Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
How much does it cost to study in Australia for Indonesian students in 2026?
For Indonesian students, international tuition in Australia in 2026 generally costs AUD 20,000–45,000 per year, and living costs AUD 20,000–25,000 per year. A 3-year bachelor's degree therefore totals roughly AUD 120,000–200,000. The Subclass 500 student visa application fee is AUD 2,000, and the minimum living-cost evidence for visa purposes is AUD 29,710 per year.
Costs below are for international students at Australian universities and colleges. All amounts are in Australian dollars (AUD) and should be treated as planning ranges for 2026; exact costs vary by institution and city.
Key facts
| International tuition per year | AUD 20,000–45,000 (Depends on university and program) |
|---|---|
| Living costs per year | AUD 20,000–25,000 (Accommodation, food, transport, daily needs) |
| Estimated total for a 3-year bachelor's | AUD 120,000–200,000 (Tuition + living costs, excluding visa fees) |
| Subclass 500 visa application fee | AUD 2,000 (Per primary applicant; up from AUD 1,600) |
| Minimum living-cost evidence for visa | AUD 29,710 per year (Plus tuition and travel; more for dependants) |
| Minimum IELTS for visa | 6.0 overall (Universities: 6.0–6.5 bachelor's, 6.5–7.0 master's/PhD) |
| Indonesian students in Australia | 22,000+ (Largest destination for Indonesian students) |
Tuition fees: AUD 20,000–45,000 per year
International tuition for Indonesian students in Australia typically ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. The final amount depends on the university, study level and program.
- Fees are set by each university and change annually; confirm the 2026 international fee on the university's official page.
- The range covers most university programs; pathway and private providers may differ.
Living costs: budget AUD 20,000–25,000 per year
Living costs for an international student in Australia generally fall between AUD 20,000 and AUD 25,000 per year. This includes accommodation, food, transport and other daily needs.
- Accommodation is usually the largest cost; shared housing is cheaper than on-campus or studio options.
- Actual costs depend on city and lifestyle; larger cities tend to be more expensive.
Subclass 500 visa: AUD 2,000 and financial evidence
The Subclass 500 student visa application charge is AUD 2,000 per primary applicant in 2026, up from AUD 1,600. As Indonesia is now Level 2 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), Indonesian applicants must provide financial evidence and a valid English test result in most application combinations.
- Financial evidence: at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel; more if dependants accompany you. This is a visa benchmark, not a personal budget.
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement: answer targeted questions in ImmiAccount about your course choice, career goals, ties to Indonesia and intention to comply with visa conditions.
English requirements: IELTS 6.0 for the visa
The minimum English level for the Subclass 500 visa is now IELTS 6.0 overall, raised from 5.5. Universities usually set higher requirements: 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate programs; medicine and law commonly require 7.0 or above.
- Alternatives such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test may be accepted by institutions, but visa and university rules differ; check acceptance before booking a test.
- Most Indonesian learners need around 2–4 months of focused study to move from IELTS 5.5 to 6.5.
Scholarships and post-study work that reduce the real cost
Scholarships can significantly reduce the total cost for Indonesian students. The main options are LPDP (Indonesian government), Australia Awards Scholarship in Indonesia, and university scholarships ranging from partial to full fee waivers.
- LPDP and Australia Awards deadlines change annually; check official pages for the 2026 intake.
- After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows work in Australia for a period that depends on your qualification; this can help recover some costs.
- Australia hosts over 22,000 Indonesian students, the largest overseas destination for Indonesians.
Key takeaways
- International tuition in Australia for 2026 is AUD 20,000–45,000 per year; living costs are AUD 20,000–25,000 per year.
- A 3-year bachelor's degree totals around AUD 120,000–200,000, excluding visa fees and flights.
- The Subclass 500 visa application fee is AUD 2,000; the financial evidence requirement for living costs is AUD 29,710 per year.
- Indonesia's Level 2 SSVF status in 2026 makes financial evidence and a valid English test result mandatory for most applicants.
- LPDP, Australia Awards and university scholarships can lower the cost, and the Subclass 485 visa offers post-study work.
Related questions
How much does a 3-year bachelor's degree in Australia cost in total for an Indonesian student?
A 3-year bachelor's degree is estimated at AUD 120,000–200,000, covering tuition and living costs. This excludes the Subclass 500 visa fee, flights and personal travel.
How much financial proof do I need for the Subclass 500 visa in 2026?
You will need at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel. Because Indonesia is Level 2 under SSVF in 2026, this evidence is mandatory in most cases.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Australia?
The visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall. Universities often require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate; medicine and law commonly need 7.0 or above.
Are there scholarships that cover the full cost for Indonesian students?
Yes. LPDP, Australia Awards, and some university scholarships can cover partial or full tuition and living costs. Deadlines vary, so check official announcements for the 2026 intake.
Can I work after graduation in Australia?
Yes, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to work in Australia after completing their studies. The length depends on your qualification.
Sources
- Australian Government Department of Home Affairs – Student visa (subclass 500)
- Study Australia – Australian Government
- IELTS Official
- LPDP Kemenkeu
- Australia Awards in Indonesia
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