This article covers every cost you need to plan a two-year MS in Australia, tuition by university tier and specialisation, city-wise living expenses, 2026 visa fees, hidden costs most guides leave out, and what the recent policy changes mean for Indian applicants specifically. By the end, you will have a verified rupee-first budget you can take to your family and a clear sense of which university and city combination fits your situation.
Exchange rate used throughout: Rs.65 per AUD (approximate as of March 2026). Verify the current rate before finalising your budget, as the AUD/INR rate changes daily.
What the Total Cost of MS in Australia Actually Looks Like in 2026
The Rs.25 lakh figure that appears on most websites is one year of tuition at a mid-tier university, nothing else. Once you add living costs, visa fees, OSHC, and the post-study work visa you will almost certainly apply for after graduation, the real two-year total is significantly higher.
Here is the complete picture:
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| Cost Component | Go8 University | Mid-Tier University | Regional University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition (AUD / Rs.) | AUD 45,000–65,000 / Rs.29.2L–42.2L | AUD 28,000–40,000 / Rs.18.2L–26L | AUD 18,000–28,000 / Rs.11.7L–18.2L |
| Living costs/year (AUD / Rs.) | AUD 24,000–32,000 / Rs.15.6L–20.8L | AUD 20,000–28,000 / Rs.13L–18.2L | AUD 18,000–24,000 / Rs.11.7L–15.6L |
| Student visa Subclass 500 (one-time) | AUD 2,000 / Rs.1.3L | AUD 2,000 / Rs.1.3L | AUD 2,000 / Rs.1.3L |
| OSHC for 2 years (AUD / Rs.) | AUD 1,200–1,500 / Rs.78K–97.5K | AUD 1,200–1,500 / Rs.78K–97.5K | AUD 1,200–1,500 / Rs.78K–97.5K |
| Pre-arrival costs (AUD / Rs.) | AUD 3,000–5,000 / Rs.1.95L–3.25L | AUD 3,000–5,000 / Rs.1.95L–3.25L | AUD 2,500–4,000 / Rs.1.62L–2.6L |
| Post-study work visa Subclass 485 (one-time) | AUD 4,600 / Rs.2.99L | AUD 4,600 / Rs.2.99L | AUD 4,600 / Rs.2.99L |
| Estimated 2-year total | Rs.72L–1.17Cr | Rs.52L–76L | Rs.40L–57L |
How Australia compares to other destinations (annual total, MS):
| Destination | Annual tuition + living (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Australia (Go8) | AUD 69,000–97,000 / Rs.44.8L–63L |
| USA (top-50 university) | USD 55,000–80,000 / Rs.46L–67L |
| UK (Russell Group) | GBP 38,000–50,000 / Rs.40L–52.5L |
| Australia (regional) | AUD 36,000–52,000 / Rs.23.4L–33.8L |
Australia's regional universities undercut both the UK and US meaningfully while still offering post-study work rights of 2–4 years.
MS Tuition Fees in Australia: By University Tier and Specialisation
University-wise annual tuition for international MS students (2026):
| University | QS 2026 Rank | Annual Tuition (AUD) | Annual Tuition (Rs.) | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 13 | AUD 48,000–70,000 | Rs.31.2L–45.5L | Go8 |
| University of Sydney | 18 | AUD 46,000–62,000 | Rs.29.9L–40.3L | Go8 |
| UNSW Sydney | 19 | AUD 44,000–60,000 | Rs.28.6L–39L | Go8 |
| Australian National University | 30 | AUD 43,000–58,000 | Rs.27.9L–37.7L | Go8 |
| Monash University | 37 | AUD 40,000–55,000 | Rs.26L–35.75L | Go8 |
| RMIT University | 131–140 | AUD 32,000–42,000 | Rs.20.8L–27.3L | Mid-tier |
| Macquarie University | 195 | AUD 28,000–38,000 | Rs.18.2L–24.7L | Mid-tier |
| University of Southern Queensland | 601–650 | AUD 18,000–26,000 | Rs.11.7L–16.9L | Regional |
[Source: official university sites, anu.edu.au and monash.edu.]
Specialisation-wise annual fee range (Go8 and mid-tier combined):
| Specialization | Annual Fee Range (AUD) | Annual Fee Range (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / AI | AUD 38,000–56,000 | Rs.24.7L–36.4L |
| Data Science / Analytics | AUD 36,000–52,000 | Rs.23.4L–33.8L |
| Electrical / Mechanical Engineering | AUD 34,000–50,000 | Rs.22.1L–32.5L |
| Environmental Science | AUD 28,000–40,000 | Rs.18.2L–26L |
| Business Analytics | AUD 32,000–46,000 | Rs.20.8L–29.9L |
STEM programs sit at the higher end because of laboratory infrastructure, industry-linked curriculum, and equipment costs embedded in the fee.
For a list of affordable institutions that still offer strong programs, see cheap and affordable universities in Australia.
Visa and Insurance Costs Every Indian Applicant Must Budget for in 2026
Student Visa (Subclass 500): The application fee has been AUD 2,000 (Rs. 1.3 lakh) since 1 July 2025, confirmed by the Australian Government's Study Australia portal. This fee is non-refundable. If your visa is refused, you lose the full amount.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): Mandatory for the entire duration of your visa. For a two-year MS, OSHC costs approximately AUD 1,200–1,500 (Rs.78,000–97,500) in total, paid upfront. You cannot lodge your visa application without it.
Financial proof requirement: The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of AUD 29,710 (Rs 19.3 lakh) for living costs for the primary applicant's first year. This must be accessible and verifiable and not a promised transfer or a family asset valuation.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Post-study work visa (Subclass 485): From 1 March 2026, the application fee doubled to AUD 4,600 (Rs. 2.99 lakh) for the primary applicant. It is now the most expensive post-study work visa in the world. Budget for it now; do not discover it three months before your student visa expires. For a full breakdown of the 485 pathway, see post-study work permit in Australia.
India's Evidence Level 3 reclassification: Effective 8 January 2026, the Department of Home Affairs reclassified India from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the reclassification via its official website, citing integrity management as the reason for the change.
Counselor insight: The refusals we are seeing from Indian applicants in 2026 are not coming from weak academic profiles. They are coming from bank statements showing large, unexplained deposits in the 30–60 days before application. Case officers are flagging these as non-genuine financial arrangements. Maintain a stable, verifiable bank trail for at least six months before you apply, not just a lump sum deposited before lodgement.
Living Costs in Australia by City: What Indian Students Actually Spend
Monthly budget estimate for a single student (AUD):
| Expense | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | AUD 1,000–1,400 | AUD 900–1,300 | AUD 750–1,100 | AUD 650–950 | AUD 700–1,000 |
| Food and groceries | AUD 400–600 | AUD 380–580 | AUD 350–500 | AUD 320–480 | AUD 330–500 |
| Transport | AUD 180–220 | AUD 150–200 | AUD 100–150 | AUD 60–90 | AUD 70–100 |
| Utilities and phone | AUD 150–220 | AUD 140–200 | AUD 120–180 | AUD 110–170 | AUD 110–170 |
| Monthly total | AUD 1,730–2,440 | AUD 1,570–2,280 | AUD 1,320–1,930 | AUD 1,140–1,690 | AUD 1,210–1,770 |
| Monthly total in Rs. | Rs.1.12L–1.59L | Rs.1.02L–1.48L | Rs.85,800–1.25L | Rs.74,100–1.09L | Rs.78,700–1.15L |
Hidden costs that most budgets leave out:
These items alone can add Rs.1.5–2 lakh to your first year:
- Textbooks and lab supplies: AUD 500–1,000 (Rs 32,500–65,000) per year. Engineering, CS, and medicine programs sit at the upper end.
- Laptop (if you don't already own a suitable one): AUD 1,000–1,500 (Rs 65,000–97,500). Some programs also require paid software, such as MATLAB or Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Orientation and student union fees: AUD 100–200 (Rs 6,500–13,000) per year.
- Rental bond: Landlords require 4 weeks of rent as a security deposit upfront. In Sydney, this is AUD 1,000–1,400 before you have attended a single class.
Counselor insight: Regional cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth give Indian students three concrete financial advantages that Sydney and Melbourne do not: 50% transport concessions, faster access to casual part-time work (retail and hospitality jobs fill in days, not weeks), and lower rental bond requirements. For students whose primary goal is managing costs while building a career pathway to Australian PR, city choice matters as much as university choice.
For a detailed monthly breakdown by city and lifestyle type, see the cost of living in Australia for Indian students.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Indian Students
Everything below must be sorted before you board. Together, these costs add Rs.2–3 lakh to your budget before you land.
| Item | Estimated Cost (Rs.) | India-Specific Note |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS / PTE exam fee | Rs.16,000–18,000 per attempt | An IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) is required for most MS programs. Top-ranked universities often require 7.0. See the IELTS score required for Australia for band-wise requirements. |
| University application fees | Rs.6,500–13,000 per application (AUD 100–200) | Apply to 4–6 universities to keep options open. |
| Transcript apostille/attestation | Rs.3,000–8,000 | Indian degree certificates require an apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs before submission as supporting documents. |
| Medical examination for a visa | Rs.5,000–8,000 | Must be done by a DHA-approved panel physician. Book early appointments, as they fill fast in metro cities during peak application months. |
| CoE deposit to the university | Rs.32,500–1.1L (AUD 500–17,000) | The deposit secures your Confirmation of Enrolment. Go8 universities typically require AUD 10,000–17,000 upfront; regional universities charge less. |
| Economy flight (India to Sydney / Melbourne) | Rs.60,000–90,000 | Book 3–4 months ahead for the best fares. January and July intake arrivals are peak booking periods, and prices spike 3–4 weeks before the semester start. |
Your 2026–27 planning timeline, in brief:
If you're aiming for the February 2027 intake,
- July–August 2026: Start preparing for the IELTS or PTE. Build in time to retake the test if your initial score isn't what you need.
- September–October 2026: Submit university applications. Scholarship deadlines (Australia Awards close 30 April) have already passed for the 2027 intake. If you want that route, plan for 2028.
- November 2026: Accept the offer, pay the CoE deposit, purchase OSHC, and apply for the Subclass 500 visa.
- November–January 2027: Allow 10–14 weeks for visa processing (Indian applicants under Evidence Level 3). Do not book flights until the visa is granted.
- January 2027: Depart.
Scholarships That Can Actually Reduce Your MS Cost
| Scholarship | Benefit | Indian Eligibility | Deadline (2027 intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards (South Asia and Mongolia) | Full tuition, return airfare, OSHC, living stipend | Yes, India is a participating country under the South Asia and Mongolia program | 30 April 2026 (for 2027 intake) |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Full tuition offset + AUD 34,000/year living stipend | Yes, for MS by Research degrees only | Applied through the university admission process |
| Destination Australia | Up to AUD 15,000/year towards tuition | Yes, must study at a regional campus | Varies by university |
| University merit scholarships (e.g., Macquarie International Achievement) | AUD 10,000 off total tuition | Yes, based on academic merit | Rolling, check each university's admissions page |
Honest caveat: Coursework MS scholarships are partial and highly competitive. RTP funding is genuinely transformative but applies only to MS by Research, a structurally different degree. Budget for the full tuition cost of a coursework MS. Treat any scholarship as a reduction, not a plan.
To explore the complete range of opportunities open to Indian students, consult the scholarships in Australia for Indian students page.
Part-Time Work and Graduate Salary: Does MS in Australia Pay Off?
Part-time work during your MS:
Current work rights allow up to 24 hours per week during the semester, with unlimited hours during official semester breaks.
The Australian national minimum wage supports casual work starting from approximately AUD 24–27 per hour, depending on the industry and award.
Realistic income during semester: 24 hours/week x 4 weeks x AUD 25 = AUD 2,400/month (Rs.1.56 lakh) before tax.
Tax note: most international students are classified as non-residents for Australian tax purposes in their first year, meaning income is taxed at a flat 32.5% on earnings under AUD 120,000. After taxes, the monthly take-home pay is about AUD 1,620 (Rs 1.05 lakh), which is enough to pay for groceries and transportation but not rent.
Graduate salary and payback period:
According to the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, the median annual salary for postgraduate coursework graduates in Australia is AUD 96,600 (Rs 62.8 lakh).
Field-wise estimates for entry-level roles:
| Specialization | Estimated Entry Salary (AUD) | Estimated Entry Salary (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science / AI | AUD 90,000–110,000 | Rs.58.5L–71.5L |
| IT / Software Engineering | AUD 85,000–100,000 | Rs.55.2L–65L |
| Electrical / Mechanical Engineering | AUD 80,000–95,000 | Rs.52L–61.7L |
| Business Analytics | AUD 75,000–90,000 | Rs.48.7L–58.5L |
Decision Framework: Three Indian Students, Three Different Budgets
Profile 1: In their last year of BTech (CS or ECE), they will graduate in May 2026 with a CGPA of 8 or higher. Their family can afford Rs.50–60 lakh.
You are a qualified candidate for Go8. If the family can pay the full amount, they can afford a two-year MS in AI or Data Science at UNSW, Monash, or ANU. Aim for a February 2027 intake. Under Evidence Level 3, this requirement means you have to have a clean, stable bank trail for six months before you can apply. You might get a scholarship, but you can't count on it. Plan to pay the full amount and treat any award as a bonus. You should start getting ready for the IELTS by July 2026. See the best engineering universities in Australia for program comparisons across the Go8.
Profile 2: A working person with 3 years of experience in Data Analytics or IT and a family budget of Rs 30–38 lakh.
A Go8 school will cost you more than you can afford. A mid-tier or regional university in Brisbane or Adelaide is a better option. Tuition fees are more manageable, ranging from AUD 28,000 to 36,000 annually. Students also benefit from discounted transportation, quicker access to part-time employment, and the potential to accumulate additional points toward permanent residency through regional study. Don't overlook the Destination Australia scholarship; it offers up to AUD 15,000 annually.
Profile 3: A BTech graduate with a CGPA of 6.5 to 7.0 who was turned down by US universities and is now contemplating going to Australia.
This CGPA is a bit low for Go8; most Go8 programs want a 75–80% equivalent or a CGPA of 7.5 or higher. The University of Wollongong, RMIT, Deakin, and Macquarie are all mid-tier universities that have more flexible entry requirements and charge AUD 28,000–36,000 per year. If your IELTS score is less than 6.5, you might want to think about a bridging English program. It costs AUD 5,000–8,000 (Rs 32,500–52,000) and adds 3–6 months to your degree start date. The program costs more, but it's better than waiting a whole year. In reality, your total cost for two years, including the English pathway, would be between Rs. 45 and 60 lakh.
What to Do If Your Application or Budget Goes Wrong
Visa refused: The AUD 2,000 fee is non-refundable. Before reapplying, read the refusal letter in full. For Indian applicants in 2026, the most common causes are financial document irregularities (unexplained deposits, non-verifiable statements) and a weak Genuine Student (GS) statement, not an academic profile. Address the specific reason. Reapplying immediately without addressing the root cause may lead to a second refusal and an additional loss of Rs.1.3 lakh.
IELTS below the required band: A conditional offer with a bridging English program adds AUD 5,000–8,000 and 3–6 months. This is preferable to deferring by a full year. Most universities offer one integrated English pathway before the degree begins.
Scholarship not received: Recalibrate to a mid-tier or regional university rather than abandoning Australia entirely. The tuition difference between a Go8 and a well-ranked regional university can be Rs.15–20 lakh over two years, comparable to many scholarship values.
Mid-degree financial shortfall: Most Australian universities maintain a student hardship or emergency fund, typically AUD 1,000–3,000 (Rs 65,000–1.95 lakh), available to enrolled students facing genuine financial difficulty. Apply early; these funds are limited and administered on a first-come basis. Part-time work hours can be increased to unlimited during semester breaks to rebuild savings.
Conclusion
Three things every Indian student planning an MS in Australia in 2026 should act on:
- The verified two-year total cost, including tuition, living, visa fees, OSHC, hidden costs, and the new subclass 485 post-study work visa, ranges from Rs.40 lakh at a regional university to over Rs.75 lakh at a Go8 institution in Sydney or Melbourne. Any figure below Rs.35 lakh is missing the cost of MS in Australia for 2 years as a complete number.
- India's Evidence Level 3 reclassification from January 2026 means your financial documents need a clean, stable 6-month history before you apply. A last-minute lump sum deposit is now one of the most common causes of visa refusals from Indian applicants. Start your bank trail now if you are targeting the 2027 intake.
- Regional cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth save Rs.8–12 lakh in living costs over two years compared to Sydney and Melbourne, come with transport concessions, and offer extra PR migration points. For students whose goal is a post-study career in Australia, the city decision deserves the same thought as the university decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much does it cost to do MS in Australia?
Pursuing a Master's in Australia is a dream for many international students due to its globally ranked universities, research opportunities, and high employability rates. The MS in Australia typically costs AUD 28,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (approx. INR 15–27 lakh), depending on the university and program.
-
Is doing MS in Australia worth it?
A Master’s in Australia is generally worth it for students targeting high-demand fields like IT, health, or engineering, offering world-class education, potential for high earnings (AUD 70k–100k+), and a pathway to permanent residency (PR). While tuition is expensive and the cost of living is high, the opportunity to work while studying and post-study work visas provide significant ROI, though success requires strategic planning.
-
Is 2000 AUD enough to live in Australia?
AUD 2,000 per month is
generally insufficient for a single person to live comfortably in major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne), as it barely covers rent and basic expenses, which often exceed AUD 2,500–3,000 monthly. While potentially feasible for students sharing accommodation or in regional areas, this budget is very tight and likely requires significant lifestyle sacrifices or part-time work. -
Can I get PR if I study in Australia?
Yes, many international students transition to PR after completing their studies. Common routes include the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), employer-sponsored visas, or skilled migration options like the Subclass 189.
-
Is Australia more costly than India?
Yes, Australia is significantly more expensive than India. The overall cost of living in Australia is roughly 217% higher than in India, with rent alone over 500% higher, according to Propelld. While Australia offers higher incomes, daily expenses like food, housing, and transport are much higher, requiring a much higher salary to maintain a similar standard of living.
-
Can I remain in Australia after completing my master's degree?
Yes, you can stay in Australia after your master’s degree, typically for 2–3 years (or longer if in a regional area) by applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to live, work, and study while gaining work experience, which can be a pathway to permanent residency.
-
Does Australia reject a visa application if you have MS?
You may not meet the health criteria if you have a chronic or progressive medical condition that requires medical treatment and follow-up. Conditions like cancer, developmental delays in children, HIV, multiple sclerosis, and Down's syndrome can be problematic. If you have tuberculosis, you cannot be granted a visa.
-
Can I leave Australia after PR?
After 5 years
Once the travel facility expires, you must: Apply for a Resident Return visa - if you wish to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. Apply for Australian citizenship - if you wish to travel as an Australian citizen.
Explore More
- Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
- Cheap and Affordable Universities in Australia
- Post-Study Work Permit in Australia
- IELTS Score Required for Australia
- Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
About the Author
Verified by: LeapScholar's Australia counselling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through MS applications, student visa filings, and post-study work permit planning.
Have questions about the cost of your MS in Australia? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counsellor.
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