How much does it really cost to study in Australia? Your budget will depend on the course, its length and the city, but tuition is only one part of the total. You will also need to pay for your Student Visa, health insurance, flights, accommodation and your first few weeks of expenses.
As a guide, an English course can cost from about AUD 250 per week. A vocational course, or VET course, usually costs between AUD 4,000 and AUD 14,000 per year at a private college, although some technical programs and TAFE courses can cost more.
Let's look at each expense so you can prepare a more realistic budget.
Summary of the costs of studying in Australia
These are the main expenses you need to consider:
| Expense | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| English course | 250 to 450 AUD per week |
| Vocational or VET course | AUD 4,000 to AUD 14,000 per year |
| University | AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year |
| Student Visa | AUD 2,500 standard fee |
| Student Visa for certain stand-alone ELICOS courses | About 2,050 AUD |
| OSHC health insurance | 600 to 800 AUD per person, per year |
| Flight from Spain | About AUD 900 to AUD 1,800 per person |
| Flight from Latin America | About AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 per person |
| Room in a shared home | AUD 250 to AUD 550 per week |
| Food | AUD 100 to AUD 180 per week |
| Public transport | AUD 30 to AUD 70 per week |
| Other initial expenses | About AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500 |
These prices are useful for an initial estimate. Before you enrol, you will need to request a quote based on your chosen course, dates and city.
How much does the course cost?
Tuition is usually the largest part of the budget. In Australia, you can study English, take a vocational course or attend university.
English courses
ELICOS courses are designed for international students who want to improve their English.
The price usually lies between 250 and 450 AUD per week, Approximately. The exact amount depends on the school, the city, the number of weeks, and the promotions available.
For example, a 24-week course may cost around:
- AUD 6,000 if each week costs AUD 250.
- AUD 8,400 if each week costs AUD 350.
- AUD 10,800 if each week costs AUD 450.
Some schools charge separately for tuition, materials, or certain activities. These fees can add up. 200 and 500 AUD approximately to the total price.
Your English level when you arrive also affects the cost. Moving up one level usually takes 10 to 12 weeks of study. If you need to reach a specific level before starting a VET course, you will need to include those weeks in your budget.
Vocational or VET courses
VET courses provide practical training in areas such as Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Cookery, IT, Fitness, Childcare, Design and Carpentry.
In private centers, a VET can cost between 4,000 and 14,000 AUD per year, approximately. Business or Marketing courses are usually found in the more affordable part of the range. Programs that require kitchens, workshops, equipment, materials, or practical training are usually more expensive.
TAFE courses also tend to exceed the price of many private schools. Depending on the area and length of time, some technical programs can cost more than 15,000 AUD per year.
The length depends on the qualification level:
- A Certificate can last from several months to about one year.
- A Certificate IV usually lasts 12 to 18 months.
- A Diploma can last 18 to 24 months.
- An Advanced Diploma can last 24 to 36 months.
Many institutions let you pay tuition in instalments or by term. However, you will still need to pay the amount the school requires to secure your place and issue the Confirmation of Enrolment.
Before comparing two courses, look at the total cost, not just each instalment. You should also check whether the price includes enrolment, materials, uniforms, placements or equipment.
University study
A university degree or postgraduate course requires a larger budget.
The tuition fee for international students is usually between 20,000 and 50,000 AUD per year, approximately. Some degrees in Medicine, Health, Engineering and other specialized fields may exceed that range.
In addition to tuition, you may need to pay application fees and buy books, materials or compulsory equipment, or cover work placement costs.
Contact us for free help comparing programs and prices.
How much does the Student Visa cost?
From July 1, 2026, the general rate for the Student Visa, subclass 500, is 2,500 AUD for the principal applicant.
For certain independent ELICOS courses, there is a reduced rate of approximately 2,050 AUD. There are also concessions for certain nationalities and types of studies.
A few can be added to the rate Approximately 28 AUD for the charges of the payment system. The amount increases if you include your partner or your children in the application.
The visa fee does not include:
- Course tuition.
- OSHC health insurance.
- A medical examination.
- Translations or document certification.
- An official English test certificate.
- A police clearance certificate, if requested.
- Travel costs.
Before submitting your application, it is best to contact us directly to confirm the fee that applies to your circumstances.
How much does OSHC health insurance cost?
To apply for a Student Visa, you need Overseas Student Health Cover, known as OSHC.
A basic individual coverage can cost between 600 to 800 AUD per year. The price depends on the insurer and the duration the policy must cover.
The cost increases if you include your partner or children. Before taking out a policy, contact us so we can help you compare the available options.
Basic OSHC usually covers medical appointments, certain hospital treatments, ambulance services and part of the cost of some medicines. Services such as dental care, optometry or physiotherapy may not be included.
How much money do you need to show?
The Australian Government may ask you to prove that you have enough money to cover your travel, tuition and living expenses in Australia.
As a reference, the requirement for the primary applicant is equivalent to approximately 2,476 AUD per month. The annual reference figure is 29,710 AUD for 12 months, But you won't always have to prove exactly that amount.
The amount depends on the length of your stay. Showing funds for a seven-month course is different from doing so for a 24-month program. As a general guide:
- 7 months: approximately 17,332 AUD
- 12 months: approximately 29,710 AUD.
- 24 months: approximately 59,420 AUD.
You must add the cost of travel to Australia and any outstanding course fees to these amounts. If you travel with a partner or children, you will also need to show additional funds for their living, travel and study expenses, where applicable.
You do not pay these funds to the Australian Government. You must show that you have access to them through accepted documents, such as bank statements, deposits, education loans or similar financial evidence.
In some cases, you can also use financial support from a guarantor or sponsor. This is usually a close relative, especially a parent, sibling or partner. The guarantor must show that they can cover the expenses and provide documents proving the family relationship, their income and access to the funds. An informal letter is not enough: the Department of Home Affairs may request financial evidence and additional documents.
Whether a guarantor is accepted depends on the documents and circumstances of each application. Before applying for the visa, check which evidence is accepted for your case and whether the sponsor must meet specific requirements.
The reference amount is not necessarily what you will spend. Living in Sydney or Melbourne, renting a private apartment or having a more expensive lifestyle can increase your actual budget considerably.
Financial requirements can change. Always check the current amount, the period you need to cover and the documents that apply to your profile before submitting your visa application.
How much does it cost to live in Australia as a student?
Accommodation is usually the largest weekly expense.
A room in a shared apartment can cost between 250 and 550 AUD per week, approximately. In central areas of Sydney or Melbourne, you can exceed that amount. In neighborhoods far from the city center or in smaller cities, you may find more affordable options.
In addition to rent, you should budget for:
- AUD 100 to AUD 180 per week for food.
- AUD 30 to AUD 70 per week for public transport.
- AUD 20 to AUD 50 per month for your mobile phone.
- AUD 20 to AUD 50 per week for basic personal expenses.
If you share an apartment, ask if the rent includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. When these expenses are paid separately, they can add up. 20 and 50 AUD per week per person, approximately.
Prices vary between cities and neighbourhoods, so it is also worth checking real accommodation listings before choosing your destination.
How much do you need for the first few weeks?
The first month is usually more expensive because you will need to pay for temporary accommodation, a bond and several weeks of rent in advance.
To install it, calculate between 1,000 to 2,500 AUD approximately, This does not include the course, the visa, the insurance, or the flight.
This amount may cover:
- Temporary accommodation.
- Transport from the airport.
- A SIM card.
- Food and basic supplies.
- Public transport.
- Clothes or a uniform for work.
- Course materials.
- Small administrative costs and unexpected expenses.
When renting a room, they may also ask you for a deposit, known as bond, and several weeks in advance. You might need other things between these two concepts. 1,000 or 2,500 AUD approximately, According to the rental price.
Example budget for six months of English study
Someone planning to study English for about six months could prepare the following initial budget:
| Item | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| English course | AUD 6,000 to AUD 10,800 |
| Enrolment and materials | AUD 200 to AUD 500 |
| Student Visa for a stand-alone ELICOS course | About 2,050 AUD |
| Payment system charge | About AUD 28 |
| OSHC | AUD 350 to AUD 500 |
| Flight | AUD 900 to AUD 2,500 |
| Getting settled and initial expenses | AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500 |
| Bond and rent in advance | AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500 |
Excluding ongoing living expenses, your total budget will depend on the course length, city and type of accommodation. Because some schools allow course fees to be paid in instalments, you may not need to pay the full course price upfront. The important thing is to have enough money for your initial expenses, including the visa, health insurance, flight, accommodation and your first few weeks in Australia.
The difference between the lower and upper estimates mainly depends on the course price, your country of departure, the school and your accommodation.
Can you cover your expenses by working in Australia?
The Student Visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During the official holiday periods of the course you can work without that general limit.
Once you are settled, your income can help pay for rent, food and other daily expenses. Even so, it is best to arrive with enough money to get started.
Finding a job can take days or weeks. You will also need to open a bank account, apply for a Tax File Number and fit your work schedule around your classes.
With a Student Visa, you can study and work in Australia. This lets you combine classes with a job and helps you cover living expenses such as rent, food and transport.
We recommend arriving with initial savings to cover your first few months while you find work and settle in. Once you have a job, you can organise your schedule, continue studying and earn money to support yourself during your time in Australia.
Expenses that may vary depending on your situation
In addition to tuition, the visa, health insurance and accommodation, some students may have small expenses related to their course or application documents:
- Course materials or uniform.
- Equipment needed for work placements.
- A medical examination, if requested.
- A police clearance certificate, depending on your nationality and circumstances.
- Translations of certain documents.
- Transport from the airport to your accommodation.
Not everyone needs to pay these costs. It depends on your nationality, chosen course and the documents requested from you. In many cases, these are one-off expenses and small compared with the overall travel budget.
How to adjust your budget before travelling to Australia
The course price is only one part of the investment. Before you travel, you also need to consider expenses such as the Student Visa, OSHC health insurance, flights, accommodation, a bond, transport, course materials and the money needed to settle in during your first few weeks.
At Australian Way, we help you review all these possible extra expenses before you decide. We look at your circumstances, the course you want to study, your preferred city and your available budget to find an option that suits you.
We also explain which payments you need to make before travelling, which may come up during the process and which expenses you should plan for when you arrive. This helps you prepare a more realistic budget and avoid surprises.
If you are still unsure how much you need, contact us. We will help you calculate the main expenses, review payment options and adjust your plan so you can organise your trip with greater peace of mind.
Australian Way's advice is free throughout the process, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to study in Australia?
It depends on the course, duration, and city. For six months of English, the initial outlay can be between 11,500 and 21,300 AUD approximately, This does not include all living expenses during the stay.
How much does the Student Visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the standard charge is 2,500 AUD. For certain independent ELICOS courses it may be approximately 2,050 AUD. At this price, payment system fees may be added.
How much does it cost to study English in Australia?
An English course costs approximately 250 to 450 AUD per week. A 24-week program can be between 6,000 and 10,800 AUD, Without counting tuition fees or materials.
How much does a vocational course cost in Australia?
A VET course at a private center can cost between 4,000 and 14,000 AUD per year, approximately. Technical courses, programs with materials or practicals, and TAFE degrees can exceed 15,000 AUD per year.
What is the AUD 29,710 financial requirement?
It is the minimum reference amount for the living expenses of a main applicant for 12 months. It is not a government fee or payment. The requirement can change and increases if you travel with family members.
Do I need to pay for the whole course before travelling?
It depends on the school. Some institutions ask for a deposit or payment for one or more study periods before issuing the Confirmation of Enrolment. Others offer instalment payments during the course.
Is health insurance included in the visa?
No. The OSHC is contracted for and paid for separately. A basic individual policy can cost between 600 to 800 AUD per year.
Can I pay for my course by working in Australia?
Yes, but before travelling you must have paid your initial tuition, Student Visa and health insurance. Once you are in Australia, you can continue paying the remaining course fees.
Some schools let you divide the outstanding amount into monthly or term payments. The conditions depend on the institution and course.
Talk to us to find out which options are available for your circumstances.
Is it cheaper to study in a smaller city?
In some cases, yes, especially because accommodation may cost less. Before choosing, you should also compare course fees, transport, job opportunities and available services.
Tell us what you want to study, how long you want to stay and what budget you have. Australian Way can compare the options with you and help you organise a plan you can afford from start to finish. Our advice is free throughout the process, with no obligation.
