Need a quick response? Call us on 1300 919 717
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Student Visa Funds Calculator
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
How to Use This Tool
To get an Australian Student visa you may need to show enough money for travel, 12 months of course fees and 12 months of living costs for you and your family. Enter your course fees and family details and the calculator adds up the official minimum amounts, or checks the annual income option instead.
- Enter your first 12 months of course feesUse the fee on your offer letter or Confirmation of Enrolment, minus anything you have already paid.
- Add any family membersChoose whether a partner is in your application and how many children, including school-age children.
- Choose where you are applying fromThis sets the travel cost per person, from AUD 1,000 in Australia to AUD 3,000 from West Africa.
- Optional: enter your parents' or partner's incomeIf they earned at least AUD 87,856 (or AUD 102,500 with family), you can use income evidence instead of savings.
- Read your totalThe panel shows the total and each line item, so you can match it to your bank or loan documents.
What You Will Need
- Your offer letter or Confirmation of Enrolment (course fees)
- Receipts for fees already paid
- Your sponsor's tax assessments, if using the income option
Understanding Your Result
- Funds to show: the minimum total, broken down by course fees, living, school and travel costs.
- Income option: whether your parents' or partner's income meets the minimum instead.
When to Get Advice
- Your funds come from relatives, a business or a recent large deposit
- You are relying on an education loan
- You have had a Student visa refused before
Speak with a Registered Migration Agent: call 1300 919 717 or book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian Student visa?
At a minimum: your travel costs, the first 12 months of course fees, 12 months of living costs and school fees for any school-age children. The living cost figure is AUD 29,710 for the student, AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 for each child. School costs are at least AUD 13,502 a year for each school-age child.
How much should I include for travel?
As a guide, AUD 2,000 if you are applying from most countries outside Australia, AUD 2,500 from East or Southern Africa, AUD 3,000 from West Africa, or AUD 1,000 if you are applying in Australia (AUD 1,500 if you will be returning to Africa). Include travel for each family member applying with you.
How do I work out 12 months of course fees?
Use the fees for the first 12 months of your course, or the total if your course is 12 months or less. For example, a 3-year course costing AUD 50,000 is about AUD 16,666 for 12 months. You can deduct fees you have already paid, with evidence such as a receipt or your Confirmation of Enrolment.
Can I use my parents' income instead of savings?
Yes. You can show that your parents or partner had a personal annual income of at least AUD 87,856 in the 12 months before you apply, or AUD 102,500 if family members are coming with you. Both parents' incomes can be combined. Evidence must be official government documents, such as tax assessments less than 12 months old. Bank statements and employer letters are not accepted for this option.
What counts as evidence of funds?
Money deposited with a financial institution, a government loan or a loan from a financial institution, and scholarships or similar financial support. Home Affairs can also ask you to show where the money came from and that you have genuine access to it.
Is a bank balance certificate enough?
Often not on its own. Home Affairs says a balance on a single day does not show how the funds were built up. Recent transaction statements showing the history of the funds, such as regular salary deposits, are stronger evidence.
Do I always need to attach financial evidence?
Only if your document checklist in ImmiAccount asks for it, but Home Affairs can still request it during processing. If the checklist asks and you do not attach it, your application can be refused without further request. Family members applying later must always attach it.
Does the calculator save my numbers?
No. The tool runs entirely in your web browser. What you enter is not sent to Aussie ASEAN, Home Affairs or anyone else, and we never ask for your passport number or ImmiAccount password.
Unlock Your Immigration Potential
Take the First Step Towards
Your Immigration Goals
Begin your immigration journey today with the right advice, personalized solutions
and a clear path forward.