[Australia Study Guide] Costs, application process and living expenses for study in Australia at a glance!

After the DSE results are released or JUPAS outcomes are announced, many students and parents will reconsider their options for further studies. In addition to local universities, Australia has long been one of the popular overseas study destinations considered by many Hong Kong families. Australian universities offer a diverse range of choices, as well as different pathways such as Foundation, Diploma and Vocational Education and Training (VET), making them suitable for students with different academic results, budgets and study goals.

However, for those planning to study in Australia, parents and students not only need to compare universities and courses, but also understand the budget for overseas study expenses in Australia, the application process, student visas, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and whether additional overseas study insurance is needed. This time, the 10Life insurance comparison platform has compiled the 2026 costs of studying in Australia, application process, visa and insurance considerations to help parents and students plan ahead.

• Common study pathways: Australian study pathways include direct university entry, Foundation, Diploma, university pathway programmes, VET vocational education and training, as well as Master's and Doctoral programmes.
• Cost of studying in Australia: Costs depend on the school, city, course and accommodation arrangements. Parents and students should factor in tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, visa and insurance costs, among others.
• Student visa: Generally, a Student visa (Subclass 500) is required.
• OSHC: OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover, and is generally a visa requirement for the Australian Student visa (Subclass 500). International students must maintain valid OSHC for the entire duration of their studies in Australia.
• Additional cover: OSHC mainly covers local medical needs in Australia. Parents may compare overseas study insurance as required to supplement cover for personal belongings, study interruption, emergency assistance and more.

Studying in Australia does not necessarily mean waiting until the release of the DSE results or JUPAS results before starting preparations. For Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students, as well as parents, if you are already considering studying in Australia, you may start by learning about different universities, programmes and pathway options in advance, such as direct entry to university, Foundation, Diploma, or VET vocational education and training courses, while also assessing academic requirements, English language requirements, tuition fees and living expenses.

If a student only begins to consider studying in Australia after the release of the DSE results or JUPAS results, it does not necessarily mean it is too late. Many institutions in Australia offer multiple intake periods, and some programmes can also lead into university through Foundation, Diploma or Pathway courses, providing an alternative route for students who may not directly meet the requirements for first year of university.

However, preparation for studying in Australia involves more than simply submitting school applications. Students still need to allow time to handle English language requirements, offers, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), OSHC, student visas, accommodation, air tickets and pre-departure arrangements. Therefore, whether planning early or only arranging matters after the DSE / JUPAS results, parents and students should first understand the following points:

If you are considering studying in Australia, it is worth first understanding which study pathway suits you best. Different pathways vary in entry requirements, programme duration, tuition fees and progression arrangements. If you are still in Secondary 4 or Secondary 5, you may start preparing early according to your target subject area and English requirements. If your DSE or JUPAS results are not as expected, you may also consider Foundation, Diploma, VET or other pathway courses. 

Australia Study 2026
Overview of Common Study Pathways

Source: Study Australia (studyaustralia.gov.au) | Information as at June 2026

Studying in Australia mainly involves tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, visa fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), airfares and other daily expenses. As the Australian dollar exchange rate fluctuates from time to time, the Hong Kong dollar amounts below are for estimation purposes only. Actual costs should be based on the latest information from the school, the Australian Government and the insurance company.

The cost of living can vary greatly between different cities in Australia. In general, major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have a higher cost of living, while cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth may be relatively lower.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs previously raised the 12-month living cost requirement for financial evidence for student visas to AUD$29,710. Please note that this is the living cost requirement under the financial evidence for student visas. When applying in practice, applicants may still need to show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, travel expenses and related costs for accompanying family members. Actual living expenses will also vary depending on the city and lifestyle, and may be higher than this amount.
 

Source: AECC Global (June 2026 market reference). Actual costs vary depending on the city, region, type of accommodation and individual choices; the figures above are for estimation purposes only.

Australia offers a diverse range of university options, and students can choose suitable courses based on academic results, subject interests, city, tuition fees and future career plans. Hong Kong students may apply to Australian universities through secondary school results, international curriculum results, Foundation programmes, university diploma programmes or other bridging courses.

The Group of Eight (Go8) is Australia’s leading alliance of research-intensive universities. According to the official Go8 information, the current members are as follows:
 

Please note that Adelaide University is a new institution formed through the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and it will officially open in 2026. Its official English name is now “Adelaide University”.

As for university rankings, parents and students may refer to the latest QS World University Rankings. However, university rankings should only be one of the factors considered when choosing a school. When selecting an Australian university, it is also advisable to consider the intended subject, admission requirements, tuition fees, city, accommodation arrangements, internship opportunities and post-graduation prospects.

Australia Study Abroad 2026
Application Process Steps

Source: Study Australia / Department of Home Affairs｜Data as of June 2026

If preparation only starts after JUPAS, students should first confirm whether the course is still accepting applications, whether the start date is suitable, and whether there is sufficient time to complete the CoE, OSHC and student visa arrangements.

Hong Kong students intending to study in Australia on an eligible course will generally need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Before applying, they usually need to obtain an offer from an Australian education provider and secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

The Student visa application usually involves the following information or documents:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

• Passport and identity documents
• Academic qualifications and transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (where applicable)
   

Information relating to Genuine Student (GS)

• Financial proof, such as evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, tuition fees, travel expenses, and relevant costs for accompanying family members

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Medical examination
• Guardianship and accommodation arrangements (if the applicant is under 18)
• Other documents required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the school

From 1 July 2025, the application fee for the Student visa (Subclass 500) for the main applicant starts from AUD$2,000; separate arrangements apply to applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. Visa fees and exemption arrangements may be updated from time to time, so applicants should refer to the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying.
 

Australian student visa applications now use the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, applicable to student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024; student visa applications lodged before then continue to use the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Applicants for a Student Guardian visa also continue to follow the GTE requirement.

Applicants must answer, in English, the questions in the application form relating to their purpose of study and background, and provide relevant supporting documents. The areas covered include:

• The applicant’s current situation, including family, community, employment and financial background
• Why they have chosen this course and Australia as their study destination
• How the course aligns with their personal academic or career development
• Study and living arrangements in Australia
   

Working hour restrictions for Australian student visas

• During the course period (semester, examination period, etc.): up to 48 hours per fortnight
• During official course breaks : no limit on working hours
• For those who have commenced a Master’s by Research or a Doctoral degree: no limit on working hours after the course commences

The above conditions are subject to the visa grant notice and the latest requirements of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
 

OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover, that is, overseas student health insurance. Generally, international students holding a student visa to study in Australia, as well as accompanying dependants under the age of 18, are required to hold valid OSHC for the entire period of their stay in Australia and while undertaking their course.

OSHC Coverage

OSHC basic plans usually cover:

• Doctor (GP) consultations
• Some hospital treatment
• Ambulance services
• Some prescription medicines

OSHC generally does not include items such as dental care, optical care or physiotherapy. If such cover is required, you may purchase additional cover from the OSHC provider, or take out separate private health insurance.

OSHC Cost Reference

Source of OSHC cost: AECC Global (market reference as of June 2026). Actual premiums vary depending on the provider, plan details, length of study and family members covered. Before purchasing, please confirm the latest premium with the OSHC provider or your school.

Is it enough to buy only OSHC for studying in Australia?

OSHC is one of the common requirements for an Australian student visa, but its focus differs from that of overseas study insurance. OSHC mainly addresses Australian student visa requirements and local medical needs; overseas study insurance places greater emphasis on additional risks during the study period, such as personal belongings, travel delays or cancellations, interruption of studies, education fund, personal liability and emergency assistance. Parents and students may compare the cover and premiums of different overseas study insurance products according to the study destination, course duration, whether valuable electronic devices are being carried, and the extent to which they value medical or education cover.

Compare overseas study insurance cover and premiums

Although readers after JUPAS are mostly concerned about universities and pathway programmes, some parents may also wish to understand secondary school study in Australia for younger children. If you plan for your child to enter Year 7 to Year 12, secondary school study costs will usually vary depending on whether the school is public or private, the location, and accommodation and guardianship arrangements.

In general, annual tuition fees for public secondary schools are about A$10,000–A$14,000, while private secondary schools usually charge around A$18,000–A$30,000 or more per year. The actual fees should be subject to the latest charges of the individual school.

When applying to Australian secondary schools, schools will generally consider factors such as the student’s recent academic results, English proficiency, age, and guardianship and accommodation arrangements. Students under 18 should also note the guardianship and accommodation requirements, such as arrangements with parents, a nominated guardian, relatives, a homestay family or a boarding school. As requirements vary by state and school, parents should refer to the latest requirements of the target school and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Studying in Australia is attractive, but the tuition burden is far higher than local tertiary study. Preparing an education fund early through a savings plan can help ease future financial pressure. 10Life previously compared the potential returns and risks of common insurance plans used to set up education funds. Interested parents can read the article for a preliminary understanding, or WhatsApp 3705 1599 to enquire with a 10Life insurance consultant.

Further reading:
【Overseas Study Insurance 2026】Which overseas study insurance is best? Compare coverage, premiums and offers for 12 products
【Children’s Education Fund 2026】Preparing for study abroad, with an overseas study expense table
 

Note: This article was produced by 10Life using market information collected from different sources and is for general reference only. It does not take into account any individual needs or suitability, and should not be regarded as sales advice. Before taking out a policy, you should discuss an insurance solution suitable for you with a licensed insurance consultant, and rely on the information provided by the insurance company.

1. Is it still possible to apply to an Australian university after the release of JUPAS results?

It depends on the course, institution and commencement date. Some Australian institutions offer multiple intakes, and there are also Foundation, Diploma or pathway programmes available as progression routes. However, students still need to allow time to process the school application, CoE, OSHC, student visa, accommodation and flights, so the earlier you prepare, the better.

2. If my DSE results are not as expected, how can I still study in Australia?

You may consider a Foundation, Diploma, VET or other pathway programme. These programmes can provide a route for students who are unable to enter the first year of a degree directly, but entry requirements, progression arrangements and tuition fees vary by institution and course, so they should be compared carefully before applying.

3. What is the difference between Foundation and Diploma?

Foundation is usually a pre-university preparatory programme, suitable for students who need to strengthen their academic or English-language requirements. Diploma is more often used as a university pathway, and some programmes allow progression to the second year of a university degree upon completion; the exact arrangement depends on the institution and subject area.

4. Approximately how much does one year of study in Australia cost in HKD?

The cost of one year of study in Australia depends on the course, institution, city and accommodation arrangement. Parents should also factor in tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, visa fees and flights. Taking a university course as an example, tuition fees start from around A$20,000 per year, and with accommodation and living expenses, total costs may reach A$45,000 to A$80,000+ or more. At an exchange rate of HK$5.2 to A$1, this is approximately HK$230,000 to over HK$410,000.

5. How much does secondary school study in Australia cost?

Public secondary school tuition fees are around A$10,000–A$14,000 per year, while private secondary schools range from about A$18,000–A$30,000 or more. Actual costs should be based on the latest fees charged by the individual school.

6. Does having OSHC mean there is no need to buy overseas study insurance?

Not necessarily. OSHC mainly covers medical needs in Australia and usually does not cover luggage, personal belongings, interruption of studies, education fund, third-party liability, or travel risks when travelling to and from Hong Kong. Parents may consider whether additional overseas study insurance is needed based on their child’s actual needs.

7. How much is the Australian student visa application fee?

From 1 July 2025, the application fee for the main applicant of a Student visa (Subclass 500) starts from AUD$2,000; there are separate arrangements for applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. Visa fees may be adjusted from time to time, so applicants should refer to the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying.

8. Is GTE still required for an Australian student visa?

For student visa applications submitted on or after 23 March 2024, the GTE requirement has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Under the GS requirement, applicants must answer the questions in the application form in English to explain their study purpose, background and how the course aligns with their personal development, and provide relevant supporting documents. Applicants for the Student Guardian visa are still subject to GTE.

9. Can students work while studying in Australia?

Generally, holders of a student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the course period, with no limit on working hours during official course breaks. Students who have commenced a master's by research degree or a doctoral degree are not subject to working hour limits after the course begins. Students should refer to the conditions of their visa approval and the latest requirements from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
 

Sources:

1. Study Australia — Living and Education Costs
2. Study Australia — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
3. Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500)
4. Study Australia — The new Genuine Student requirement
5. Study Australia — Student Visa Application Charge increase (from 1 July 2025)
6. Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (Subclass 500)
7. Department of Home Affairs — Genuine Student requirement
8. Group of Eight Australia — About the Go8
9. AECC Global — Cost of Living in Australia 2026–2027
10. Mastersportal — Study Abroad in Australia: Tuition Fees and Living Costs 
11. QS World University Rankings 2027
     

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.