How to Use the Australian International Student Loan Calculator

Course Duration

Enter the length of your study program in years:

• Undergraduate: Typically 3-4 years
• Postgraduate: 1-2 years for coursework, 2-3 years for research
• PhD/Doctorate: 3-4 years

Tip: Check your university's course handbook for exact duration

Study Level

Select your level of study as this affects:

• Tuition Costs: Different fee structures by level
• Visa Requirements: Student Visa (Subclass 500) requirements
• Work Rights: Part-time work allowances
• OSHC Coverage: Health insurance requirements

Annual Tuition Fees

Enter your university's international student tuition fees:

• Check University Website: International student fees page
• Course-Specific: Fees vary by course and institution
• Annual Increase: Fees typically increase 3-5% annually
• Typical Range: $25,000 - $45,000 AUD per year

Example: Bachelor of Business at University of Sydney: ~$42,000 AUD/year

Living Expenses

Estimate your annual living costs including:

• Accommodation: On-campus, off-campus, or homestay
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Transport: Public transport, occasional taxis
• Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, phone
• Entertainment: Social activities and recreation

Typical Range: $20,000 - $35,000 AUD per year

Health Insurance - OSHC

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory:

• Providers: Allianz, Medibank, Bupa, NIB
• Coverage: Medical, hospital, and some dental
• Duration: Must cover entire study period
• Cost: $1,200 - $1,800 AUD per year

Tip: Check university recommendations for preferred providers

Other Study Costs

Additional academic and administrative expenses:

• Textbooks: $500 - $1,500 per semester
• Course Materials: Software, equipment, supplies
• Student Services: Student union fees, library costs
• Academic Support: Tutoring, study resources

Visa Application Fee

Student Visa (Subclass 500) requirements:

• Current Fee: $710 AUD (subject to change)
• Processing Time: 2-8 weeks
• Requirements: Financial capacity, health checks, English proficiency
• Validity: Duration of course plus 2 months

Check: homeaffairs.gov.au for current rates

Health Checks & Medical

Medical examinations required for visa:

• Panel Doctors: Approved medical practitioners
• Tests Required: Chest X-ray, medical examination
• Cost: $300 - $500 AUD
• Location: Must be done at approved centers

Travel Costs

International and domestic travel expenses:

• International Flights: Varies by origin country
• Airport Transfers: To accommodation
• Domestic Travel: Within Australia
• Seasonal Variations: Peak season costs higher

Tip: Book flights early and consider student discounts

Initial Setup Costs

One-time expenses when arriving in Australia:

• Bank Account: Setup and initial deposit
• Mobile Phone: Plan and device
• Internet: Connection and setup
• Accommodation: Initial hotel/hostel stay
• Household Items: Basic necessities

Loan Amount

The calculator automatically calculates the total amount needed:

• Auto-Calculation: Based on all entered costs
• Total Study Costs: Tuition × Duration + Living × Duration + Other Costs
• One-Time Costs: Visa, medical, travel, setup
• Buffer Amount: Consider adding 10-15% for unexpected costs

Interest Rate

Annual interest rate on your loan:

• Check with Lender: Banks, credit unions, specialized lenders
• Factors Affecting Rate: Credit history, loan type, collateral
• Typical Range: 5% - 12% annually
• Fixed vs Variable: Consider rate stability

Loan Term

How long you want to take to repay the loan:

• Shorter Term: Higher payments, less total interest
• Longer Term: Lower payments, more total interest
• Typical Range: 10-20 years
• Consider: Your expected income after graduation

Grace Period

Time after graduation before repayments begin:

• Purpose: Allow time to find employment
• Typical Range: 6-12 months
• Interest: May accrue during grace period
• Check Terms: Varies by lender

Multi-Currency Support

The calculator supports multiple currencies:

• Major Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD
• Asian Currencies: CNY, INR, JPY, KRW, SGD
• Exchange Rates: Updated regularly
• Real-Time: Check current rates before making decisions

Note: Exchange rates are approximate and may vary

Excel Export Feature

Click the "Export to Excel" button to download a professional Excel file containing:

• Summary Sheet: All costs, loan details, and repayment information
• Schedule Sheet: Complete payment schedule
• Currency Conversion: Multi-currency breakdown
• Cost Analysis: Detailed cost breakdown by category