How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Australia for Indian Students?

Did you know that in Australia, the average annual tuition fee for a Bachelor in Engineering is AUD 30,000-50,000?” Although they offer world-class engineering programs, the overall cost, such as tuition, fees, and living costs, can be overwhelming for international students. With accommodation, food, and transport added, the figures escalate rapidly.

As a working Indian student, one must take into account the real expenses involved. Scholarships, part-time jobs, or financial assistance can go a long distance in lightening the load. Knowing what costs will be incurred and how to plan around fitting into the study while earning enough to return a portion of these costs can help.  

How Much is the Tuition Fee for Engineering Courses in Australia?

For international students planning to study engineering in Australia, tuition fees can be a major factor in decision-making. Australian universities offer Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering, and PhD programs, with costs varying based on university rankings, course specialization, and location.

Below is a breakdown of average tuition fees for international students in engineering programs in Australia at different degree levels.

Degree Level	Average Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)	Top Universities & Their Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Bachelor of Engineering	30,000 – 50,000	– University of Melbourne: AUD 45,000 – 50,000 – University of Sydney: AUD 48,000 – 52,000 – University of New South Wales (UNSW): AUD 42,000 – 48,000
Master of Engineering	32,000 – 55,000	– Australian National University (ANU): AUD 47,000 – 52,000 – Monash University: AUD 42,000 – 48,000 – University of Queensland: AUD 40,000 – 46,000
PhD in Engineering	35,000 – 60,000	– University of Western Australia: AUD 45,000 – 55,000 – University of Adelaide: AUD 40,000 – 50,000 – RMIT University: AUD 38,000 – 48,000

What are the Living Expenses for Studying Engineering in Australia?

Studying engineering in Australia is a fantastic opportunity, but living expenses can quickly add up. International students who want to study abroad must plan for accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare costs alongside tuition fees.

Let’s break down the cost of living in Australia for engineering students.

Accommodation Costs: On-Campus vs Off-Campus

Where you live makes a huge difference in your cost of studying engineering in Australia. Here’s what to expect:

Accommodation Type	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)	Details
On-Campus Housing	AUD 1,500 – 2,500	Convenient but expensive; includes utilities and meals in some cases.
Shared Apartment (Off-Campus)	AUD 800 – 1,500	Popular choice among students in Australia; rent is lower when split with roommates.
Homestay (Living with a Local Family)	AUD 1,000 – 1,800	Includes meals, utilities, and a local experience.
Private Rental	AUD 1,500 – 3,000	Best for those who prefer independence; rent varies by city.

Top universities in Australia, such as those ranked in the QS World University Rankings, offer on-campus housing, but spaces fill up fast. Most engineering students in Australia prefer off-campus shared apartments to reduce costs.

Food, Transportation, and Healthcare Expenses

Living in Australia isn’t just about paying rent—food, transport, and medical costs add up too!

Expense	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)	Details
Food & Groceries	AUD 300 – 600	Cooking at home saves money; eating out is expensive.
Public Transport	AUD 120 – 200	Cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer student discounts.
Healthcare (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC)	AUD 600 – 800 (Annual)	International students must have OSHC for visa approval.
Utilities & Internet	AUD 100 – 250	Includes electricity, water, and WiFi for off-campus rentals.

Australia for Indian students fees can be overwhelming, but smart budgeting helps. Buying groceries instead of eating out and using student discounts on public transport can lower living costs in Australia significantly.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Offered by Popular Engineering Colleges in Australia

Studying engineering in Australia can be expensive, but there are scholarships and financial aid programs available to help international students. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering, or a PhD, scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and living expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the top funding options available to students:

Government Scholarships for International Students

The Australian government provides several scholarships to attract top talent from around the world. These cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for international students.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Coverage
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)	Students from eligible countries, including India	Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and OSHC (health insurance)
Destination Australia Scholarship	Students pursuing degrees in regional Australian universities	AUD 15,000 per year for tuition and living costs
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships	Postgraduate students (Master’s & PhD) in engineering and technology	Full tuition + stipend for living expenses

These scholarships make it easier for students in Australia to focus on their studies without financial stress. Australia offers government funding for research-intensive programs, especially in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and electrical engineering.

University-Based Scholarships for Engineering Students

Many top engineering universities in Australia provide merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. These reduce tuition fees for high-achieving students.

University	Scholarship Name	Coverage
University of Melbourne	Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship	Full tuition + living stipend
University of Sydney	Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	AUD 5,000 – 40,000 per year
Monash University	Engineering Excellence Scholarship	AUD 10,000 per year
University of Queensland	Science and Engineering International Scholarship	25% reduction in tuition fees
RMIT University	STEM Scholarship for Women in Engineering	AUD 10,000 one-time grant

These engineering colleges in Australia encourage students to apply early, as spots are limited. The QS World University Rankings by Subject list many Australian universities in the top 100 universities for engineering and technology.

Private and Industry-Sponsored Scholarships

Many companies, organizations, and engineering recruiters in Australia offer scholarships to support engineering students. These scholarships often come with internship or job placement opportunities after graduation.

Organization	Scholarship Name	Eligibility
Engineers Australia	Engineering Futures Scholarship	Open to international students studying engineering courses in Australia
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)	ICE International Engineering Scholarship	Available for civil engineering students
Google Australia	Google Women Techmakers Scholarship	For female students in engineering and technology
Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA)	Energy Industry Engineering Scholarship	For students in mechanical and electrical engineering
Westpac Scholars Trust	Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship	Full funding for master’s and PhD students

Australia provides funding opportunities for students pursuing engineering degrees in high-demand fields. These scholarships not only reduce the cost of studying engineering but also create industry connections for future job opportunities.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Studying Engineering in Australia

Studying engineering in Australia is a big investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to drain your bank account. With tuition fees, living expenses, and other student costs adding up, it’s important to plan wisely.

Here are real, practical ways to make studying engineering in Australia more affordable.

1. Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

One of the best ways to cut costs is to apply for scholarships. Many universities in Australia offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or postgraduate courses.

Top Scholarships to Consider:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (Full Tuition)
• Destination Australia Scholarship (AUD 15,000 per year)
• University-Specific Scholarships (Monash, Melbourne, Sydney)

Tip: Apply early and ensure your application is strong—most scholarships are highly competitive.

2. Choose Affordable Accommodation & Cut Living Expenses

Living expenses in Australia can be just as costly as tuition. On-campus housing is convenient but often more expensive than off-campus options.

Affordable Housing Options:

• Shared Apartments: Rent with other students to split costs.
• Homestay Programs: Living with a local family can reduce expenses.
• Regional Universities: Australia is home to many great universities outside big cities where rent is cheaper.

Tip: Cooking at home and using student discounts for transport can save hundreds of dollars each month.

3. Work While Studying in Australia

The Australian student visa allows international students to apply for part-time jobs while studying. This is a great way to cover btech in Australia fees and daily expenses.

Popular Jobs for Engineering Students:

• Tutoring other students (good pay, flexible hours)
• Internships with recruiters for BTech in Australia (boosts your resume)
• Retail and hospitality (earn while studying)

Tip: During semester breaks, students can work in Australia temporarily with full-time hours, earning even more.

4. Study at Cost-Effective Universities

Not all engineering universities in Australia charge the same fees. Tuition varies depending on the university, course, and level of study.

Affordable Universities for Engineering:

• University of Wollongong (Low tuition + strong research citations per paper)
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT) (Affordable, industry-focused)
• University of South Australia (UniSA) (Budget-friendly, great for BTech students)

Tip: Compare course fees before choosing a university—sometimes, top colleges don’t mean the highest cost.

Conclusion

Studying engineering in Australia is a great investment, but it comes with significant costs. The average cost for a Bachelor of Engineering in Australia ranges between AUD 35,000 – 50,000 per year, with postgraduate courses costing even more. Beyond tuition fees, living expenses in Australia add around AUD 20,000 – 25,000 per year, making financial planning crucial for international students. While Australia is home to some of the best engineering universities, costs vary based on university rank, course specialization, and location. Scholarships, part-time work, and strategic budgeting can help manage expenses.

If you’re looking to study BTech in Australia and want expert guidance on choosing the best universities, funding options, and applications, Ambitio can help. Get expert assistance with university selection, applications, and scholarships. Join Ambitio Elite and make your study in Australia dream a reality!

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