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Australia consistently ranks as one of the top 3 study destinations globally, alongside the US and UK. But this popularity comes with a price tag.
When calculating the cost of studying in Australia, you aren’t just paying for a degree; you are paying for global accreditation, industry connections, and potentially, the Post-Study Work stream visa, which allows you to work in Australia after graduation.
”How much to study in Australia?” is a loaded question as the “sticker price” on a university website is rarely the full picture. The actual budget must account for visa fees, health insurance (OSHC), textbooks, and the cost of rent in major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.
We show you the full costs upfront and then breakdown each component in detail.
1. Total Costs To Study In Australia
The short answer: For the 2025/2026 academic year, an international student should budget between AUD $60,000 and AUD $90,000 per year (RM168,000 to RM252,000) to cover both tuition and a comfortable standard of living.
Below is the Executive Summary of your estimated annual costs. If these numbers fit your budget, read on for the detailed breakdown of fees, living expenses, and a strategic “hack” involving Malaysia that could save you over AUD $120,000 on your degree.
The table breaksdown the total estimated annual budget (AUD) to study in Australia:
| Cost Category | The Budget Student | The Premium Student |
| Tuition Fees | $32,000 | $62,000 |
| Rent/Accommodation | $13,000 ($250/wk) | $28,600 ($550/wk) |
| Food & Groceries | $6,240 ($120/wk) | $10,400 ($200/wk) |
| Transport | $1,500 | $2,600 |
| Utilities & Phone | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Entertainment/Misc | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Books/OSHC/SSAF | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Total Annual Costs | ~$58,240 (RM163,700) | ~$112,600 (RM315,280) |
Take Note:
- Budget Students study at regional universities, living in shared units, and cooking at home.
- Premium Students study at Group of 8 unis, living in city apartments and have a more active social lifestyle.
- Costs are approximate averages and will vary based on university, course and location.
- Tuition costs can go up to AUD $90,000, especially for healthcare studies such as MBBS and Dentistry.
- Currency fluctuations can impact your budget, so adding a 10% “buffer” to all your estimates is a wise move.
The rest of this article further expands on each cost category so you can have a better understanding before making a decision.
2. Tuition Fees Deep Dive: By Study Level & Field
Tuition is your single largest expense. Unlike some countries where fees are flat, Australian universities charge by the “unit” (subject). The figures below are annual estimates based on a standard full-time load (usually 8 units per year).
Fee Guide By Study Level
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): AUD $30,000+ – $60,000+ per year
- Duration: 3–4 Years.
- Courses such as Medicine and Dentistry can climb much higher.
- Most Malaysian students study pre-university in Malaysia before taking their Bachelor’s Degree in Australia.
- Postgraduate Coursework (Masters): AUD $35,000 – $65,000 per year
- Duration: 1.5–2 Years.
- Postgraduate Research (PhD): AUD $40,000 – $65,000 per year
- Most international PhD candidates are funded by the Research Training Program (RTP) or university-specific scholarships that cover tuition and provide a living stipend.
Why The Price Variance? (Go8 vs. Others)
You will notice a price gap of nearly AUD $15,000 to AUD $30,000 between different universities.
- Group of Eight (Go8): These are Australia’s top research universities (e.g., University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, ANU). They charge a premium for their ranking and prestige, however, many graduates will attest that it does open up more interview opportunities with top employers.
- Technology & Regional Universities: Institutions like RMIT, UTS, or Griffith University often offer lower fees while still providing excellent industry-focused education.
Tuition Fees By Field Of Study
The costs to study in Australia vary drastically depending on whether your course is classroom-based (cheaper) or lab/clinical-based (expensive).
| Field of Study | Education Level | Estimated Annual Tuition (AUD) |
| Arts, Humanities & Education | Undergraduate Postgraduate | $32,000 – $40,000 $34,000 – $42,000 |
| Business, Commerce & Law | Undergraduate Postgraduate | $38,000 – $50,000 $45,000 – $55,000 |
| STEM (Engineering, IT, Science) | Undergraduate Postgraduate | $42,000 – $55,000 $44,000 – $58,000 |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Undergraduate Clinical Medicine Postgraduate | $38,000 – $48,000 $75,000 – $95,000+ $45,000 – $65,000 |
3. Living Costs: The Real Monthly Budget
While tuition is a fixed fee, your living costs in Australia is variable. It depends heavily on where you live (city vs. regional) and how you live (shared house vs. private apartment).
Student Accommodation
Rent will consume 30-50% of your monthly allowance.
- Tier 1: Shared House (The Budget Option)
- Cost: $250 – $400 per week
- What you get: A private bedroom in a suburban house shared with 2-4 other students. You split bills (internet, electricity) and chores. This is the most common option for students after their first semester.
- Tier 2: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
- Cost: $450 – $650 per week
- What you get: A room in a building managed by companies like Scape, Iglu, or UniLodge. Rent includes all bills, gym access, study lounges, and social events. It is convenient but expensive.
- Tier 3: Private Rental (The Premium Option)
- Cost: $600+ per week (plus bills)
- What you get: Your own 1-bedroom apartment or studio. This offers total privacy but requires you to buy furniture and set up utilities yourself.
City Living Costs Variance
Expect to pay 20-30% more for rent and transport in metropolitans like Sydney and Melbourne.
At Uni Enrol, we save you time by compiling your living costs by city:
- Study in Melbourne
- Study in Sydney
- Study in Brisbane
- Study in Adelaide
- Study in Canberra
- Study in Perth
- Study in Darwin
- Study in Hobart
Daily Essentials Breakdown
- Groceries: $140 – $180 per week: Shopping at Aldi is cheaper; Coles/Woolworths are standard).
- Dining Out: A cafe brunch is ~$25; a fast-food meal is ~$15. Australia has a serious coffee culture; a latte costs ~$5.50.
- Transport: $30 – $50 per week: Crucial Note: In New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne), international students generally do not receive concession (discounted) public transport fares. You will pay full adult prices. In Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, you are eligible for 50% student discounts.
- Entertainment and Study Supplies: Set aside $30 – $50 per week for fun, supplies and emergency savings.
4. How To Save $100k+ Via Study In Malaysia
If the costs above are stretching your budget, there is a strategic alternative used by thousands of students: The Malaysia Transfer Pathway.
Many prestigious Australian universities have fully accredited branch campuses in Malaysia (e.g., Monash University Malaysia, UOW Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, Curtin Malaysia). Additionally, many private Malaysian colleges offer “twinning programs” (known as 1+2 or 2+1) with Australian partners.
How It Works – The 2+1 or 1+2 Model
- Step 1: You enrol at the Malaysian campus/partner college.
- Step 2: You study the same or accepted curriculum for the first 1 or 2 years in Malaysia.
- Step 3: You transfer to the Australian campus for your final year(s).
- The Result: You graduate with the same Australian testamur (degree certificate) as a student who spent all 3 years in Australia. It does not say “Malaysia” on the degree.
The Cost Savings Analysis (Business Degree Example)
Let’s look at the numbers for a standard 3-year Business Bachelor’s degree.
Scenario A: 3 Years Fully in Australia (Melbourne)
- Tuition (3 years x $50,000): $150,000
- Living Costs (3 years x $30,000): $90,000
- Total Cost: AUD $240,000 (~RM 672,000)
Scenario B: 2 Years in Malaysia + 1 Year in Australia
- Years 1 & 2 (Malaysia):
- Tuition (2 years): Approx. AUD $22,000 (~RM61,000) at top tier university
- Living Costs (2 years): Approx. AUD $20,000 (~RM56,000) in KL.
- Subtotal Malaysia: $42,000 (~RM118,000)
- Year 3 (Australia):
- Tuition (1 year): AUD $50,000 (~RM140,000)
- Living Costs (1 year): AUD $30,000 (~RM84,000)
- Subtotal Australia: $80,000 (~RM224,000)
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: AUD $122,000 (~RM342,000)
TOTAL SAVINGS: Approx. AUD $118,000 (~RM330,000) or 50%
Note: Go8 universities typically require at least 2 years of study in the Australia campus. So in such cases you will opt for a 1+2 model and save 20%-30% of the costs.
By spending one to two years in Malaysia, you essentially get the same degree for up to half price due to lower tuition fees and lower cost of living. Additionally, it allows you more time to adapt to university life before going abroad.
Want to know which universities have these cost-saving pathways?
Get connected to our experienced counsellors. It’s free!
5. Pre-Arrival & Hidden Costs
Before you even step into a lecture hall, there are setup costs that many students overlook in their initial budgeting.
Proof Of Funds (Financial Capacity Requirements)
For visa purposes, the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires you to prove you have access to funds to cover 12 months of living costs.
- Show proof of funds in the bank at least AUD $29,710 per year (Single student).
- Reality Check: This figure is a minimum. It assumes a very frugal lifestyle. To live comfortably in Sydney or Melbourne, you should budget closer to AUD $35,000 – $40,000.
Visa Application Fees (Subclass 500)
Student visa fees is now AUD $2,000 per application, which is an increase from AUD $1,600 starting 1 July 2025.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
You cannot get a visa without this insurance. It covers doctor visits, hospital costs, and some pharmaceuticals.
- Single Student: $600 – $750 per year.
- Couple/Family: $3,000 – $6,000+ per year. (This is a massive hidden cost for post-graduate students bringing a spouse or children).
Student Services And Amenities Fee (SSAF)
SSAF is a compulsory non-tuition fee charged by universities to fund student unions, sports, and services. About $373 per year (2026 cap).
Initial Setup Costs
If you are renting an unfurnished room, you will need to buy basics immediately.
- Bond (Security Deposit): Usually 4 weeks of rent (approx. $1,000 – $2,000).
- Household Items: Bed linen, kitchenware, desk lamp (~$300 – $500).
6. Scholarships, Financial Aid & Offsetting Costs
While the study in Australia cost is high, the system offers ways to offset the burden.
Work Rights: The Safety Net
Australia has one of the world’s highest minimum wages ($24.95/hour as of 2025).
How much you can work is based on your student visa work conditions:
- During Semester: Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours/week).
- During Breaks: You can work unlimited hours.
- The Math: Working ~20 hours a week can earn you approx. AUD $500/week. This is usually enough to cover your rent and groceries, but not your tuition.
Scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor’s / Merit Scholarships: Most universities automatically assess you for these upon application. If you have excellent grades (e.g., A-levels, IB, or STPM equivalent), you can receive a 15% to 20% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of your degree.
- Destination Australia: A government initiative that offers scholarships (often $15,000/year) to students studying at regional campuses.
The “Regional” Advantage
Studying in a “regional” area (which includes major cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra) offers two financial benefits:
- Lower Cost of Living: Rent is typically cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne.
- Extended Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates from regional universities often get an extra 1–2 years on their post-study work visa, allowing them to earn Australian wages for longer.
What you should do next? Check out our detailed and comprehensive guide on how to study in Australia!
Book A Free Consultation
Planning how much to study in Australia requires a holistic view. You are not just paying for classes; you are investing in a life experience. Regardless of the path you choose, the key is early planning.
Drop by Uni Enrol Study Abroad Office and let us help you plan your perfect pathway to study in Australia together!
Find us at B-02-03, Level 2, Sunway Geo Avenue, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Our friendly counsellors are highly experienced with Australian higher education options and are ready to help you discover scholarships, compare universities, and submit your application.
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About the Author:
Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.
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