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Financial capacity guidelines

On this page, you will find useful information regarding how much money you will require to fund your studies and stay in Australia, as well as the list of acceptable financial evidence we accept.

How much money do I need?

In accordance with the DHA guidelines, you need to have enough money to pay for:

  1. 12 months of your course fees.
  2. 12 months of living costs for yourself and any accompanying family members.
  3. School fees for any accompanying school aged children.
  4. Travel costs for arriving in Australia.
  5. Overseas Student Health Cover costs for the entire duration of your course/s in Australia.

Course fees

You must be able to demonstrate that you can fund the first 12 months of your course fees. If you have received a packaged offer when the first course is less than 12 months, you need to pro rata the second course length to ensure you can afford the first 12 months of your packaged offer.

Living costs

DHA regularly updates the living costs and you can also access a handy cost of living calculator here. The current 12 month living costs are:

  • Students – AUD$29,710
  • Accompanying partner – AUD$10,394
  • Each accompanying child – AUD$4,449

School fees

For any child accompanying you during your studies in Australia, please factor in an additional minimum schooling cost of AUD$13,502 per annum on top of their living costs.

Travel costs

You need to factor in the following costs for arriving into Australia:

  • AUD$2,500 if you are applying from East or Southern Africa.
  • AUD$3,000 if you are applying from West Africa.
  • AUD$2,000 if you are applying from anywhere else outside Australia.
  • AUD$1,000 for travel costs if you are applying in Australia (please include AUD$1,500 if you will be returning to Africa).

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All applicants are required to have adequate OSHC for the duration of their student visa. We can offer you a quote from our providers (or) you can purchase your own OSHC policy and provide us with proof of policy. Please check here for further information regarding OSHC.

The table below provides you with a breakdown of total funds required for 12 months:

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