Tuition fees in Australia are generally quite affordable and less expensive than in the U.K. or U.S.

There are often additional charges besides tuition, such as fees for student organization membership, library and laboratory costs, text book costs and sports facility costs. These costs vary according to the institution; the tuition and fee costs below should be considered estimates.

Secondary school: A$10,000 – A$13,000 a year

Vocational Education and Training: A$5,500 – A$18,000 a year

Foundation Studies: A$9,000 – A$14,000 a year

Undergraduate study: A$10,000 – A$13,500 a year 

Laboratory based such as science or engineering

Undergraduate study: A$11,000 – A$16,500 a year

Graduate certificate or diploma: A$9,000 – A$16,000 a year

Master’s degree or Ph.D: A$11,000 – A$18,500 a year

English language training costs vary considerably depending o­n the length of the course and the institution.

The average international student in Australia spends about A$335 (USD 260) per week o­n accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. Secondary school students in Australia typically spend less - about A$275 (USD 214) a week. Of course, individual spending will vary according to the student’s location, course and lifestyle.

Accommodation costs can add significantly to the overall cost of your study in Australia; however there are many options, so it is not difficult to choose accommodation that best suits your finances and preferences. Below are estimates for accommodation costs. See our accommodation section for more information.

Homestay: A$110 – A$270 a week

Hostel or guest house: A$80 – A$135 a week

Rental accommodation: A$70 – A$350 a week

Shared rental accommodation: A$50 – A$160 a week

Boarding school: A$8,000 – $A11,000 a week

University accommodation: A$80 – A$250 a week

Many students take part-time jobs during their studies to earn extra spending money. Some work at the schools where they are studying, assisting professors or working in laboratories, and some work in the campus dining halls or bookshops. Other students find work off-campus in restaurants, in shops or as babysitters. The institution where you study may provide a job placement service to help you find work options that suit your schedule and preferences.

International students studying in Australia o­n a student visa can apply for a student visa with permission to work after they have begun their course. The application can be submitted o­n-line or o­n paper. Application forms and further information are available at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website, http://www.immi.gov.au/. 

A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods.