Applications for Semester 1 at Australian universities open: Indian students’ STEM tuition, living, visa, and OSHC costs

Australian STEM education remains a significant investment for Indian students, with tuition varying by university and programme. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities, with monthly living costs ranging from AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,700, including accommodation, food, and transport. Additional mandatory expenses include the AUD 2,000 student visa and Overseas Student Health Cover. International students must show AUD 29,710 for first-year living costs but can work part-time and access scholarships, helping offset expenses.

Applications for Semester 1 at Australian universities are open from August to November for students commencing studies in February 2026. This intake accommodates both undergraduate and postgraduate entrants across leading Australian institutions. According to the Australian Government’s Study Australia website, this period represents the primary admission window for international students each academic year.Indian students continue to form one of the largest international student groups in Australia, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes. The Government of Australia emphasises the importance of understanding the complete financial requirements, which extend beyond tuition fees to include living expenses, visa charges, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Tuition fees for STEM degrees

As per Study Australia, tuition fees for international students vary by level of study and institution type. Undergraduate bachelor’s degrees typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, while postgraduate master’s degrees cost between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 annually. Programmes in science, engineering, and technology often fall toward the higher end of these ranges.At leading public universities such as the Australian National University (ANU), indicative annual tuition fees for graduate degree programmes are between AUD 45,360 and AUD 47,940, according to official ANU data published on its website. Tuition charges for undergraduate science-related courses are comparable.The Australian Government notes that high-cost degrees such as medical and veterinary programmes carry significantly higher tuition than typical STEM or arts courses.

Living expenses in major student cities

According to Study Australia, the estimated living cost for a single student in Australia ranges from AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,700 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Major destinations such as Sydney and Melbourne remain the most expensive, particularly for accommodation and transport.Study Australia lists the following indicative monthly expenses for international students:

Source: Study Australia

Visa and OSHC requirements

The Department of Home Affairs states that the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee increased to AUD 2,000 as of July 1, 2025, for applicants aged over 18, reflecting a 25 per cent rise from the previous AUD 1,600 fee.The Australian Government mandates that international students hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay. According to Study Australia, the annual cost of OSHC for a single student ranges between AUD 478 and AUD 633, depending on the provider and coverage type.

Financial planning and work conditions

Under official visa conditions outlined by the Department of Home Affairs, international students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and unlimited hours during holidays. Students must also demonstrate adequate funds to support first-year living expenses when applying for a student visa.Study Australia highlights that several states and territories offer discounted travel for students, with reductions between 40 and 50 per cent through local public transport systems.