The cost of studying in Australia compares favourably with other destination countries for international students. The Australian Government recently commissioned a study to compare the costs of university courses for international students in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the US. The study found that in terms of total costs (which include tuition fees and living expenses) the US and UK are consistently more expensive than Australia.

International students are charged up-front tuition fees. Costs vary according to the course chosen and the institution. As a guide you can expect to pay:

• A$5000 - A$10,000 per year for secondary school
• A$7,000 - A$8,000 for English language courses
• A$3000 to A$12,000 per year for vocational education and training courses
• A$10,000 - A$13,000 for foundation studies
• Around A$12,000 per year for Bachelor Degree coursessuch as in arts, business, economics and law
• A$14,000 - A$16,000 per year for laboratory-based Bachelor Degree courses such as in science and engineering
• A$12,000 - A$18,000 for Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas
• A$12,000 - A$18,000 per year for a Masters Degree or a Doctoral Degree.

Institutions sometimes make an additional charge to cover other costs associated with being a student (eg student organisation membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs). Some courses make specific charges for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material.