Thinking about studying in Australia but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Thousands of Pakistani students dream about it but get stuck when they hit questions like: How much will it cost? What scholarships are available? What’s life really like down under?
Let’s be real: the internet is full of vague info or outdated numbers. That’s frustrating when you’re planning your future. You need answers you can act on not just inspirational quotes.
So here’s the deal: this guide walks you through costs, scholarships, student visas, and everyday living advice specifically for students in Pakistan. We’ll cover what you can expect to pay, how to actually win a scholarship, and what it’s like to live and study abroad in a completely different part of the world. Sounds good? Let’s get started.
Why Australia? What Pakistani Students Must Know
Every year, thousands of students from Pakistan pick Australia over places like the US or UK. And for good reason. Australia offers globally recognized degrees, friendly immigration pathways, and a strong Pakistani student community. In fact, as of 2024, over 15,000 Pakistani students were enrolled in Australian universities and that number’s still climbing.
But why are students switching to Australia?
- Easier student visa process (Subclass 500)
- Work rights while studying (48 hours/fortnight)
- Access to top-ranked universities like Melbourne, Monash, and UNSW
- Affordable lifestyle in regional cities
Sure, the timezone’s wild and the flight’s long but the benefits? Totally worth it.
Quick Tip: Regional universities offer better immigration points and cost less. Don’t ignore them.
What Does It Cost to Study in Australia from Pakistan?
Annual Tuition Costs for Pakistani Students
Let’s talk numbers. Tuition costs depend on your level of study and your university.
| Study Level | Annual Tuition (AUD) | Equivalent in PKR (approx.) |
| Undergraduate | 20,000 – 45,000 | 3.6M – 8.1M |
| Postgraduate | 22,000 – 50,000 | 4M – 9M |
| Vocational (VET) | 8,000 – 18,000 | 1.4M – 3.2M |
Exchange rate used: 1 AUD ≈ 180 PKR (as of Q1 2025)
Hidden costs? Yep there’s your student services fee, lab fees, and textbooks. Add an extra AUD 1,000–2,000 per year to be safe.
Living Expenses: Monthly & Yearly
You’ll also need to budget for daily living. Here’s a rough idea:
- Rent (shared): AUD 600–900
- Food: AUD 250–400
- Transport: AUD 50–150
- Utilities + Phone + Internet: AUD 100–200
Monthly Total: AUD 1,000–1,600 → PKR 180,000–288,000
Yearly Total: AUD 12,000–19,000 → PKR 2.1M–3.4M
Smart move: Share a flat with 2–3 students to slash housing costs.
Visa & OSHC Costs
To get the Subclass 500 visa, you’ll need to show financial proof.
- Visa fee: AUD 710
- OSHC (health insurance): AUD 500–700/year
- Proof of funds: AUD 24,500 minimum (1-year living cost)
Pro tip: Use your family bank statement, sponsor letter, or student loan documents to meet the financial requirements.
Scholarships Pakistani Students Can Actually Get
Let’s be honest everyone wants a scholarship, but only a few know where to look and how to apply smartly. Here’s your edge.
Government Scholarships
- Australia Awards: Full tuition + living allowance; highly competitive. Must return to Pakistan after studies.
- Endeavour Leadership Program: Covers tuition, travel, and health.
- RTP (Research Training Program): For Master’s/PhD students includes tuition + stipend.
Deadlines? Usually between February and May. Check the Australian Embassy’s site or DFAT.
University-Based Scholarships
Almost every major university offers merit scholarships:
- University of Melbourne: Up to 100% tuition waiver
- Monash International Merit Scholarship: AUD 10,000 per year
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: 50–100% tuition
- University of Sydney: AUD 5,000 – 40,000
Apply with your admission, you don’t need to fill out a separate form for most.
How to Increase Your Chances
- GPA above 3.5/4 or 80%+ marks
- IELTS score: 6.5–7.0 (minimum)
- Write a killer personal statement (talk about goals, impact, why Australia)
- Get strong recommendation letters
Action Template: Scholarship Tracker
- Column A: Name of Scholarship
- Column B: Deadline
- Column C: Eligibility
- Column D: Status (Applied/Shortlisted/Rejected)
Student Visa Requirements for Pakistanis (Subclass 500)
Now let’s dive into the visa part which, let’s face it, stresses most people out.
Visa Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- GTE statement (genuine temporary entrant)
- Proof of funds (bank statement/sponsorship)
- OSHC insurance
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Medical check-up
Processing time: 4–8 weeks. But it’s faster if documents are clean and complete.
GTE: What They’re Really Looking For
The GTE is like a letter of intent. They want to see:
- You’re coming to study not to stay illegally
- You’ve got ties to Pakistan (family, job offers, etc.)
- You’ll return home after studies
Write it in simple, clear English. Avoid copy-pasting samples.
Lesson Learned: Over 80% of Pakistani visas are approved but most rejections happen due to bad GTEs or missing documents.
What’s Daily Life Like for Pakistani Students?
Moving to a new country is exciting and overwhelming. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect once you land in Australia.
Housing & Accommodation
Options include:
- Shared apartment (most common)
- Student hostels (costly, but safe)
- Homestays (good for first-time travelers)
Rent tip: Go regional (like Adelaide or Perth) for cheaper rent.
Part-Time Work
Students on Subclass 500 can work 48 hours/fortnight.
Common jobs:
- Food delivery (Uber Eats)
- Retail assistant
- Kitchen hand
- Gas stations
Average pay: AUD 20–25/hour. Caution: Don’t let work affect your grades visa risk!
Money Management
Set up an Aussie bank account (Commonwealth, ANZ). Use apps like Wise or Remitly to send money home.
Tip: Budget AUD 50/week for fun and travel. Australia’s beaches won’t wait!
Bonus Tools: Make Your Journey Easier
Personalized Timeline Planner
| Step | Time Frame |
| Research courses | Month 1 |
| Apply to unis | Month 2 |
| Receive CoE | Month 3 |
| Apply for visa | Month 4 |
| Book flight | Month 5 |
Scholarship & Visa Tracker
Stay ahead of deadlines and reduce stress. Use a simple Google Sheet or Notion board to track scholarship dates, visa steps, and document status all in one place.
What to include in your tracker:
- Scholarship/University Name
- Deadline
- Documents Submitted
- Status (Applied, Pending, Approved, Rejected)
- Visa Steps (CoE received, OSHC paid, GTE written, etc.)
Why it helps:
- Avoid missed opportunities
- Stay on top of paperwork
- Reduce last-minute panic
Sample Budget Table (Monthly)
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
| Rent | 700 |
| Food | 300 |
| Transport | 100 |
| Phone/Net | 80 |
| Extra | 100 |
| Total | 1,280 |
Choosing the Right Path for You
Australia isn’t one-size-fits-all. Need affordable education? Go for regional unis with 20–30% lower tuition. High grades + ambition? Aim for full scholarships like RTP or Australia Awards. Want PR? Choose degrees in nursing, IT, or teaching high-demand fields in Australia.
Tip: Compare at least 3 unis before applying. Use tools like IDP or ApplyBoard if needed.
Final Thoughts
You’ve stuck through the numbers, forms, and fine print and now you’re miles ahead of most students. Planning to study in Australia isn’t easy, but it’s 100% doable if you follow a clear path.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Costs can be high but manageable with smart planning
- Scholarships are real just aim early and aim high
- Daily life is different but not impossible
Try this today: List 3 universities you’re interested in, one scholarship deadline, and your IELTS prep plan. Then take one step forward. Got questions? Drop them belowwe’ve got your back.
FAQs
1. Is IELTS required to study in Australia from Pakistan?
Yes, most universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for admission.
2. How much money is needed for an Australian student visa?
You must show at least AUD 24,500 for one year of living expenses, plus tuition and OSHC costs.
3. Can Pakistani students work part-time in Australia?
Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester.
4. What are the top scholarships for Pakistani students?
Australia Awards, RTP, and university merit scholarships like Monash or Deakin.
5. What’s the average monthly cost of living in Australia?
Around AUD 1,200–1,600, depending on city, lifestyle, and housing choice.
