"How much do I need to go study in Australia?" is everyone's first question. The honest answer: it depends on the course and the city, but you can plan with real numbers. Here is the complete breakdown, updated for 2026 (because the figures changed quite a bit in 2025).
1. The quick summary
To get started you need to cover: the visa, part of the course, OSHC insurance and your arrival (first weeks). And separately, show funds to the Government.
| Initial item | Approximate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Student visa (official fee) | from $2,000 |
| Course (deposit / first months) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| OSHC insurance (annual) | ~$624 |
| Arrival (first month of expenses) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| To get started (indicative) | $6,000 – $9,000 |
2. The visa and the required funds (2026)
- Official visa fee: from AUD $2,000 (it rose on 1 July 2025). It is paid directly to the Australian Government.
- Funds to demonstrate: around AUD $29,710 for 12 months. Note: this is not money you spend on the visa, it is money you must prove you have available.
The Government sets and updates these amounts (usually in July). Check the current value at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
3. The course
| Course type | Approximate cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| English (ELICOS) | $200 – $300 / week |
| Vocational (VET) | $2,750 – $5,000 / term |
| University (degree) | $22,000 – $35,000 / year |
The English course is usually the most affordable option to get in and start working; VET courses are ideal if you want something practical and affordable; university is the biggest investment.
4. OSHC health insurance
It is mandatory for the whole of your visa. It is around AUD $52 per month (~$624 per year) for one person. You arrange it before applying and it must cover your entire study period.
Want an insurance quote? Click this link and get your OSHC quote instantly, no obligation.
💰 Get my insurance quote5. Cost of living by city
| City | Indicative monthly living cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $2,000 – $2,800 |
| Melbourne | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Brisbane / Gold Coast | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| Perth / Adelaide | $1,500 – $2,000 |
Accommodation is the biggest expense. Sharing a flat or house lowers the cost a lot. Smaller cities are considerably cheaper than Sydney.
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🎥 Book your free video call6. What you earn back by working
- You work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course and with no limit during holidays.
- The first ~AUD $18,200 per year are tax-free.
- With high hourly wages, many students cover accommodation and food and even save.
7. Real budget examples
📗 English student in Brisbane (6 months)
Visa $2,000 + OSHC ~$312 + course (~$250/week × 24 = $6,000) + arrival $1,800. Initial ≈ $10,000, topped up with work during your stay.
📘 VET student in Melbourne (1 year)
Visa $2,000 + OSHC ~$624 + vocational course (~$4,000/term, payable in instalments) + living costs that you largely cover by working.
These are indicative examples: the exact figure depends on your course, city and payment method. We calculate it for you on the video call.
8. How to spend less (without cutting back on your experience)
- Choose more affordable cities (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide) if saving is your priority.
- Share accommodation: it's the biggest saving.
- Take advantage of real scholarships and discounts from the schools (up to 20%–40% depending on the profile; we tell you which ones you can really qualify for).
- Pay the course in instalments when the school allows it.
- Start working early to balance expenses from the first month.
Stop guessing numbers
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🎥 Book your free video call9. Frequently asked questions
To get started: visa (from AUD $2,000), part of the course, OSHC and arrival → indicatively AUD $6,000–$9,000. And separately you must show funds of ~AUD $29,710 for 12 months. Then you top it up by working.
No. It is money you must prove you have available (financial evidence), not a payment. It is a requirement to show that you can support yourself.
Approximately AUD $52 per month (~$624 per year) for one person. It is mandatory for the whole visa.
To a large extent, yes: 48 hours per fortnight during your course, no limit during holidays, and the first ~AUD $18,200 per year tax-free. Many students cover accommodation and food.