Choosing to study abroad is an exciting but financially significant decision. When it comes to pursuing excellence in Australia, the elite group of institutions known as the Group of Eight (Go8) stands out.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the true cost of studying in Australia’s top 8 universities, including a breakdown of tuition fees for the Group of Eight universities (Go8), the expected Australia Go8 international student cost, and essential budgeting advice for your journey down under.
What is the Go8?
The Group of Eight (Go8) is a coalition of Australia’s eight premier, research-intensive universities, often considered the country’s equivalent of the US Ivy League or the UK Russell Group.
| Go8 University | Location (Major City) |
|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne |
| University of Sydney | Sydney |
| Australian National University (ANU) | Canberra |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Sydney |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | Brisbane |
| Monash University | Melbourne |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | Perth |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide |
Go8 universities are globally recognized, highly ranked, attract intense competition, and consistently invest billions in research. Their fees, living costs and scholarship structures are slightly different (often higher) than those of less-prestigious institutions.
Go8 Tuition Fees
The Group of Eight (Go8) universities are Australia’s most prestigious institutions, and they also sit at the higher end of the tuition-fee spectrum. For international students, the cost of studying in Australia’s top 8 universities varies widely depending on the university, study level, and discipline. Across the Go8, most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs fall within a broad range of AUD 40,000 to AUD 60,000 per year, with specialised programs in medicine, dentistry, and health sciences costing significantly more.
Why Go8 Fees Are Higher
Go8 universities have strong global rankings, leading research output, and advanced teaching facilities. This means that annual course fees in Australia, especially within the Go8, tend to be higher than non-Go8 institutions. Fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Health programmes often attract premium pricing due to laboratory costs, accreditation requirements, and industry-linked training.
University-Wise Overview of Tuition Fees
Below is a recent snapshot of tuition fees for Group of Eight universities (Go8) for international students:
1. University of Melbourne
- General UG courses: AUD 37,000 – 50,000/year
- High-cost specialisations: AUD 60,000+
- Dentistry (example): ~AUD 80,000+/year
Melbourne uses a subject-based fee structure, so your final annual fee depends on the load and discipline cluster.
2. University of Sydney
- Business, Commerce, Arts: AUD 56,000 – 60,600/year
- Engineering & IT: ~AUD 60,600/year
- Health sciences: ~AUD 60,000 – 66,000/year
Sydney sits at the top end of the Australia Go8 international student cost range due to strong demand and top rankings.
3. Australian National University
- Most courses: AUD 45,000 – 59,000+/year
ANU’s flagship programs, such as International Relations, Data Analytics, and Economics, are priced toward the upper range.
4. UNSW Sydney
- Commerce/Business: AUD 49,000 – 55,000/year
- Engineering/CS: AUD 55,000 – 58,500/year
- Master of Engineering (2025): ~AUD 44,000 for first year
UNSW is known for engineering and technology, resulting in higher per-unit course bands.
5. University of Queensland
- Arts/Business/Science: AUD 41,000 – 45,000/year
- Engineering/Health: AUD 50,000 – 60,000/year
Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, UQ offers slightly more affordable fee bands.
6. Monash University
- Typical courses: AUD 37,000 – 50,000/year
- Medicine & Health programs: AUD 60,000+
Monash is popular for STEM and health fields, influencing its fee structure.
7. University of Western Australia
- Arts/Business: AUD 32,000 – 40,000/year
- Science/Engineering: AUD 42,000 – 46,000/year
UWA tends to be more budget-friendly within the Go8.
8. University of Adelaide
- General UG tuition: AUD 41,000 – 60,000/year
- Specialist degrees: AUD 90,000 – 100,000+/year
Some professional programs, such as medicine, reach the highest fee range among Go8.
| University | Estimated Annual Undergrad Tuition (AUD) | Estimated Annual Postgrad Tuition (AUD) | Approx-INR (Undergrad) | Approx-INR (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | ~ AUD 35,000 – 75,000 | Some postgraduate / specialist degrees up to ~ AUD 80,000+ | ~ ₹ 19 lakh – ₹ 41 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 43 lakh – ₹ 70 lakh+* |
| University of Sydney | ~ AUD 49,000 – 60,000+ | Often ~ AUD 50,000 – 62,000+ | ~ ₹ 27 lakh – ₹ 33 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 28 lakh – ₹ 35 lakh+ |
| Australian National University (ANU) | ~ AUD 43,000 – 55,000+ | Similar ballpark, often slightly higher | ~ ₹ 24 lakh – ₹ 30 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 27 lakh – ₹ 32 lakh+ |
| UNSW Sydney | ~ AUD 43,000 – 91,500 | PG range ~ AUD 41,760 – 87,000+ | ~ ₹ 24 lakh – ₹ 50 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 23 lakh – ₹ 48 lakh+ |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | ~ AUD 33,000 – 89,000 | PG often similar or slightly higher | ~ ₹ 18 lakh – ₹ 49 lakh | ~ ₹ 19 lakh – ₹ 52 lakh |
| Monash University | ~ AUD 37,000 – 50,000+ | PG for certain specialisations ~ (you noted) | ~ ₹ 20 lakh – ₹ 28 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 23 lakh – ₹ 32 lakh+ |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | Estimated lower end among Go8 | PG similar uncertainty | ~ ₹ 20 lakh – ₹ 30 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 22 lakh – ₹ 33 lakh+ |
| University of Adelaide | ~ AUD 28,000 – 60,000+ | PG similar or sometimes higher | ~ ₹ 15 lakh – ₹ 33 lakh+ | ~ ₹ 16 lakh – ₹ 35 lakh+ |
Other Costs for Students Studying at Australia’s Top 8 Universities
Studying at the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia involves more than just tuition fees. International students must consider day-to-day living expenses, accommodation, OSHC, travel, and other essential costs to plan a realistic estimated student budget for Australia. These expenses vary across locations, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive, while Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra offer more affordable options.
1. Mandatory Visa and Health Costs
These expenses are non-negotiable and must be factored into your financial capacity assessment for the student visa.
| Cost Item | Requirement & Rationale | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | This is a mandatory requirement for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). OSHC covers the cost of medical and hospital care in Australia. The policy must cover the entire duration of your stay. | $600 – $1,200+ (Single policy, depends on provider and duration) |
| Student Visa Application Fee | The fee paid to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to process your visa application. This is a one-time cost. | $710 – $800+ (Primary applicant, subject to annual increase) |
| Travel Costs | Airfares to and from Australia. While variable, these must be considered in your initial budget. | Variable ($1,500 – $4,000+ depending on origin) |
2. Academic and Course-Related Expenses
Even after paying high tuition fees, you will incur additional costs directly related to your studies.
- Books and Study Materials: Costs for required textbooks, reference books, lab manuals, stationery, and specialized software. Many Go8 universities offer digital resources, but hard copies and subject-specific materials add up.
- Estimated Annual Cost: AUD $500 – $1,200
- Specialised Equipment/Field Trips:
- Students in courses like Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, or Science may need to purchase lab coats, safety gear, stethoscopes, drawing kits, or fund compulsory field trips.
- Estimated Annual Cost: Highly variable, potentially AUD $300 – $2,000+ depending on the course.
- Graduation Fees: While a one-time cost, you should budget for gowns, tickets for guests, and graduation administration fees near the end of your degree.
- Estimated Cost (One-time): AUD $150 – $400
3. Utilities, Communication, and Lifestyle Costs
These costs are part of your monthly expenditure but are separate from accommodation and groceries. They impact your overall cost of living for students in Australia.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100 – $250 | Electricity, gas, and water (often included in on-campus or purpose-built student accommodation). |
| Phone & Internet | $50 – $100 | Essential for study and staying connected. Competitive mobile plans are widely available. |
| Public Transport | $100 – $200 | Depends on whether you receive student concessions (available in most states, like Victoria, NSW, Queensland, SA) and the distance travelled. |
| Entertainment & Social | $200 – $400+ | Critical for well-being! Includes cinema, eating out, travel, and social activities. This is highly variable based on lifestyle. |
4. Accommodation Costs
Your choice between on-campus accommodation and private rental drastically impacts your overall cost.
| City/Type | Estimated Weekly Cost (AUD) | Cost of Living Comparison Melbourne vs Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney (High) | $650 – $950+ | Highest rent and general living costs. |
| Melbourne (High) | $550 – $850+ | Marginally lower rent than Sydney, with excellent student amenities. |
| Brisbane (UQ/Moderate) | $450 – $750+ | More affordable than Sydney/Melbourne. |
| Perth (UWA/Moderate) | $400 – $650+ | Generally, lower rent and cheaper transport options. |
| Adelaide (Moderate) | $380 – $600+ | Lowest cost of living among the major Go8 cities. |
| Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Shared Apartment/House | $700 – $1,200 (Most common and cost-effective) |
| On-Campus/Student Halls | $1,200 – $1,800 (Convenient, often includes utilities/meals) |
Summary of Annual Other Costs
| Category | Estimated Annual Budget (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Visa & Health (OSHC) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Academic Materials & Equipment | $500 – $1,200 |
| Utilities, Transport, & Communication | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Total Estimated Other Costs | AUD $4,100 – $8,400+ |
Adding these to your tuition ($40,000 – $65,000) and accommodation/food expenses ($20,000 – $30,000) brings your estimated total annual outlay for a Go8 university to approximately AUD $64,000 to $105,000+.
Scholarships and Work Opportunities
Given the high costs, securing scholarships is critical to maintaining a manageable student budget in Australia. Look for Go8 scholarships for international students early in the application process.
Go8 Scholarship
- University-Specific Merit Scholarships: Most Go8 universities offer automatic or competitive scholarships based on academic excellence, often providing a 15% to 50% tuition fee reduction. Examples include the University of Sydney International Student Award and the Monash International Merit Scholarship.
- Research Scholarships: If you are pursuing a Master’s by Research or a PhD, Go8 institutions offer highly competitive stipends (e.g., RTP Scholarship) that cover full tuition and provide a living allowance (e.g., ~AUD $35,000/year).
- Country-Specific Awards: Look for scholarships tailored to your country of origin.
Part-Time Work in Australia
International students are permitted to work, which can significantly offset the living costs:
- Work Limit: 48 hours per fortnight during university semesters, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- Minimum Wage: Australia has a high national minimum wage, so part-time work can genuinely help cover monthly expenses like rent and groceries.
- Strategy: Don’t rely on part-time work earnings to cover tuition, but definitely factor them into your living costs budget.
Budgeting and Cost-Saving Tips
To successfully manage the high price tag of a world-class Go8 education, follow these practical steps:
- Choose Your City Wisely: Use the cost of living comparison Melbourne vs Sydney as a guide. Choosing Perth (UWA) or Adelaide over the eastern hubs can save you thousands in annual rent.
- Budget for Annual Increases: Assume a 3-5% increase in your tuition fees and living expenses each year. Build a 10% buffer into your total annual financial plan.
- Factor in All Visa Costs: Include the initial visa application fee, the mandatory OSHC cost Australia, and travel expenses.
- Prioritise Shared Accommodation: Shared private rental is almost always cheaper than university on-campus accommodation. Search for shared housing near your campus.
- Apply Early, Apply Often: The most generous Go8 scholarships for international students are competitive and have early deadlines.
A degree from a Go8 university is a powerful, life-long investment. With meticulous planning and realistic budgeting, your dream of pursuing excellence in Australia is entirely achievable.
Conclusion
Studying at the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia is a premium pathway for international students seeking world-class education, global career exposure, and strong post-study opportunities. While tuition fees at Australia’s top universities can be high, especially for business, engineering, or health programmes, the long-term career outcomes, research infrastructure, and industry connections make the investment worthwhile.
By understanding tuition fees, living expenses, OSHC costs, scholarships, and overall budget requirements, students can plan their finances realistically and avoid surprises when they arrive in Australia. With smart budgeting, part-time work, and strategic scholarship applications, studying at a Go8 university becomes achievable for many students. Whether you choose Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, or Adelaide, the Go8 ensures academic excellence and an enriched student experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of studying at Australia’s Top 8 (Go8) universities?
The annual tuition fee at Go8 universities typically ranges from AUD 35,000 – 60,000 for most bachelor’s and master’s courses. Specialized degrees like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science can exceed AUD 70,000 – 95,000 per year.
Living expenses vary by city but generally range from AUD 25,000 – 40,000 per year depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Which Go8 university is the most expensive?
The University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney are generally the most expensive in terms of tuition fees and accommodation costs. Sydney is also one of Australia’s costliest cities for living expenses.
Which Go8 university is the most affordable for international students?
The University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia (UWA), and sometimes University of Queensland (UQ) offer comparatively lower tuition fees and reduced living costs due to more affordable cities like Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.
What are the living expenses for students in major Go8 cities?
Average annual living costs:
- Sydney: AUD 32,000 – 42,000
- Melbourne: AUD 30,000 – 40,000
- Brisbane / Canberra: AUD 27,000 – 35,000
- Adelaide / Perth: AUD 25,000 – 32,000
This includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses.
What is the OSHC cost for Go8 students?
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is compulsory and costs:
- Single student: AUD 550 – 850 per year
- Couple: AUD 3,000 – 4,500+
- Family: AUD 5,500 – 7,000+
The cost varies by provider and policy duration.
Can Go8 international students work part-time while studying?
Yes. International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks.
Average job earnings range from AUD 22 – 28 per hour, helping students manage part of their living expenses.
Are scholarships available for Go8 universities?
Absolutely. There are several Go8 scholarships for international students, including:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor awards
- Country-specific scholarships (including Indian student scholarships)
- Research and PhD funding
Scholarships may cover 10% to 100% of tuition fees depending on the programme and academic profile.
What are the student visa financial requirements for Australia?
To apply for a Subclass 500 visa, students must show funds to cover:
- Living expenses: AUD 29,710 per year
- Tuition fees: for at least 12 months
- OSHC cost
- Travel funds: around AUD 2,000
Bank statements, loans, sponsorships, and scholarships can be used as proof.
Which Go8 city offers the best balance of cost and lifestyle?
Brisbane (UQ) and Adelaide (University of Adelaide) are considered the best value cities, offering low accommodation costs, good transport, modern student facilities, and vibrant multicultural communities on a moderate budget.
Is studying at a Go8 university worth it for international students?
Yes. Go8 universities consistently rank among the world’s top 1–2%, offer exceptional research quality, high graduate employability, strong industry ties, and excellent post-study work opportunities. For students aiming for global careers, a Go8 degree is a powerful advantage.
