Australia is one of the world's top three destinations for international students — with world-class universities, a high standard of living, and strong post-study work rights. But costs vary significantly across programmes, universities, and cities. This guide gives you a complete picture of every expense you will face as an international student in Australia in 2026.
Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia in 2026?
| Category | Annual Estimate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (international) | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Graduate coursework tuition | $28,000 – $55,000 |
| Medicine / Dentistry | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| MBA programmes | $40,000 – $75,000 per year |
| Accommodation | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Food and groceries | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Transportation | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | $600 – $800 |
| Books and materials | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Personal expenses | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Total annual estimate | $48,000 – $95,000+ |
Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students (2026)
Australia sets no cap on international student tuition — fees vary by institution and programme. The following are typical annual ranges for 2026.
Undergraduate Tuition by Programme
| Programme | Annual Tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | $24,000 – $33,000 |
| Business and Commerce | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| Science and Environmental Studies | $26,000 – $38,000 |
| Computer Science and IT | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| Engineering | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Architecture | $28,000 – $40,000 |
| Education / Teaching (BEd) | $22,000 – $30,000 |
| Nursing | $26,000 – $35,000 |
| Pharmacy | $30,000 – $42,000 |
| Medicine (MBBS) | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Dentistry | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Law (LLB) | $28,000 – $40,000 |
Graduate / Postgraduate Tuition by Programme
| Programme | Annual Tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| MA / MSc (most disciplines) | $22,000 – $35,000 |
| Master of Engineering | $32,000 – $48,000 |
| Master of Computer Science / Data Science | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| MBA (Full-Time) | $40,000 – $75,000 per year |
| Master of Teaching (MTeach) | $24,000 – $32,000 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| LLM | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| MPH (Public Health) | $28,000 – $38,000 |
| Graduate Medicine (MD) | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| PhD (research degree) | $20,000 – $35,000 |
PhD funding note: Most Australian universities offer the Research Training Programme (RTP) — a scholarship that covers tuition fees for domestic-equivalent PhD students. International PhD students at Go8 universities frequently receive fee-offset scholarships that reduce or eliminate tuition costs.
Tuition by University (2026 Annual Estimates)
Group of Eight (Go8) Universities
| University | Undergraduate (AUD/year) | Graduate (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | $36,000 – $50,000 | $32,000 – $50,000 |
| University of Sydney | $38,000 – $52,000 | $34,000 – $50,000 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | $36,000 – $48,000 | $30,000 – $46,000 |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | $32,000 – $48,000 | $30,000 – $46,000 |
| Monash University | $32,000 – $48,000 | $28,000 – $45,000 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | $36,000 – $50,000 | $32,000 – $48,000 |
| University of Adelaide | $30,000 – $44,000 | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | $30,000 – $44,000 | $28,000 – $42,000 |
Other Major Universities
| University | Undergraduate (AUD/year) | Graduate (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Macquarie University | $28,000 – $40,000 | $26,000 – $38,000 |
| RMIT University | $28,000 – $38,000 | $26,000 – $38,000 |
| Deakin University | $24,000 – $36,000 | $22,000 – $34,000 |
| Griffith University | $24,000 – $34,000 | $22,000 – $32,000 |
| La Trobe University | $24,000 – $34,000 | $22,000 – $32,000 |
| University of Tasmania | $22,000 – $30,000 | $20,000 – $28,000 |
| Charles Darwin University | $20,000 – $28,000 | $18,000 – $26,000 |
Cost of Living in Australia by City (2026)
Monthly Living Cost Estimates
| City | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Total (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,600 – $3,000 | $600 – $900 | $200 – $250 | $2,600 – $4,400 |
| Melbourne | $1,400 – $2,600 | $550 – $850 | $180 – $230 | $2,300 – $3,900 |
| Brisbane | $1,200 – $2,200 | $500 – $800 | $180 – $220 | $2,000 – $3,400 |
| Perth | $1,200 – $2,000 | $500 – $800 | $150 – $200 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| Adelaide | $1,000 – $1,800 | $450 – $750 | $120 – $180 | $1,700 – $2,900 |
| Canberra (ANU) | $1,100 – $2,000 | $500 – $800 | $100 – $150 | $1,800 – $3,100 |
| Gold Coast | $1,000 – $1,800 | $450 – $750 | $130 – $180 | $1,700 – $2,900 |
| Hobart | $900 – $1,600 | $400 – $700 | $100 – $150 | $1,500 – $2,600 |
Adelaide and Hobart are Australia's most affordable cities for students — significantly cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne while still offering strong university options.
Accommodation Options and Annual Costs
On-Campus University Accommodation
| Type | Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Catered college (meals included) | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| Self-catered single room | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Studio apartment (on-campus) | $16,000 – $24,000 |
Off-Campus Accommodation
| Type | Monthly Cost (AUD) | City |
|---|---|---|
| Shared bedroom (2 per room) | $700 – $1,100 | Sydney / Melbourne |
| Private room in shared house | $1,000 – $1,600 | Sydney / Melbourne |
| Private room in shared house | $700 – $1,100 | Adelaide / Brisbane |
| Studio / 1-bed apartment (solo) | $1,600 – $2,800 | Sydney / Melbourne |
Homestay (living with an Australian family) typically costs $220 – $350 per week including meals — popular for students who want a structured living environment.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their visa. OSHC is compulsory and covers hospital, medical, and limited optical/dental.
| Coverage | Annual OSHC Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Single student | $550 – $700 |
| Student + partner | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Student + family | $1,800 – $2,500 |
Major OSHC providers in 2026: Medibank, Bupa, AHM, NIB, CBHS.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Costs
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | $710 |
| Biometrics fee (where applicable) | $0 (included for most countries) |
| Medical examination (if required) | $300 – $500 |
| Police clearance certificates | $50 – $150 |
Part-Time Work Rights for International Students
International students in Australia have the right to work:
- During term: Up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week)
- During vacation periods: Unlimited hours
Minimum wages in Australia (2026):
- National Minimum Wage: approximately $24.10 per hour
- Casual loading: typically 25% above base rate
At 20 hours per week during 36 teaching weeks per year, a student can earn approximately $17,000 – $19,000 AUD — enough to cover most living costs in regional cities.
Post-Study Work Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa — Subclass 485)
Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa allows graduates to work in Australia after completing their degree:
| Degree Level | Work Rights Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 2 years |
| Master's degree (by coursework) | 2–3 years |
| Master's degree (by research) | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 4 years |
| Study in regional Australia | +2 years bonus |
This is one of Australia's most attractive post-study advantages — graduates earn Australian work experience and income while building points toward permanent residency.
Total Annual Cost Estimates by Student Profile
| Profile | Total Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate, University of Tasmania, shared accommodation | $36,000 – $48,000 |
| Undergraduate, Go8 university, Sydney, shared house | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Graduate (MA/MSc), Adelaide or Brisbane | $42,000 – $58,000 |
| Graduate (MA/MSc), Melbourne or Sydney | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| MBA (full-time), Go8 university | $85,000 – $130,000 per year |
| PhD (with scholarship), any city | $20,000 – $35,000 net |
IELTS and TOEFL Requirements for Australia
All Australian universities require English language proficiency for international students. IELTS Academic is the most widely submitted test; TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic are also accepted.
| University | IELTS Min | TOEFL Min |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 6.5 – 7.5 (varies by programme) | 79 – 102 iBT |
| University of Sydney | 6.5 – 7.5 | 85 – 102 iBT |
| UNSW Sydney | 6.5 – 7.5 | 85 – 100 iBT |
| Monash University | 6.5 – 7.5 | 80 – 100 iBT |
| ANU | 6.5 – 7.5 | 80 – 102 iBT |
Important for professional programmes: Medicine, Nursing, Teaching, and Pharmacy have higher language requirements set by AHPRA, NMBA, and AITSL. These require IELTS 7.5 (each skill 7.0) or TOEFL 102 iBT — and these thresholds cannot be waived.
Scholarships for International Students in Australia
| Scholarship | Value (AUD) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards (Government) | Full tuition + living allowance | Developing country citizens |
| Endeavour Scholarships (legacy programme) | Varies | Graduate and research students |
| Research Training Programme (RTP) | Full tuition fee offset | PhD students at Australian universities |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Tuition + $32,000/year stipend | PhD |
| ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship | 25% – 50% tuition reduction | Undergraduate; merit-based |
| UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship | Tuition + $50,000/year | PhD; competitive |
Cost of Studying in Australia vs. Other Countries
| Country | Avg. Annual International Tuition | Living Costs | Post-Study Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $28,000 – $48,000 AUD | High (major cities) | 2–4 years (Subclass 485) |
| Canada | $20,000 – $35,000 CAD | Moderate | Up to 3 years (PGWP) |
| UK | £15,000 – £30,000 GBP | High (London) | 2 years (Graduate Route) |
| USA | $30,000 – $60,000 USD | High | 1–3 years (OPT/STEM OPT) |
| Germany | €0 – €3,000 EUR | Low–Moderate | 18 months |
Australia's strong minimum wage and post-study work rights make it a compelling value proposition despite the high tuition costs — particularly for graduates who intend to work in Australia after graduation.
Key Takeaways
- Go8 universities are premium-priced — if your budget is tight, regional universities and smaller cities offer strong programmes at 20–40% lower total cost
- Medicine and Dentistry are significantly more expensive than other disciplines — budget $60,000–$85,000 AUD in tuition alone per year
- OSHC is compulsory — factor it into your budget from day one; most universities bundle it with your enrolment
- PhD scholarships frequently cover tuition — Australian Research Training Programme (RTP) is competitive but accessible for strong applicants
- IELTS 7.5 is required for professional registration in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching — preparing for these scores early gives you more scholarship and programme options
Start IELTS preparation with Gabble — AI-powered speaking and writing feedback to help you meet Australia's IELTS requirements, including the 7.5 threshold for professional programmes. Or prepare for TOEFL — both tests are accepted at all Australian universities.