Thinking About Studying Abroad? Here’s What It Really Costs
Planning your budget is one of the most important steps when preparing to study abroad. From tuition fees and living expenses to accommodation costs and scholarships, students and parents often have many questions before deciding on the right university.
At One Education, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about study abroad costs and scholarships for Australia and the UK, along with expert answers to help you plan your study abroad journey with confidence.
Last updated: July 2026
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the country, city, university, level of study, and your personal lifestyle. As a result, there is no single budget that applies to every student. In general, you should plan for both tuition fees and living expenses for the entire duration of your studies.
The main costs to include in your study abroad budget are:
- Tuition fees, which vary depending on the university and degree programme.
- Accommodation, such as university residences, private apartments, or shared housing.
- Food and transportation expenses.
- Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) or other mandatory health insurance, depending on your study destination.
- Books, study materials, and course-related expenses.
- Student visa fees, health examinations, and airfare.
- An emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Tuition Fees for Studying in Australia (2026 Guide)
Tuition fees in Australia vary depending on the university, degree level, and field of study. The estimates below provide a general guide for international students planning to study in Australia in 2026.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years (depending on the programme)
Estimated tuition fees: THB 850,000–1,500,000 per year - Master’s Degree: 1–2 years (depending on the programme)
Estimated tuition fees: THB 900,000–1,500,000 per year - Doctoral Degree (PhD): 3–4 years
Estimated tuition fees: THB 750,000–2,000,000 per year
Note: Tuition fees are estimates for 2026 and may vary depending on the university, programme, and annual fee adjustments. Some programmes, such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science, may have higher tuition fees. Scholarships may also be available to help reduce the overall cost of study.
Tuition Fees for Studying in the UK (2026 Guide)
Tuition fees in the United Kingdom vary depending on the university, degree level, and field of study. The estimates below provide a general guide for international students planning to study in the UK in 2026.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3 years
Estimated tuition fees: THB 690,000–1,680,000 per year - Master’s Degree: 1 year
Estimated tuition fees: THB 769,000–1,980,000 per year - Doctoral Degree (PhD): 3–4 years
Estimated tuition fees: THB 660,000–1,500,000 per year
Note: Tuition fees are estimates for 2026 and may vary depending on the university, programme, and annual fee adjustments. Programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, and MBA may have higher tuition fees. Scholarships are also available at many UK universities and may help reduce the overall cost of studying.
If you’re unsure how much you should budget for studying in the UK, the study abroad experts at One Education can help you estimate your total study costs and create a personalised study plan based on your preferred university, programme, and budget. Our counselling service is completely free of charge.
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Having a limited budget does not mean studying abroad is out of reach. Today, there are many universities and degree programmes available at different tuition fee levels, as well as scholarships, tuition fee discounts, and study destinations with a lower cost of living, all of which can significantly reduce your overall expenses.
You can also plan your studies to match your budget by choosing a university with affordable tuition fees, studying in a city with lower living costs, or working part-time in accordance with your student visa conditions to help cover everyday expenses. However, it’s important to budget for all major costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and student visa-related costs.
If you’re unsure where to start, the study abroad experts at One Education can help you assess your budget, compare universities, and recommend study options that align with both your financial situation and your academic goals. With the right planning, studying abroad can be both achievable and a worthwhile investment in your future.
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In general, students are required to pay either a tuition fee or a tuition deposit after receiving an Offer Letter and accepting their university offer. However, the payment amount and deadline vary depending on the university, country, and degree programme.
Some universities only require a tuition deposit to confirm your place, while others may ask you to pay one semester’s tuition fees or more in advance. This is particularly common when proof of tuition payment is required as part of the student visa application process.
To avoid delays, it’s important to plan your finances in advance and carefully check the payment deadlines and conditions outlined in your university offer letter. Missing a payment deadline could delay the issuance of important documents or affect your student visa application.
If you apply through One Education, our study abroad advisors will help you understand the payment schedule, explain the tuition fees and associated costs, and guide you through the payment process from application to enrolment, ensuring everything is completed smoothly and on time.
Living Costs
The cost of living varies significantly between countries and cities, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In general, major cities tend to have a higher cost of living than smaller cities or regional areas, particularly when it comes to accommodation and everyday living expenses.
For students planning to study in Australia, cities such as Sydney and Melbourne typically have the highest living costs. In contrast, cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Canberra often offer more affordable accommodation and day-to-day expenses, while still providing excellent universities and strong support services for international students.
In the United Kingdom, London is one of the most expensive cities to live in. However, cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, and Sheffield generally offer a lower cost of living while being home to internationally recognised universities and vibrant student communities.
That said, the cost of living should not be the only factor when choosing where to study. You should also consider tuition fees, part-time work opportunities, public transport, quality of life, and whether the city suits your lifestyle and personal preferences. Finding the right balance between affordability and overall student experience will help you enjoy a more successful and rewarding study abroad journey.
If you’re unsure which city best suits your budget, the study abroad experts at One Education can compare living costs across different destinations and recommend universities and degree programmes that align with both your financial plan and academic goals. Our personalised counselling service is completely free of charge.
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- How to Choose a Right City for Studying Abroad
- Study in Australia: Should You Choose a Big City or a Smaller City?
The cost of living while studying abroad depends on the country, city, and your personal lifestyle. Your budget should cover essential expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, internet, mobile phone bills, health insurance, and other personal costs.
For an Australian Student Visa, the Australian Government currently requires applicants to demonstrate access to a minimum of AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses (excluding tuition fees and travel costs). However, this is the minimum financial requirement for visa purposes. Your actual living expenses may be higher or lower depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
For the UK Student Visa, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs based on the location of their studies. The current financial requirement is £1,529 per month for students studying in London and £1,171 per month for those studying outside London, for a maximum of 9 months. Actual living expenses will vary depending on the city and your spending habits.
If you choose to study in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or London, you should expect higher living costs, particularly for accommodation. Smaller cities and regional areas generally offer a more affordable cost of living, making your choice of study destination an important part of your overall financial planning.
In addition to your monthly living expenses, you should also budget for pre-departure costs, including your student visa application, medical examination, health insurance, airfare, and temporary accommodation when you first arrive. Planning for these expenses in advance will help ensure a smoother transition to life overseas.
Careful financial planning allows you to choose a university, city, and lifestyle that fit your budget while making the most of your study abroad experience. If you’d like a personalised estimate of your total study costs, the study abroad experts at One Education can help you calculate your tuition fees and living expenses, compare different universities and cities, and create a study plan that matches both your academic goals and your budget – all completely free of charge.
🌐 References: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and www.gov.uk
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Scholarships
Yes, you may be eligible for a scholarship. However, your chances of receiving one depend on the type of scholarship, your academic profile, and the eligibility criteria set by each university.
Universities in Australia and the United Kingdom offer a wide range of scholarships, including tuition fee scholarships, merit-based scholarships, international student scholarships, and subject-specific scholarships. Many of these scholarships do not require applicants to have the highest grades, making them accessible to a broad range of international students.
In addition to academic performance, universities often consider other factors such as your English language proficiency, extracurricular achievements, work experience, leadership skills, special talents, and the quality of your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
While full scholarships are highly competitive, partial tuition fee scholarships—typically covering 10% to 50% of tuition fees—are widely available at many universities. A large number of international students successfully receive these awards each year by meeting the relevant eligibility requirements.
To maximise your chances of securing a scholarship, it’s important to start planning early, prepare a strong application, and apply to universities that offer scholarships suited to your academic profile. The study abroad experts at One Education can assess your eligibility, recommend suitable scholarship opportunities, and assist with your university applications—all completely free of charge.
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The difficulty of obtaining a scholarship depends on the type of scholarship, its value, and the eligibility criteria set by each university. In general, fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, while partial tuition fee scholarships offered to international students are often more accessible for applicants who meet the required criteria.
Universities typically assess scholarship applications based on a combination of factors, including your academic performance, English language proficiency, extracurricular activities, achievements relevant to your chosen field of study, and, for some scholarships, the quality of your Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement. Certain scholarship programmes may also require an interview as part of the selection process.
Although scholarship competitions can be competitive, this does not mean they are impossible to obtain. By preparing a strong application, submitting all required documents on time, and applying for scholarships that match your academic profile and achievements, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
If you’d like to maximise your scholarship opportunities, the study abroad experts at One Education can help you identify scholarships that suit your profile, assess your eligibility, provide guidance on preparing your application documents, and support you throughout the application process to give you the best possible chance of receiving a scholarship.
Scholarships for studying in Australia and the UK come in many forms, and the benefits vary depending on the university, scholarship programme, and eligibility criteria.
In general, scholarships may cover the following expenses:
- Tuition Fees
The most common type of scholarship is a tuition fee scholarship, which may cover 10%, 20%, 25%, 50%, or even up to 100% of your tuition fees.
- Living Expenses
Some scholarships – particularly government-funded and research scholarships—provide financial support for accommodation, food, and monthly living expenses.
- Health Insurance
Certain scholarships may include health insurance. For example, some Australian scholarships cover the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required for international students.
- Travel Costs
Some scholarship programmes provide funding for return airfare or other travel expenses at the start of your studies.
- Other Expenses
Depending on the scholarship, additional support may be available for textbooks, study materials, research costs, or other academic expenses.
🇦🇺 Scholarships in Australia
Most scholarships offered by Australian universities to international students are tuition fee scholarships, typically covering 10%–50% of tuition fees. Some universities also offer scholarships of up to 100% for outstanding students who meet specific academic or eligibility requirements.
🇬🇧 Scholarships in the UK
UK universities offer both partial scholarships and full scholarships for international students. While full scholarships are highly competitive, they may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, depending on the scholarship programme.
Important to Know
Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application requirements. These may include your academic performance, level of study, English language proficiency, and application deadlines. It’s important to review the requirements carefully before applying.
At One Education, we help students identify scholarships that match their academic profile, check their eligibility, and prepare strong scholarship applications – all free of charge to maximise their chances of receiving financial support.
Other Study Abroad Expenses
When planning your budget for studying abroad, it’s important to look beyond tuition fees. There are several other essential expenses you’ll need to cover throughout your studies. Planning ahead will help you manage your finances more effectively and reduce financial stress while living overseas.
Key expenses to include in your budget are:
- Accommodation, such as university halls, private apartments, or shared housing.
- Food and everyday living expenses.
- Transportation, including public transport fares or monthly travel passes.
- Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) or other mandatory health insurance, depending on your study destination.
- Books, study materials, and software required for your course.
- Student visa fees, health examinations, and airfare.
- Personal expenses and an emergency fund for unexpected costs.
It’s also worth noting that living costs vary significantly by city. Major cities such as London, Sydney, and Melbourne generally have a higher cost of living than smaller cities or regional areas. Choosing where to study can therefore have a significant impact on your overall budget.
Before applying, it’s advisable to plan your finances for the entire duration of your degree, not just your first year. This will help ensure you can complete your studies comfortably without financial difficulties affecting your student experience.
If you’re unsure how much you should budget, the study abroad experts at One Education can help you estimate your total study costs and recommend universities and cities that best suit your budget. Our personalised counselling service is completely free of charge.
When comparing the cost of studying abroad, you shouldn’t focus on tuition fees alone. A university with lower tuition fees may be located in a city with a higher cost of living, resulting in a higher overall cost throughout your studies.
To make a well-informed decision, compare the total cost of studying by considering the following factors:
- Total tuition fees for the entire programme.
- Accommodation and living costs in the city where the university is located.
- Overseas student health insurance or other mandatory health insurance.
- Transportation and everyday living expenses.
- Programme duration. For example, most master’s degrees in the United Kingdom take one year, while some master’s programmes in Australia last 1.5–2 years, which can significantly affect the total cost of study.
- Scholarships or tuition fee discounts offered by the university.
- Opportunities for part-time work during your studies and post-study work opportunities after graduation.
Looking at the overall cost of your study abroad journey rather than tuition fees alone will help you compare universities more accurately and choose the option that best fits both your budget and your long-term academic and career goals.
If you’re unsure which university offers the best value or how much your total study costs will be, the study abroad experts at One Education are here to help. We provide personalised advice on choosing the right degree programme, university, city, and country based on your goals and budget. Our comprehensive service includes university applications, student visa assistance, and accommodation support – all completely free of charge.
