Cost of Studying Abroad Calculator
Estimate the real cost of your degree — tuition, living costs, visa fees and health cover — plus the minimum funds your student visa requires. Covers Australia, the UK, Canada and New Zealand.
What goes into the cost of studying abroad
Tuition is only part of the picture. When you budget for an overseas degree you also need to cover living costs (rent, food, transport), compulsory health cover, the one-off student visa fee, and — separately — prove to the immigration authority that you have enough money for the year. The calculator above adds tuition, living, health cover and the visa fee into a total range, and shows the official minimum funds you must demonstrate for the visa.
Not included in the estimate: international flights, one-off setup costs such as a rental bond, phone and furniture, and any costs for dependants. Build a realistic buffer on top of the minimum, rather than budgeting to the bare limit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study abroad per year?+
Once you add tuition, living costs, health cover and visa fees, a year of study typically ranges from about A$45,000–75,000 in Australia, £25,000–40,000 in the UK, C$30,000–50,000 in Canada, and NZ$40,000–55,000 in New Zealand. The exact figure depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the calculator above to estimate your own situation.
What is the difference between the cost of studying and the funds my visa requires?+
They are two different numbers. Your actual cost is what you will spend on tuition and living. The "minimum funds" is the amount the immigration authority requires you to prove you have access to before granting the visa — for example A$29,710/year for living in Australia, C$22,895/year in Canada, or roughly £1,171–1,529/month in the UK. You usually need to show funds for tuition plus living plus travel.
Does this calculator include the student visa application fee?+
Yes. The estimate adds the one-off student visa application fee for each country — around A$2,500 for Australia (subclass 500, from July 2026), £490 for the UK, about C$235 for Canada (permit plus biometrics), and roughly NZ$300–850 for New Zealand depending on how you apply. These fees change, so confirm the current amount with the official immigration authority.
Is health insurance included in the cost estimate?+
Yes, as an annual figure. Australia requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC, roughly A$500–700/year). The UK charges the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year, paid up front for the whole course). Canada's health coverage varies by province — some cover students, others require private insurance. New Zealand requires approved medical and travel insurance for the full stay.
Is studying in a regional area cheaper?+
Usually yes — living costs in smaller cities and regional areas are often 10–20% lower than in major cities like Sydney, London or Toronto, and some countries offer extra post-study work or migration benefits for regional study. Tuition is set by the institution and is less affected by location. The "Location" option in the calculator adjusts the living-cost estimate accordingly.
Are these study cost figures accurate?+
They are informed estimates based on typical tuition and living ranges and 2026 government figures for visa fees, health cover and minimum-funds requirements. Actual costs vary by institution, city and personal spending, and government fees change regularly. Always confirm tuition with your university and current fees with the official immigration authority before making financial decisions.
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