How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Studying in Australia is an investment. Here is a realistic picture of what it costs – before you arrive, when you land, and month by month – so you can plan with confidence.
Monthly budget for one student
A typical student in a shared flat spends roughly A$2,000–3,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle (2026 estimates).
| Item | Per month (A$) |
|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat | 950–1,950 |
| Groceries | 350–650 |
| Public transport | 20–260 (Brisbane & Gold Coast are cheapest) |
| Mobile phone plan | 20–40 |
| Electricity, gas, internet (your share) | 60–150 |
| Going out, sport, hobbies | 150–400 |
Sydney and the Gold Coast are at the top of the range; Adelaide and Hobart are at the bottom. Compare all cities on our Cities page.
Costs before you arrive
| Item | Approx. (A$) |
|---|---|
| Student visa (subclass 500) application charge | see the official fee estimator |
| Course tuition | depends on course – English, VET and university fees differ a lot; we compare options for you |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), single, per year | about 670–720 |
| Flight to Australia | varies by season |
| First month: rent + bond (usually 2–4 weeks' rent) + basics | 2,000–3,500 |
Health cover (OSHC) is compulsory for the whole length of your student visa. We help you choose a policy and arrange it with your enrolment.
Money you need to show for a student visa
When you apply for a student visa, you must show that you have enough money (or income) to support yourself. The Department of Home Affairs currently uses this living-cost amount:
| Who | 12 months (A$) |
|---|---|
| Student | 29,710 |
Whether a partner or children can be included, and what extra amounts apply, depends on where you apply and on your situation – we check this for you.
You also need your course fees and travel costs. You don't have to show the money in every case – it depends on your passport, your school and your situation – but you must always be able to support yourself.
We check exactly what you need to show before you apply, so there are no surprises.
Can I work to cover my costs?
Yes – a student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is running, and without a limit during official course breaks. The national minimum wage is A$26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), and casual jobs pay more. Most students cover a good part of their living costs this way, but you should not plan to pay your tuition from a part-time job.
More on our Work while studying page.
Tips to save money
- Share a flat instead of renting alone – it's the biggest saving.
- Live near public transport, or choose Brisbane or the Gold Coast with 50-cent fares.
- Cook at home and shop at Aldi, local markets and the weekly supermarket specials.
- Use a student bank account with no monthly fees.
- Consider a regional city such as Adelaide or Hobart – lower rent and extra benefits.
Get a personal budget
Every situation is different. Tell us your city, course and plans, and we'll put together a realistic budget for you – including exactly what you need for the visa. Your first consultation is free.
All figures are approximate 2026 amounts in Australian dollars and can change. Visa charges and financial requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are checked again before every application. This is general information, not advice for your situation.