Study in Australia in 2026: Cost of Education and Living for Indian Student
Study in Australia in 2026: Cost of Education and Living for Indian Student
It is that time of the year again where students have started wondering about their higher education plans. While some may plan to study in India, there are many who are planning to study abroad. As the favourable destinations of study abroad aspirants are the USA UK, and Canada, it is Australia which is slightly but in a stable manner making its way in the list of top four study abroad destinations.
It is because, the foundation of a stronger career that you are aiming for can be accomplished from down under. Being the perfect blend of education and adventure where beaches become classrooms, Australia offers the premium quality education at an affordable price than the three popular nations.
But, but, but! The big question here is, how much will it cost you to Study in Australia? As budget can be a significant challenge, here is a breakdown of the cost of studying and living in Australia for Indian students. So, let’s get a hint of studying abroad expenses in Australia in 2026.
How Much will it Cost to Study in Australia?
The total cost of Studying in Australia for an Indian Student in 2026 covers factors like tuition fees, enrolment fees, academic and study materials, health cover, visa, etc. Here is what your overall cost of only studying in Australia will look like.
| Program Type | Tuition Fees (per year) | Admission / Enrolment Fees | Academic Materials & Lab Fees | OSHC (Health Cover) | Visa Application Fee | Total Estimated Academic Cost (AUD) | Approx. Total in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) | A$45,000 – A$55,000 | A$300 – A$500 | A$1,000 – A$1,500 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$48,500 – A$59,800 | ₹28–₹35 lakh/year |
| Business / Commerce / Management | A$50,000 – A$60,000 | A$300 – A$500 | A$1,000 – A$2,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$53,500 – A$65,300 | ₹31–₹38 lakh/year |
| Engineering / Computer Science / IT | A$55,000 – A$63,000 | A$300 – A$600 | A$1,500 – A$2,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$59,000 – A$68,400 | ₹34–₹40 lakh/year |
| Health Sciences / Nursing / Pharmacy | A$50,000 – A$65,000 | A$300 – A$600 | A$2,000 – A$3,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$54,500 – A$71,400 | ₹32–₹42 lakh/year |
| Medicine / Dentistry / Veterinary | A$70,000 – A$90,000 | A$300 – A$1,000 | A$3,000 – A$5,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$75,500 – A$98,800 | ₹44–₹58 lakh/year |
| Postgraduate (Taught Masters) | A$45,000 – A$65,000 | A$300 – A$500 | A$1,000 – A$2,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$48,500 – A$69,300 | ₹28–₹41 lakh/year |
| Postgraduate (Research / PhD) | A$38,000 – A$50,000 | A$300 – A$500 | A$1,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$41,500 – A$54,300 | ₹24–₹32 lakh/year |
| Vocational (TAFE / Diploma) | A$18,000 – A$25,000 | A$200 – A$400 | A$800 – A$1,000 | A$600 – A$800 | A$1,600 – A$2,000 | A$21,200 – A$29,200 | ₹12–₹17 lakh/year |
What is the Total Cost of Living in India?
Living in Australia is about balancing your expenses. While in the following section we will share how you can manage your finances wisely in Australia, here is a look on what your total expenses of living in Australia will look like.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (AUD) | Annual Estimate (AUD) | Approx. Cost in INR (₹) | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared / Student Housing) | A$900 – A$1,500 | A$10,800 – A$18,000 | ₹6.3–₹10.6 lakh | Shared apartment or on-campus housing. Rent in Sydney/Melbourne is higher; Adelaide/Perth more affordable. |
| Food & Groceries | A$350 – A$550 | A$4,200 – A$6,600 | ₹2.4–₹3.9 lakh | Cooking at home keeps costs low. Eating out can double expenses. |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | A$150 – A$250 | A$1,800 – A$3,000 | ₹1.0–₹1.8 lakh | Shared evenly among roommates; internet ~A$60/month. |
| Public Transportation | A$100 – A$200 | A$1,200 – A$2,400 | ₹70k–₹1.4 lakh | Concessional fares for students on buses, trams, trains. |
| Phone & Mobile Data | A$30 – A$60 | A$360 – A$720 | ₹21k–₹42k | SIM-only plans with unlimited data are widely available. |
| Personal Expenses (Clothing, Toiletries, Leisure) | A$150 – A$300 | A$1,800 – A$3,600 | ₹1.0–₹2.1 lakh | Includes shopping, self-care, small outings, movies, etc. |
| Entertainment / Dining Out | A$100 – A$200 | A$1,200 – A$2,400 | ₹70k–₹1.4 lakh | Occasional outings, concerts, or weekend trips. |
| Health & Insurance Gaps | A$50 – A$100 | A$600 – A$1,200 | ₹35k–₹70k | Out-of-pocket costs not covered under OSHC. |
| One-time Setup Costs (Initial Arrival) | — | A$1,000 – A$1,500 | ₹58k–₹88k | Bedding, cookware, SIM, student card, and essentials. |
Tips to Save Money While Studying in Australia
Studying abroad is an expensive adventure, and we all know that. But you can save bucks here and there by being mindful. As you are Planning to Study Abroad in Australia, then allow us to give you some practical tricks with the help of which you can save some money and make your abroad adventure affordable. Here are some of the helpful tips for cost cutting and smartly financing your education in Australia.
Calculate your Study Abroad Budget for Australia
Imagine instead of having some random numbers popping on your screen, you get the correct amount about how much it will cost you to study in Australia. It seems like a dream, right? Well, MetaApply IE has solved this problem for you. With our exclusive Study Abroad Budget Calculator, all you have to do is select your preferred study abroad nation, the program you want to study abroad, and boom! There comes the final and exact count of how much it will cost you to study abroad in that particular country. For your easy understanding, here is a step-by-step process of calculating how much it will cost you to study abroad in Australia.
Step 1: Visit the MetaApply Study Abroad Budget Calculator page
You can find the calculator under the “Students” section on MetaApply IE’s official website.
Step 2: Select your Preferred Destination
After selecting your country, click on “Next.”
Step 3: Select your Preferred Program
Select whether you want to calculate the budget for an “Undergraduate” or “Postgraduate” program and then click next.
Step 4: Your Exact Amount is Here
It is within a few clicks that you can find out how much it will cost you to study in Australia without having to go through any hassle.
If you wish to calculate the budget of a different nation or want to change your selected programme, you can click on “Start Over” or “Previous” as per your choice.
Fund your Australian Education with MetaApply IE’s Assistance
As the blog comes to a close, you saw what will be the cost of studying and living in Australia. We also believe that with the help of MetaApply Study Abroad Budget Calculator you will get an exact amount of how much it will cost you for an undergraduate or postgraduate program in Australia or any other preferred country.
The question here is how you are going to manage your funds. It is through scholarships or education loans that you can fund your higher studies in Australia. However, even to secure a scholarship or education loan, you need to have a flawless application and impressive profile. This is where MetaApply IE experts help you.
While our counsellors suggest you have great extracurricular activities record like leadership skills or community service. On the other hand, if you need an education loan, then you can get that too through our MetaFinance vertical.
Your dream of studying in Australia is intact, you just have to put it in motion by connecting with MetaApply IE Experts. So, don’t wait any longer, just connect with our experts today.
Note: All prices mentioned are approximate and may vary. Students should refer to official government or university websites for accurate and updated figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of living for Indian students in Australia ranges between A$18,000-28,000 per year. This includes rent, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses, depending on the city, lifestyle, and whether you live alone or share accommodation.
For the 2026 Australia student visa, students must show a minimum bank balance of around A$29.710 for annual living expenses, plus one year’s tuition fees and travel costs. This proves financial ability to manage studies and living independently.
A$5,000 a month is more than sufficient for most students. Average monthly expenses range from A$1,500-2,300, covering rent, food, and travel. With A$5,000, you can live comfortably, travel occasionally, and still save money.
Yes, studying in Australia is highly worth it. The country offers globally recognised degrees, strong post-study work opportunities, high safety standards, and a multicultural environment, making it one of the top destinations for career growth and international exposure.
Adelade is considered the cheapest city to live in Australia. Its housing, transport, and daily living costs are 20-25% lower than cities like Sydney or Melbourne, making it a popular and budget-friendly choice for international students.
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