Real numbers. No marketing fluff.
Sydney and Melbourne sit at one end of the scale; Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and regional unis at the other, a 30-35% swing on total annual cost.
Both scenarios assume Masters-level tuition + a typical student lifestyle. Sydney and Melbourne carry a roughly 30% premium over the other state capitals.
Go8 unis, central accommodation, urban lifestyle. Highest cost of living in AU.
UQ · UWA · Adelaide · Curtin · Tasmania. Lower fees and rents, same quality.
INR figures use ~67 per AU dollar (June 2026). Final fee depends on your specific programme.
All values in AUD per year. PhDs are research-funded, most Indian PhD students pay zero tuition and receive a stipend.
| University | Bachelors / yr | Masters / yr | PhD / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | AUD45,000–63,500 | AUD50,000–63,000 | Funded research only |
| University of Sydney | AUD49,000–65,000 | AUD48,000–60,000 | Funded research only |
| Australian National University | AUD46,500–58,000 | AUD50,000–62,500 | Funded research only |
| UNSW Sydney | AUD45,000–60,000 | AUD55,000–65,000 | Funded research only |
| Monash University | AUD37,000–52,000 | AUD40,000–52,000 | Funded research only |
| University of Queensland | AUD36,000–48,000 | AUD38,000–48,000 | Funded research only |
| University of Western Australia | AUD35,000–48,000 | AUD38,000–52,000 | Funded research only |
| Adelaide University | AUD36,000–50,000 | AUD40,000–54,000 | Funded research only |
Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester (24 hrs/week average) and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. AU minimum wage: AUD 24.95/hour (rises to AUD 26.44 from 1 July 2026).
A student working a steady 24 hrs/week earns about AUD 600/week (~INR 40,000/week) before tax. Realistic annual contribution to your costs: INR 13-19 lakh per year.
AU scholarship money is competitive but real. Strong academics (75%+) and a sharp SOP unlock INR 3-17L in tuition relief at most unis. We apply to every one you're eligible for.
Government-funded, highly competitive: full tuition + living stipend + airfares. India is eligible under the South Asia stream, via target institutions.
Up to AUD 15,000/year (~INR 10L) for students at regional Australian campuses (e.g., Tasmania, Newcastle, regional NSW).
Each Group of Eight uni offers merit-based awards (e.g., Melbourne Graduate Scholarship, Sydney International Student Award) ranging AUD 5–25K.
Deakin, RMIT, Macquarie, Wollongong, Griffith all offer dedicated INR 4–10L tuition waivers for Indian students with strong academic records.
We help you apply for every eligible scholarship at no extra cost. It's part of standard counselling, and universities pay our commission, not you.
Check my eligibilityThese aren't in tuition or rent calculators but they hit your bank account in the first 2-3 months. The AUD 2,000 student visa (Subclass 500) fee alone shocks most students.
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Ask us anythingWeighing the two destinations on tuition, living costs, and work rights? Our side-by-side guide lays out the real numbers for Indian students.
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