🇦🇺OceaniaTemporary Graduate visa: 2–4 yrsPR: StrongAUD (AU$)

Study in Australia

World-class degrees, unbeatable lifestyle. Discover verified tuition costs, monthly living expenses, post-study work rights, and residency options.

Tuition RangeAU$28k–$45kAnnual average

Living CostsAU$1,800–$2,500/moMonthly budget

Post-Study WorkTemporary Graduate visaTemporary Graduate visa: 2–4 yrs

Work While Studying48 hours/fortnightFull-time breaks

Overview & Key Advantages

Australia pairs world-beating Group of Eight universities with an enviable outdoor lifestyle, sunny climate, and globally admired multicultural safety. With 9 institutions in the world's top 100, Australia delivers premier qualifications coupled with post-study work routes.

9 Universities in the World Top 100

Australia punches dramatically above its weight in global university rankings with world-leading research impact.

48 Hours Per Fortnight Work Rights

Flexible work conditions allow students to earn competitive minimum wages ($23.23+/hr) while completing their degree.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Graduates receive 2 to 4 years of full work rights, with regional study granting additional years.

Globally Celebrated Livability

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide frequently top international livability indices for safety and lifestyle.

Student Visa & Entry Requirements

Official Visa Name

Student visa (subclass 500)

Application Fee: AU$710

Healthcare Coverage

Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required

Financial Proof (Funds)

AU$29,710/year

AU$29,710/year (2024 living cost threshold)

Application Roadmap to Australia

Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Accept university offer, pay initial tuition deposit, and obtain your official electronic CoE document.

Purchase OSHC & Meet GTE/GST

Buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole study duration and satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) criteria.

Demonstrate Financial Capacity

Show evidence of holding AU$29,710 for annual living expenses plus tuition fees and return airfare.

Lodge Subclass 500 Visa Online

Apply via ImmiAccount, undergo health assessment, provide biometrics, and receive visa grant notice.

🇦🇺

Official Government Immigration PortalDepartment of Home Affairs (Australia)

Visit Official Portal

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living Breakdown

Estimated Annual Tuition by Degree Level

Degree Level	Typical Annual Cost	Key Details
Bachelor's Degrees3-year standard duration for most humanities and sciences; 4 years for engineering.	AU$26,000 – AU$45,000 / year	3-year standard duration for most humanities and sciences; 4 years for engineering.
Master's Degrees (Coursework)1.5 to 2-year duration with strong industry placement components.	AU$28,000 – AU$48,000 / year	1.5 to 2-year duration with strong industry placement components.
Doctoral Programmes (PhD)International Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships frequently cover tuition and stipend.	AU$20,000 – AU$38,000 / year	International Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships frequently cover tuition and stipend.

Monthly Living Expenses Budget

Average total: AU$1,800–$2,500/mo

Rent & AccommodationAU$900 – AU$1,600 / month

Furnished room in shared house or studio.

Groceries & SupermarketsAU$360 – AU$550 / month

Fresh groceries, pantry items, and occasional take-away.

Public TransportAU$100 – AU$180 / month

Trains, trams, ferries, and buses.

Phone, Utilities & LifestyleAU$140 – AU$240 / month

Mobile data, power/gas share, and social outings.

Work Rights & Settlement Pathways

Working While Enrolled

Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks.

Post-Study Work Visa (Temporary Graduate visa)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) grants 2 years for bachelor's, 2–3 years for master's, and 3 years for PhD graduates, with bonus years for studying in designated regional centres.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Graduates can accumulate points for the General Skilled Migration programme (subclasses 189, 190, and 491), drawing on Australian study, English scores, and professional year completions.

High Demand Employment Sectors for Graduates

Data Science & CybersecurityCivil & Mining EngineeringNursing, Allied Health & Aged CarePrimary & Secondary EducationAccounting & Financial Management

Top Universities in Australia

View all universities →

#13 QS World

University of Melbourne

Melbourne, VIC

Australia's highest-ranked university with prestigious Melbourne Model curricula.

Browse courses

#18 QS World

University of Sydney

Sydney, NSW

Historic sandstone campus offering elite industry networks across Australasia.

Browse courses

#40 QS World

University of Queensland

Brisbane, QLD

World top-40 powerhouse known for biotechnology, mining, and tropical medicine.

Browse courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

OSHC is compulsory health insurance that international students must maintain for their entire stay in Australia, covering doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency ambulance services.

Can I bring my family on a subclass 500 student visa?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children under 18 can be included on your student visa application and enjoy work and schooling entitlements.

What is the Australian Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

The GS criterion evaluates your genuine intention to obtain a high-value qualification in Australia, assessing course value, career relevance, and financial capacity.

Do regional areas offer extra post-study work rights?

Yes. Studying at a campus in a designated regional area (such as Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, or Newcastle) can qualify you for an extra 1 to 2 years on your 485 Graduate visa.

A note on immigration routes

Visa categories, post-study work rights and permanent residence pathways shown on NELO are guidance only, based on publicly available rules at the time of writing — they are not immigration advice and can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with the official government immigration authority for your destination before making any decisions.