Is it realistic to fund an Australian graduate-entry MD program via a large education loan while working part-time as an international student?
No, this is not realistic. Australian medical school costs roughly AUD 350,000 to 420,000 in tuition over four years, plus living costs, while your visa caps part time work at 48 hours a fortnight. That yields only about AUD 28,000 to 31,000 a year, nowhere near enough.
You cannot rely on part time work to make an Australian MD affordable, no matter how large your education loan is. The visa rules, the workload and the banking system all work against this plan, so plan your finances around the real numbers below.
Why The Numbers Do Not Work
| Cost Or Limit | Approximate Figure |
|---|---|
| Tuition, 4 year MD | AUD 350,000-420,000 total |
| Minimum required living funds | AUD 29,710 a year |
| Legal part time work limit | 48 hours a fortnight in semester |
| Realistic part time earnings | AUD 28,000-31,000 a year before tax |
Why Part Time Work Cannot Fill The Gap
- Clinical years three and four run on full hospital shifts, including nights and weekends, leaving little room for outside jobs.
- Most medical students find that working more than eight to ten hours a week hurts their academic performance significantly.
- Australian banks do not lend to international students on temporary visas, so your entire loan must come from your home country, and visa officers will not accept projected part time income as proof of funds.
My Advice
Secure a loan from an Indian lender, such as a public bank scheme or a private international lender, that covers your full tuition, and arrange family backing or collateral to cover living costs independently of any job. Treat part time work purely as pocket money for extras, never as a core part of your funding plan.
Will you qualify for an Australian education loan?
Collateral, co-applicant income and repayment. Check your eligibility in minutes.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
More Australia questions
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Can I apply for a master's program in Australia immediately after completing my bachelor's at age 25?
- How does the show money requirement work for Australia visa applications?
- Will freelancing work experience be considered as a gap or as valid work experience for admissions in Ireland/Australia for a Master's?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Have you discussed your abroad education plan with your parents in UK/Australia?
- Is it better to apply for UK or consider other countries for my master's in business analytics in Australia/Canada?
- Which universities in Australia offer MS International Business for a B.Tech Product Design Engineering graduate and IELTS 7.5?