Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees for international students in Australia are set independently by each provider and vary widely by course type and level. The most affordable options are vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) certificates and diplomas, with some CRICOS-registered courses starting from as little as $100 per year in tuition fees.
At the other end of the spectrum, postgraduate medical and veterinary science degrees at major universities can exceed AU$75,000 per year. Most undergraduate bachelor degrees at Group of Eight universities fall in the AU$30,000–$50,000 per year range for international students.
The table below summarises typical tuition fee ranges by course level:
| Course level | Typical annual fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Certificate I–IV (VET) | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Diploma / Advanced Diploma | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Bachelor degree | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Graduate Certificate / Diploma | $22,000 – $40,000 |
| Master's degree | $24,000 – $55,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) | $18,000 – $42,000 |
Living costs in Australia
Beyond tuition, international students need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, health insurance (OSHC), and personal expenses. Living costs differ substantially between cities. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while Adelaide and Hobart are consistently ranked among the most affordable student cities in Australia.
Rough monthly living cost estimates (excluding tuition) for a single student:
| City | Est. monthly living costs |
|---|---|
| Sydney / Melbourne | AU$2,500 – $3,500 |
| Brisbane / Perth | AU$2,000 – $3,000 |
| Adelaide / Canberra | AU$1,800 – $2,600 |
| Hobart | AU$1,600 – $2,400 |
| Regional areas | AU$1,400 – $2,200 |
These figures are rough guides only. Your actual costs will depend on accommodation type (on-campus, shared rental, or homestay), lifestyle, and how far your campus is from amenities. Browse providers by state to compare study locations:
Ways to study more affordably in Australia
There are several practical strategies to reduce the total cost of your Australian study experience:
Choose regional universities and colleges
Providers in regional and remote Australia often charge lower tuition fees and have lower living costs than those in major cities. As an added bonus, studying in a designated regional area may make you eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) with an additional year of post-study work rights. Browse regional states like South Australia and Tasmania.
Consider VET, TAFE and private colleges
Vocational courses at TAFEs and registered private colleges are often significantly cheaper than university degrees, and many are directly relevant to in-demand occupations. Diplomas and advanced diplomas can also provide a pathway into university second year, saving time and money. Explore courses by study level or by field of study.
Apply for scholarships
The Australian Government's Australia Awards scholarships, as well as university-specific international scholarships, can substantially offset tuition and living costs. Many providers offer merit-based and country-specific awards. Check each provider's website directly, as scholarship availability is not captured in CRICOS data.
Compare total costs, not just tuition
A lower tuition fee in an expensive city may end up costing more overall than a slightly higher-fee course in a more affordable location. Use our course comparison tool to sort by tuition and then factor in your expected living costs.
Student visa financial requirements
To be granted an Australian student visa (subclass 500), you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members. The Australian Government sets minimum financial thresholds that are updated periodically.
Because these figures change and the assessment is made holistically (considering your specific circumstances, course duration, and family situation), we do not publish specific dollar amounts here. Instead, we strongly recommend checking the official Department of Home Affairs website for current financial evidence requirements before applying.
Acceptable forms of financial evidence typically include bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsorship letters from governments or employers, or a combination of these. A registered migration agent can advise on your specific situation.
Continue exploring:
Fee data sourced from the CRICOS register via data.gov.au, updated 1 July 2026.