Studying in Australia as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Australia, tuition at a public university is A$34k to 45k for a master’s and A$38k to 56k for a bachelor’s. For the student visa you must show A$29,710 / yr, you can work 48 h per fortnight while studying, and you can stay up to 24 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | A$34k to 45kEst. | A$38k to 56kEst., University of Melbourne 2026 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | A$45k to 58kEst. | A$56k+Est. |
| Money to show for the visa | A$29,710 / yrPlus tuition and travel | |
| Health insurance | About A$700 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About A$2,500, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ A$131,000 | ≈ A$208,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. Living-cost amount: the Home Affairs financial capacity page is still to be linked. Tuition ranges are estimates.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | Student visa (subclass 500) before travel, A$2,500 |
| United States, Canada, United Kingdom, South Koreaand some other passports | Student visa (subclass 500) before travel, A$2,500 |
| Most other countries | Student visa (subclass 500) before travel |
Work rights
- While studying: 48 h per fortnight.
- After graduating: Up to 24 months (Graduate visa, age 35 or under, A$5,750). After a bachelor’s: 24 months.
Will my degree from Australia be recognized?
Every legitimate higher education provider is on TEQSA’s National Register, and international students also need a CRICOS-registered course.
Check an institution: TEQSA National Register
For a bachelor’s: You must meet the Genuine Student requirement.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): Generalist degrees let you specialise later (for example the Melbourne Model). After 6 months you can move to a course at the same or a higher level by telling your provider; moving to a lower-level course needs a new student visa.
- Medicine or dentistry: International places exist. Medicine is often graduate-entry (for example University of Melbourne MD: A$122,976 a year in 2026; Doctor of Dental Surgery A$112,000).
- Nursing or health: To register as a nurse, every graduate, Australian or not, must meet the nursing board’s English-language standard.
- Art, design or music: Music degrees require an audition (for example the University of Melbourne).
Recent official changes for Australia
- No rule change for Australia has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Australia
See Australia next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Tuition at a public university is A$34k to 45k a year for a master’s and A$38k to 56k for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about A$131,000 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Australia?
A$29,710 / yr (Plus tuition and travel).
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes: 48 h per fortnight.
Can I stay in Australia after graduating?
Up to 24 months (Graduate visa, age 35 or under, A$5,750).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Study Australia (Australian Government): visa charges
- Department of Home Affairs: student program report
- Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa durations
- University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Arts fees
- TEQSA National Register
- University of Melbourne: the Melbourne Model
- Study Australia: changing your course or provider
- University of Melbourne: 2026 international tuition fees
- Nursing and Midwifery Board: English language skills
- University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Music entry requirements
Information, not legal or immigration advice.