Australia is expensive, and the rules now force you to prove you can afford it before you arrive. Here's the breakdown in AUD and approximate INR (at roughly AUD 1 = ₹56, rates move).
Tuition (per year)
| Level | Typical range (AUD) | Approx INR |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 20,000-45,000 | 11.2L-25.2L |
| Postgraduate | 22,000-50,000 | 12.3L-28L |
| Go8 / medicine / MBA | 50,000-95,000+ | 28L-53L+ |
The living-cost proof rule
For the Subclass 500 visa you must show access to AUD 29,710/year for living costs (~₹16.6L), on top of 12 months tuition and travel. This rose from AUD 24,505 in May 2024.
Day to day, expect to spend roughly AUD 1,800-2,800/month (~₹1.0L-1.57L), with Sydney and Melbourne at the top. Don't forget OSHC (health cover) and the Student Services & Amenities Fee (~AUD 373/yr).
You cannot earn your way through. With a 48-hour-per-fortnight work cap during term, part-time wages cover extras and some rent, not tuition.
Funding options
- Education loans, Indian banks and NBFCs lend against collateral or income.
- Scholarships, Australia Awards, Destination Australia (regional, up to AUD 15,000/yr), and university India scholarships.
- Family savings, must be genuine and documented for the visa.
Budget for: tuition + ~AUD 29,710 living + OSHC + AUD 2,000 visa fee + flights + setup. Build a buffer.
Want a mentor to sanity-check your real cost for a specific city and course? Book a session.