Student Visa Cost Calculator Australia

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia in 2026?

Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for international students, with over 700,000 student visa holders studying across the country. However, the total cost goes well beyond tuition fees. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of financial capacity when you apply for a student visa (subclass 500), including tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. As of 2026, the annual living cost requirement for a single student is AUD 29,710, up from previous years. This figure covers accommodation, food, transport, clothing, and other personal expenses for 12 months. If you bring a partner, you need an additional AUD 10,394 per year, and each dependent child adds AUD 4,449 per year. These amounts are minimums set by the government and reflect the actual cost of living in major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The student visa application fee itself is AUD 1,600 for the primary applicant, with each additional dependant costing AUD 600. This is a non-refundable fee paid when you submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount. On top of this, you need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your visa. OSHC is mandatory and covers hospital and medical expenses in Australia. Costs vary by provider but typically range from AUD 600 per year for a single student to AUD 2,200 per year for a family policy. This calculator uses average OSHC rates across major providers like Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, and nib.

Breaking Down Your Student Visa Budget

When planning your budget, it helps to break costs into categories. Tuition fees vary enormously depending on your institution and course. Undergraduate degrees typically cost between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 per year, while postgraduate coursework programs range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. Research degrees, MBA programs, and medical degrees can cost significantly more. The calculator multiplies your annual tuition by the course duration to give you the total tuition cost. Living costs are calculated using the Department of Home Affairs minimum requirements, which represent the baseline you must demonstrate in your Genuine Student (GS) application. In practice, students in Sydney and Melbourne may spend more, while those in regional areas may spend less.

Return flights are another significant expense that many students overlook when budgeting. A return flight from Southeast Asia might cost AUD 800, while flights from Europe, Africa, or the Americas can exceed AUD 1,800 each way. This calculator estimates round-trip flights for you and any dependants based on your home region. Pre-departure costs of approximately AUD 2,000 cover expenses like document translation, health examinations, police clearances, English test fees (IELTS or PTE), and initial settlement costs like bedding and kitchen supplies when you first arrive.

Tips for Reducing Your Study Costs in Australia

There are several strategies to reduce the total cost of studying in Australia. First, consider universities in regional areas, which often have lower tuition fees and significantly lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne. Second, look for scholarships. Many Australian universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students that can reduce tuition by 10% to 50%. Third, compare OSHC providers. While coverage is similar across providers, prices can differ by hundreds of dollars per year. Fourth, once you arrive, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks, which can help offset living costs. Finally, shop around for flights using comparison tools and book early to secure the best prices. Planning ahead and using a tool like this calculator gives you a realistic picture of the total investment before you commit to studying in Australia.