Study in Australia
Australia is home to some of the world's top 50 universities. Sunny weather, multicultural society, and strong post-study work options.
Cost Comparison by Lifestyle
| Expense Category | 💰 Budget | ⚖️ Standard | ✨ Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition / year | A$22,000 | A$33,000 | A$45,000 |
| Living / month | A$900 | A$1,200 | A$1,600 |
| Housing / month | A$800 | A$1,100 | A$1,500 |
| Visa Fee | A$710 | A$710 | A$710 |
| Health Insurance | A$550 | A$750 | A$1,000 |
| Est. First Year Total | A$50,006 | A$70,686 | A$99,717 |
*Estimates vary by city and lifestyle. Use the calculator for accuracy.
Cost Breakdown Notes
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View allLast updated: February 2026
Cost of Living by City
| City | Living Cost | Tuition Range | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | A$2,200–3,200/mo | A$25,000–50,000/yr | Iconic city. Highest costs but strongest job market and lifestyle. |
| Melbourne | A$1,800–2,600/mo | A$22,000–45,000/yr | Cultural capital. Slightly cheaper than Sydney. World's most liveable city. |
| Brisbane | A$1,500–2,100/mo | A$20,000–40,000/yr | Growing fast. Subtropical climate. Lower costs with good university options. |
| Perth | A$1,400–2,000/mo | A$20,000–38,000/yr | Isolated but affordable. Strong mining, resources, and engineering sectors. |
| Adelaide | A$1,300–1,800/mo | A$18,000–35,000/yr | Most affordable major city. Regional visa incentives for graduates. |
Is Australia Affordable for International Students?
Australia is an expensive study destination, but high part-time wages and strong post-study work rights offset costs significantly. The government requires proof of A$24,505/year for living costs. Regional universities (outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) offer lower tuition and living costs, plus additional migration incentives. A 2-year master's in Melbourne costs approximately A$80,000-100,000 total. Scholarships for international students include the Australia Awards, university-specific merit scholarships (A$5,000-20,000/year), and state government scholarships.
Work Rights for Students in Australia
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides 2-4 years of full-time work rights depending on qualification level. Graduates in regional areas get additional visa years. Australia's minimum wage is A$23.23/hr (2025) — one of the highest in the world — making part-time work highly valuable. Common student jobs include hospitality, retail, tutoring, and campus roles.