Budgeting for Australia means looking at tuition and living costs together. Full context stays in the country guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia in 2026?
Budget AUD 20,000–50,000/year in tuition for most Bachelor's and Master's programs, with medicine, veterinary science, and MBA programs running considerably higher - MBA fees can reach AUD 90,000–126,000 for the full program at top business schools. On top of tuition, the Student visa requires proof of AUD 29,710 in living costs for the first year, plus mandatory health insurance (OSHC) and travel costs.
Is a Degree in Australia Worth the Cost? (Tuition Breakdown by Course Type)
There's no tuition-free public option in Australia for international students - pricing is set independently by each university and varies by faculty:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor's): typically AUD 20,000–45,000/year, with medicine and veterinary science at the top end
- Postgraduate Taught (Master's): typically AUD 22,000–50,000/year
- MBA programs: can reach AUD 90,000–126,000 for the full program at leading business schools
- PhD/Research programs: often lower than taught degrees, and many domestic and international PhD candidates receive a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend of roughly AUD 35,500–39,500/year, tax-free, covering living costs
Regional campuses consistently undercut metro-city tuition by a meaningful margin, while also unlocking longer post-study work rights under the Subclass 485 visa - worth weighing against the pull of a Sydney or Melbourne address.
What Is the Cost of Living for Students in Australia?
Budget varies by city. A rough monthly range:
| Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared accommodation) | AUD 800–1,600 (Sydney/Melbourne) / AUD 600–1,000 (Adelaide/regional) |
| Food & groceries | AUD 300–500 |
| Transport | AUD 100–200 |
| Utilities & phone | AUD 100–200 |
| OSHC health insurance | AUD 500–700/year |
Adelaide and the Gold Coast are consistently among the most affordable major study cities, with annual living costs around AUD 22,000–29,000 - Sydney and Melbourne sit well above that range.
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