Uncategorized

Prices updated 10 November 2026. Written by the Study Anywhere team.

How much does OSHC cost for international students?

For 12 months of basic cover starting 1 December 2026, the lowest single OSHC is $660.28 with AHM, including a limited-time discount (T&Cs apply). Couples and single parents start at $5,351, and families at $9,515, both with Allianz Care. Prices updated 10 November 2026, in Australian dollars, from OSHC Australia.

Disclosure: Study Anywhere may earn a commission if you buy OSHC through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. Prices through our link are the same as on OSHC Australia’s own website.

OSHC prices compared: 12 months, 2026/27

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the health insurance every Student visa (subclass 500) holder must have in Australia. Every basic OSHC policy meets the visa requirement, so the cheapest one is just as valid for your visa as the most expensive. Here is what a 12-month basic policy costs with each provider compared on OSHC Australia:

Quote buttons are partner links to OSHC Australia. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

OSHC provider	Single student	Couple or single parent	Family	Buy
Allianz Care	$665	$5,351 (cheapest)	$9,515 (cheapest)	Get a quote
AHM OSHC	$660.28 (cheapest)	$7,126.61	$15,092.76	Get a quote
Bupa	$713	$5,528	$13,692	Get a quote
Medibank	$683.05	$6,302.40	$15,427.19	Get a quote

Want a quote for your exact dates? Compare all four providers and buy your policy online.

Need a different length of cover? Our OSHC price calculator shows prices for 1 to 60 months for singles, couples and families.

What about nib? nib also sells OSHC, but it isn’t part of the OSHC Australia comparison, so it isn’t in our tables. If you want to compare nib as well, get a quote on nib’s own website and check it against the prices above. Not sure what to compare? Our simple checklist for comparing OSHC providers helps.

Cheapest OSHC for a single student

AHM OSHC is the cheapest single OSHC at $660.28 for 12 months, including a limited-time discount (regular price $681.40). Allianz Care is a close second at $665, followed by Medibank ($683.05 with its discount, regular price $719) and Bupa ($713). The gap between the cheapest and the most expensive single policy is only $52.72 a year, so for single students the choice often comes down to cover details rather than price.

Quote buttons are partner links to OSHC Australia. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

OSHC provider	6 months	12 months	24 months	Buy
AHM OSHC	$330.14	$660.28	$1,341.19	Get a quote
Allianz Care	$334	$665	$1,350	Get a quote
Medibank	$341.53	$683.05	$1,384.15	Get a quote
Bupa	$357	$713	$1,449	Get a quote

Get a quote for the cheapest single OSHC

Cheapest OSHC for couples and single parents

New rules from 2 October 2026: most new Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or children in their application. You may still be able to include family if you’re studying a PhD, sponsored by DFAT or Defence, receiving a foreign government scholarship, or an eligible student from a Pacific or ASEAN country. If your family is already on your current Student visa and you apply again in Australia, you may be able to include them in your next application. Family members can’t be added after a Student visa is granted, and applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the old rules. Check the details on the Department of Home Affairs website.

If your partner is included in your Student visa, Allianz Care is the most affordable couple OSHC at $5,351 for 12 months, followed by Bupa at $5,528. AHM, the cheapest for single students, is the most expensive for couples at $7,126.61 even with its limited-time discount, so choosing the right provider saves you more than $1,700 a year. A single parent with one child pays the same price as a couple with every provider. For more prices and cover lengths, see our guide to OSHC for couples and families.

Compare and buy couple OSHC

Cheapest OSHC for families

If your partner and children can be included in your Student visa under the rules above, family OSHC prices vary the most. Allianz Care costs $9,515 for 12 months, more than $5,900 less than Medibank, the most expensive provider at $15,427.19 including its limited-time discount. The family price was the same whether we quoted one or two children. Our couples and families guide compares longer policies too.

Compare and buy family OSHC

Worked example: OSHC for your whole visa

Your OSHC has to cover your whole Student visa, not just one year, and your visa often runs a little longer than your course. Say you’re starting a two-year Master’s degree and your visa is granted for 26 months. Here is what 26 months of basic cover costs with each provider:

Quote buttons are partner links to OSHC Australia. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

OSHC provider	Single student	Couple or single parent	Family	Buy
AHM OSHC	$1,471.86 (cheapest)	$15,779.73	$37,852.97	Get a quote
Allianz Care	$1,487	$11,331 (cheapest)	$20,162 (cheapest)	Get a quote
Medibank	$1,516.34	$13,941.35	$38,522.36	Get a quote
Bupa	$1,569	$12,560	$35,324	Get a quote

For a single student, the gap over 26 months is $97.14, so pick the cover you like best. For a couple the right choice saves $4,448.73, and for a family $18,360.36. Check the end date on your visa grant, then use our OSHC calculator to price your exact number of months.

How to pay less for OSHC: 5 tips

1. Compare all providers before you buy. The cheapest provider depends on your cover type: AHM is cheap for singles but the most expensive for couples. Compare OSHC quotes here.
2. Match your visa dates exactly. The price grows with the length of cover (for example $334 for 6 months and $665 for 12 months with Allianz Care), so don’t buy more months than your Student visa needs. Check the correct OSHC duration.
3. Choose basic cover if it meets your needs. Every basic OSHC policy meets the Student visa health insurance requirement (visa condition 8501).
4. Check current offers. AHM OSHC and Medibank have a limited-time discount on OSHC Australia. T&Cs apply. Check your quote before you pay, and read what the AHM and Medibank discount saves you.
5. Compare and buy your own cover. You can choose any approved provider and pick the cheapest option yourself, rather than being locked into your school’s default insurer at a set price. Buying your own is usually cheaper.

Buying OSHC from overseas before your visa

Most students buy their own OSHC from home, before they apply for the Student visa, so they can compare providers and pick the cheapest option. Whether you are buying from the UK, Japan, Malaysia, India or anywhere else outside Australia, these are the things to get right:

• Buy your own cover before you lodge your visa. Compare all approved providers and pick the cheapest option yourself, rather than being locked into your school’s default insurer. You need paid OSHC when you apply, then enter the insurer, cover dates and policy number in your visa application. Home Affairs refuses applications without it. If your school has already arranged cover, the insurer and dates appear on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and you won’t need a policy number for the form.
• Start it on the day you arrive. Your cover must start from the day you arrive in Australia, not the day your course starts. Many students land one to four weeks early, so choose your planned arrival date, and don’t enter Australia before your policy begins.
• Cover the whole visa, not just the course. Use the course dates on your CoE to work out how long your visa will be. It usually runs a little past your course end date, and your OSHC needs to cover that extra time too. Our OSHC calculator prices any number of months.
• Pay in your own currency. OSHC Australia takes payment through Flywire, so depending on your country you can usually pay in your home currency by card or bank transfer. Card payments are the quickest, and your OSHC certificate usually arrives by email within minutes.
• If your visa is delayed or refused. If your arrival date moves, ask to change your policy start date before the cover begins. Date changes can take one to two business days. If your visa is refused, you can cancel your OSHC and get a full refund of what you paid.

Rules can change, so check the Home Affairs Student visa page before you apply. You can compare OSHC quotes and buy online from anywhere in the world.

Can you switch to a cheaper OSHC provider?

Yes. You can change your OSHC insurer at any time during your studies, as long as there is no break in your cover. Before you switch, check the waiting periods and the refund rules of your current policy, then buy the new policy so it starts the day after the old one ends. Compare OSHC providers before you switch.

OSHC if you apply for another Student visa in Australia

Since 2 October 2026, most Student visa holders can no longer apply for another Student visa while in Australia. You may still be able to apply onshore if, for example, you need up to 12 more months to finish your main course with the same provider, you have completed your main course and are moving up to a higher AQF level, you’re applying for a PhD, you’re sponsored by DFAT or Defence, or your provider has defaulted. Otherwise you’ll need to apply from outside Australia. Check the Home Affairs exemptions.

Either way, your OSHC must cover the whole period of the new visa, not just your new course. You can extend your current policy with your insurer or buy a new policy from a cheaper provider, as long as there is no gap between the two. Read about the onshore Student visa extension fee and use the OSHC calculator to price the extra months. Only need cover for a short course? See how many months of OSHC a short course needs.

OSHC vs OVHC: which one do you need?

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is for Student visa holders and their dependants. OVHC (Overseas Visitors Health Cover) is for most other temporary visa holders, for example graduates moving to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), who also need adequate health insurance. If you hold or are applying for a Student visa, you need OSHC, not OVHC.

What does OSHC cover?

The compulsory basic OSHC plan usually covers:

• visits to the doctor (GP), at 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee with all four providers above
• some hospital treatment, including accident and emergency
• emergency ambulance
• limited prescription medicines, usually up to $500 per person a year

Specialists, pathology and X-rays are covered at 85% of the MBS fee with Allianz Care, AHM and Medibank, and at 100% with Bupa. Waiting periods apply, usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy-related services. OSHC doesn’t cover dental, optical or physiotherapy treatment, so you need separate extras cover for those. Find out more about OSHC on the Australian Department of Health website.

Quote buttons are partner links to OSHC Australia. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

OSHC provider	Specialists, pathology and X-rays	Waiting periods	Buy
Bupa	100% of the MBS fee	Usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy	Get a quote
Allianz Care	85% of the MBS fee	Usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy	Get a quote
AHM OSHC	85% of the MBS fee	Usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy	Get a quote
Medibank	85% of the MBS fee	Usually 12 months for pre-existing conditions and pregnancy	Get a quote

Cheapest OSHC Australia: frequently asked questions

Related OSHC and Student visa guides

• OSHC for couples and families: prices compared
• AHM and Medibank OSHC discount: what it saves you
• How to compare OSHC providers: a simple checklist
• OSHC for short courses and English classes
• Cheapest courses in Australia for international students
• OSHC price calculator: compare OSHC for 1 to 60 months
• How to get the cheapest Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• What is OSHC and how long should your cover be?
• OSHC meaning for international students
• How much does an Australian Student visa cost in 2026?
• Browse courses for international students in Australia

Source and method: prices updated 10 November 2026 from OSHC Australia (oshcaustralia.com.au, powered by Flywire) for basic cover from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027. On OSHC Australia, Allianz Care’s basic policy is shown under the Worldcare logo, Allianz Care’s original name. List of OSHC insurers: Australian Department of Health OSHC fact sheet. AHM OSHC and Medibank prices include a limited-time discount on OSHC Australia. T&Cs apply. Prices are in Australian dollars and can change. If you have questions, contact the Study Anywhere team.

Prices updated November 2026. All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and can change, so we always confirm the current fee with the school before you enrol.

Studying in Australia doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In this guide we compare some of the cheapest courses in Australia for international students, from vocational certificates and diplomas to bachelor and master degrees, and show what your first year really costs once you add the visa fee, OSHC and living costs. When you enrol with Study Anywhere in any of these courses, you get free Student visa assistance from a registered migration agent.

Australia has tightened its Student visa rules, with the Genuine Student requirement, stricter English rules and the financial capacity needed for a Student visa. Good advice before you apply makes a real difference.

Student visa fee: from 1 July 2026 the Student visa (subclass 500) costs $2,500 for most applicants. A lower fee applies to some applicants, including eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens. See the full Student visa fees.

Cheapest courses at a glance

Course	Level	Tuition	Where
NCCS: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice and other business courses	Certificate III to Diploma	$6,000 for 52 weeks	Sydney
Greenwich College: business and management diplomas	Certificate IV and Diploma	$1,250 every two months ($7,500 a year)	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast
ACBI: sustainability and environmental management	Certificate IV and Diploma	From $1,900 every three months	Sydney
ACBI: Diploma of Artificial Intelligence	Diploma	$2,000 every three months	Sydney
AIBI: bachelor degrees	Bachelor	$15,166 a year	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
SIHE: Master of Information Technology	Master	$19,600 a year, from $12,740 with a scholarship	Sydney

1. Cheapest Student visa courses in Sydney

Price: $6,000 for 52 weeks

Where: Sydney

Intakes: New terms start several times a year. Ask us for the next start date.

New Cambridge College Sydney (NCCS) has some of the lowest tuition fees we list. Its Certificate III in Business, Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, Diploma of Leadership and Management, Certificate IV in Project Management Practice and Diploma of Project Management each cost $6,000 for a 52-week course, paid in instalments. The application fee is $200, or $250 if you apply from outside Australia, and the Certificate III in Business has a $200 material fee.

These prices come from the NCCS fees page. Fees can change, so we confirm them with the college before you enrol. Get your free quote.

2. The cheapest bachelor degree in Australia for international students

Bachelor and master degrees are a popular choice for a Student visa, and higher education doesn’t have to cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Here is one of the most affordable options we list.

Price: $15,166 per year

Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth

Intakes: Several intakes a year. Ask us for the next start date.

The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence (AIBI) offers three bachelor degrees from $15,166 per year. Each is a three-year course, and you can secure your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with a first payment from $1,000. Prices can differ for students applying in Australia and from overseas, so ask us for the price that applies to you.

• Bachelor of Cyber Security (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)
• Bachelor of Business (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)
• Bachelor of Enterprise Management Systems (Sydney, Melbourne)

A bachelor degree may also lead to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after you graduate, if you meet the conditions. Contact us to check your options.

3. The most affordable master degree in Australia for international students

Price: $19,600 per year, from $12,740 with a scholarship

Where: Sydney

Intakes: Several intakes a year. Ask us for the next start date.

If you’re looking for an affordable master degree, the Master of Information Technology at Sydney Institute of Higher Education (SIHE) is a two-year course with a standard tuition fee of $19,600 per year ($39,200 in total).

SIHE currently offers scholarships that bring the price down: 25% for students applying from outside Australia ($14,700 per year, $29,400 in total) and 35% for students applying in Australia ($12,740 per year, $25,480 in total). Scholarships are set for each intake, and since 2 October 2026 most students can’t apply for a Student visa from inside Australia, so ask us which scholarship applies to you. The application fee is $250. Source: Sydney Institute of Higher Education.

4. Affordable courses in sustainability and environmental management

Price: From $1,900 every three months

Where: Sydney

Intakes: Several intakes a year. Ask us for the next start date.

If you’d like to work in a growing field, the Australian College of Business Intelligence (ACBI) in Sydney offers two affordable sustainability courses:

• Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability: $1,900 every three months, 52 weeks
• Diploma of Sustainable Operations: $2,000 every three months

ACBI’s Diploma of Project Management is also $2,000 every three months. The enrolment fee is $250 and the material fee is $100. Contact us to learn more about enrolling.

5. Affordable diploma courses with campuses across Australia

Price: $1,250 every two months ($7,500 per year)

Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast

Intakes: Several intakes a year. Ask us for the next start date.

Greenwich College has six campuses, so you can choose your city. These business and management courses cost $1,250 every two months ($7,500 per year):

• Diploma of Business (52 weeks)
• Diploma of Leadership and Management (52 weeks)
• Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (44 weeks)

The enrolment fee is $260 and the material fee is $120. Greenwich’s Diploma of Hospitality Management costs $1,250 every two months. Contact us to learn more about enrolling in these courses.

6. Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (honourable mention)

Price: $2,000 every three months

Where: Sydney

Intakes: Several intakes a year. Ask us for the next start date.

This isn’t the cheapest diploma on our list, but many of you ask about studying artificial intelligence in Australia. The one-year Diploma of Artificial Intelligence at ACBI gives you a solid foundation in AI and teaches you how to use AI tools effectively and ethically. It costs $2,000 every three months (about $8,000 for the year), plus a $250 enrolment fee and a $100 material fee.

What your first year really costs

Tuition is only part of the budget. Here is an example for one student applying from outside Australia for the NCCS Certificate IV in Project Management Practice:

Cost	Amount	Notes
Tuition (52 weeks)	$6,000	Paid in instalments
Application fee	$250	$200 if you apply in Australia
Student visa fee	$2,500	Lower for some nationalities
OSHC, 12 months of single cover	From $660.28	AHM OSHC with a limited-time discount, T&Cs apply
Total you pay	$9,410.28	Before rent, food and flights

You may also need to show the Department of Home Affairs that you can support yourself. If you have to provide evidence of funds, you need to show money for 12 months of living costs ($29,710 for a student), plus your course fees for the first 12 months and travel costs (generally $2,000 if you apply from outside Australia). For this example that is about $37,710. This is money you need access to, not a fee you pay. Read more about financial capacity for a Student visa or see the Home Affairs Student visa page.

Save more with the cheapest OSHC

Every Student visa holder needs Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole visa, and prices differ a lot between insurers, especially for couples and families. You can save hundreds of dollars by comparing all available OSHC providers. Our cheapest OSHC guide compares every provider, and the OSHC calculator prices your exact number of months.

Disclosure: Study Anywhere may earn a commission if you buy OSHC through our partner links, at no extra cost to you. Prices through our link are the same as on OSHC Australia’s own website.

Cheapest courses in Australia: frequently asked questions

All prices in this article are in Australian dollars (AUD) and can change. Course prices updated November 2026 from our school partners and the schools’ own websites.

Get your free quote for the whole package here or reach out to us via Messenger to speak with one of our colleagues. Join students from 60+ countries and study in Australia with Study Anywhere.

Are you an international student planning to study in Australia in 2024? Are you looking for scholarships to help finance your education? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss three institutes that are offering attractive scholarships in Australia for international students in 2024. These scholarships are fairly easy to apply for when you enrol with Study Anywhere and more importantly, with some of these programs, you also have the opportunity for a 2-year Graduate visa after completing your studies. Read on to find out more!

September 2024 update: New 50% scholarship for Bachelor of IT and Diploma of IT courses

The Academy of Interactive Technology (AIT) is opening a special intake this October. International students applying for this intake are eligible for an exclusive 50% scholarship on both Diploma and Bachelor of IT programs. This opportunity requires quick action to meet the deadlines, so if you’re interested, please contact us as soon as possible.

AIBI: Affordable Bachelor Degrees in Australia with a 40% Scholarship for International Students

If you are interested in pursuing a Business or Cyber Security degrees, the Australian Institute of Business Intelligence (AIBI) has a great offer for you and you can now save $26,000 on these programs:

The standard price for these degrees is $65,000 but if you enrol with Study Anywhere now, you can study any of them for $39,000 ($13,000 per year). This includes free assistance with your Student visa application from our registered migration agent.

Interested in knowing more? Get in touch with our enrolment team.

Who’s Eligible for This Scholarship?

International applicants who are in Australia already. It’s great if you are holding a Visitor visa or a Work and Holiday visa but almost any valid Australian visa will make you eligible as long as you can apply for another Student visa onshore (your current visa does not have the ‘No further stay’ condition). You can take advantage of this scholarship for international students even if you are currently studying in Australia and are about to complete your current course.

You need to enrol in either the February or May 2024 intake to qualify for this extraordinary scholarship. Campus choice is up to you and AIBI offers courses in Sydney and in Melbourne.

Update (May 2024): AIBI is extending this scholarship offer to the September 2024 intake as well.

And what if you’re not currently in Australia? A generous 30% scholarship awaits you, translating to almost $20,000 in savings on your bachelor program.

Scholarships in Australia with a Hassle-Free Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Contact Study Anywhere, and we’ll ensure you get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with a minimal upfront payment of just $1,000. Our team will guide you through the enrolment and visa application process step-by-step and free of charge.

Ikon Institute of Australia: Up to 35% Scholarships for International Students

For those of you interested in Early Childhood Education, Counselling and Psychotherapy, or Arts Therapy Bachelor and Diploma programs, the Ikon Institute of Australia is the place to be. Enrolling with Study Anywhere for any 2024 intake can earn you a scholarship of 35% for Arts Therapy & Counselling and Psychotherapy Programs and a 25% scholarship for Early Childhood Education Programs.

The 4-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Ikon now costs only $15,000 per year. While this may still seem like a significant investment, it is important to consider the benefits. Not only will you receive a quality education, but you may also have the opportunity to stay in Australia after graduation with a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.

Two new Australian scholarships for international students (January 2024 update)

The Australian Learning Group (ALG) has introduced two exciting scholarships for international students.

The first scholarship offers a 25% discount on all ALG courses in Brisbane. You can choose from courses in Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, Fitness, and more. For example, the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) will now cost you only $7,770 per year, with a monthly payment plan available.

Update (May 2024): This scholarship offer has now been discontinued by ALG.

The second ALG scholarship for international students provides a 25% discount on the Diploma of Leadership and Management course, available in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. After the discount, this course will also cost you $7,770 per year.

New York Film Academy Australia is Offering a Talent Based Scholarship

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or actor, grab the opportunity to save up to $7,000 when you kickstart your course on the vibrant Gold Coast in February 2024. Talent-based scholarships for international students are now open at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Australia for the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media and the Diploma of Screen & Media.

Demonstrate your talent by submitting your application before the January 19, 2024 deadline.

Upon successful course completion in Australia, eligible students can seamlessly transfer credits to the degree program offered by the New York Film Academy in the US.

Apply for Your Australian Scholarship Now

How to get one of the scholarships for international students at the AIBI, Ikon Institute, or NYFA? All you need to do is contact us as soon as possible while spots last. Our team at Study Anywhere is ready to assist you with your enrolment, scholarship application, and also with your Student visa application.

TIP: Read about how to successfully apply for a Student visa in Australia.

Looking for Even More Affordable Courses?

You can study in Australia for as little as $5,600 / year. Check out the most affordable courses for international students right now in this blog article.

International students heading to Australia, there are some updates you should be aware of before you make your way down under. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the latest changes to the Student Visa in Australia, and what you need to know to prepare.

October 2023 Update: Change in How Much Bank Balance is Required for an Australian Student Visa

The Australian government is increasing the amount of financial capacity (also known as ‘show money’) required for a Student visa application. In our FAQs, you can find out more about how this is calculated and whether you need to provide a bank statement when applying for an Australian Student visa or not. Hint: Not everyone has to show the proof upfront.

The important number is $24,505 AUD, which international students should estimate as their living costs for one year in Australia. It used to be $21,041 AUD.

The End of Full-Time Work Rights for International Students

One of the biggest changes in 2023 is the end of full-time work rights for international students, with the changes set to take effect on the 30th of June 2023. The Government is still yet to announce how many hours per fortnight this will be capped for, and if it will revert back to the pre-covid limit of 40 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Let’s hope unrestricted working hours will stay in place at least during the term breaks as it was before. So if you’re already in Australia, enjoy your full-time work rights until the end of June and if you’re just planning to come, reach out to Study Anywhere so we can help you with an affordable course that offers the longest term breaks (up to 16 weeks per year).

Update (February 2023): The new work restriction for Student Visa holders has now been specified. From the 1st of July 2023, international students will be allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight in Australia. While this isn’t good news for most students, at least there is a 20% increase in the number of hours foreign students can work in Australia. Pre-pandemic this limit was at 40 hours per fortnight. We still expect unlimited work rights during the term breaks, however, we’re waiting for the Department of Home Affairs to confirm this.

Small Price Increase of the Student Visa in Australia Since Last Year

International students should also be aware of a recent adjustment in the cost of the Student Visa in Australia. Since July 2022, the visa fee has gone up to $650 AUD for a single applicant. Slight increase but manageable. Just keep in mind that the Department of Home Affairs will charge you more if you are applying for a Student Visa with your partner or renewing your visa onshore for the second or subsequent time.

Update (July 2023): Student visa fee in Australia is increasing again. From the 1st of July 2023, the Department of Home Affairs will charge you $710 AUD when you lodge a single student visa application.

More Affordable Study Options with Study Anywhere

In addition to the increased cost of the visa, courses for international students in Australia are also becoming more expensive. The inflation stuff, you know. However, at Study Anywhere, we can still help you find a course that will fit your budget, with options starting as low as $4,400 AUD per year. Health cover is another cost you can keep down, because the cheapest OSHC in Australia meets the visa requirement too.

TIP: Here are the cheapest Student Visa courses for 2024. Check them out!

Longer Duration of Graduate Visas 

On the plus side, another important change for international graduates in 2023 is the longer duration of some graduate visas. The Australian Government announced the increase in the duration of post-study work rights of international students to address the skill shortages. Post-study work rights for select degrees in some areas are increased from:

• Two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees like this Bachelor of Information Technology (Games Programming) at AIT
• Three years to five years for select Master’s degrees
• Four years to six years for select PhDs.

COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Travel to Australia

The pandemic is not completely over yet and although the Australian borders are fully open since December 2021, new measures have been put in place for travelers entering Australia, including international students. As of 2023, people entering Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the day of travel. This requirement is subject to change and updates, so it’s important to stay informed of the latest developments and to plan accordingly.

Online Courses Still Available with Study Anywhere

While online course delivery to international students in Australia wasn’t allowed pre-pandemic, this has changed and the regulations became more flexible. However, many schools are slowly moving back to on-campus delivery mode. If you still prefer to take most of your classes online, or just 1-2 days per week on campus, let us know and we can help you with that.

Update (July 2023): Colleges for international students are returning back to face to face course delivery. However, up to one-third of the course can still be completed online. Contact us and we can recommend you the most flexible schools in Australia. Even one day per week timetable is possible.

Stay Informed and Prepared with Study Anywhere

For the most up-to-date information, don’t forget to always check the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and also keep an eye on our blog and FAQs. You can also always send us a message to enrol and get free help with your Student Visa application from a registered migration agent. Study Anywhere has helped students from 60+ countries to study in Australia since 2015.

After 18 months, the international border ban will be lifted. What does that mean for international students?

Can’t wait to travel to Australia? You could be packing soon as the country is going to lift the travel ban one month prior to the initial schedule. The reason for it is that Australia is hitting the required vaccination targets quicker than expected. Qantas will resume its international flights on the 14th of November 2021. 

The first states to re-open will be New South Wales and Victoria. In the first phase, only Australian citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to leave and come back to Australia. 

However, there is a plan for international students to return to Australia too.

First international students will return to Australia in December 2021

The first international students will start returning to New South Wales on December 4th, 2021. This is a pilot program allowing a limited number of 250 international students to return to Australia every two weeks. These students will have to be vaccinated and undergo quarantine in purpose-built student accommodation in Sydney. 

Update 12th of November 2021: Students vaccinated with a recognised Covid-19 vaccine will not have to undergo quarantine.

Update 22nd of November 2021: The long-awaited change is here. Fully vaccinated International students can come to Australia again. No quarantine is required. The borders will reopen on the 1st of December 2021.

If the pilot program succeeds, we expect that the Australian government will gradually increase the number of international students allowed to come to Australia. Our partner schools are getting ready for exceptionally large intakes in 2022.

Now is the right time to enrol

If you are thinking of coming to Australia in 2022 you should consider enroling now. There are two reasons for that:

1. Price: once the borders are fully open, we expect that schools will end their current promotions and swiftly go back to pre-covid prices. If you choose your course for the next year now, you can save thousands of dollars.
2. Waiting times: enrolments and Student Visa applications will likely take longer when a large number of students will be enroling and applying for Student Visas at the same time.

Join our priority list

Do you want to be notified as soon as you can come to Australia? Request a free quote and we will add you to our priority list.

Also, don’t forget to check our list of the most affordable courses for international students in Sydney or Melbourne.

If you have any questions, please check our FAQs or send us a message.