Comparison of application fees for Australia's eight top universities: Is your budget enough?

Go8 Allure & Application-Fee Overview

The Group of Eight (Go8) comprises Australia’s leading research-intensive universities: Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide. Their global rankings attract thousands of Hong Kong students every year. While mapping out secondary-school preparation or applying to Australian universities, families must budget for application fees that range from AUD 100 to AUD 300, depending on degree level and discipline. Below is a clear comparison and extra cost guidance to help you plan.

Go8 Application Fees in Detail

Australian National University (ANU)

Standard application fee: AUD 150. High-demand programmes such as Business, Engineering and Computer Science may incur additional document-assessment charges. ANU also offers generous scholarships that can offset this cost.

University of Melbourne

Base fee: AUD 120. Medicine or Law rise to AUD 200. Melbourne’s Business School and Medical School are world-renowned, so early preparation is advised for Hong Kong applicants.

University of Sydney

General fee: AUD 125. Dentistry or Veterinary Science can be higher. Located in Australia’s largest city, living costs should be factored in.

UNSW Sydney

Fee: AUD 125; Engineering and Medicine AUD 150. UNSW excels in technology and engineering—popular with Hong Kong students.

University of Queensland (UQ)

Lowest in the Go8 at AUD 100. Strong in Biological and Environmental Sciences—ideal for students on tighter budgets.

Monash University

Fee: AUD 100 (Business & Pharmacy slightly higher). Melbourne location means higher living expenses, but plentiful scholarships.

University of Western Australia (UWA)

AUD 100 generally; Medicine & Law AUD 150. Perth’s lower cost of living appeals to budget-conscious families.

University of Adelaide

Base fee: AUD 110. Wine Science and Agricultural programmes may cost more. Adelaide’s living costs are among Australia’s lowest.

Go8 Application-Fee Comparison Tables

Bachelor Application Fees

Master Application Fees

Master fees mirror bachelor rates, but MBA or Medicine can reach AUD 200 (e.g., Melbourne MBA).

Discipline Surcharges

Medicine, Law and Business often carry a 20–50 % premium over standard rates.

Beyond Application Fees—Full Cost Checklist

Tuition

Annual tuition ranges from AUD 20,000 to 45,000. For example: Melbourne Business ≈ AUD 45,000; UQ Engineering ≈ AUD 40,000.

Living Costs (accommodation, food, transport)

Sydney & Melbourne: AUD 1,500–2,500 per month. Adelaide & Perth: AUD 1,200–2,000 per month.

Other Essentials

• Student visa: AUD 620
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): ~AUD 600 per year

Scholarship Strategy for Go8

Types & Eligibility

Go8 universities offer Academic Merit, Sports and International Student scholarships. Example: ANU International Scholarship awards AUD 25,000 annually; requires excellent grades and English proficiency.

Writing a Winning Application

Highlight academic results, leadership and community involvement. Clearly state why funding is needed and how the award will help achieve academic goals.

Build a Complete Budget

Whether you are in secondary-school preparation or have completed Hong Kong secondary transition, understanding Go8 application fees is the first step. Compare fees, tuition and living costs, then leverage scholarships to reduce expenses. Early, informed budgeting turns the dream of a world-class Australian education into reality.