How Do International Students Afford To Study At Australia Universities In 2025?

You don’t just wake up and decide to drop AUD 50,000 per year on a degree in Australia. No, you stare at your bank account, questioning your life choices. Tuition fees, student visa costs, rent in Sydney or Melbourne, and SSAF fees pile up fast. Studying in Australia as an international student isn’t just expensive—it’s a financial battlefield.

Yet, thousands do it. Some work part-time on-campus, others grab a scholarship, and many take an education loan from an overseas provider. Affording an Australian university isn’t just about budgeting—it’s about being smart, scrappy, and strategic. So, how do they pull it off? More importantly, how can you?

What Is The Cost Of Studying In Australian Universities?

Australia isn’t just about tuition fees; it’s about everything else that comes with it. Your cost of living, accommodation, student services and amenities fees, and even the OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) can make your budget cry. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, expenses vary based on your university, city, and lifestyle. Oh, and before you even step foot in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a student visa, which isn’t exactly cheap either.

Here’s a breakdown of what it actually costs to study in Australia:

Expense	Estimated Cost (AUD)	Notes
Undergraduate Tuition Fees	20,000 – 45,000 per year	Varies by course and university
Postgraduate Tuition Fees	22,000 – 50,000 per year	Higher for medical and MBA programs
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	~710 one-time	Required to study; fees set by the Australian government
OSHC (Health Insurance)	500 – 800 yearly	Mandatory for international students
Accommodation (Rent)	1,000 – 2,500 per month	Varies by city and type (on-campus, shared, private)
Living Costs (Food, Transport, etc.)	1,400 – 2,500 per month	Higher in Sydney and Melbourne
Student Services and Amenities (SSAF)	100 – 350 per year	Covers campus services and facilities
Short-term Expenses (Books, Setup Costs, etc.)	500 – 2,000 one-time	Initial costs when settling in Australia

6 Simple Ways To Manage The Cost Of Study In Australia For International Students

You don’t just pay to study in Australia—you survive it. Between the fees in Australia, living expenses, and the insane cost of studying in Australia, you start questioning life choices. “Maybe I should’ve just stayed home and watched YouTube tutorials instead?”

But no, you’re here, looking to study in Australia in 2024 or 2025, and you need to make it work. Tuition, rent, food, overseas student health cover, and even those sneaky application fees—everything adds up in cost of living in Australia. The good news? You don’t need to sell a kidney (yet). International students can apply smart strategies to cut down costs. Here’s how:

1. Apply for Scholarships (Because Free Money is the Best Money)

Australian universities offer scholarships to study for both undergraduate students and master’s degree applicants. There are also government-funded programs like Australia Awards, which can fully or partially subsidise your tuition. Students must check with their education providers to see what’s available for international students and also apply for private grants. Scholarships available? Absolutely. But competition is fierce, so apply early.

2. Get Financial Assistance (Because Being Broke is Overrated)

Don’t just rely on savings—look for financial aid options. Many universities in Australia provide financial assistance for overseas students, including tuition installment plans. If you’re planning to study in Australia, explore post-study work opportunities to make money while still earning credit points for your degree. Plus, some higher education providers offer grants to cover essential living expenses.

3. Pick Your City Wisely (Not All of Australia Costs the Same)

Living costs in Australia can be brutal, but they vary across different cities in Australia. Studying in Canberra? Cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne. Urban areas drain your sufficient funds faster than regional locations, where rent and food are more affordable. Students may be able to reduce costs by choosing universities in budget-friendly locations. So, before your enrolment, consider where you’ll get the best value for your money.

4. Choose Affordable Student Accommodation (Or Risk Going Broke on Rent)

Rent is a monster, and student accommodation in major cities can eat up your annual cost real fast. Instead of splurging on high-end apartments, consider on-campus accommodation (usually cheaper) or share housing to split costs. If that’s still too much, regional universities often have more affordable accommodation in Australia. Private and public housing options exist, but students need to book early to get the best deals.

5. Work Part-Time (Because Textbooks Won’t Pay for Themselves)

Your Australian student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying and full-time during breaks. International students can expect jobs in hospitality, retail, and admin roles. Not glamorous, but it helps cover living costs in Australia. Some universities also offer on-campus work options, which saves time on commuting. Every AUD counts when you’re a student!

6. Plan for Hidden Costs (Because Australia Loves Surprise Fees)

It’s not just tuition—you need to pay for airfare, health insurance, student visa in Australia, and random application fees. Costs vary, and students must prepare for short-term and unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or extra course materials. Your overseas student health cover (OSHC) is mandatory, so budget for it in advance. Having an emergency fund? A lifesaver.

10 Affordable Universities In Australia For International Students

Did you know? Australia is the third most popular destination for international students, right after the U.S. and the U.K. But while Australia’s education system is globally recognised, the cost of studying here can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, some universities offer high-quality education at a lower price, making them ideal for students looking for affordability without compromising on professional development. If you’re eligible, choosing one of these institutions can help you manage costs while securing a degree that will open doors for you in your future career. Here’s a list of 10 affordable Australian universities:

University	Average Tuition Fees (AUD per year)	Average Salary After Graduation (AUD per year)
University of the Sunshine Coast	24,000 – 28,000	60,000 – 75,000
Federation University Australia	21,000 – 25,000	58,000 – 70,000
Charles Darwin University	22,000 – 26,000	62,000 – 78,000
Southern Cross University	22,000 – 27,000	55,000 – 72,000
Australian Catholic University	23,000 – 29,000	60,000 – 76,000
Victoria University	21,500 – 26,000	59,000 – 74,000
University of New England	20,000 – 24,500	57,000 – 73,000
Western Sydney University	25,000 – 30,000	61,000 – 78,000
CQ University Australia	22,000 – 27,500	58,000 – 76,000
University of Southern Queensland	23,000 – 28,500	59,000 – 75,000

What Are The Available Scholarships For International Students In Australia?

Money. The one thing that stands between you and your dream of studying abroad. It’s stressful, frustrating, and often the reason why so many talented students give up before they even start. But here’s the thing—free money does exist. Universities, governments, and private organizations all offer scholarships that can help cut down your tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs. The catch? You have to know where to look and apply before the deadlines sneak up on you.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the top scholarships available for Indian students in Australia:

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Who Can Apply?
Australia Awards	Full tuition, flights, health insurance, monthly stipend	Students from specific countries pursuing higher education
Destination Australia	Up to $15,000 per year for study in regional areas	Anyone enrolling in an eligible university outside major cities
Research Training Program (RTP)	Tuition, research funding, living allowance	Those pursuing a research-based master’s or PhD
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships	Partial or full tuition fee waivers	High-achieving students with excellent academic records
Endeavour Postgraduate Awards	Tuition, travel allowance, and research funding	Postgraduate students applying to Australian institutions
Merit-Based Scholarships	10% to 50% off tuition fees	Awarded by universities based on academic performance
Equity Scholarships	Financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds	Those facing financial hardship or difficult circumstances
Sports & Arts Scholarships	Tuition discounts and additional funding	Athletes or artists with outstanding achievements

Conclusion

Australia isn’t cheap, but let’s be real—if it were, everyone would be doing it. The reality is, affording a degree here is about strategy, not luck. You don’t just rely on savings and hope for the best. You apply for scholarships, you work part-time, you choose your city wisely, and you plan for hidden costs.

The truth? Most Indian students don’t have it all figured out before they arrive. They adapt. They find loopholes, stretch their budgets, and hustle their way through. And that’s okay. Because in the end, a degree isn’t just about what you learn in lectures—it’s about how you figure things out when things get tough.

Look, your dream scholarship is out there—why waste time digging through endless lists? Let Ambitio’s Scholarship Finder find a personalized scholarship for you. One-click. Thousands of opportunities. More funding, less stress.

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