Australia is favoured by Indian students. It has world-class universities, cultural diversity,
varied courses, and good post-study work opportunities.
Australia also has a high standard of living, a secure and multicultural society, and internationally recognized degrees. Six cities in Australia features in the top 50 student cities globally. Students are also drawn by the potential to work part-time while studying and to acquire work experience on graduation.
1. Institutional fees
It is a primary portion of cost studying in Australia. Tuition fees for Indian students in Australia vary based on the education provider, level of study, Field of Study, and study location. Fees range from approximately AUD 12,000 to AUD 85,000 per year.
Estimated Education Programs fees in Australia for Indian
Additional course costs may include learning materials or specific clothing, such as safety boots or a lab coat.
Living Expenses for Indian Students in Australia (2025)
Indian students in Australia should budget for a wide range of living costs that vary greatly by city and lifestyle.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, a student must show funds of at least A$24,505 per year (≈A$2,042/month), but actual expenses often exceed this, especially in major cities.
For example, the University of Sydney notes that a single student living away from home needs at least A$2,042 per month for basics, and UNSW recommends planning on A$2,480/month or more for Sydney.
Below we break down typical monthly costs by category, with minimum and average ranges for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart. (Ranges are approximate; lifestyle choices and location greatly influence actual spending.)
1.Accommodation (rent per month) cost for studying in Australia
Accommodation is usually the single largest expense. Shared apartments are cheaper per person than private rentals; on campus housing (dorms or student residences) can range widely; homestay (a private room in an Australian family’s home) typically costs more than share-rentals.
Sydney is by far the most expensive city for rent. For instance, the University of Sydney and UNSW report that shared off campus rent in Sydney runs about A$350–700 per week (≈A$1,400–2,800 per month), and on-campus student residences are about A$383685/week (≈A$1,534–2,740/month).
By contrast, Adelaide and Hobart are much cheaper: shared rentals can be about A$300600/week (≈A$1,200–2,400/month) in Adelaide, while Hobart shared rents are typically under A$300/week. On-campus options (where available) generally include utilities: e.g. UQ(Brisbane) halls run from A$339–752/week (≈A$1,356 3,008/month, including meals). Homestay fees are around A$250–450/week depending on city (≈A$1,000–1,800/month);
For example, Perth homestays are about A$255–365/week (≈A$1,020–1,460/month), while Sydney homestays are roughly A$350–450/week.
2. Food and Groceries to studying in Australia
Eating at home and dining out are major expenses. Estimates from student budgets indicate around A$140–280 per week (≈A$560–1,120/month) for food and groceries. Sydney tends toward thehigh end (around A$600–1,100/month), while regional cities like Adelaide and Canberra may be lower. For example, Adelaide’s student guide suggests about A$60–200 per week on groceries (≈A$240–800/month). Canberra estimates A$100–150/week (~A$400–600/month) for food. Brisbane and Perth typically fall in between (roughly A$400900/month).
3. Public Transport cost to studying in Australia
Costs for buses, trains and trams vary by city. Students use concessions or multi-trip passes: typical weekly spending is on the order of A$30–60/week. Sydney’s weekly Opal cap for full fare adults is A$50 (≈A$200/month) (with concession about A$25). UNSW College suggests about A$40/week for Sydney transit. Melbourne’s student Myki costs about A$150/month for unlimited travel in the zone system (≈A$35/week). Brisbane Translink’s weekly cap is ~$52 (≈A$208/month). By contrast, Adelaide’s CBD is small and many students use a free tram zone – Adelaide’s guide lists only A$15/week for transit (≈A$60/month). Canberra students get $1.61 fares (cap~$4.80/day); monthly transport might be $40–120 depending on usage. Hobart’s monthly bus pass is about A$105. In summary, monthly transport costs range roughly A$60–200: lower in Adelaide/Hobart, higher (≈A$150–200) in Sydney and similar-sized cities.
4. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water) cost to study in Australia
Utility bills (electricity, gas and water) are often included in rentfor on-campus or purpose-built housing.
In shared houses, students typically split these costs. As a rule of thumb, utilities cost on the order of $50–150 per month per person. For instance, the UQ reference notes utilities are included in their housing rents; the University of Adelaide suggests about A$4550 per week for shared bills (≈A$180–200/month for the household, or ~$90–100 each in a 2-person share).
UNSW guidance estimates gas/electricity at A$35–140 per week (A$140–560/month; this high end allows air-conditioning use). Canberra data notes $20–50 per week on utilities (~A$80200/month). Perth’s guide gives about A$216/month for a 2‑bed apt (split between roommates) (~A$108 each). In smaller cities like Hobart, Numbeo reports ~$422/month for utilities in an 85m² apartment (though that is for a large apartment). Overall, budgeting A$100–250/month on combined utilities (electricity, gas, water) is prudent in all cities, with the lower end for frugal use or low rates (Adelaide/Canberra) and higher end in hot climates (summer air-conditioning) or older housing.
5. Internet and Phone cost to study in Australia
Utility bills (electricity, gas and water) are often included in rentfor on-campus or purpose-built housing.
In shared houses, students typically split these costs. As a rule of thumb, utilities cost on the order of $50–150 per month per person. For instance, the UQ reference notes utilities are included in their housing rents; the University of Adelaide suggests about A$4550 per week for shared bills (≈A$180–200/month for the household, or ~$90–100 each in a 2-person share).
UNSW guidance estimates gas/electricity at A$35–140 per week (A$140–560/month; this high end allows air-conditioning use). Canberra data notes $20–50 per week on utilities (~A$80200/month). Perth’s guide gives about A$216/month for a 2‑bed apt (split between roommates) (~A$108 each). In smaller cities like Hobart, Numbeo reports ~$422/month for utilities in an 85m² apartment (though that is for a large apartment).
Overall, budgeting A$100–250/month on combined utilities (electricity, gas, water) is prudent in all cities, with the lower end for frugal use or low rates (Adelaide/Canberra) and higher end in hot climates (summer air-conditioning) or older housing.
6. Entertainment and Leisure cost to studying in Australia
Allowances for eating out, movies, sports, etc. vary by student.Budget around A$80–150 per week (A$320–600/month) for social activities. Sydney students typically spend at the top end(UNSW suggests A$100–150/week). Adelaide’s guidance uses A$80/week (≈A$320/m) for entertainment. Perth or Melbourne might be similar to Sydney’s lower end (A$300 500/m).
Thus A$300–600 per month is a reasonable range, with Sydney’s urban lifestyle on the higher side and smaller cities on the lower.
7. Health Insurance (OSHC) cost
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for student visas. Costs vary by provider and coverage level, roughly A$600–1,200 per year for a single student. (For example, a typical Allianz OSHC Basic plan is about A$700800/year for a student.)
This translates to about A$50–100 per month. The University of Sydney notes that *“OSHC is compulsory… costs will depend on your insurance provider. When budgeting, treat OSHC as an annual fixed expense (~A$800 average) rather than a monthly utility.
Let’s see deference by City and Lifestyle
1. Sydney vs. Melbourne: Sydney is the priciest city overall. Its rent and leisure costs are highest (Sydney private rent up to ~$2,800/m, food up to ~$1,120/m). Melbourne is slightly
cheaper (roughly 10–20% less on rent and most goods), but still among the top.
2. Brisbane and Perth: These have mid-range costs. Off campus housing near universities can be 20–30% cheaper than Sydney. E.g. Brisbane shared rent ~$880–1,120/m (as low as A$219/week), and Perth one-bedroom rentals ~$1,888/week (~A$1,888/m), which is lower than Sydney. Groceries and transport costs are also moderate.
3. Adelaide and Canberra: Generally the most affordable capitals. Adelaide guidance notes typical total living costs A$350–700/week (A$1,400–2,800/m) depending on lifestyle. Its rent and daily expenses are about half or less of Sydney’s.Canberra, despite some expensive rentals around campus, offers subsidized transport and relatively low groceries (A$100–150/week).
4. Hobart (Tasmania): Hobart is often listed as the cheapest capital. Average weekly costs are only ~$475 (≈A$1,900/m). Rents are low (1-bedroom ~$580–640/week) and food/utilities also lean low. We estimate Hobart groceries A$400–800/month and transport A$100–105 (flat rate). In all cases, actual spending depends on choices (e.g. living further from downtown, cooking at home, etc.).
Budget Tips for Indian students for studying in Australia 2025
1. Academics scope: score good score in your academics to avail scholarship to reduce the cost of your education journey.
2. IELTS score: score 6.5 bands and above to get admission in reputed college with economics.
3. Expenses Cap: Set a cap on your expenses to manage your budget.
Read More: Top 11 Reasons Why Study in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best score in IELTS?
6.5 Band
Which are the cheapest city in Australia for Indian students?
Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra.
Which are the expensive city in Australia for international students?
Sydney and Melbourne.
Cost of living in Australia for a single person with rent?
It range between AUD 1,200 to 1,624 per week, or AUD 5,000
to 6,000 per month.
