How much does it cost to study in Australia per year?

Budget for tuition plus living costs. Undergraduate tuition is typically AUD 30,000 to AUD 60,000 a year, and living costs run about AUD 2,300 to AUD 5,000 a month depending on the city. Add health cover of around AUD 500 to AUD 700 a year. Sydney and Melbourne cost the most; regional cities cost the least.

Which Australian city is cheapest for students?

Regional cities are the most affordable, followed by Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, driven mainly by rent. Choosing a cheaper city, or a regional campus, can save thousands a year and, in the regional case, may also extend your post-study work visa.

Can I cover my costs by working part-time?

Only partly. Student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours in breaks, which helps with extras but will not cover tuition and rent. You must still show the required funds for your visa, and scholarships are the most reliable way to reduce total costs.

Cost of Living in Australia for Students 2026

How much does it cost to live in Australia?

Most students budget US$1,300–2,600 per month (AUD 2,000–4,000). Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities; Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are more affordable. Prices are higher than Korea, Taiwan, or China — but so are typical part-time wages (standard casual rates are AUD 30+/hour).

Housing: US$700–1,400 / month

Shared rental (house/flat): AUD 400–700/wk per share
University dorms / residential colleges: AUD 250–450/wk
Studios: AUD 500–900/wk

The most common student setup is a shared house or flat — university accommodation is limited and fills fast. Bond (usually 4 weeks) plus first rent are the upfront costs.

Food: US$300–600 / month

Brunch culture is real — avocado toast and a flat white run AUD 15–25. Cooking at home keeps costs close to AUD 60–100/week on groceries. Students split supermarkets (Coles/Woolworths/Aldi) and cook in big shared-house rotations.

Transport: US$80–150 / month

Monthly transit passes run AUD 120–180, and most states give students a 30–50% concession on public transport. Melbourne's city-centre trams are free. Many students cycle or walk in compact city centres.

Everything else

Activities: US$120–250 (cinema AUD 15–20 with discounts; beaches and national parks free)
Health insurance (OSHC): US$50–90 (mandatory for the visa)
Phone & internet: US$25–50 (SIM plans AUD 15–40; home broadband AUD 60–90)

A realistic monthly budget

Category	US$ range
Housing	700–1,400
Food	300–600
Transport	80–150
Activities	120–250
Health insurance	50–90
Phone & internet	25–50
Total	1,300–2,600

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Cost of Living in Australia for Students