Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students 2026

Before we dive into the details, here is the "Day 1" financial picture. This table estimates the initial annual investment required for a typical Master’s degree student in 2025.

Note: Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (based on 1 AUD = ₹58.81) and should be checked against the latest rates when planning your finances.

In a major policy shift, the Australian Government increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee.

• Old Fee: AUD 710
• New Fee (from July 2025): AUD 2,000 (approx. ₹1.18 Lakh).

Important for Indian Students: This fee is non-refundable. If your visa is rejected, you lose this amount. Therefore, ensuring your financial documents and Statement of Purpose (SOP) are perfect is more critical than ever.

Financial Capacity Requirement

To get your visa approved, you must prove you have enough money to survive. The Department of Home Affairs has raised the minimum financial capacity requirement to AUD 29,710 (approx. ₹17.5 Lakh) for a single applicant.

Tuition fees in Australia depend heavily on the "Prestige Premium." You will pay significantly more for Group of Eight (Go8) universities compared to regional institutions.

MS/Master's in Australia Fees in INR for Indian Students

Most Indian students target Master's programs. Here is the cost difference based on university tiers:

Insight: Choosing a regional university like the University of Southern Queensland over the University of Sydney can save you approx. ₹15 Lakh - ₹20 Lakh per year in tuition alone.

Course-wise Cost of Studying in Australia

• Bachelor’s Degree: $20,000 - $45,000 (₹11.8L - ₹26.5L)
• Medical/Veterinary: Can exceed $76,000 (₹44L+) per year.
• Vocational (VET): $10,000 - $18,000 (₹5.8L - ₹10.5L).

Top Affordable Universities in Australia for Indian Students

If your budget is tight, look beyond the "Group of Eight." These universities offer quality education at nearly half the cost of top-tier metro institutions.

Note: Fees are approximate. Always check the official university website for the exact 2025 fee structure.

Know more about the Affordable universities in Australia

While the government requires you to show AUD 29,710, the real cost of living in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne is often higher, closer to AUD 40,000 (₹23.5 Lakh) if you live independently.

Rent: The Biggest Expense

Australia is currently facing a rental crisis with low vacancy rates. Rent varies sharply by city:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Average)

• Groceries: AUD 400 - AUD 600 (Cooking at home saves money; eating out costs ~$25/meal).
• Transport: AUD 150-AUD 220.
  • Tip: International students in NSW (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne) generally do not get concession fares on public transport. Students in Adelaide and Perth do get 50% off.
• Utilities (Phone, Internet, Electricity): AUD 200 - AUD 300.

Many students overlook these "silent" expenses that can drain your budget upon arrival:

1. OSHC (Health Insurance): Mandatory for your visa. You must pay the full premium for your entire course duration upfront. For a 2-year course, this is approx. AUD 1,200 - AUD 1,500.
2. Rental Bond: Landlords usually require 4 weeks of rent as security deposit. In competitive markets, you might need to pay 3-6 months of rent upfront to secure a place.
3. Textbooks & Materials: Specialized books can cost over $150 each. Budget $500 - $1,000/year.

Visa Health Check & Biometrics: Approx. ₹5,000 - ₹8,000 paid in India before departure.

A common myth is that part-time work covers tuition. It does not.

• Work Cap: You can work 48 hours per fortnight during semesters.
• Earning Potential: At minimum wage (~$24/hour), you will earn approx. $2,300 per month.

Reality Check: After paying rent and food (~$2,000+), you will save roughly $200-$300. This is helpful for pocket money but cannot pay your university fees.

1. Scholarships:
   • Australia Awards: Covers full tuition + stipend.
   • Destination Australia: Offers $15,000/year for studying in regional campuses.
   • University Scholarships: Many offer 10-25% fee waivers based on merit (e.g., Vice-Chancellor’s Awards).
2. Regional Arbitrage: Studying in cities like Adelaide or Perth reduces living costs by 20-30% and offers longer post-study work rights.
3. Share Accommodation: Sharing a house is 30-50% cheaper than private apartments.

For Indian students, studying in Australia is often an investment toward a global career and potentially Permanent Residency (PR). Here is the realistic picture for 2025.

Salary Expectations vs. Investment

While the cost of study is high, the potential returns are significant if you choose the right field.

• Average Graduate Salary: The median annual salary for postgraduate coursework graduates is AUD 96,600 (approx. ₹56.8 Lakh).
• General Graduate Salary: The average salary across sectors sits around AUD 77,919 (approx. ₹45.8 Lakh).
• High-ROI Sectors: To maximize your chances of a high salary and migration, focus on "Skill Shortage" lists. Key sectors include Nursing, Teaching, Engineering (Civil/Mining), and IT. Generalist degrees (like a generic Business degree) often have lower migration prospects and longer payback periods.

Can I Get PR After Studying?

Studying in Australia does not guarantee PR, but it provides a pathway. The "Golden Rule" for 2025 is Regional Arbitrage.

• The Strategy: Studying in regional cities (like Adelaide, Perth, or Gold Coast) earns you extra points toward PR.

Bonus Work Rights: Graduates from regional campuses are often eligible for an additional 1-2 years on their Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This gives you more time to earn in AUD and recover your education loan.

Studying in Australia in 2025 requires a minimum annual budget of ₹25 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh for regional universities, and upwards of ₹40 Lakh for top-tier Go8 institutions. While the upfront costs especially the AUD 2,000 visa fee are high, the return on investment remains strong for skills in demand like Engineering, IT, and Healthcare.

Next Step: Are you unsure which university fits your budget? Use our Leap Scholar University Shortlist Tool to find courses that match your financial profile and academic goals.