The short answer
Budget roughly AUD 50,000–75,000 for your first year in Australia — about AUD 20,000–45,000 in tuition plus the AUD 29,710 in living costs you must be able to prove for a Subclass 500 visa. Your real total depends on your course and city.
Most students budget for tuition and stop there. The Department of Home Affairs, however, asks you to prove you can cover a full twelve months of living costs before it grants a Subclass 500 visa — and that single requirement is where most African applications stall.
Below is a realistic 2026 budget, built from published university fee schedules and the current official funds requirement. Every number is a starting point for your own plan, not a promise — costs vary by city, course and lifestyle.
Tuition: what you’ll actually pay
International tuition is set per course, not per university. A business degree at a regional university can cost less than half of a Group of Eight engineering programme, and health-science courses sit at the very top of the range.
| Course area | Per year (AUD) | 3-year total (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & commerce | 25,000 – 61,000 | 75,000 – 183,000 |
| Engineering & IT | 30,000 – 63,000 | 90,000 – 189,000 |
| Arts & humanities | 20,000 – 56,000 | 60,000 – 168,000 |
| Health sciences | 30,000 – 90,000 | 90,000 – 270,000 |
Source: AECC — indicative 2026–2027 international fee ranges. Always confirm the exact fee on the university’s own course page before you budget.
The funds you must prove
For visa purposes, living costs are not an estimate — they are a fixed figure you must evidence. As of 2026 the requirement is AUD 29,710 for the student, plus additional amounts for a partner or children.
Funds must be genuine and traceable. A large deposit that appears days before you apply invites scrutiny. Show a savings history, an approved education loan, or a documented sponsor with proof of income. As an alternative to the savings figure, Home Affairs also accepts evidence that a parent or partner earned at least AUD 62,222 in the past 12 months.
Monthly living costs by city
Rent drives almost everything. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive; Adelaide, Brisbane and other cities can cut your monthly outgoings — and regional study may also earn you extra post-study work rights.
Source: IDP — indicative monthly student living costs (accommodation, transport, food and utilities). Excludes tuition and health cover.
Zoe Craydel, Senior counsellor, Craydel Australia
Costs students forget
These are the line items that turn a AUD 40,000 plan into a AUD 55,000 reality. Build them in from the start.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)Mandatory single cover for the full length of your visa; the price depends on your provider and duration.AUD 478–1,000/yr
- Student visa application chargeBase charge for the Subclass 500, from 1 July 2026 (up from AUD 2,000). Confirm on the Home Affairs pricing page before you lodge.AUD 2,500
- Extra funds to prove if you apply from AfricaA travel component is added to the funds you evidence — AUD 2,500 for East and Southern Africa, AUD 3,000 for West Africa.AUD 2,500–3,000
- Rental bond and setupUsually a bond of about four weeks’ rent paid upfront, plus basics for your room.≈ 4 weeks’ rent
How to bring the number down
You cannot negotiate the visa funds requirement, but you can change almost everything else — where you study, which scholarship you chase, and how much you earn while enrolled.
Study in a regional city
Cheaper accommodation than Sydney or Melbourne, and eligibility for an extra year of post-study work rights.
Apply for a merit scholarship
Many universities award part-tuition scholarships automatically based on your grades — no separate application.
Work 48 hours per fortnight
Casual work is permitted during term on a Subclass 500, and there is no limit during scheduled course breaks.
Consider the July intake
Australia has two main intakes — February and July. Starting mid-year can mean less competition for housing.
Want this budget built around your grades?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist universities that fit what you can actually afford, then walk you through the visa — free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Australia for one year?
Budget roughly AUD 50,000–75,000 for a typical first year: about AUD 20,000–45,000 in tuition for most undergraduate courses, plus the AUD 29,710 in living costs you must prove for the visa, plus health cover and setup. Health-science and Group of Eight programmes can run higher.
How much money do I need for the student visa?
You must evidence AUD 29,710 for your own 12-month living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel, when you apply for a Subclass 500. Add AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child if they travel with you. Applicants from Africa also add a travel component of AUD 2,500 (East/Southern Africa) or AUD 3,000 (West Africa).
Is Australia expensive for international students?
It is one of the higher-cost study destinations, mainly because of rent in Sydney and Melbourne and the mandatory health cover. Choosing a regional city and a lower-fee course can reduce your annual cost substantially.
Which Australian city is cheapest for students?
On the figures above, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide tend to have lower typical monthly living costs than Sydney. Regional cities are usually cheaper again and can add post-study work rights.
How much is health cover (OSHC)?
Single Overseas Student Health Cover typically costs about AUD 478–1,000 per year, depending on the provider and how long your visa runs. It is mandatory for the full length of your stay.
Can I cover my costs by working part-time?
Part-time work helps but should not be your funding plan. You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks — enough to support living costs, not to replace the funds you must prove for the visa.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (Subclass 500), financial capacity and application charge. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Study Australia — Cost of living for international students. studyaustralia.gov.au
- AECC — Cost of studying in Australia (indicative 2026–2027 fee ranges). aeccglobal.com
- IDP — Cost of living in Australian cities. idp.com
Want this built around your grades and budget?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist Australia universities that fit what you can actually afford — free.
