Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students
In Australia, a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses are available, each with varying tuition fees depending on the institution. Moreover, the cost of studying these programs can fluctuate significantly across universities.
Various scholarships are offered by Australian universities, the government, and private organizations to support deserving international students with their tuition fees in Australia.
The total cost of your education will primarily hinge on your choice of program and the specific university you opt for. Generally, tuition for colleges and universities in Australia can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
To find out the exact expenses associated with studying in Australia and to explore more affordable courses, consider disciplines such as humanities, education, and arts.
However, if you are not constrained by tuition fees, you might consider enrolling in programs such as medicine, engineering, and other similar fields, which typically come with higher tuition fees in Australia.
The table below can tell how much it costs to study in Australia.
| Courses for International Students | Average Annual Fees (AUD) | Average Annual Fees (Rs) |
| Undergraduate courses | AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per year | Rs 17,60,000 to Rs 39,60,000 per year (approx) |
| Postgraduate courses | AUD 22,000 to 50,000 per year | Rs 19,36,000 to Rs 44,00,000 per year (approx) |
| PhD courses | AUD 18,000 to 42,000 per year | Rs 15,84,000 to Rs 36,96,000 per year (approx) |
| Master of Business Administration | AUD 30,000 to 60,000 per year | Rs 26,40,000 to Rs 52,80,000 per year (approx) |
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees in Australia
Australia’s average tuition fees for undergraduate international students is AUD 30,840 per year, according to Study Australia and government education statistics.
You can expect to pay tuition fees ranging between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 depending on the course and university you choose. However, programs like Bachelor’s in Medicine, Engineering, and Law are generally more expensive.
Undergraduate degrees in the humanities and arts tend to be the most affordable in Australia, with average costs starting around AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 per year.
Courses in engineering and medicine are among the most expensive, costing AUD 35,000 to AUD 60,000 per year, depending on the university.
Furthermore, undergraduate programs in business and management in Australia cost approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 per year.
- Postgraduate Tuition Fees in Australia
If you want to study a master’s degree in Australia, the cost of education is still considered competitive compared to many other countries around the world. So, what will it cost to study in Australia if you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree?
According to Study Australia and other official sources, the average tuition fees for a postgraduate program in Australia for international students range around AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
The average annual fee for an Executive MBA in Australia is approximately AUD 60,000. Whereas, the average annual fee for a regular MBA program is around AUD 35,000 to AUD 45,000 .
Please keep in mind that tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the university, specialization, and duration of the program.
- Ph.D. Courses in Australia
Similar to other degrees, the cost of a Ph.D. in Australia also varies depending on the course and the university. Generally, international students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students for Ph.D. programs in Australia.
However, some Australian universities offer tuition fee waivers or scholarships that significantly reduce or eliminate the cost for international Ph.D. candidates, especially those on research scholarships.
As with other degrees, the cost of earning a Ph.D. in Australia depends on the specific program and institution. For example, The University of Melbourne charges approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 42,000 per year for Ph.D. programs, while The University of Queensland may charge between AUD 28,000 and AUD 40,000 annually.
Some universities also allow international Ph.D. students to pay domestic-level tuition fees if they are awarded competitive research scholarships.
Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. It is highly welcoming towards international students and offers countless opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth.
The universities in Australia are among the highest-ranked globally. Their programs are designed with strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications, making Australian degrees highly valued and internationally recognized.
Australia is often seen as the land of opportunity for international students. If you’re planning to study abroad, Australia stands out as one of the best choices.
It not only hosts some of the world’s top universities but also offers strong support systems, student services, and numerous scholarships targeted at international students, especially those from developing countries like Nepal.
In addition to excellent academic infrastructure, Australia is known for its robust post-study work opportunities and part-time work options during studies, which help students manage their living expenses more efficiently.
The table below outlines the estimated total cost to study in Australia from Nepal:
| Expense Category | Cost (AUD) | Cost (NPR) |
| On-campus accommodation | AUD 9,000 – 14,000/year | Rs 7,92,000 – Rs 12,32,000/year |
| Shared apartment (off-campus) | AUD 400 – 900/month | Rs 35,200 – Rs 79,200/month |
| Homestay (University-arranged) | AUD 450 – 1,200/month | Rs 39,600 – Rs 1,05,600/month |
| Student residence (university housing) | AUD 350 – 850/month | Rs 30,800 – Rs 74,800/month |
| Student visa application | AUD 710 (one-time) | Rs 62,480 |
| Phone/Internet | AUD 30 – 50/month | Rs 2,640 – Rs 4,400/month |
| Books and study materials | AUD 500 – 1,000/year | Rs 44,000 – Rs 88,000/year |
| Personal expenses | AUD 300 – 600/month | Rs 26,400 – Rs 52,800/month |
| Health insurance (OSHC) | AUD 600 – 1,000/year | Rs 52,800 – Rs 88,000/year |
| Estimated Total Annual Cost | AUD 28,000 – 45,000/year | Rs 24,64,000 – Rs 39,60,000/year |
Expenses to Study in Australia
1. Book Materials
Depending on the university and program, textbooks can be quite expensive in Australia. For example, engineering students typically spend around AUD 250 to AUD 350 per semester on books.
Courses in law, medicine, and pharmacy tend to have even higher textbook costs. To reduce expenses, many students opt to purchase used books, use digital textbook platforms, or borrow from university libraries by getting a library membership.
2. Accommodation Costs
Australia offers a wide variety of housing options, including student residences, university-arranged homestays, shared apartments, and private studios. The cost varies based on city, location, and amenities.
If you have friends or relatives in Australia, staying with them could significantly reduce your living expenses. Otherwise, here are the typical accommodation options:
- Student Residences: AUD 350 – 850 per month
- University-Arranged Homestays: AUD 450 – 1,200 per month
- Shared Apartment/Rent: AUD 400 – 900 per month
- Studio/One-Room Apartment: Around AUD 1,200+ per month
- Utilities (electricity, water, heating): AUD 100 – 200/month
- Internet: AUD 60 – 80 per month
Keep in mind that rental prices can vary greatly depending on whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional areas.
3. Transportation Costs
Transportation in Australia is generally affordable. A one-way public transport ticket costs around AUD 3 – 5, and a monthly transport pass ranges from AUD 100 – 160, depending on the city.
Students can get discounted or concession travel cards, and those under 25 often receive additional discounts. A taxi ride averages about AUD 2 – 4 per kilometer, depending on the city and time of day.
4. Health Expenses and Insurance
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in the country. The average cost of OSHC is around AUD 600 – AUD 1,000 per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.
Some scholarships and financial aid programs may also include health insurance support.
5. Taxes and Work Rights
International students who hold a Tax File Number (TFN) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and full-time during holidays. If you’re working, you must pay taxes on your income.
Students are required to apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study in the country. Here are the main requirements:
- Visa Application Fee: AUD 710
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian university
- Proof of Financial Capacity (to cover tuition and living expenses)
- English Language Proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL scores)
- Health Check-up & Insurance Proof
- No Criminal Record Certificate
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
The student visa allows you to study and work part-time in Australia. After completing your studies, you may also be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa, depending on your course and qualification level.
To learn more about the cost to study in Australia, you can reach out to one of the best consultancies in Nepal for Australia — Goreto Educational Consultancy Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to complete a degree in Australia?
- Diploma/Certificate Courses: 6 months to 2 years
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3 to 4 years
- Master’s Degree (Coursework): 1 to 2 years
- PhD (Doctoral Program): 3 to 4 years
Is IELTS required to study in Australia?
Yes, most Australian institutions require proof of English proficiency. IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL are commonly accepted.
Typical IELTS requirements:
- Diploma/Certificate: 5.5 overall
- Bachelor’s Degree: 6.0 – 6.5 overall
- Master’s Degree: 6.5 – 7.0 overall
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during semester breaks. This allows students to support their living expenses.
Can I get Permanent Residency (PR) after studying in Australia?
Yes, international students can apply for PR after completing their studies, particularly if:
- Their occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- They complete a 2-year course in Australia
- They gain relevant work experience and pass point-based assessments
What is a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement?
GTE is a requirement for student visas. It ensures that the student intends to study temporarily in Australia. You’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining your study goals, background, and intent to return home after graduation.
Is health insurance mandatory in Australia?
Yes, all international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.
