Australia has a strong higher education system, with universities like RMIT regularly appearing in global rankings. In particular, RMIT has built a strong reputation for industry-connected learning, embedding practical experiences such as industry projects, placements and work-integrated learning into our courses.
For most international students at RMIT, the total cost of studying in Australia falls into the following ranges:
| Cost type | Annual estimate (AUD) for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (average indicative range – varies depending on course and study level) | AU$36,000–56,000 |
| Living expenses (Melbourne) | AU$30,000–45,000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (Single) | AU$590–750 |
| Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)*
*SSAF rates are determined annually by the Australian Government and billed separately to tuition fees. |
Up to AU$373 |
One-off and pre-arrival costs not included above:
For course-specific tuition fees, see individual course pages or use the Programs, intakes and tuition fees calculator. For personalised living estimates, use Study Australia's cost of living calculator.
International student tuition fees vary based on your degree and level of study (undergraduate, vocational, or postgraduate study). Most fees in Australia are calculated per credit point (unit), rather than per year, except for vocational education courses which are calculated per hour and provided as a total indicative cost for the duration of the course.
Below is an indication of how much you'll need to spend on your tuition annually, depending on your level of study.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may be charged with other fees throughout your course. Here are some other costs to consider:
Most Australian education providers charge a compulsory student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used for non-academic services and amenities that improve student experience.
At RMIT, SSAF funds a wide range of on-campus and online services, including:
How much you pay in SSAF depends on how many subjects you take each semester. Rates are set by the Australian Government and reviewed annually. For 2026, SSAF is capped at AU$373 per calendar year.
From career support to special events, find out more about RMIT University’s SSAF.
You may be charged other expenses associated with your study in addition to tuition fees.
These can include:
To study in Australia, you'll need a minimum standard of English. English language requirements vary depending on the course. When you apply to RMIT you can demonstrate your English language proficiency in 3 ways:
If you are demonstrating your proficiency through an English test, RMIT accepts results from several English language proficiency tests, including:
Test fees vary by provider. As a guide, indicative 2026 fees in Australia are approximately AU$490 for IELTS Academic and PTE Academic. Check the official provider websites for current pricing.
Try adjusting them or reset all filters to see more options
While not necessarily hidden costs, these are some costs that should also be accounted for in the total cost of your studies.
The student visa (subclass 500) costs from AU$2,500 per application as of 1 July 2026 (unless exempt).
In addition to this, some visa applicants may need pay other costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics collection.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a type of health insurance that helps cover medical costs while you’re studying in Australia. It’s mandatory for student visa holders, and international students and their dependents must maintain valid OSHC for the entire duration of their student and student dependent visas.
RMIT offer holders receive a Medibank Comprehensive OSHC premium quoted in their offer letter, calculated based on the course and visa length. You can also arrange OSHC with another approved provider if you prefer.
As a guide, Medibank Private OSHC fees start at AU$719* annually for essentials singles cover, or, for essentials families cover fees start from AU$1,176* per month.
*2026 fees. Please check your health insurance provider’s website for more details.
In addition to tuition fees and pre-study costs, you will need to consider your day-to-day living expenses.
Your total cost of living will depend on your lifestyle, accommodation choices, and where you study – whether that's a major city or a regional area, and which state you live in.
Choosing a city-based campus, such as RMIT in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), can help reduce commuting costs. Classes, accommodation, transport, and essential services are typically within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport.
Your choice of accommodation will be one of the biggest factors influencing your overall living costs in Melbourne. Understanding the main options can help you find one that fits your budget and lifestyle. The main options are:
The following is a guide to the average weekly rental prices per property type in metropolitan Melbourne, where the RMIT City campus is located.
| Property type | Median rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | AU$500 |
| 2-bed flat | AU$600 |
| 3-bed flat | AU$690 |
| 2-bed house | AU$575 |
| 3-bed house | AU$550 |
| 4-bed house | AU$595 |
Source: Victorian Government's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing rental report as of September 2025.
Your accommodation budget planning should include initial set-up costs, such as:
These costs vary depending on the city (e.g. metropolitan vs regional) and the type of property.
A bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy, and it's standard practice for property owners in Australia to require one.
The bond protects the property owner against any damage, unpaid rent, or breach of lease conditions.
Most bonds are refundable at the end of the lease, provided the property is left clean, undamaged beyond normal wear and tear, and all rent has been paid.
RMIT offers student accommodation at all 3 of our Melbourne campuses (City, Brunswick, and Bundoora), with all-inclusive rates that cover utilities, internet, and other services.
In addition to rent, there are everyday living costs to consider. Study Australia's cost of living calculator is a useful starting point – it gives you a rough estimate of living costs based on your chosen state and lifestyle. In the example below, we've used Melbourne as the study location.
| Item | Cost per person per week |
|---|---|
| Food and eating out | AU$150–250 |
| Phone and Internet | AU$15–30 |
| Public transport | AU$30–60 |
| Gas and/or electricity | AU$10–20 |
| Car (after purchase) | AU$150–260 |
| Entertainment | AU$30–150 |
Source: Study Australia
Living costs will also depend on your lifestyle, accommodation choices and spending habits. Here's a guide to what some everyday items typically cost (all 2026 approximates):
International students can work while studying in Australia to help cover living costs; however, there are strict limits on how many hours you can work.
On a student visa (subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official study breaks.
International students are entitled to the same minimum wage as any other worker in Australia.
As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is AU$26.44 per hour, or AU$33.05 per hour for casual employees (which includes a 25% casual loading to compensate for the lack of paid leave).
Many jobs available to international students, such as in hospitality, retail, and tutoring, are casual or part-time.
Here's what casual work might look like in practice (indicative only):
| Type of work and hours | Gross earnings (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Casual work, full 48 hours per fortnight during semester | Approximately AU$793 per week (or AU$1,586 per fortnight) |
| Casual work, 20 hours per fortnight during semester | Approximately AU$330 per week (or AU$661 per fortnight) |
| Full-time casual work (38 hours weekly), during a 4-week study break | Approximately AU$1,255 per week (or AU$2,511 per fortnight) |
Most international students will pay some income tax on their earnings, though a tax-free threshold applies to the first portion you earn each year.
Your employer also pays an additional retirement savings contribution (called superannuation) on top of your wages – this is held in a fund and can be claimed back when you permanently leave Australia.
To help bring these figures to life, here are 2 example scenarios showing what international students might budget for in 2026.
Natalie is an international student studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2026. She has chosen to rent with housemates in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, where rent and lifestyle costs sit at the higher end of the city range.
Priya is an international student studying a Bachelor of Business at RMIT in 2026. She’s in the second year of her 3-year degree and shares a rental house with 3 other students in Melbourne's middle-ring suburbs, about 30 minutes from campus by public transport.
Priya works around 20 hours per fortnight in a casual hospitality role during semester, earning roughly AU$8,000 per year before tax, which she puts toward her weekly living expenses.
Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Australia. Most Australian universities offer scholarships for international students based on factors like academic merit, country of origin, financial need, or field of study. These are typically awarded as a partial reduction on tuition fees.
Some of our international scholarships include:
Eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines vary, so check what’s available early in your planning.
Studying in Australia is a significant investment, but it’s also one with lasting returns – a globally-recognised qualification, access to a strong job market, and the experience of living in one of the world’s most multicultural countries.
Your total cost will depend on your course, university, city, and lifestyle. By understanding all the costs up front, you can plan with confidence and focus on what matters most – your studies and your future.
Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.
If you are a current RMIT student, please contact RMIT Student Connect.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
AU$490 (2026 total)
Melbourne City
2 hours
