MBAs and other business-oriented programs: AUD $21,000 to $126,000 per year 

Keep in mind that these figures are indicative averages. However, they can provide a useful benchmark for your financial planning as you explore your options in Australia. 

Beyond university fees, there are a few other university-related costs you'll want to factor into your budget. These extra bits contribute to the overall total expenses for your study in Australia. 

Student services and administrative fees

On top of your tuition fees, you'll most likely encounter student services and administrative fees in Australia. These generally range from about AUD $300 to $1,000 per year, but the exact amount depends on the specific university you're attending.  

These fees contribute to a range of essential services and resources, which include funding for student clubs and activities, designed to enhance your overall student experience.  

Health insurance (OSHC) 

If you're planning to study in Australia as an international student, getting Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) isn't just a good idea – it's a requirement to obtain your student visa. This health insurance is specifically designed for international students and can cost between AUD $500 and $700 per year.   

OSHC helps cover basic health expenses, like visits to the doctor, hospital stays, and ambulance trips if you need them. So, don't forget to factor this essential health insurance into your cost of studying abroad. 

Study materials and textbooks 

Another thing to keep in mind when you're budgeting for your studies in Australia is the extra cost of study materials and textbooks. These are essential for your learning and will add to your total expenses of studying in Australia. 

Depending on your course and study level, you can probably expect to budget around AUD $500 to $1,000 per year for these. This will cover actual textbooks, course materials, software licenses specific to your field, and other important learning resources. 

Exam fees 

Students may need to take an English proficiency test such as IELTS, which has a registration fee of SGD 406. Depending on the course, additional entrance exams may be required. For example,

• Medicine applicants may need to sit for the ISAT (AUD 430, ~SGD 367) or the UCAT ANZ (AUD 395, ~SGD 337).

• Business schools offering MBA programmes often require the GMAT (USD 275–300, ~SGD 352–385).

• Veterinary science applicants may need the Casper test (AUD 55, ~SGD 47).

These fees can vary and should be included when planning your overall budget. 

To provide a clearer overview of the annual financial commitment for university study in Australia, let us summarise the total expenses. 

Firstly, the primary component is the tuition fee, which, as previously discussed, can range between: 

• For Undergraduate programs: AUD $25,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the specific program of study and the university. 

• For Postgraduate programs: AUD $20,000 to $80,000 per year, contingent on the chosen program and institution. 

Then there’s also the supplementary costs  to be considered: 

• Student Services and Administrative Fees: Ranging from AUD $300 to $1,000 per year. 

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Estimated at AUD $500 to $700 per year. 

• Study Materials and Textbooks: Approximately AUD $500 to $1,000 per year. 

The total annual cost to study at a university in Australia can be thus estimated as follows: 

• Undergraduate: AUD $26,800 to $82,700 per year. 

• Postgraduate: AUD $21,300 to $82,700 per year. 

In order to study as an international student in Australia, the first step is to secure a valid student visa that comes with its own costs. 

As of 1 July 2025, the application fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) for the main applicant is AUD $2,000.  

You might also have to pay other costs for: 

• health checks (estimated SGD 250–400, depending on the medical centre and type of tests required. Medicine-related courses may involve additional screenings, which can increase the cost.) 

• biometrics (SGD 41.10) 

• police certificates (SGD 55) 

 Always check the official websites of the respective authorities for the latest fee information.  If you're planning on bringing any family members with you to Australia while you study, there are extra visa application fees for each of them. ​​For family members aged 18 and over, the visa will cost AUD $1,225 per person. For family members under 18, the visa will cost AUD $400 per person.

While the cost of studying in Australia for international students can be overwhelming, there are ways to help make it more manageable, like scholarships and financial aid options. Looking into these can ease the financial load of studying abroad. 

Scholarships for Singaporean students in Australia  

Several notable scholarships are available for international students from Singapore who are considering studying in Australia. Some examples include the Australia for ASEAN Scholarships, as well as scholarships offered by leading Australian universities such as Monash University (e.g. Monash International Merit Scholarship), the University of Queensland (e.g. UQ International Excellence Scholarship), and the University of Western Australia (e.g. Global Excellence Scholarship).  

When applying for scholarships, you should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for each opportunity. You should also ensure that all the required documentation is accurately prepared and submitted before the deadlines. 

Financial aid options 

Besides scholarships, it's also worth looking into other ways to get financial help. This might include student loan programs or financial aid schemes designed to support international students studying abroad.  

Apart from the core cost of education, your total expenses in Australia will also include what you spend on everyday living and where you live. These costs can differ depending on your lifestyle and your accommodation. Generally, living expenses for international students can range from about AUD $15,600 to $40,800 each year. 

Accommodation 

Hostels 

Hostels or guesthouses are a good budget option, especially if you're only staying for a short time or you've just arrived in Australia and are still looking for longer-term accommodation. The weekly cost of a hostel/guesthouse ranges from AUD $90 to $150.  

Shared rental 

Sharing a house or apartment with other students is often a cheaper way to handle your living costs. Monthly expenses in Australia for a shared place can typically be between AUD $340 and $860 per month per person. This is a popular choice for international students wanting to lower their overall cost of studying abroad in Australia. 

On-campus 

Opting for university-provided accommodation offers the advantage of proximity to classes and other university facilities. The weekly cost for on-campus housing typically ranges from AUD $90 to $280, depending on the university, the type of room (e.g., single or shared), and the facilities included. 

Homestay 

Staying with a local Australian family can be a supportive and culturally enriching experience. The weekly cost of homestays usually falls between AUD $235 and $325. This accommodation option often includes meals, which can help you manage your food budget. 

Groceries and eating out 

Your food expenses in Australia can vary quite a bit, usually between AUD $80 and $280 per week, depending on how often you eat out. If you're staying somewhere like a homestay or some on-campus places where meals are included, your food costs might be lower. To save money when you’re studying abroad, it's generally a good idea to buy groceries and cook your own meals more often than eating out. 

Transport 

Australia has various public transport options, like trains, buses, and trams, to help you get around. Many states and territories (except Victoria) offer student discounts on public transport fares, which can help bring down your cost of studying abroad. With these potential discounts and the availability of weekly passes, you can expect your transport expenses to range between AUD $15 and $55 per week.

To sum up, the cost of studying in Australia for international students involves a range of expenses, including university fees, visa costs, health insurance, study materials, living expenses, and accommodation. 

By carefully thinking about each of these aspects and creating a detailed budget before you head off to Australia, you can manage your finances effectively and make the most of your study experience abroad.