Cost of Education in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students worldwide. This is despite being quite expensive, even compared to the UK/Canada and many universities in the US. The average fees for undergraduate programs for international students are AUD 30,000 and the average for postgraduate and doctoral programs is around AUD 40,000. Even average living costs in the country are fairly high, with the median expense of international students being around AUD 20,000. However, these expenses are often deemed worth it due to the high quality of education and excellent infrastructure.

Average Cost / Tuition Fees for International Students

Program	Cost
Foundation Studies (such as university entrance, preparatory, and bridging courses)	AUD 15,000 - AUD 39,000 in total
Bachelor's degree	AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000
Master's degree	AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000
Doctoral degree	AUD 20,000 - AUD 42,000

Tuition Cost of Popular Universities in Australia

1

University of Melbourne

University of Melbourne's reputation as a top-ranked institution both nationally and internationally is a testament to its commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. The University of Melbourne is a prestigious institution, ranking number one in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings and holding the 13th spot globally. Additionally, it is recognized as the 35th-best university internationally by the ARWU. It continues to be a beacon of knowledge and innovation, shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	CSP available	AUD 39,000 - AUD 45,000 (first year)
Bachelor of Science	CSP available	AUD 48,000 to AUD 53,000 (first year)
Master of Computer Science	AUD 41,000	AUD 54,000
Master of Science (Biosciences)	AUD 36,000	AUD 51,000

2

Monash University

Monash University is a prestigious institution with campuses and educational centers located in Malaysia, India, China, Indonesia, and Italy. According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, it holds the 37th position globally. The university offers a wide range of top majors, including Education, Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, and Business Administration, among others.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	CSP available	AUD 39,000
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)	CSP available	AUD 53,000
Master of Science	CSP available	AUD 52,000
Master of Arts	RTP available	AUD 40,000

3

Australian National University

The Australian National University has secured the 30th position in the prestigious QS World University Rankings for the year 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Australian National University, solidifying its reputation as one of the top universities in the world. Securing the 30th position in the QS World University Rankings is a reflection of the Australian National University's dedication to providing a high-quality education and producing groundbreaking research that has a significant impact on society.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	CSP available	AUD 45,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	CSP available	AUD 51,000 for first year
Juris Doctor	AUD 42,000 for first year	AUD 57,000 for first year
Master of Business Administration	AUD 38,000 for first year	AUD 48,000 for first year

4

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a prestigious institution that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in education and research. As a testament to its academic prowess, UNSW has secured the 19th position on the highly regarded QS World University Rankings 2025.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 13,000 for first year	AUD 46,000
Bachelor of Science	AUD 900 for first year	AUD 54,000 for first year
Master of Engineering	AUD 41,000 for first year	AUD 54,000 for first year
Juris Doctor	AUD 16,500 for first year	AUD 55,000 for first year

5

University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is a prestigious institution that holds the 40th position on the QS World University Rankings 2025. This makes it a top choice for students seeking a world-class education in a dynamic and supportive academic environment. With a history dating back to 1909, the university has established itself as a leader in various fields, including science, engineering, business, and humanities.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 13,000 for first year	AUD 41,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	AUD 8,900 for first year	AUD 48,000 for first year
Master of Data Science	AUD 8,200 for first year	AUD 51,000 for first year
Master of Engineering Science	AUD 9,000 for first year	AUD 51,000 for first year

6

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is renowned for its exceptional academic standards and has achieved the top position in Australia and the 18th position globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. It is worth mentioning that its Full-time MBA, Master of Management, and Master of International Business programs have also secured the number one spot in Australia.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 16,000 for first year	AUD 49,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	AUD 10,000 for first year	AUD 56,000 for first year
Executive Master of Business Administration	AUD 70,000 for first year	AUD 78,000 for first year
Master of Computer Science	AUD 40,000 for first year	AUD 53,000 for first year

7

University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia holds the 77th position on the QS World Universities Ranking, featuring 43 subjects within the top 150 worldwide. Noteworthy disciplines include Agriculture and Forestry, Anatomy and Physiology, Earth and Marine Sciences, Geology, and Geophysics.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 9,800 for first year	AUD 38,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	AUD 9,800 for first year	AUD 47,000 for first year
Master of Data Science	AUD 30,000 for first year	AUD 46,000 for first year
Master of Business Administration	AUD 40,000 for first year	AUD 58,000 for first year

8

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide has established itself as a leading institution in the global education landscape, securing the impressive 82nd position in the highly regarded QS World Universities Rankings 2025. It excels in various fields, including Petroleum Engineering, Dentistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Agriculture and Forestry, and Environmental Sciences, among others.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 12,000 for first year	AUD 41,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	AUD 8,500 for first year	AUD 48,000 for first year
Master of Business Administration	AUD 39,000 for first year	AUD 50,000 for first year
Master of Clinical Psychology	AUD 4,500 for first year	AUD 47,000 for first year

9

Macquarie University

Macquarie University is renowned on a global scale for being one of the top universities in the world. Its MBA, Master of Marketing, and Master of Applied Finance programs are highly esteemed and are considered among the finest courses offered internationally. Macquarie University's strong industry connections and focus on practical, real-world learning ensure that graduates are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Arts	AUD 14,000 for first year	AUD 40,000 for first year
Bachelor of Science	AUD 8,500 for first year	AUD 42,000 for first year
Master of Data Science	AUD 32,000 for first year	AUD 43,000 for first year
Master of Business Administration	AUD 45,000 for first year	AUD 45,000 for first year

10

University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has established itself as a leading institution in the global education landscape, securing the 88th position in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2025. This remarkable achievement reflects UTS's commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and providing a world-class learning environment for its students. It excels in various fields of study, including Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Social Sciences and Management.

Fee Structure for Some Programs

Program	Tuition
	Domestic Students	International Students
Bachelor of Science	AUD 9,000 for first year	AUD 900 per credit point
Bachelor of Engineering Science	AUD 9,000 for first year	AUD 1,100 per credit point
Master of Science	AUD 16,000 per session	AUD 23,000 per session
Master of Business Administration	AUD 18,000 per session	AUD 24,000 per session

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CSP (Commonwealth supported) Fee Structure

A CSP or Commonwealth Supported Place is a university or any other educational institution, that is under a government initiative that pays part of the student’s fees. This is not a loan, but a publicly funded subsidy that the student does not have to pay back. It must be recalled that this subsidy will not cover the entirety of the tuition fees, but instead tries to impose a limit on the same. The student has to pay the amount left after the subsidization which is usually called the ‘student contribution amount’.

Most CSPs are only available for undergraduate study. Only a few providers may offer CSPs at the postgraduate level. Postgraduate students should check with their education providers and universities to see if they offer CSPs for their preferred courses. However, being eligible for a CSP does not mean that a student will be offered a CSP as each provider and each course can have its own extra entry requirements. To be eligible for a CSP, one must be:

• an Australian citizen, and must be a resident of Australia for at least one unit of study of their course of study.
• a New Zealand citizen, who also must be a resident of Australia for the duration of all their units of study.
• a holder of a permanent visa, who will be a resident for the entirety of their choice of course.

There is a cap based on the program/degree/course for CSP-eligible students (Like AUS/NZ citizens who meet certain criteria). The subjects included in each band of study are as follows.

• Band 1: Agriculture, English, mathematics, education, clinical psychology, Indigenous and foreign languages, nursing, statistics
• Band 2: Other health, allied health, built environment, computing, engineering, surveying, science, environmental studies, pathology, visual and performing arts, professional pathway psychology, professional pathway social work
• Band 3: Dentistry, medicine, veterinary science
• Band 4: Law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, communications, society, and culture

NOTE- The below-mentioned student contribution amount is applicable to both undergraduate and graduate studies.

BAND	Contribution Rate	Contribution rate per 12.5 pt unit
Band 1	AUD 4,445	AUD 555
Band 2	AUD 8,948	AUD 1,118
Band 3	AUD 12,720	AUD 1,590
Band 4	AUD 16,323	AUD 2,040

Not many programs are available under CSP for MS/Postgraduate degrees.

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Research Training Program (RTP)

The Research Training Program (RTP) is a government-funded initiative in Australia that provides financial support to domestic and international students undertaking research higher degrees, such as a master's by Research or a Doctorate (PhD). The program aims to support the next generation of researchers by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to excel in their chosen field of study.

The program not only covers tuition fees but also provides a generous stipend to help students cover their living expenses. This financial support ensures that students can focus on their research without the added stress of financial constraints. It also allows students to fully immerse themselves in their chosen field of study, dedicating their time and energy to producing high-quality research outcomes.

RTP scholarships can be awarded for a period of no less than 3 years and up to a maximum of 4 years as determined by the HEP for full-time research doctorate students, and for a minimum of 6 years to a maximum of 8 years for part-time research doctorate students. The RTP base and maximum stipend rates are revised on a yearly basis, commencing from January 1st. The base and maximum RTP stipend rates for the subsequent year are made public by October 1st annually. In 2024, the Full-time base RTP stipend rate is AUD 32,192, while the Full-time maximum RTP stipend rate is AUD 50,291.

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Overseas Students Health Cover (OHSC)

Australia has a special health coverage system for international students. This is called Overseas. International students admitted to universities and various other educational programs in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC. This program provides basic coverage for visits to the hospital, treatment, doctor’s appointments, and pharmaceutical drugs and medicines. OSHC insurers can provide a range of different products that provide different levels of coverage to the student in question. These may range from a basic product that covers only the compulsory minimum services to more complete and comprehensive products that cover particular extras that the student deems necessary to opt for, in addition to what s/he receives with the basic compulsory coverage. Overseas students are required to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia, by The Department of Home Affairs.

Student Health Cover (OSHC) and, with the exception of students from very few countries, students are required to have this for the duration of their student visa in Australia. OSHC provides a safety net for international students similar to that provided to Australians through Medicare. OSHC costs depend on how long the student will be in Australia. Premiums vary depending on the health fund but generally, they start from AUD 478 for 12 months. If their spouse and dependent children are accompanying them to Australia, students will need to pay a family premium. Students pay their OSHC premium before coming to Australia.

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Cost of Living in Australian Cities

Australia has been home to both native and international students because of the exceptional quality of education. However, in the current time, the cost of living in Australia might be burdensome to many, especially in the financial aspect of things.
The table below outlines the overall monthly expenses associated with living in various major cities in Australia for an individual.

City	Rent and Utilities	Food and Groceries	Transport	Universities
Melbourne	AUD 1,300	AUD 570	AUD 330	University of Melbourne Monash University RMIT University Deakin University Victoria University
Sydney	AUD 1,600	AUD 560	AUD 400	University of Sydney University of New South Wales University of Technology Macquarie University Western Sydney University
Brisbane	AUD 1,400	AUD 530	AUD 250	University of Queensland Queensland University of Technology Griffith University
Adelaide	AUD 1,300	AUD 570	AUD 200	University of Adelaide University of South Australia Flinders University
Perth	AUD 1,350	AUD 560	AUD 240	University of Western Australia Curtin University Murdoch University Edith Cowan University
Canberra	AUD 1,600	AUD 720	AUD 130	Australian National University University of Canberra

Planning Finances for Education in Australia

Students flock to Australia, and especially to the abovementioned cities since universities here offer a huge range of programs with degrees that are recognized internationally. And the cost of living can have an impact on them in several ways. These students will benefit from Australia's world-class living standards, first-rate public transport, and brilliant healthcare. But those who are keen on budgeting and want to prioritize and manage their expenses efficiently, are definitely looking for ways how to cope with their life and living expenses. Here are some things to note on how students can cope with the cost of living in Australia:

1. Create a budget mapping expenses over a period of time. One should make sure to set aside an amount for unprecedented expenses and emergencies. It is recommended that 15%-20% of the available budget should be dedicated to the same.
2. Check and manage expenses. The first thing to do is to list all the things that one is required to pay within a month or a week rent, gas and electricity bills, phone bills, etc. Rented apartments range from AUD 300 to AUD 800 monthly and are cheaper when shared with someone else, say a classmate or a friend. Gas and Electricity, on the other hand, range from AUD 10 to AUD 15 if a person shares accommodations. Add the total monthly and weekly expenses and put aside a budget for that. Initially a shared apartment, electricity, gas, and telephone, could add up to at least AUD 2,500- AUD 4,000.
   
   One must keep in mind that they must also include smaller like monthly haircuts which range from AUD 20 to AUD 100 and monthly medical consultations which should cost around AUD 30.
3. Buy only necessities. Having a grocery list before going to a supermarket is a must to be able to take into account what to buy beforehand, and budget accordingly. It is also good to bring cash that is just enough to buy those on this list so that one is not tempted to buy things that they do not need.
4. Get part-time jobs. Sydney offers a good number of part-time jobs for students. It is advisable to work in a convenience store or in a gasoline station in one’s spare time. Keep in mind that with a student visa, one is not allowed to work for more than 48 hours a fortnight (14 days), subject to cancellation of said visa. That allows an individual to have more money to spend or save and allows one to be more flexible with their budget and related expenses.
5. In case one is really struggling with managing their finances it is advised that they may minimize costs incurred on entertainment and non-critical expenses like alcohol, fast food, and similar expenses. Other solutions may also be to cut out frequent movie-watching habits and instead invest in shared streaming services, especially if one likes to frequent the cinema regularly every week. Movie tickets range from AUD 13- AUD 15 and may add up over time. Similar cost-cutting measures can be adopted for other frivolous expenses.
6. Always use student discounts. Student discounts are always available for many goods and services. The cost of services like riding on a bus, which can cost up to AUD 15, can be subsidized and hence contribute to balancing a budget.

Save and cope with the high cost of living successfully. But remember, one does not always have to refrain from enjoying themselves. Instead, they should always make time and a budget so that they may take a good break from saving and reward themselves in different ways, like a good meal at a high-class bistro. Balancing everything is the key to making student life in Sydney completely worth it!