Entry into local universities can be quite competitive, especially for certain courses, but those who do not qualify for those courses in local universities can still pursue the career of their dreams by getting a degree overseas.
One popular option is to get an Australian university degree. The cost of living in Australia has become cheaper for Singaporeans due to the currency conversion (A$1 = S$0.88 at time of writing).
Australia is also nearer to Singapore compared to Europe, USA and Canada, which makes it cheaper to fly back to visit your family during holidays.
For those considering a university degree in Australia, here is an estimation of what it might cost to study in 8 universities most commonly considered by Singaporeans.
Australian University Tuition Fees
Tuition fees make up the biggest chunk of the cost, and this varies depending on the university and course. Course fees for Medicine tend to be closer to A$90,000 (S$80,000), with most other course fees in the A$40,000-A$60,000 (S$35,400 – S$53,000) range. University of Melbourne, University of Queensland and University of Western Australia have tuition fees that are overall lower than the other universities.
Course fees are quoted based on a full year of study. Most courses take between 3-4 years, but some courses such as medicine may require up to 7 years.
| University | Range Of Tuition Fees | Location |
| Australian National University |
A$42,220 – A$90,130 (S$37,200 – S$79,400) |
Canberra |
| Monash University |
A$40,800 – A$92,200 (S$36,000 – S$81,200) |
Melbourne |
| University of Melbourne |
A$24,736 – A$76,992 (S$21,800 – S$67,800) |
Melbourne |
| University of Adelaide |
A$40,500 – A$89,500 (S$35,700 – S$78,800) |
Adelaide |
| University of New South Wales |
A$46,000 – A$84,000 (S$40,500 – S$74,000) |
Sydney |
| University of Sydney |
A$45,500 – A$91,000 (S$40,100 – S$80,100) |
Sydney |
| University of Queensland |
A$37,264 – A$91,808 (S$32,800 – S$80,800) |
Brisbane |
| University of Western Australia |
A$38,100 – A$49,800 (S$33,600 – S$43,900) |
Perth |
Note: S$ conversions are rounded up to the nearest $100.
International Student Visa
Update: From Jul1, the international student visa fee has risen to A$1,600 (roughly S$1460), up from A$710 (roughly S$650). This visa remains valid for the duration of study. English language requirements were also tightened, and international students are also required to show proof of savings of at least A$29,710 (roughly S$27,000) in their bank accounts.
In order to get an international student visa, you will also need adequate health insurance that covers you for your stay in Australia. Overseas Student Healthcare insurance in Australia could cost between A$590-A$700 per year (roughly S$535 – S$640).
The total cost for a student visa in Australia is estimated to be A$4,400 (S$4,000) for a 4-year course of study.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is the second biggest expense of studying in Australia.
| University | On-Campus (Week) |
On-Campus (Year) |
Off-Campus (Week) |
Off-Campus (Year) |
| Australian National University |
A$276 – A$550 (S$250 – S$490) |
S$13,000 – S$25,500 | A$175 – A$400 (S$160 – S$360) |
S$8,400 – S$18,800 |
| Monash University |
A$315 – A$380 (S$280 – S$340) |
S$14,600 – S$17,700 | A$266 – A$500 (S$240 – S$440) |
S$12,500 – S$22,900 |
| University of Adelaide |
A$265 – A$365 (S$240 – S$330) |
S$12,500 – S$17,200 | A$180 – A$350 (S$160 – S$310) |
S$8,400 – S$16,200 |
| University of Melbourne |
A$361 – A$590 (S$320 – S$520) |
S$16,700 – S$27,100 | A$266 – A$400 (S$240 – S$360) |
S$12,500 – S$18,800 |
| University of New South Wales |
A$150 – A$685 (S$140 – S$610) |
S$7,300 – S$31,800 | A$345 – A$600 (S$310 – S$530) |
S$16,200 – S$27,600 |
| University of Queensland |
A$420 – A$435 (S$370 – S$390) |
S$19,300 – S$20,300 | A$219 – A$400 (S$200 – S$360) |
S$10,400 – S$18,800 |
| University of Sydney |
A$150 – A$463 (S$140 – S$410) |
S$7,300 – S$21,400 | A$260 – A$550 (S$230 – S$490) |
S$12,000 – S$25,500 |
| University of Western Australia |
A$420 – A$485 (S$370 – S$430) |
S$19,300 – S$22,400 | A$400 – A$600 (S$360 – S$530) |
S$18,800 – S$27,600 |
Note: S$ conversions are rounded up to the nearest $10 per week and $100 per year.
On-campus accommodation tends to be more expensive, but you can save on time and transport to commute to school. Additionally, some on-campus accommodation has catered food, which offsets the cost of living.
Food And Transport Costs
Cost of food varies depending on how much you eat and how thrifty you are. On-campus accommodation may provide catered meals which will eliminate food cost. Dining out could cost between A$10- A$20 (S$9 – S$18) per meal on campus. You can consider cooking your own meals, which will cost between A$300 – A$450 (S$270 – S$400) per month. Those who live with friends can save money because it is more cost efficient to cook for larger groups of people. If you take turns to cook, you can save time too.
Cost of transport depends on how far you live from campus and what mode of transport you take. Students who live further from campus may wish to purchase a car, which will cost more. However, this may still make sense if you carpool with friends or siblings. Depending on the car you purchase, the cost to drive can be as low as A$1000 (S$880) per month. This sum accounts for regular repayment for the car loan, which you will need to spend out-of-pocket. At the end of your studies, you can sell the car to recover part of the cost in a lump sum.
It is estimated that the average Australian spends A$40 – A$60 (S$36 – S$53) per week taking public transport to work. Public Transport could cost as little as A$30 – A$35 (S$27 – S$31) per week for a distance of less than 3km travelled by bus. This works out to A$120 – A$240 (S$110 – S$220) per month.
Students living 1 – 5 km from campus may consider purchasing a bicycle or e-scooter to commute to school. Do note that off-campus accommodations which are nearer to campus will likely see higher demand which translates to higher rent.
Overall, food and transport is estimated to cost between A$420 – A$700 (S$380 – S$620) per month. Those who drive are estimated to spend at least A$1400 (S$1300) per month depending on the car purchased.
Read Also: 2021 Cost Guide: Singapore Universities’ Tuition Fee Comparison
Estimate Of Total Annual Cost If You Take A University Degree In Australia
| Annual Cost | On-Campus | On-Campus (Without Catering) | Off-Campus |
| Food/Groceries | – | A$3,600 – A$5,400 (S$3,240 – S$4,800) |
A$3,600 – A$5,400 (S$3,240 – S$4,800) |
| Accommodation | A$20,000 – A$27,000 (S$17,700 – S$23,900) | A$13,000 – A$20,000 (S$11,500 – S$17,700) | A$8,000 – A$23,000 (S$7,100 – S$20,300) |
| Transport | – | – | A$1440 – A$2880 (S$1320 – S$2640) |
| Total Annual Living Cost | A$20,000 – A$27,000 (S$17,700 – S$23,900) | $16,600 – $25,400 (S$16,300 – S$22,500) | A$13,040 – A$31,280 (S$11,660 – S$27,740) |
Overall, it still seems to be cheaper to stay off-campus, but this is largely contingent on getting inexpensive accommodation. Students who share an apartment could enjoy more savings for accommodations.
The cost for students who drive vary a lot depending on the car purchase and the sale price after graduation. We have excluded it from our estimates.
Adding this with course fees, people studying for an Australian university degree can expect to spend a total of between A$54,000 – A$91,000 (S$47,700 – S$80,400) per year.
The course fees for Medicine tends to be higher, so the estimated annual cost for Medicine students is A$114,000 – A$121,000 (S$100,700 – S$107,000).
You can refer to this infographic for a summary of the costs that you need to fork out if you choose to take your university degree in Australia.
Listen to our podcast, where we have in-depth discussions on finance topics that matter to you.
Advertiser Message
Switch, Spend and Get Up to S$500 with POSB
Credit your salary to get S$300, then spend with us to enjoy additional S$200. Register now with POSB. T&Cs apply. SGD Deposits are insured up to S$100K by SDIC.
