Last updated: August 2026
If you are planning to study in Australia, the first question is simple: how much does it really cost? The answer is not just tuition fees. You also need to budget for the Subclass 500 student visa, OSHC health insurance, an English test, and a deposit to your campus before you can leave Indonesia. This guide breaks down every cost, from VET courses to Bachelor and Master level, so you know exactly what to prepare for your first year.
Student Visa Cost (Subclass 500)
The student visa is usually the first cost you pay. From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 500 application charge rose to AUD 2,500 for most applicants, according to studyaustralia.gov.au. The good news is that Indonesian students get an ASEAN visa fee concession, so you only pay AUD 2,050. That AUD 450 difference can go toward your flight ticket or first weeks of accommodation instead.
Beyond the main visa fee, also budget for:
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at VFS Global: around AUD 50 to AUD 100
- A medical check-up with an approved panel doctor: around AUD 300 to AUD 500
- Certified translation, if your transcript or birth certificate is not in English
These visa costs are non-refundable, meaning you do not get them back if your application is refused. Make sure your documents are complete and meet the Genuine Student requirement before you submit.
OSHC Health Insurance Cost
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for every student visa holder. Without OSHC, your Subclass 500 visa will not be processed. You must buy and pay for this policy in full upfront, covering your entire study period, not year by year.
A single-cover policy usually costs AUD 500 to AUD 750 per year, depending on the provider, such as Allianz Care, Bupa, or Medibank. If you bring a partner or child, budget more, since couple and family packages cost significantly more due to wider medical coverage.
English Test and Preparation Cost
Before you apply to a campus, you need to prove your English level through IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. As of 2026, the IELTS Academic test in Indonesia costs Rp 3,150,000 to Rp 3,950,000, depending on the provider, such as IDP, British Council, or IALF.
English preparation cost (additional) is often left out of the budget. IELTS preparation courses in Indonesia range from Rp 2,500,000 for basic classes to Rp 25,000,000 for intensive private coaching, depending on duration and the institute’s reputation. If you do not reach your target score on the first attempt, you also need to budget for a retake, which costs the same as the first test.
Important: meeting your campus’s English requirement usually also satisfies the English requirement for your Subclass 500 visa, so you do not need to sit two separate tests.
Tuition Fees: VET, Bachelor, and Master
Tuition is the largest part of your budget, and the amount depends heavily on your study level and course.
| Study Level | Tuition Range per Year (AUD) | Example Fields |
|---|---|---|
| VET (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma) | 8,000 – 22,000 | Cookery, hospitality, aged care, construction |
| Bachelor | 20,000 – 45,000 | Business, IT, engineering, health sciences |
| Master | 22,000 – 54,000 | Data science, accounting, public health |
VET courses are a popular choice for Indonesian students who want a faster and more affordable pathway, usually running two years with fees starting from AUD 10,000 per year. VET graduates who complete at least two years of study can apply for the Subclass 485 work visa after graduation. On the other end, Group of Eight (Go8) universities can charge AUD 40,000 to AUD 65,000 per year for a Bachelor degree, so it is important to check the exact fee for your chosen campus and course rather than relying only on the national average.
Campus Deposit
Once you receive your Letter of Offer, you need to pay a deposit before the campus issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This CoE must be attached to your visa application, so without the deposit, you cannot move forward.
The deposit usually equals one semester of tuition, roughly AUD 5,000, depending on the institution and study level. You typically pay this deposit at the same time you buy OSHC, so these two costs usually happen together, well before you apply for the visa.
Total Cost to Depart for Australia
There are two different figures that students often mix up: the cash you actually spend before you leave, and the funds you must show in your bank account for the visa. These two numbers are very different.
Estimated out-of-pocket cost before departure (VET course example):
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Student visa fee (Indonesian concession) | 2,050 |
| OSHC, first year | 625 |
| Tuition deposit | 5,000 |
| IELTS test | 330 |
| Medical check-up | 400 |
| One-way flight ticket | 1,000 |
| Estimated total | ± 9,400 |
This figure does not include optional English preparation courses, and it will differ by study level and campus. For Bachelor or Master level, your deposit and first-year tuition are naturally much higher than VET.
Bank Statement Required for the Visa
This is a separate figure from the total above. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) standard for the 2025-26 period requires proof of funds of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, on top of tuition and return airfare. This means you must show a balance that covers your living costs, your remaining first-year tuition, and return travel, not just what you have already paid.
As a rough guide, here is the total fund evidence you may need to show when you apply for the visa:
| Study Level | Estimated Total Fund Evidence (AUD) |
|---|---|
| VET | 45,000 – 50,000 |
| Bachelor | 60,000 – 70,000 |
| Master | 65,000 – 75,000 |
Case officers also look at your account history, not just the final balance. A large deposit that appears right before you submit your application can raise extra questions, so it is best if your funds have been sitting in your account and building up well ahead of your application.
How RACC Indonesia Can Help You
Working out every cost on your own is tiring, especially while you are also choosing the right campus and course. At RACC Indonesia, our agent service is completely free when you apply to study through RACC. Our team supports you from start to finish:
- University and course guidance based on your budget and career goals
- Visa application support all the way until your visa is granted
- Access to a community of Indonesian students already in Australia, so you never feel alone when you arrive
RACC Indonesia is a MARA-registered migration and education consulting company with over 20 years of experience helping Indonesian students study and apply for visas in Australia. The information in this article is general in nature and can change at any time. Always check the latest figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, or speak with one of our MARA-registered consultants for a free assessment of your specific situation.
