At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
The 'Group of Eight' research universities lead globally in mining, health and data sciences.
The true cost
High tuition and living, partly offset by strong part-time work rights and graduate salaries.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. Student-visa financial thresholds were updated — verify the latest before applying.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) generally lets you stay and work for 2 years, and longer for eligible higher degrees. Applicants must generally be aged 35 or under. Under the Australia–India ECTA, eligible Indian graduates may get an additional year (a 1+1 arrangement) in specified fields. The current main-route application charge for the subclass 485 visa is AUD 5,750 for the main applicant.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Generally 2 years; longer for eligible higher degrees
- Applicants generally aged 35 or under
- Extra year for eligible Indian graduates in specified fields (ECTA)
- Application charge: AUD 5,750 for the main applicant
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
You must meet the English-language requirement for both the student visa and your institution, shown through an accepted test unless you are exempt.
Visa & permit fees
The Student visa (subclass 500) application charge is AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026.
Work while studying
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work that supports a research master’s or doctoral degree is not capped once the course has begun.
Family & dependants
Your partner and dependent children may be included on your visa. You will need additional financial evidence and, for school-age children, evidence of schooling costs.
Proof of funds
For the visa you must show AUD 29,710 for yourself (the primary applicant) for 12 months, in addition to tuition and travel. Additional amounts apply for a partner and children. This is a visa requirement, separate from actual living costs.
Health insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the student visa. It must cover your full stay and be arranged before the visa is granted.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹28L tuition and ₹14L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹38L starting salary), total investment is ₹78L and the indicative payback period is 3.3 years.
Australia — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of India in Canberra before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Sun, surf and wildlife awareness is recommended for newcomers.
Emergency contacts
Dial 000. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries and restaurants are abundant in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. Vegetarian and Jain food is easy to find.
The Maharashtra community
Thriving Maharashtra Mandals; Ganeshotsav and Gudhi Padwa are celebrated publicly in several cities.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Australia with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.