Master in Australia: students from Germany need proof of living costs for the student visa and health cover for the whole visa period. This guide explains the amounts, a worked example and the OSHC requirement.
Short answer: For the Subclass 500 student visa you must show AUD 29,710 for twelve months of living costs, on top of the tuition for the first year. OSHC health cover is usually compulsory for students. Status: October 2026, figure according to reporting on the Home Affairs page.
The most important points
- Financial capacity for the student visa: AUD 29,710 for twelve months, single applicant.
- Tuition for the first study year comes on top.
- OSHC health cover is usually compulsory for students.
- Check the amounts on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
- Your university issues the offer that you need for the visa.
Which costs do you need to prove for the student visa?
For students from Germany, the Subclass 500 student visa is the usual route. The application requires proof of living costs, the university offer and, in some cases, a health examination.
| Item | Amount | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living costs, twelve months, single | AUD 29,710 | Reference date 10 May 2024, still in force according to 2026 reporting | Department of Home Affairs, financial capacity Subclass 500 |
| Tuition | set by each university and course | ongoing | University |
| OSHC health cover | depends on provider and duration | ongoing | Provider, following Home Affairs rules |
What does the master cost in its first year in Australia?
Assumption: tuition in the first year is AUD 35,000. Replace this with the figure from your university.
- Living costs according to financial capacity: AUD 29,710.
- Tuition for the first year: assumed AUD 35,000.
- Total for the first year: AUD 64,710, excluding flights, moving costs and OSHC.
Which health insurance do you need in Australia?
For students on a student visa, OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is usually compulsory. It must cover the entire visa period. How far the cover reaches depends on the provider, and we do not recommend individual providers. Whether your German cover continues in parallel is a question for your German health insurer. Curtin University explains the requirement on its website.
| Requirement | What you need | Who checks |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa Subclass 500 | University offer, financial capacity and a health examination where needed | Department of Home Affairs |
| OSHC | Cover for the entire visa period, rules set by each provider | Provider and university |
How can you finance the master in Australia?
Financial capacity must be shown when you apply. Besides savings, scholarships and student loans are possible. An overview of loans is available here: student loans compared (in German). Scholarships are covered in our guide for students in Germany.
What happens after study in Australia?
After graduation, a residence visa may be possible for some graduates, for example the Temporary Graduate visa, Subclass 485. The requirements depend on your qualification, age and place of study. Check them on the Department of Home Affairs website before you choose a master.
| Topic | What to clarify | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Residence after study | Own requirements depending on the visa | Department of Home Affairs |
| Insurance after study | OSHC covers the period of the respective visa | Provider, Home Affairs |
| Recognition in Germany | The degree is assessed depending on the profession | Responsible body for your profession |
Recognition of an Australian degree in Germany is a separate step. Ask the body responsible for your profession early which documents they need.
Typical planning mistakes
Many plans fail on the same points. The three mistakes below are easy to avoid with a little effort.
- Calculating only the first study year, although the studies last longer.
- Clarifying health insurance only on site instead of before departure.
- Collecting evidence too late, because translations, appointments and follow-up questions take time.
If you tick off these points before you apply, you have a solid basis for your decision.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I have to show for Australia?
According to Home Affairs, the living-cost amount for a single applicant is AUD 29,710 for twelve months, on top of the first year of tuition. Check the current page before you apply.
Is OSHC really compulsory?
For the student visa, OSHC is usually required. The cover must last for the entire visa period.
Can I work in Australia while studying?
Students on a Subclass 500 visa are usually allowed to work alongside their studies, with hour limits during semesters. Check the exact limits with Home Affairs.
Is a master in Australia expensive for Germans?
Compared with German universities, tuition is charged. Whether it pays off depends on the subject, scholarships and career prospects.
Does OSHC still apply after my studies?
OSHC has to cover the respective visa. Whether you need follow-on cover depends on the visa you apply for next.
Your next steps
- Check the current financial capacity amounts on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Ask your university for the offer and calculate the tuition for the first year.
- Compare OSHC offers by coverage and duration without committing to one provider too early.
- Clarify with your health insurer whether your German cover continues abroad.
Related guides
- Master abroad: countries, application and costs (in German)
- Private health insurance abroad during your studies
- Student loans compared (in German)
Sources: Department of Home Affairs: financial capacity Subclass 500 (status October 2026, figure according to reporting) · Curtin University: who requires an OSHC policy (status October 2026)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
