Tuition Fees & Cost of Studying in Australia 2026-2027
Learn everything you need to know about Studying Cost in Australia and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
For Indian and other international students, Australia is rapidly moving to the top of the list of countries to study abroad. More than half a million international students are enrolled in various institutions owing to the numerous benefits of studying in Australia.
Knowing the expected cost of studying in Australia will help you in proper budget planning for the 2026-2027 session. The tuition costs for studying in Australia differ broadly in most cases, depending on the course and university, and can range from AU $20,000 - $50,000 on average. However, the top-tier universities and specialised degrees can cost AU $55,000 - $90,000 per year.
Costs of living while studying in Australia are a different aspect altogether. Other costs include application fees, student fees, books and supplies, Australia standardised exam fees, travel and health insurance costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Let us first explore the expected cost of studying in Australia against international student tuition fees for different courses.
Australian Course Application Fees 2026-2027
The foremost cost of studying in Australia begins with paying the standardised exam fees. However, this is an expense that you have to pay way before applying to any Australian university. For more details, refer to the fees and usage of different kinds of standardised exams to study in Australia.
The second expense is the cost of application fees for different programmes. The application cost for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Australia varies widely across institutions. Knowing about these fees in advance would help you meet the financial requirements for applying to the respective Australian universities without stress.
| Course Type | Application Fees (in AUD) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors Degrees | AU $50 - $150 Commonly AU $100 | Consistent across undergraduate programmes within the same university. |
| Masters Degrees (Coursework) | AU $50 - $150 Commonly AU $100 | Same as the bachelor’s level of the same university |
| PhD Degrees (Research) | AU $0 - $150 Commonly Free | Many Australian universities, especially the Group of Eight (Go8), waive the application fee for research degrees (MPhil/PhD) to encourage quality applications by linking them to scholarship rounds |
| Diploma Courses | AU $0 - $300 | Fees for pathway/diploma programmes vary widely. University-affiliated colleges (pathway providers) charge a fee (AU $100-$150). Some vocational (TAFE) or private colleges may charge a smaller fee, or sometimes a compulsory Enrolment Fee after an offer is made. |
What You Should Know About Australian University Application Fees?
Unlike the complete cost of studying in Australia, the university application fees can be waived off depending on the different kinds of institutions and courses in Australia that you choose to study. There may be enrolment fees involved in some cases as well.
- Fee Waivers: Many universities waive the application fee if an international student applies through one of their registered, approved education agents. It is considered the most effective way to reduce the heavy application charges.
- Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil): Most universities do not charge an application fee for Higher Degree Research (HDR) programmes like a PhD in Australia, especially if the course application is accompanied by a scholarship application. Please note that you must cross-check the specific programme admissions page on the official university website.
- Non-Refundable: Irrespective of the candidate’s selection or rejection, application fees would be almost always non-refundable. Please note that the exact application cost of studying in Australian institutions must be verified on the official university website.
- Enrollment Fee (Post-Offer): The compulsory Enrolment Fee or acceptance deposit is different from the Application Fee. This is due only after you accept an offer and is credited toward your first semester tuition. The one-time fee can be anywhere between AU $200 and AU $5,000.
International Student Tuition Fees in Australia 2026-2027
The average annual cost of studying in Australia for courses in Medicine and Health Sciences is more expensive due to their professional nature, while Humanities and Social Sciences cost relatively less. It is highly recommended to consult a particular university for the exact amount of fees payable.
International Tuition Fees by Level of Study in Australia 2026-2027
As a crucial part of the overall cost of studying in Australia, listed below are the average tuition fee ranges associated with various degrees for overseas students.
| Education Level | Annual Cost (in AUD) | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degrees) | AU $20,000 - $65,000 | 3 - 4 years |
| Postgraduate (Master's Degrees) | AU $22,000 - $65,000 | 1.5 - 2 years |
| Doctoral (PhD/MPhil) | AU $20,000 - $58,400 | 3 - 4 years |
| Diploma Courses | AU $8,000 - $30,000 | 6 months - 1.5 years |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | AU $4,000 - $30,000 | 3 months - 2 years |
| English Language Studies | AU $300 - $500+ per week | 5+ weeks |
International Tuition Fees by Field of Study in Australia 2026-2027
Fees for highly specialised resource-intensive programmes, such as Medicine and Health Sciences, are going to be high. Similarly, courses like Humanities and Social Sciences will be relatively cheaper. Check out the expected international student cost of studying in Australia for different fields and degree levels:
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Science | AU $20,000 - $56,000 | AU $28,000 - $57,500 |
| Business and Management | AU $25,000 - $61,000 | AU $38,000 - $75,000+ (MBA) |
| Engineering and Technology | AU $30,000 - $63,000 | AU $45,000 - $63,000 |
| Medicine and Health Science | AU $30,000 - $90,000 | AU $40,000 - $85,000 |
| Natural and Physical Science | AU $28,000 - $61,000 | AU $38,000 - $62,000 |
Australia Province-Wise International Students Tuition Fees 2026-2027
Tuition fees in Australia are likely to be higher in major urban cities or provinces like New South Wales and Victoria because there are more prestigious universities and a higher cost of living. Provinces such as Queensland and South Australia usually charge more affordable fees, thereby increasing the overall cost of studying in Australia.
| Province | No. of International Students | Annual Tuition Undergraduate Fees (in AUD) | Annual Tuition Postgraduate Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 200,000+ | AU $25,000 - $60,000 | AU $30,000 - $70,000 |
| Victoria | 175,000+ | AU $25,000 - $55,000 | AU $30,000 - $65,000 |
| Queensland | 80,000+ | AU $20,000 - $50,000 | AU $25,000 - $60,000 |
| South Australia | 30,000+ | AU $20,000 - $45,000 | AU $25,000 - $55,000 |
| Western Australia | 50,000+ | AU $23,000 - $48,000 | AU $27,000 - $58,000 |
| Tasmania | 3,500+ | AU $20,000 - $40,000 | AU $24,000 - $50,000 |
| Northern Territory | 3,000+ | AU $22,000 - $42,000 | AU $25,000 - $48,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 12,000+ | AU $25,000 - $50,000 | AU $28,000 - $55,000 |
Accommodation and Living Expenses in Australia 2026-2027
Accommodation is the most significant non-tuition cost of studying in Australia for international students. While the Australian Government has stated the financial requirements for international students as AU $29,710 against the annual living cost in Australia for the first year of studies, you must understand the different kinds of accommodation options available in Australia to plan your budget accordingly.
Numerous options are available, including shared accommodations and local homestays. For international students, the shared residence hall is the most well-liked option. The monthly cost of living for various types of housing in Australia is shown below:
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Homestays (includes meals/utilities) | AU $940 - $1,400 |
| Halls of Residence (On-campus) | AU $440 - $1,120 |
| Apartment (Private Single-occupancy Rental) | AU $740 - $1,760+ |
| Shared Apartment (Private room in a shared house) | AU $400 - $1,100 |
Mandatory Cost of Studying in Australia
The cost of the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs, and books and supplies all constitute an undeniable set of mandatory cost of studying in Australia.
| Expense Type | Annual / One-Time Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Ticket | AU $1,000 - $2,500 | One-time cost (varies heavily by country of origin, airline, and time of booking) |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AU $680 - $1,000 annually | Single Student |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | AU $2,000 | Official fee effective from July 1, 2025 expected to apply for the 2026-2027 period |
| Books and Supplies | AU $600 - $1,500 annually | Varies heavily by course; Humanities students spend less, while Medicine, Engineering, or Fine Arts students may need specialised textbooks, lab fees, or equipment that push costs higher |
Additional Cost of Studying in Australia
The additional cost of studying in Australia, such as leisure activities and personal items, is considered miscellaneous expenses and primarily relies on the student's lifestyle and location. It is important to note that these costs might differ from person to person and primarily rely on the student’s lifestyle. Here are a few examples of these expenses:
| Expense Type | Recommended Average Monthly Cost (in AUD) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU $400 - $1,760+ | Shared apartment (low end) up to private rental (high end) |
| Food & Groceries | AU $300 - $600 | All groceries and basic meals; high-end covers frequent, casual eating out |
| Utilities (Shared House/Apartment) | AU $150 - $280 | Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet/Mobile phone combined |
| Transportation | AU $80 - $220 | Public transport passes (student concession where applicable) |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | AU $150 - $400 | Entertainment, leisure, clothing, grooming, stationery, gym memberships, and more |
Please note that the cost of studying in Australia is subject to change without prior notice by the Australian government and universities. To get the exact cost and fee, ensure to visit the official university website.
Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
The wide range of Australian scholarships offered by the country’s government and universities contributes significantly to reducing the overall cost of studying in Australia. These awards may cover the following:
- Tuition Reduction: Scholarships can greatly reduce or compensate for the cost of degrees (particularly for MS by Research and PhD), often covering 100% of tuition fees.
- Living Stipends: Many top-tier scholarships provide a tax-free stipend (e.g., ≈ AU $37,000 per year) to aid with the cost of living expenditures like housing and food.
- Travel and Establishment: Scholarships can assist students in covering initial costs like return airfares and an establishment allowance upon arrival.
- Networking and Community: Scholarship programmes often include opportunities for students to connect with other foreign students and form new friendships from around the globe.
In conclusion, the cost of studying in Australia varies greatly, based on the subject of your choice, the province that your college belongs and the level of study that you want to pursue. Prospective students have to consider not only tuition fees but also accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses in a manner that can be within their budget.
Explore your pathway to studying in Australia. Register at AECC and let our experts help you with tuition fees, living costs, and financial planning to make your international education journey a success. Contact today for personalised assistance.