Great question! Calculating Return on Investment (ROI) for studying in Australia is important for parents to understand the value and financial benefits of their child’s overseas education. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Australia:

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1. Calculate the Total Investment

A. Tuition Fees
- Varies by course/university (typically AUD 20,000–AUD 45,000 per year for most undergraduate/postgraduate programs).

B. Living Expenses
- As per Australian Government (2025): AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses.
- Multiply by the number of years of study.

C. Visa & Other Fees
- Student Visa Application Fee (from 1st July 2025): AUD 2,000 (main applicant), AUD 1,225 (spouse/dependent partner), AUD 400 (each dependent child).
- Health insurance (OSHC): ~AUD 500–700/year.
- Flights, books, and miscellaneous costs.

Total Investment = Tuition Fees + Living Expenses + Visa & Miscellaneous Costs

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2. Estimate Post-Graduation Earnings

A. Post Study Work Visa (PSW):
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree: Stay up to 18 months post-graduation.
- PhD: Stay up to 3 years.

B. Average Starting Salary in Australia:
- Varies by industry, but typically ranges from AUD 50,000–AUD 70,000 per year for fresh graduates.

C. Potential to Work Part-Time While Studying:
- Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during vacations.

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3. Calculate Potential Return

A. Immediate Post-Study Earnings:
- Multiply expected annual salary by the number of years on the PSW visa.

B. Long-Term Opportunities:
- Consider the possibility of permanent residency (PR) and continued employment in Australia.
- Factor in salary growth over years if PR is obtained.

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4. Calculate ROI Formula

\[
\text{ROI (\%)} = \frac{\text{Total Expected Earnings (Post-study Period)} - \text{Total Investment}}{\text{Total Investment}} \times 100
\]

Example Calculation:

- Total Investment (2-year master’s):
Tuition: AUD 35,000/year x 2 = AUD 70,000
Living: AUD 29,710/year x 2 = AUD 59,420
Visa, insurance, flights: ~AUD 5,000
Total: AUD 134,420

- Post-Study Earnings (18 months @ AUD 55,000/year):
1.5 years x AUD 55,000 = AUD 82,500

- ROI:
\[
\frac{82,500 - 134,420}{134,420} \times 100 = -38.6\%
\]
(This is only for the immediate post-study period; ROI improves significantly if the student stays longer, gains PR, or gets higher-paid roles.)

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5. Other Factors to Consider

- Career Growth: Potential for higher salaries and promotions in Australia or globally.
- Permanent Residency: Increases long-term earnings potential.
- Quality of Life & Global Exposure: Non-monetary returns.
- Scholarships: Reduce total investment and improve ROI.

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Need Help With Course/University Selection or Detailed ROI Analysis?
Pollster Education offers personalised counselling to help you estimate costs, scholarships, and career outcomes for your child in Australia.
Contact us: