How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Studying in Australia costs most Indian students between ₹40 lakh and ₹65 lakh for the first year alone, and between ₹80 lakh and ₹1.4 crore for the full course. The range is wide because three variables decide almost everything: the course level, the university tier, and the city. This guide breaks down every cost line, shows four worked budgets, explains how to fund the total, and lists exactly who can help you at each stage.

If you only have a rough budget in mind, read the summary table first, then jump to the section that matches your biggest cost.

Quick Summary: Total Cost at a Glance

Cost Item	Typical Range (AUD)	Approx. INR (at ₹68 per AUD)
Tuition per year	15,000 to 55,000	₹10.2 lakh to ₹37.4 lakh
Living costs per year	22,000 to 40,000	₹15 lakh to ₹27.2 lakh
Student visa application fee	2,000 to 2,500 (reported 2,500 from 1 July 2026)	₹1.36 lakh to ₹1.7 lakh
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), per year	500 to 700	₹34,000 to ₹47,600
Return flight from India	1,000 to 1,800	₹68,000 to ₹1.22 lakh
One-time setup costs	1,000 to 2,500	₹68,000 to ₹1.7 lakh
Realistic first-year total	40,000 to 95,000	₹27 lakh to ₹65 lakh

Exchange rate assumption: this guide uses ₹68 per AUD as a planning figure. Check the live rate on the day you budget. A 5% rupee swing changes a ₹60 lakh budget by ₹3 lakh.

Why the Cost Varies So Much

Two students can both say they are studying in Australia and spend a completely different amount. The difference comes from:

• Course level: a vocational diploma costs a fraction of a master’s degree.
• Field of study: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and some engineering courses cost far more than arts or business.
• University tier: the Group of Eight research universities charge more than mid-tier and regional universities.
• City: Sydney and Melbourne rent is much higher than Adelaide, Perth, Hobart or regional towns.
• Course length: a 3-year bachelor’s degree or a 2-year master’s multiplies the annual cost, and fees rise each year.
• Lifestyle: shared housing and home cooking versus a private studio and eating out.

1. Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students

Tuition is the largest single cost for most students. International fees are set by each university, are not capped by the government, and are published per course on the university website.

1.1 Tuition by Course Level

Course Level	Duration	Typical Annual Fee (AUD)	Approx. Annual Fee (INR)
English language course (ELICOS)	10 to 48 weeks	300 to 450 per week	₹20,400 to ₹30,600 per week
Vocational (VET) certificate or diploma	1 to 2 years	10,000 to 22,000	₹6.8 lakh to ₹15 lakh
Foundation or pathway program	6 to 12 months	20,000 to 32,000	₹13.6 lakh to ₹21.8 lakh
Bachelor’s degree	3 to 4 years	30,000 to 50,000	₹20.4 lakh to ₹34 lakh
Master’s by coursework	1.5 to 2 years	32,000 to 55,000	₹21.8 lakh to ₹37.4 lakh
MBA	1 to 2 years	50,000 to 100,000 or more (total)	₹34 lakh to ₹68 lakh or more
PhD / research degree	3 to 4 years	30,000 to 50,000 (often fully offset by a scholarship)	See scholarships section

1.2 Tuition by Field of Study

Field	Typical Annual Fee (AUD)	Comment
Business, commerce, arts, humanities	30,000 to 42,000	Lowest range for degree-level study
Information technology, data science	33,000 to 48,000	Heavily subscribed by Indian students
Engineering	38,000 to 55,000	Higher lab and equipment costs
Health sciences, nursing	35,000 to 50,000	Clinical placement costs may apply
Law	40,000 to 60,000	Varies sharply by university
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science	70,000 to 110,000	Very limited international places

1.3 Tuition by University Group

University Group	Examples	Cost Position
Group of Eight	Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Monash, UQ, Adelaide, UWA	Highest fees, strongest rankings
Mid-tier metropolitan	UTS, RMIT, Deakin, Macquarie, Curtin, QUT	Mid to high fees, strong industry links
Regional and smaller universities	Charles Sturt, UNE, Southern Cross, University of Tasmania, Federation	Lower fees, lower living costs

Pick the university by course fit and graduate outcomes, not by ranking alone. A ₹15 lakh fee difference should be justified by a concrete advantage such as a specific accreditation or an industry partnership.

1.4 Fees Rise Every Year

Most universities increase international fees by roughly 3% to 6% annually. Always calculate the full course at a higher fee than the first-year price. A master’s fee of AUD 45,000 in year one can be about AUD 47,000 to 48,000 in year two.

1.5 Fees You Pay Beyond Tuition

• Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): capped by the government at around AUD 350 to 400 per year at most universities.
• Materials and lab fees: some courses charge extra for equipment, software or field trips.
• Textbooks: AUD 500 to 1,500 per year, much less if you use library and second-hand copies.
• Course deposit: most universities require a deposit (often one semester’s fees) before issuing the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). It is usually credited toward your tuition.

2. Visa and Compulsory Costs

These costs are not optional. Without them you cannot obtain or keep a student visa.

Cost	Approximate Amount (AUD)	Approx. INR	Notes
Student visa (subclass 500) application charge	2,000 to 2,500	₹1.36 lakh to ₹1.7 lakh	Was AUD 2,000 from 1 July 2025; sources report AUD 2,500 for applications lodged from 1 July 2026. Confirm on the Home Affairs website.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	500 to 700 per year (single)	₹34,000 to ₹47,600	Mandatory for the full visa duration; you pay for the whole period upfront
Medical examination (panel physician in India)	Around ₹7,000 to ₹12,000	Paid in INR	Required for most applicants staying over 6 months
Police clearance certificate	Low (a few hundred rupees)		Needed in many cases
English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)	Around ₹16,000 to ₹19,000 per attempt	Paid in INR	Retakes add up if your score is below the requirement
University application fee	0 to 150	Up to ₹10,200	Many universities waive it
Biometrics, courier, document attestation	Small		Budget a few thousand rupees

2.1 The Financial Capacity Requirement

The government requires proof that you can pay for your first year of study without depending on illegal work. As of the figures published in 2024 and still widely cited in 2026, the living-cost component is AUD 29,710 for the main applicant. Check the Home Affairs student visa financial capacity page for any later increase.

You must show funds covering all of these:

Component	Requirement (AUD)
Living costs for the main applicant, 12 months	29,710
Living costs for a partner (if accompanying)	About 10,394
Living costs for each child (if accompanying)	About 4,449
Schooling for each school-age child	About 13,502
First-year tuition fees	As stated on your CoE
Return travel	Typically around 2,000 as a planning amount

For a single student with a AUD 40,000 tuition fee, the visa evidence requirement is roughly AUD 71,000 to 72,000 (about ₹48 lakh to ₹49 lakh). This is separate from, and in addition to, the visa fee.

2.2 Why Indian Applicants Need Extra Care

Indian applicants face close scrutiny of financial evidence and of the Genuine Student (GS) assessment, which replaced the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant test. Common problems:

• Large deposits that appear shortly before the application with no history behind them.
• Funds that cannot be traced to a plausible source such as salary, business income, savings or a bank loan.
• Generic or copied statements of purpose that do not explain why this course, this provider and this country make sense.
• Course choices that do not logically follow from your previous study or work.

Financial evidence that looks assembled for the visa, rather than built over time, is the most common way a well-qualified student gets refused.

3. Living Costs in Australia

The AUD 29,710 government figure is a minimum for visa purposes. It is not a realistic budget in Sydney or Melbourne, and it can be enough in a smaller city if you live carefully.

3.1 Typical Monthly Expenses

Expense	Monthly (AUD)	Monthly (INR)
Shared rent (room in a shared flat or house)	800 to 1,600	₹54,400 to ₹1.09 lakh
Groceries and cooking at home	350 to 650	₹23,800 to ₹44,200
Public transport	100 to 220	₹6,800 to ₹15,000
Mobile and internet	40 to 90	₹2,700 to ₹6,100
Electricity, gas, water (if not included in rent)	80 to 180	₹5,400 to ₹12,200
Eating out, entertainment, personal items	200 to 450	₹13,600 to ₹30,600
Miscellaneous (clothing, medical co-payments, emergencies)	100 to 250	₹6,800 to ₹17,000
Total per month	1,670 to 3,440	₹1.14 lakh to ₹2.34 lakh

Multiply by 12 and you get roughly AUD 20,000 to 41,000 a year. That range matches the real spread between regional cities and Sydney.

3.2 Accommodation Costs by Type

Accommodation Type	Weekly Cost (AUD)	Comment
University residential college (catered)	350 to 600	Most expensive, meals included, easier first year
Purpose-built student accommodation	300 to 550	Furnished, bills often included, high price
Private studio or one-bedroom	350 to 600 or more	Best privacy, worst for budget
Shared room in a flat or house	150 to 300	Cheapest, but check lease and bond terms
Homestay (living with a local family)	250 to 400	Meals often included, useful for the first few months

Rental bond is typically four weeks of rent, refundable if you leave the property in good condition. Keep the receipt and take photos at move-in.

3.3 Living Costs by City

City	Estimated Annual Living Cost (AUD)	Estimated Annual Living Cost (INR)	Notes
Sydney	33,000 to 42,000	₹22.4 lakh to ₹28.6 lakh	Highest rent in the country
Melbourne	28,000 to 38,000	₹19 lakh to ₹25.8 lakh	Large student population, good transport
Brisbane	26,000 to 35,000	₹17.7 lakh to ₹23.8 lakh	Rising rents, milder than Sydney
Perth	26,000 to 35,000	₹17.7 lakh to ₹23.8 lakh	Tight rental market in recent years
Canberra	27,000 to 36,000	₹18.4 lakh to ₹24.5 lakh	Compact, rent not cheap
Adelaide	23,000 to 31,000	₹15.6 lakh to ₹21.1 lakh	Lower rent, smaller job market
Hobart	23,000 to 31,000	₹15.6 lakh to ₹21.1 lakh	Limited rental stock
Regional towns	20,000 to 28,000	₹13.6 lakh to ₹19 lakh	Cheapest, fewer part-time jobs

These are planning estimates. Rents move quickly. Check current listings on the major Australian rental portals and the student accommodation pages of your target university.

3.4 Food, Transport and Daily Costs

• Groceries: AUD 80 to 150 a week if you cook at home. Indian grocery stores in the major cities keep staple costs reasonable.
• Eating out: a basic meal costs AUD 15 to 25. Eating out four times a week adds AUD 240 to 400 a month.
• Transport: fares vary by state, and concession eligibility for international students differs between states. Confirm with the local transport authority before assuming a discount.
• Phone: prepaid and monthly plans from AUD 20 to 50 are common.

4. One-Time Arrival and Setup Costs

Budget these in addition to annual costs.

Item	Approximate Cost (AUD)
Rental bond (four weeks)	600 to 1,600
First week of temporary accommodation	300 to 700
Bedding, kitchen basics, small furniture	300 to 700
Laptop or equipment (if not already owned)	800 to 1,800
Winter clothing (if arriving for a cold-season intake)	200 to 500
Airport transfer and SIM card	80 to 200
Typical one-time total	1,000 to 2,500 (excluding laptop)

5. Flights and Travel Costs

Return flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad to Sydney, Melbourne or Perth typically cost AUD 1,000 to 1,800 (₹68,000 to ₹1.22 lakh). Prices spike in December and January and around intake dates.

• Book at least 2 to 3 months ahead for February and July intakes.
• Budget at least one return trip home across a 2-year degree, and ideally one per year.
• Excess baggage fees add AUD 100 to 300 if you travel with more than the standard allowance.

6. Four Sample Budgets

These show how the numbers combine. They use the ₹68 per AUD assumption.

6.1 First-Year Budget Comparison

Cost (AUD)	Scenario A: Diploma, regional city	Scenario B: Bachelor’s, Brisbane (mid-tier)	Scenario C: Master’s, Sydney or Melbourne (Group of Eight)	Scenario D: Master’s, regional or mid-tier university
Tuition	15,000	36,000	48,000	30,000
Living costs	22,000	30,000	36,000	26,000
OSHC (first year share)	600	700	700	700
Visa fee	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500
Flights	1,200	1,300	1,300	1,300
Setup	1,000	1,500	1,500	1,000
Total (AUD)	42,300	72,000	90,000	61,500
Total (INR)	₹28.8 lakh	₹49 lakh	₹61.2 lakh	₹41.8 lakh

6.2 Full-Course Budget Estimate

Scenario	Duration	Approx. Total (AUD)	Approx. Total (INR)
B: Bachelor’s, mid-tier Brisbane	3 years	206,700	₹1.41 crore
C: Master’s, Group of Eight Sydney or Melbourne	2 years	176,000	₹1.2 crore
D: Master’s, regional or mid-tier	2 years	119,500	₹81 lakh

The full-course figures include tuition and living costs for each year, OSHC for the whole stay, one visa fee, two return flights and one-time setup. They exclude annual fee increases, so add 5% to 10% as a buffer.

6.3 What These Budgets Assume

• Shared accommodation and cooking at home most days.
• No major medical expenses beyond what OSHC covers.
• No income from part-time work.
• No tuition increase beyond year one.

If your plan only works when you count part-time income, the plan is too thin.

7. Part-Time Work: How Much It Can Actually Offset

Student visa holders can currently work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and without a limit during official course breaks. Check the Home Affairs website for the current rule before you rely on it.

Item	Realistic Figure
Typical casual pay in retail and hospitality	AUD 25 to 32 per hour (the national minimum wage was about AUD 24.95 per hour from July 2025 and is reviewed each July)
Realistic average hours during semester	12 to 20 per week
Realistic gross annual income	AUD 10,000 to 18,000
What it covers	A large share of rent and groceries in a cheaper city, not tuition

Risks and limits:

• Jobs are not guaranteed, especially in the first two to three months and in regional towns.
• Working more than the allowed hours can lead to visa cancellation.
• Employer underpayment is a real problem for international students. Know the minimum wage for your award and keep your payslips.
• The visa financial assessment assumes you will not rely on work to survive. Arriving with only enough money for a few months is dangerous.

8. How to Fund Your Studies

8.1 Funding Sources Compared

Source	Typical Use	Main Advantage	Main Risk
Family savings and liquid assets	Tuition and living costs	No interest cost	Must be traceable and held in a documented account
Education loan from an Indian bank	Tuition, living costs, visa fee	Loan sanction letter is accepted as visa evidence	Collateral requirements, interest during the course
Education loan from an NBFC	Higher loan amounts, less collateral	Faster processing, flexible terms	Higher interest rates and fees
University scholarship or fee waiver	Reduces tuition	Lowers loan size	Competitive; some are tied to grades and conditions
Government or external scholarship	Tuition, stipend or both	Often prestigious and well funded	Very competitive, strict eligibility
Part-time work	Daily expenses	Builds local experience	Cannot be your core funding plan

8.2 Education Loans in India

• Public sector banks usually offer lower rates, with collateral-free loans available only up to a limited amount (commonly around ₹7.5 lakh). Larger loans need collateral such as property.
• Private banks and NBFCs can finance higher amounts and sometimes need less collateral, but rates are typically higher. Compare the total interest over the repayment period, not only the headline rate.
• Moratorium period: most loans give a repayment holiday during the course plus 6 to 12 months afterwards. Interest still accrues, and many lenders add unpaid interest to the principal.
• Tax benefit: interest on an education loan is deductible under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act for up to eight years, but only if you file under the old tax regime. Confirm with a chartered accountant before choosing a regime.
• Interest cost reality: a ₹40 lakh loan at 10% for 10 years costs well over ₹20 lakh in interest. Plan for that.

8.3 Scholarships Worth Researching

Scholarship Type	Examples	Who It Suits
Australian government	Australia Awards (check current India availability and eligibility)	Strong academic and development profiles
University merit awards	Offered by most Group of Eight and mid-tier universities for high-scoring international applicants	Students with strong academic results
Research scholarships	Research Training Program and equivalent university-funded research awards	PhD and research master’s applicants
Regional study incentives	Selected regional universities offer fee reductions	Students open to studying outside the big cities

A scholarship reduces tuition. It does not remove the financial capacity requirement for living costs and travel. Do not assume a scholarship eliminates the need for savings or a loan.

8.4 Sending Money From India

• Education remittances fall under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. Tax collected at source (TCS) rules depend on the amount, the purpose and whether the money comes from an education loan, and they have changed in recent years. Check the current rule with your bank or a chartered accountant before you remit.
• Compare the exchange rate and fees across your bank and specialised transfer providers. A 1% rate difference on ₹50 lakh is ₹50,000.
• Keep every transfer receipt. The visa process and your later tax filings may require them.

9. Practical Ways to Reduce the Cost

1. Choose a regional or mid-tier university. A degree from a mid-tier university in Adelaide or Perth can cost ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh less over two years than a Group of Eight university in Sydney.
2. Pick the shorter course where it makes sense. A 1.5-year master’s saves a semester of fees and rent.
3. Share accommodation. A shared room at AUD 200 a week against a studio at AUD 450 a week saves about AUD 13,000 a year.
4. Apply for scholarships early. Many deadlines fall 6 to 9 months before the intake.
5. Compare OSHC providers. Prices for the same cover level differ by provider; check that your university allows the one you choose.
6. Buy textbooks second-hand or use the library. This saves AUD 500 to 1,000 per year.
7. Book flights early and avoid peak dates.
8. Cook at home. Eating out three extra times a week costs roughly AUD 3,000 a year.
9. Avoid agents who push expensive packages. Compare any service fee against what the service actually delivers.

10. Hidden Costs and Risks Most Students Underestimate

Hidden Cost or Risk	Why It Matters	How to Handle It
Annual tuition increases	Your second-year bill may be higher than the first	Add a 5% to 10% buffer to your total
Rupee depreciation	The same AUD amount costs more rupees later	Plan a buffer of at least 5% to 10%
Loan interest during the course	Raises the total repayment significantly	Pay interest during study if you can
Failing a subject	Repeating costs a full subject fee, often AUD 4,000 to 6,000	Keep your academic performance on track
Course or provider change	Can affect visa conditions and your credit transfers	Consult the university and a registered adviser before switching
Medical costs beyond OSHC	OSHC does not cover everything, such as some dental and optical items	Check your policy exclusions
Unplanned travel home	Emergencies happen	Keep a separate emergency fund of AUD 2,000 to 3,000
Rental scams	Fake listings ask for deposits before you inspect	Never pay a deposit without seeing the property or a verified inspection
Weak post-study job market for your field	Return on investment drops if you cannot find skilled work	Research graduate outcomes and visa pathways before choosing a course

10.1 Honest Return-on-Investment Check

A ₹60 lakh first year is a financial commitment equal to many families’ entire savings. Before you commit, answer these directly:

• What is the realistic starting salary for your field in Australia, and in India if you return?
• How long would repayment of the total cost take at that salary?
• Does the course lead to a post-study work visa, and what are the current conditions for that visa? These rules have changed several times, so check the Home Affairs site rather than relying on old blog posts.
• Is there a plan B if you do not secure skilled work in Australia?

Australia also caps the number of new international student commencements through a national planning level (reported at around 295,000 for 2026), which means universities have limited places and competition for some courses is higher than in previous years.

11. Who Can Help Indian Students Understand the Costs

Different people help with different parts of the process. Use the right person for the right question.

11.1 Who to Contact and For What

Source of Help	What They Can Help With	Cost	What to Watch For
University international admissions office	Exact tuition, deposits, scholarships, CoE, course fit	Free	They promote their own university; they will not compare competitors
University international student advisers	Visa conditions, enrolment, welfare, work rights	Free	Not a substitute for migration advice
Study Australia (official government portal)	Course search, cost overview, visa overview	Free	General guidance, not personalised
Department of Home Affairs website and ImmiAccount	Visa fees, financial capacity, document checklist	Free	Check the date of each page; rules update
Australian High Commission and consulates in India	Official visa information	Free	Do not give application-specific advice
Registered education agent (university-appointed)	Application, shortlisting, scholarship application help	Usually free to the student (paid by universities), some charge fees	Check they are officially appointed by the university and ask how they are paid
Registered migration agent (MARA-registered)	Visa strategy, complex cases, refusals, Genuine Student statement review	Paid, often AUD 1,000 to 3,000 or more	Verify registration on the official MARA register; avoid unregistered consultants
Indian bank education loan officers	Loan eligibility, collateral, interest, moratorium	Free	Compare at least three lenders
Chartered accountant	Tax planning, TCS rules, Section 80E, source-of-funds documentation	Paid	Choose one who has handled education remittances
Current students and alumni	Real rent, grocery prices, job market, shortlisting by suburb	Free	One person’s experience is not a full picture; ask several people
Student community groups and university student unions	Housing leads, job tips, second-hand items, peer support	Free	Verify listings independently
Fair Work Ombudsman	Pay rates, workplace rights	Free	Contact them if you are underpaid
Overseas student ombudsman	Complaints about education providers	Free	Use after raising the issue with the provider

11.2 How to Use an Education Agent Without Getting Burned

• Ask whether the agent is formally appointed by the university you are considering. Check the university’s own list of authorised agents.
• Ask how the agent is paid. Universities pay commission, which can bias recommendations toward certain providers.
• Never pay an agent in advance for a guaranteed visa. No one can guarantee a visa.
• Never let an agent submit forged or inflated financial documents. This can lead to a visa refusal, a ban from future applications and a permanent record.
• Make sure you receive a copy of everything submitted in your name, and that you have your own Immi Account login.
• If the agent steers you toward a low-cost provider with a poor reputation to improve acceptance odds, walk away.

11.3 When You Need a Migration Agent or Lawyer

Use a registered migration agent when your case has complications such as a previous visa refusal, a gap in study or employment, a change of course, mixed or unusual funding sources, or a dependent family member. The fee is a small fraction of the cost of a refused application.

12. Step-by-Step Cost Planning Checklist

1. Shortlist 5 to 8 courses across different tiers and cities. Record the published international fee for each.
2. Check the university’s published cost of living estimate and compare it with the visa requirement.
3. Build a spreadsheet with tuition, living, OSHC, visa, flights and setup for each option. Add 10% buffer.
4. Calculate the visa evidence amount: first-year tuition plus AUD 29,710 plus travel (plus dependents if applicable).
5. Decide the funding mix: savings, loan, scholarship. Aim for each rupee to be traceable.
6. Contact three lenders if you need a loan. Compare interest, collateral, processing fees and moratorium.
7. Apply for scholarships at the same time as the admission application.
8. Book your English test early so that you can retake it if needed.
9. Confirm the visa fee and requirements on the Home Affairs site on the day you lodge.
10. Arrange OSHC, accommodation and flights only after the visa is granted, unless refundable.
11. Open a foreign currency transfer plan and an Australian bank account once you arrive.

13. Bottom Line

For most Indian students, a realistic first-year budget is between AUD 42,000 and AUD 90,000 (₹28 lakh to ₹61 lakh), and a full course costs between ₹80 lakh and ₹1.4 crore. The cheapest credible route is a mid-tier or regional university with shared accommodation and a scholarship. The most common mistake is budgeting only for the first year and for the visa minimum, then discovering in the second year that rent, fees and the exchange rate have all risen.

Build the budget with a 10% buffer, show clean and traceable funds, use only registered advisers, and verify every number on the official university and Home Affairs websites before you commit.