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Not financially ready yet? Start with a realistic study plan.
A sustainable plan begins with an honest picture of study costs, funding and timing. You do not need to solve everything today to take a thoughtful next step.
Calculate your financial requirementsA four-stage plan for financial readiness
Students should not rely on work to support themselves or accompanying family. This is general information, not individual migration advice.
Map the full study budget
List costs before and during study, including a contingency. Use realistic local costs, not only a minimum figure.
Check genuine funding options
Consider savings, genuine family support appropriately evidenced, provider scholarships and payment plans if available.
Build a timeline
Align savings, course deposits, application steps and your intended start date.
Review readiness
Choose a course and destination that fit a sustainable budget, then check current evidence requirements.
Honest budget planner
Use these categories to begin your own planning. Add current estimates for your intended course and location.
| Budget category | Plan to check |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fees, timing and provider payment plans |
| OSHC | Cover relevant to your situation |
| Visa application charge | Current official charge and timing |
| Turismo | Flights and local transport |
| Accommodation and bond | Upfront housing costs |
| Living costs | Food, utilities and daily needs |
| Education materials | Books, equipment and course needs |
| Health checks and biometrics | Potential required appointments |
| Contingency | Changes, delays and unexpected costs |
Keep your plan genuine
Lawful pathways may include savings, genuine family sponsorship or support where appropriately evidenced, provider scholarships, available provider payment plans, and course or destination choices that fit a sustainable budget.
Starter checklist
- Course and location ideas
- Intended start date
- Budget questions
- Genuine funding overview
No document upload is needed to start a conversation.
Estimate your first-year funding target
Use our financial calculator to estimate your first-year funding target based on the current guidelines.
This is an indicative planning tool, not migration, legal or financial advice. It does not determine whether you meet visa requirements or whether a visa will be granted. Visa requirements, course fees and living costs can change. Confirm current requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and obtain independent advice where appropriate.
Your financial estimate
Indicative visa financial-capacity minimum
- First-year tuition less paid tuition
- Living-cost guide
- School-cost guide
- Travel-cost guide
Indicative visa financial-capacity minimum:
This is your indicative minimum financial-capacity requirement. If Home Affairs requires financial evidence, your documents generally need to demonstrate access to at least this value. This amount is not an expense; it is an estimate of the funds you may need to show you can access.
Your additional planning expenses
- OSHC
- Visa charges
- Accommodation, bond and set-up
- Books, equipment and materials
- Additional living and travel
- Contingency and other costs
Your total additional planning expenses:
Your actual costs may be higher. User-entered planning costs are not government requirements. This calculator does not determine visa eligibility or provide migration advice. Check the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool for requirements that depend on you and your proposed study.
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Questions students often ask
Can I rely on part-time work?
No. Plan to support yourself and any accompanying family without relying on uncertain work income. Actual living costs may be higher than visa minimums.
Can AMES Group guarantee financial approval?
No. AMES Group cannot guarantee visa outcomes or financial assessment outcomes. Requirements and evidence depend on your circumstances and the current Document Checklist.
Should I borrow money just for a statement?
No. Temporary borrowing solely to appear funded can create serious issues. Discuss only genuine, sustainable funding arrangements.
What should I discuss in a consultation?
You can discuss study goals, timing, course ideas, budget questions and genuine funding. Individual requirements and document requests depend on the current Home Affairs Document Checklist and education provider requirements.
Are your finances ready?
Book an online consultation with one of our counsellors to get a study plan.
Book an appointment to discuss your study budgetMigration assistance is provided through a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1068304). Visa outcomes cannot be guaranteed.