Studying in Australia is a significant investment, and being clear-eyed about the costs upfront helps you plan properly and avoid surprises. The total comes down to four main things: tuition, living costs, health cover, and the funds you must show for your student visa. Here's an honest breakdown.
How much is tuition?
Tuition varies widely by the type and level of course. As a general guide, vocational courses (certificates and diplomas at TAFE or private colleges) tend to be the most affordable, undergraduate university degrees sit in the middle, and postgraduate degrees and specialised programs are at the higher end. Annual tuition commonly ranges from roughly AUD 15,000 to AUD 45,000 or more depending on the course, institution, and field of study — with some professional degrees higher still. Always get the exact figure from your specific provider, as fees differ significantly between institutions.
What are living costs like?
Living costs depend heavily on the city and your lifestyle — Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than smaller cities and regional areas. Your biggest expense is usually accommodation (whether on-campus, a private rental, or a shared house), followed by food, transport, phone and internet, and personal expenses. As a rough planning figure, many students budget somewhere in the region of AUD 25,000 to AUD 35,000 a year for living costs, though this varies a lot by location and how you live.
The student visa financial requirement
Separately from actually spending the money, your student visa application requires you to show evidence of access to sufficient funds. As of 2026, the figure for living costs is around AUD 29,710 for twelve months for the main applicant, with additional amounts for a partner and children. This is on top of evidence for your tuition and travel. Importantly, this is evidence you must be able to demonstrate — not a fee you pay — and the Department expects the funds to be genuinely available to you.
Health cover (OSHC)
International students are generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. This is a real, ongoing cost to budget for, and it must cover your whole stay. The price depends on your provider and how many people (e.g. family members) are covered.
Can I work to support myself?
Yes, within limits. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session (and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks). Part-time work genuinely helps with living costs, but it's important to be realistic: you should not rely on work to fund your tuition or to meet the financial requirement — the visa expects you to have the funds regardless, and the work-hour cap is strictly enforced.
Planning the total honestly
Adding it together — tuition, living costs, health cover, and travel — studying in Australia is a substantial commitment, often well over AUD 40,000 for a first year depending on your course and city. Planning realistically from the start, and choosing a course and location that fit your budget, makes the whole experience far less stressful. (All figures here are general 2026 guidance; confirm tuition with your provider and the current financial requirement at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.)
This article is general information only and is not advice tailored to you. Costs vary by course, provider, and city — book a consultation with Sirat, and we can help with both your course placement and your student visa.