International students planning to start in Australia in 2027 can expect smaller tuition increases than this year. A preliminary analysis by StudyMove, based on selected programmes at 31 universities, suggests public universities will raise international fees by about 4% on average.
Smaller rises after a big year
For 2026, fees rose by 6.5% on average, the highest increase in many years, and 21 universities raised fees by more than 6% (up from 10 in 2025). For 2027 most universities are expected to stay within a 3–5% increase. One university is reportedly cutting its fees by 20% to compete on affordability.
Why universities are more careful
Since July 2026 the non-refundable student visa application fee has been over AU$2,000. Together with policy changes and high visa refusal rates for some countries, this has reduced applications and new enrolments. The government has also kept the limit for new international students at public universities at 295,000 places for 2027, the same as for 2026.
Key points
- Expected average increase for 2027: about 4% (most universities 3–5%).
- 2026 fees rose 6.5% on average.
- The student visa application fee has been over AU$2,000 since July 2026.
- Places for new international students at public universities stay at 295,000.
Budget for the visa fee as well as tuition, and compare fees between universities: some are now competing on price.
Source
- Analysis predicts only moderate university fee increases for international students in Australia for 2027ICEF Monitor · Oct 28, 2026Based on a preliminary analysis by StudyMove.
Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.
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