Student Visa Cost Calculator Australia
Calculate the total cost of studying in Australia as an international student. This calculator covers the 2026 student visa (subclass 500) application fee, annual tuition, living cost requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), return flights, and pre-departure expenses. Enter your details to see a full breakdown by year and month so you can plan your budget before applying.
How Student Visa Cost Calculator Australia Works
Estimate total cost of studying in Australia including visa fees, tuition, living costs, OSHC, and flights. calculator for students. Enter your values into the form above and the calculator processes them instantly in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Australian student visa (subclass 500) application fee in 2026?
The student visa (subclass 500) application fee is AUD 1,600 for the primary applicant as of 2026. Each additional dependant (partner or child) costs AUD 600. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid when you submit your application through ImmiAccount. The fee covers the processing of your visa application but does not include other costs like health examinations, police clearances, or English test fees.
What are the living cost requirements for an Australian student visa?
The Department of Home Affairs requires you to demonstrate financial capacity for living costs of AUD 29,710 per year for the primary student. If you bring a partner, you need an additional AUD 10,394 per year, and each dependent child requires AUD 4,449 per year. These are minimum amounts you must prove you can access through savings, income, or financial support when applying for your visa. Actual living costs may be higher in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) mandatory for international students?
Yes, OSHC is mandatory for all international students in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500). You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your visa. OSHC covers hospital treatment, doctor visits, some pharmaceuticals, and ambulance services. You can choose from approved providers including Medibank, Allianz, Bupa, nib, and Australian Health Management. Costs vary by provider but typically range from AUD 600 per year for singles to AUD 2,200 per year for families.
Can I work while studying in Australia to offset costs?
Yes, student visa holders in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This allows you to earn income to help cover living expenses. At the current minimum wage of approximately AUD 24 per hour, working 24 hours per week could earn you around AUD 30,000 per year before tax. However, the Department of Home Affairs still requires you to demonstrate upfront financial capacity when applying, regardless of your intention to work.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for an Australian student visa?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. When applying for a student visa, you must provide a written statement explaining why you chose Australia, your chosen course and institution, your financial situation, and how the course will benefit your future. Immigration officers assess whether you are a genuine student based on your statement, financial evidence, academic history, and personal circumstances. A well-prepared GS statement with clear financial planning significantly improves your visa approval chances.
How much do flights to Australia cost from different regions?
Return flight costs to Australia vary significantly by region. Students from Southeast Asia can expect to pay around AUD 800 per person for a return flight. From South Asia it is approximately AUD 1,200, East Asia around AUD 1,000, and the Middle East about AUD 1,500. Students travelling from Africa or Europe typically pay around AUD 1,800 return, while flights from the Americas can cost AUD 2,000 or more. Booking early, being flexible with dates, and using comparison websites can help reduce these costs.