Australia is a popular destination for students from all over the world, including many from the Philippines. But before packing your bags, it’s important to know: how much will it cost? Studying abroad can be expensive, and Australia is no exception.
In this article, we’ll break down the different expenses Filipino students might face, like tuition fees and living costs. By understanding these costs, you can plan better for your time studying in Australia. Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to study in this exciting country and how you can prepare for this important investment in your future.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Australia as an International Student?
This article is based on a YouTube video from a YouTuber named Apple Sangoyo. In this video, the vlogger shares her experience with her husband going to Australia via an international student visa, putting emphasis on their expenses. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Why study in Australia
- World-Class Education: Home to prestigious universities ranked among the top in the world.
- Diverse Courses and Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various fields of study.
- Multicultural Society: Welcoming environment with a rich cultural diversity that enhances the student experience.
- High Quality of Life: Known for its high standards of living, safety, and excellent healthcare system.
- Beautiful Environment: Stunning natural landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains.
- Research Opportunities: Strong focus on research and innovation, providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Work While Studying: International students can work part-time while studying, helping to manage living expenses.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Offers attractive post-study work options, allowing graduates to gain valuable work experience.
- English-Speaking Country: Being an English-speaking country, it’s easier for international students to adapt and communicate.
- Vibrant Student Life: Active student communities, clubs, and events that make for a vibrant and engaging student life.
Tuition Fees
When planning to study in Australia, one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter is tuition fees. These fees can vary widely depending on the university and the course of study you choose.
Average Tuition Costs
- Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees for undergraduate programs in Australia typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. Fields such as arts and humanities tend to be on the lower end of the scale, while degrees in medicine and veterinary science are at the higher end.
- Postgraduate Programs: For postgraduate programs, tuition fees generally range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. Similar to undergraduate fees, the cost can vary based on the course and the university.
Differences Between Universities and Courses
- Prestigious Universities: Top-tier institutions, such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney, may have higher tuition fees compared to smaller or less renowned universities.
- Specialized Courses: Courses in fields like medicine, engineering, and business can be more expensive due to the resources and facilities required.
Additional Fees
- Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): Many universities charge an SSAF, which can be up to AUD 300 per year. This fee covers non-academic services like sporting facilities, campus activities, and counseling services.
- Laboratory and Equipment Fees: Some courses, particularly in the sciences and engineering, may require additional fees for laboratory use, equipment, and materials.
Tuition Fee Payment and Scholarships
- Payment Plans: Most universities offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay your tuition fees in installments rather than a lump sum.
- Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available for international students, which can significantly reduce tuition costs. Scholarships may be offered by the Australian government, educational institutions, or other organizations based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study.
Studying at King’s Own Institute (KOI)
Here’s a look at a real-life example shared by the vlogger who, along with her husband, embarked on this journey. Her husband obtained an international student visa to study for a Master’s in Professional Accounting at King’s Own Institute, while she joined him as a dependent.
- Tuition Fees –
- The total tuition fee for the entire course was AUD 31,000.
- For enrollment, they made an initial down payment of AUD 3,875, which is about 151,000 pesos. This payment was made using a credit card, which included interest charges.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) -They opted for a couple’s insurance plan, which cost AUD 6,790, equivalent to 265,000 pesos, again paid via credit card.
- Visa Application Fees – The visa application fee was AUD 650 for the main applicant and AUD 485 for the dependent, totaling AUD 1,135, or around 44,500 pesos.
- Medical Exams – They underwent medical examinations at NHSI Makati, costing 14,100 pesos in total (7,050 pesos each).
- Biometrics – The cost for biometrics was 892 pesos per person, totaling 1,784 pesos.
- Other Expenses – They incurred additional expenses of about 55,000 pesos for authenticating documents and other miscellaneous requirements.
- Show Money – Although not required, they decided to show proof of funds to strengthen their visa application. They temporarily borrowed 1.5 million pesos to demonstrate financial stability, which involved additional interest costs.
The vloggers highlighted that embarking on this journey involved significant financial risk. However, they were driven by a vision of their future life in Australia and were willing to take these risks to achieve their goals.
Studying in Australia as an international student from the Philippines comes with significant financial considerations, encompassing a range of expenses from tuition fees to living costs and other essential expenditures. With undergraduate and postgraduate programs averaging between AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 annually, plus additional fees for health insurance, visas, and miscellaneous expenses, it’s crucial to plan and budget carefully.