Calculating the finances for studying in Australia can be a complex process, but here are a few steps that you can take to estimate the costs:
- Tuition fees: Research the tuition fees for the course you wish to study at the university or college of your choice. These fees can vary depending on the institution and the course, so make sure to check the fees for your specific program.
- Living expenses: Estimate the cost of living in Australia, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. You can use the online cost-of-living calculators or check the university’s website for estimated living costs.
- Travel costs: Calculate the cost of traveling to and from Australia, including airfare, visa fees, and travel insurance.
- Health insurance: International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. Estimate the cost of OSHC and include it in your budget.
- Additional costs: Consider any additional costs that may be incurred such as textbooks, equipment, or additional course materials.
- Funding options: Research the funding options available to international students such as scholarships, grants, or student loans.
- Income: If you plan to work part-time while studying, take into account the income you expect to earn and how it will contribute to your finances.
It’s important to note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on your individual circumstances, so be sure to check the most recent and accurate information available.
Remember, when calculating the finances for studying in Australia, it’s important to have a contingency plan in case of unexpected expenses and to be realistic about your budget.
Example
here is an example of an estimate of the finances for an overseas student from Pakistan looking to study the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at La Trobe University in Melbourne:
- Tuition fees: According to La Trobe University’s website, the estimated tuition fee for the Bachelor of Civil Engineering for international students is approximately AUD 36,000 per year. Therefore, the total tuition fee for a three-year program would be approximately AUD 108,000.
- Living expenses: According to La Trobe University’s website, the estimated living cost for international students in Melbourne is approximately AUD 18,000 per year. Therefore, the total living cost for three years would be approximately AUD 54,000
- Travel costs: The cost of traveling from Pakistan to Melbourne can vary depending on factors such as the time of year and the airline, but it can cost on average around AUD 1,500-2,000 for a return trip.
- Health insurance: The cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is around AUD 300-350 per year.
- Additional costs: Textbooks and course materials can cost around AUD 1,000-1,500 per year.
- Funding options: The student can research the scholarships and bursaries opportunities available for international students at La Trobe University or other universities in Australia.
- Income: The student can work part-time while studying, but they need to consider that they are allowed to work only 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. The average hourly wage in Melbourne is around AUD 25-30.
The total estimated cost for a student from Pakistan studying the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at La Trobe University in Melbourne for three years would be around AUD 180,000-185,000.
Initial Estimate:
The initial cost for an overseas student from Pakistan to get admission to study the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at La Trobe University in Melbourne would include the following:
- Application fee: La Trobe University charges an application fee of AUD 100 for international students.
- English proficiency test: The student may need to take an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL. The cost for these tests vary but can be between AUD 300-500.
- Visa application fee: The student will need to pay a visa application fee to the Australian Government for their student visa. As of my knowledge cutoff, the visa application fee for a student visa is around AUD 560.
- Medical examination: Some students may be required to undertake a medical examination as part of their visa application. The cost of this examination can vary depending on the location and the doctor, but it can be around AUD 200-300.
- OSHC: The student will need to pay for the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is around AUD 300-350 per year
- Pre-departure costs: The student should also budget for any additional pre-departure costs such as vaccinations, travel insurance, and any other expenses that may be required.
The total initial cost for an overseas student from Pakistan to get admission to study the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at La Trobe University in Melbourne would be around AUD 1,000-1,500. This estimate does not include the tuition fee deposit that some universities may require. This amount may vary depending on individual circumstances.