What will studying in Australia cost?
Course fees, living costs, the visa fee, health insurance, and where scholarships can help.
Scholarships can reduce every cost below
Australian Government scholarships, university awards, and private grants are available to international students at all study levels. Check what you may be eligible for before you plan your budget.
Browse scholarships →Money you need to show for the visa
Before Home Affairs grants a student visa, you must show that you have enough money to cover your tuition, living costs, and travel, for yourself and any family members coming with you. The exact amount depends on your circumstances.
Calculate your financial capacity requirement →What the student visa costs
The Department of Home Affairs sets the visa application charge by regulation. This is not negotiable and is paid at the time of application.
Visa fee
Base application charge
The Department of Home Affairs sets this charge by regulation — it changes periodically.
AUD 2,500Current
From 1 July 2026
Department of Home Affairs — effective 1 July 2026
Only the current fee is shown. Earlier figures are not held as verified entries in StudyVisaHub's sources. Use the Visa Cost Calculator to estimate your full upfront cost.
For the full fee breakdown including secondary applicants (partner, children), use the Visa Cost Calculator.
Living costs by city
Shared-accommodation rent ranges for nine Australian study cities. Tap a city to see full cost and lifestyle detail.
A typical year before course fees
In a shared room in a mid-range city (Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) expect roughly $12,000–$21,600 in rent per year, plus food ($5,000–$8,000), transport ($1,200–$2,400), plus OSHC health insurance (provider-priced — no single government-set rate). Sydney and Melbourne cost 20–40% more.
Rent figures from city pages (verified 2026-08-22). Food/transport are widely published estimates, confirm with your institution. OSHC (health insurance) pricing varies by provider. There is no single government-set rate. Use the Visa Cost Calculator for a quote tailored to your visa length.
Course fees
Course fees vary widely by subject and level. Check the fee shown on each course listing, or ask the college directly.
Typical fees are shown on each course where we have them. Fees published by institutions can change annually. Always confirm with the institution directly.
General information only — not migration advice.