Visa Application Fee and Total Cost of Studying in Australia, Including Hidden Costs
Explore Australia study costs, visa fees, tuition, living expenses, OSHC and hidden costs to plan your student budget with confidence.
Studying in Australia can be an exciting opportunity, but there is one question almost every international student asks before making a decision: How much money will I actually need?
The answer is more than just your university tuition fee. Students need to consider the Australia student visa application fee, tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, flights and several smaller expenses that can quickly add up.
In 2026, the Australian Government lists the Student visa (subclass 500) application charge at AUD 2,500 for most applicants, following an increase from AUD 2,000 on 1 July 2026. Some applicants may qualify for concessions.
So, what should you budget for before packing your bags? Let's break it down.
What Is the Australia Student Visa Application Fee?
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows eligible international students to study in Australia. As of July 2026, the standard application charge starts at AUD 2,500 for most applicants.
This is only the visa application charge. It should not be confused with the total cost of studying in Australia.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also have other expenses related to preparing your visa application, such as:
- English language testing
- Health examinations, if required
- Police certificates, if required
- Document translation or certification
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Travel expenses
The exact amount will depend on your country, course, personal circumstances and the documents you need.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia?
There is no single tuition fee for all international students. Your course fee depends on your education provider, study level, course and location. Official Australian study resources also point out that fees can vary significantly between providers and locations.
For example, a three-year bachelor's degree can have a very different total cost from a one-year postgraduate course. Medicine, engineering, business, information technology and other specialist courses may also have different fee structures.
Instead of relying on a general internet estimate, students should check the current fee listed by their chosen institution.
For example, the official Study Australia course search includes courses with estimated total costs ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to well over AUD 100,000, depending on the course and duration.
Remember: Tuition Is Usually the Biggest Expense
If your course costs AUD 30,000 per year and you study for two years, your tuition alone could be around AUD 60,000.
But that doesn't mean AUD 60,000 is your complete budget.
You still need to pay for everyday life in Australia.
Living Costs in Australia for International Students
Living expenses are another major part of your study budget.
For Student visa financial requirements, the Australian Government currently lists AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs for a primary student applicant. However, this is a visa financial requirement and should not automatically be treated as the exact amount every student will spend. Actual expenses can be higher depending on your city and lifestyle.
Your regular expenses may include:
Accommodation
Rent can become one of your biggest monthly expenses.
Students may choose:
- Shared accommodation
- Student accommodation
- Homestay
- A private apartment or house
- University accommodation
Sharing accommodation with other students can reduce costs, while private accommodation generally requires a larger budget.
There is also an important expense many new students forget: the rental bond.
When renting a property, a security deposit or bond is commonly required, often equal to around four weeks' rent. You may also need to pay rent in advance.
So, your first month can be much more expensive than an ordinary month.
Food and Groceries
Food costs depend heavily on your lifestyle.
Cooking at home and planning weekly groceries can help keep expenses under control. Eating at restaurants, ordering food regularly or buying coffee every day can make your monthly budget much higher.
Public Transport
You may need money for buses, trains, trams or other local transport.
Your transport cost will depend on where you live and how far your accommodation is from your campus.
Living closer to campus may cost more in rent but could save money and time on daily travel.
OSHC: A Necessary Cost for International Students
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an important part of the student visa budget.
International students generally need OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia. It helps cover eligible healthcare expenses such as doctor visits, certain hospital treatment, ambulance services and some medicines.
However, OSHC does not mean every medical expense will automatically be free.
Depending on the treatment and your insurance policy, you may have to pay a gap fee, which is the difference between what the provider charges and what your insurance covers.
Dental, optical and some other services may also require additional cover or out-of-pocket payment.
The Hidden Costs Students Often Forget
This is where many study-abroad budgets go wrong.
Students often calculate tuition + rent and assume they have covered everything. In reality, several smaller expenses can appear before and after arrival.
1. English Test Fees
If your course or visa pathway requires an English language test, you may need to pay for an approved test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or another accepted test.
If you need to retake the test, your overall cost increases.
2. Medical Examination
Some applicants may need health examinations as part of the visa process.
The cost depends on the examinations required and the approved medical provider you use.
3. Police Clearance and Certificates
Depending on your circumstances, you may need police certificates or other supporting documents.
Document-related expenses can include application fees, certification, translation and courier charges.
4. Flight Tickets
Your international flight is another major expense.
Ticket prices change depending on:
- Departure country
- Destination city
- Travel season
- Airline
- Booking time
- Baggage allowance
Students should keep a separate travel budget instead of assuming the flight will be inexpensive.
5. Initial Accommodation
You may not immediately move into your long-term accommodation.
Many students stay in a hotel, hostel or temporary accommodation after arriving in Australia while they search for a suitable place.
This means your first few days or weeks can cost more than expected.
6. Rental Bond and Advance Rent
As mentioned earlier, moving into a rental property can require a bond and advance rent.
This can create a large upfront payment even if your normal monthly rent seems manageable.
7. Textbooks and Study Materials
Tuition fees do not necessarily cover everything you need for your course.
Depending on your program, you may have to purchase textbooks, software, equipment, uniforms or other learning materials. Study Australia specifically notes that additional course costs can include learning materials and clothing requirements such as safety boots or laboratory coats.
8. Laptop and Technology
A reliable laptop may be essential for assignments, online classes, presentations and research.
Students studying technology, design, engineering or other specialised subjects may need more powerful devices or paid software.
9. Mobile Phone and Internet
A phone plan and internet connection are easy to overlook when preparing a study budget.
They may seem like small expenses, but together they become a regular monthly cost.
10. Emergency Money
One of the most important hidden costs is something you hope you never have to use: an emergency fund.
Unexpected medical expenses, urgent travel, lost belongings, a temporary accommodation problem or a period without work can put pressure on your finances.
Having some savings available can make these situations much easier to manage.
What Could Your First-Year Budget Look Like?
A simple way to think about your first-year budget is:
Tuition fees + Student visa fee + OSHC + living expenses + travel + initial accommodation + study costs + emergency savings
For example, if a student's course fee is AUD 35,000 for the first year, the student visa charge is AUD 2,500, and the student plans around AUD 29,710 or more for living expenses, the basic total is already AUD 67,210, before adding several other expenses such as flights, OSHC, English testing, rental setup and personal costs.
This is only an illustration, not a fixed price. Your actual budget can be considerably different depending on your course, city, accommodation and lifestyle.
Can Part-Time Work Pay for Your Study Costs?
Some students plan to use part-time work to manage their living expenses.
International students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to their visa conditions. Students who have started a master's by research or doctoral degree have different work-hour arrangements.
However, it is risky to build your entire study budget around future employment.
Finding a job can take time, and your working hours, pay and expenses may change.
Your primary financial plan should therefore be based on money you already have access to, rather than assuming you will immediately find work after arriving.
How Can Students Reduce the Cost of Studying in Australia?
You do not necessarily need to live an expensive lifestyle to study in Australia.
A few smart decisions can make a meaningful difference.
Choose accommodation carefully. Compare rent, bills, transport costs and distance from your campus rather than looking only at the weekly rent.
Cook more often. Preparing meals at home can help reduce regular food spending.
Compare course fees. Two institutions offering similar courses may have different tuition fees, so compare the full course cost before accepting an offer.
Budget for the first three months. Your first few months may be more expensive because of the bond, advance rent, flights, furniture, transport and other setup costs.
Keep emergency savings. Avoid arriving with every dollar already allocated to tuition and rent.
Do You Need Professional Visa Help?
You can lodge a Student visa application yourself through the Australian Government's online system. You do not have to use an agent. If you want professional immigration assistance, Australian Government guidance recommends using a registered migration agent or legal practitioner who is legally able to provide immigration assistance.
If you choose professional help, make sure you understand exactly what services are included and what you are paying for.
A Visa Consultant Perth may be useful for students who want guidance on their visa requirements, documents and application process, but applicants should always verify the professional's registration and understand that government visa charges are separate from professional service fees.
Final Thoughts
The real cost of studying in Australia is much more than the university fee shown on your offer letter.
Your budget should include the Student visa application fee, tuition, OSHC, accommodation, food, transport, flights and the many smaller costs that appear before and after you arrive.
For 2026, the standard Student visa application charge is AUD 2,500 for most applicants, while the financial requirement for a primary student includes AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs. These figures are important starting points, but they should not be treated as your complete study budget.
The smartest approach is to calculate your expected costs before applying, add a reasonable emergency buffer and check the latest official information before making financial or visa decisions.
That way, you can focus on what really matters — studying, building your skills and enjoying your Australian experience without being surprised by every new expense.
migrationagentwa
Migration Agent Perth, WA - Leading provider of immigration and visa management services in Australia. Our knowledgeable, experienced and MARA registered migration agents are committed to delivering finest migration guidance.
Comments (0)