Phase 1: Pre-Departure (The Foundation)

Total Estimated Outlay: $35,000 – $45,000 AUD

Before your child leaves home, you face the highest concentration of “upfront” costs.

• University Deposit: Usually 1 semester of tuition ($12,000 – $22,000).
• Student Visa (Subclass 500): $2,000 (Updated March 2026 fee).
• OSHC (Health Insurance): $2,100 – $2,800 (Must be paid upfront for the full 3 years).
• Proof of Funds (The $29,710 Rule): You don’t spend this yet, but it must be sitting in a verifiable account for 3–6 months to satisfy visa integrity checks.
• Essentials: Flights, Medicals, and Biometrics ($3,500 approx.).

Phase 2: Year 1 – The Adjustment Period

Total Estimated Outlay: $55,000 – $75,000 AUD

Year one is expensive because of “setup” costs.

• Remaining Tuition: The second semester fee.
• Living Expenses: $29,710 (The government benchmark).
• Bond & Setup: 4 weeks’ rent as a security bond plus basic furniture/tech ($3,000 – $5,000).
• The “Work” Buffer: While students can work 48 hours per fortnight (earning approx. $2,300/month), do not rely on this income for the first 6 months while they adjust to the curriculum.

Phase 3: Years 2 & 3 – Maintenance & Focus

Total Estimated Outlay: $50,000 – $70,000 AUD/year

Costs stabilize, but tuition usually increases by 3–6% annually due to indexation.

• Annual Tuition: Budget for a small increase each year.
• Internships: Some professional placements in Year 3 may be unpaid, meaning less time for part-time work.
• Lifestyle Savings: By Year 2, most students find cheaper shared housing or move to more affordable suburbs, potentially saving $5,000/year compared to Year 1.

Phase 4: Post-Graduation (The 2026 “Exit” Cost)

Total Estimated Outlay: $8,000 – $10,000 AUD

This is where many parents are currently being blindsided.

• Temporary Graduate Visa (485): $4,600 (This fee doubled on March 1, 2026).
• Skills Assessment: Required for many PR pathways ($500 – $1,200).
• Professional Year: If your child is in IT or Accounting, this program (required for some PR points) can cost $7,000 – $10,000.

2026 Financial Roadmap Summary Table