Cost of studying in Australia for international students

While tuition varies significantly across major study destinations, Australia offers relatively consistent tuition fees across institutions, helping you plan with greater certainty and the stability you need when making your decision to study here. 

At UNSW, tuition fees are calculated based on the individual courses (subjects) you select, rather than your overall degree (program). Our flexible structure allows you to choose courses across different faculties, meaning your total fee will vary depending on your enrolment. Fees are subject to annual changes and are based on your year of enrolment. Your offer letter will provide an indicative full fee for your program. 

We also have tools and resources available to help you understand the fees for your desired programs.

If you are going to study on an Australian student visa (Subclass 500), you must also factor in visa application fees, which cost from $A2,000 (unless exempt). To work out what your visa will cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.

You also need to pay a deposit when you accept your UNSW offer, so that we can issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application. The deposit amount varies depending on the program you will be studying and will be listed on your offer letter. 

As part of your visa application, you need to provide proof of your financial capability to cover your life in Australia. From 10 May 2024, the minimum financial requirement for a single student is $A29,710 per year.

International students studying on a student visa are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout the entire duration of their stay in Australia. 

If you are in Australia on a student visa, you need to arrange health insurance through the OSHC scheme and maintain insurance for the duration of your visa.* It is a requirement of your student visa that your OSHC policy covers you from the date you arrive in Australia until the date you depart, regardless of when you start or complete your program. 

Medibank comprehensive insurance is the preferred health cover for all UNSW students. For a quote of OSHC, visit the Medibank website. There are also other OSHC providers available.

_{*The only exception is for students from Belgium and Norway, as well as students from Sweden who are covered by the Swedish National Board of Student Aid (CSN) or Kammarkollegiet (Swedish students not covered by these agencies will need OSHC). These students will need to provide proof of official health insurance cover from their home government provider.} 

A compulsory non-tuition fee of $A1,000 per year (pro rata) applies to cover costs such as laboratory kits, equipment and field trips. Textbooks are not considered compulsory and costs vary by subject. You can check textbook prices by UNSW course code from UNSW Bookshop.

An estimate of your total costs (tuition and other study-related costs) will be shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which will be issued after you accept your offer. 

In additional, you will need to pay the Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF), which is a compulsory annual contribution that supports a range of non-academic services and amenities at UNSW. Your SSAF depends on your study load. 

As an international student, you’ll need to budget each month for accommodation, food and groceries, transport and daily expenses to support both your wellbeing and academic success.

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet to receive your student visa. From 10 May 2024, a single student must show they have the financial capacity to cover the living costs of at least $A29,710 per year.

Depending on where you live in Sydney and your lifestyle, the living expense can vary vastly from under $A30,000 to above $A70,000 per year. For your first arrival, you’ll also need funds to cover initial expenses such as a rental bond and furniture. 

At UNSW, we offer a wide range of award-winning student accommodation on or off campus often include internet, furniture and utility bills, and some accommodation options also have catering included.

At UNSW, we have many financial support options for eligible international students to help you manage your expenses, including scholarships and awards. And if you experience hardship or simply need a little advice to manage your finances, help is available.