Why Plan Your Australia Budget Carefully?
Australia is one of the most expensive study abroad destinations for Indian students — and also one of the most generous with post-study work rights (2–4 years depending on your program and location). The key is to go in with a realistic budget. Many Indian students underestimate living costs and end up over-working on student visas (which has strict work-hour limits). This guide gives you the actual numbers, not estimates.
Tuition Fees in Australia (2026)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (AUD) | Annual Tuition (INR approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Arts, Business) | AUD 22,000–32,000 | ₹12L–₹18L |
| Bachelor's (Engineering, IT) | AUD 28,000–42,000 | ₹16L–₹24L |
| Bachelor's (Medicine) | AUD 55,000–80,000 | ₹31L–₹45L |
| Master's (Business, IT, Engineering) | AUD 28,000–46,000 | ₹16L–₹26L |
| MBA | AUD 45,000–65,000 | ₹25L–₹37L |
| PhD (fees-paying) | AUD 28,000–40,000 | ₹16L–₹22L |
Living Costs: Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane
Sydney
Australia's most expensive city. Expect to spend AUD 2,400–3,200/month on all living costs:
- Rent (shared room): AUD 900–1,400/month
- Food (cooking + occasional eating out): AUD 500–700/month
- Transport (Opal card): AUD 150–200/month
- Phone + internet: AUD 60/month
- Miscellaneous: AUD 200–300/month
Melbourne
Slightly cheaper than Sydney. Expect AUD 2,100–2,800/month:
- Rent (shared room): AUD 800–1,200/month
- Food: AUD 450–650/month
- Transport (Myki): AUD 130–180/month
- Miscellaneous: AUD 200/month
Brisbane
More affordable than the southern capitals. Expect AUD 1,800–2,400/month:
- Rent (shared room): AUD 650–1,000/month
- Food: AUD 400–550/month
- Transport: AUD 120–160/month
- Miscellaneous: AUD 150–200/month
OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students in Australia. It covers Medicare-equivalent services: GP visits, hospital stays, prescribed medications, and limited dental and optical. Cost:
- Single student: AUD 700–900/year (varies by provider)
- Providers: Medibank, BUPA, Allianz, nib, OSHC Worldcare
- Many universities have a preferred OSHC provider — compare rates before accepting the default
Total Annual Budget for Indian Students in Australia (2026)
| Expense | Sydney (AUD) | Melbourne (AUD) | Brisbane (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (IT Master's) | 35,000 | 34,000 | 32,000 |
| Living (12 months) | 30,000 | 26,400 | 22,800 |
| OSHC (12 months) | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Visa + flights | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| Total Year 1 | ~AUD 68,300 | ~AUD 63,700 | ~AUD 58,100 |
| INR equivalent (approx) | ~₹38.5L | ~₹36L | ~₹32.8L |
Part-Time Work: What Indian Students Can Earn
Australian student visas allow you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during semester and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Australia's national minimum wage is AUD 24.10/hour (2026). Working 20 hours/week during semester you can earn AUD 1,900–2,000/month — covering most of your living costs.
Budget Tips for Indian Students in Australia
- Live in student halls for the first semester to build connections, then move to shared housing
- Shop at Aldi or Coles for groceries — significantly cheaper than Woolworths
- Use the student Opal card in Sydney for capped daily/weekly travel costs
- Join your university's Indian Students Association — they have local knowledge and grocery group buys
- Apply for the university's emergency financial assistance fund if you hit a rough patch
- Compare university-negotiated OSHC rates vs direct purchase before paying
Plan Your Australia Budget with StudyFar
StudyFar's financial planner lets you calculate your exact Australia budget by city and program, compare education loan options from 8 Indian banks, and find scholarships that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Use the free financial planner or read our complete Australia study guide.