Though a worthwhile long-term investment, international education can be expensive. Being aware of all living expenses and budgeting accurately is critical to ensure students will have the financial means to complete their education.

Tuition Fees

The cost of studying in Australia varies by institution and by the level of study. According to the Government of Australia, annual tuition fees for different types of qualifications are:

Living Expenses

In addition to tuition, students must also account for housing, food, transportation and other day-to-day living expenses. Costs are generally more expensive in bigger cities and will also depend on a student’s lifestyle, choice of accommodations, and spending habits.

Accommodations

Cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of accommodation a student chooses. According to the Government of Australia, the average living costs associated with studying and living in Australia are:

Other Living Expenses

Students need to also account for the following expenses:

Financial Assistance

The majority of international students in Australia pay full fees for their studies, However, there are a number of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to assist students with the cost of their education. They are offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and a number of other public and private organizations.

The major scholarship programs available for international students are:

• The Australia Awards, which aim to promote knowledge, education links, and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia’s extensive scholarship programs. The program brings together scholarships offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
• The Destination Australia Program (DAP), which is the Australian Government’s new mobility program for domestic and international students to study in regional Australia. Over 1000 scholarships will be available each year to support both domestic and international students studying at regional campus locations in qualifications from a Certification IV level and above. Australian tertiary institutions will be able to apply for scholarships of up to $15,000 per student, per year.
• The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), which supports both domestic and overseas students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees. Applications for these scholarships are made directly to a participating university.
• The Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship, which is open to high-achieving female researchers from APEC economies for research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions. The fellowships aim to support women’s economic empowerment in the APEC region and raise the profile of female role models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• Provider scholarships which Australian education providers regularly offer to qualifying international students, based on academic merit. Check out the education provider’s website for their list of scholarships.