From Philippine Peso to Australian Dollar: How to Plan Your Study Budget

You’re thinking about studying abroad in Australia from the Philippines? Perhaps the most common question that pops into the minds of Filipino students and their families is, “How much does it really cost in pesos?”

Tuition and other expenses are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD) in the Australian universities and colleges and most Filipino families budget in Philippine pesos (PHP). Knowing the AUD to PHP conversion can help you better quote tuition, living costs and cash required prior to departure from the Philippines.

This guide will help Filipino students convert their study expenses in Aussie dollars into a realistic study budget in Philippine pesos and plan for an exchange rate shift. 

What is the AUD to PHP Exchange Rate?

The exchange rate indicates how many PHP you will need to purchase 1 AUD. The conversion rate is AUD 1 = around ₱45 as of September 2026, but it varies from time to time. To help with your planning, you could take the following example: ₱45 per AUD. 

These are estimates for planning purposes only. You’re likely to find a different exchange rate from your bank or money-transfer service and may be charged fees.

How to convert AUD to PHP

The basic formula is:

AUD amount × AUD-to-PHP exchange rate = PHP estimate

For example:

AUD 25,000 × ₱45 = ₱1,125,000

So, AUD 25,000 would be approximately ₱1.125 million at that planning rate.

What Should Filipino Students Include in Their Study Budget?

The amount of tuition is not the only expense of studying in Australia. When creating a budget you should take into account:

• Tuition fees
• Student visa costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Accommodation
• Food and groceries
• Transportation
• Study materials
• Airfare from the Philippines
• Initial settlement costs
• Emergency savings

Actual cost will be dependent on your course, education provider, city, accommodation and lifestyle. As costs vary around Australia, Study Australia suggests you find out about the cost of living in the area where you intend to study. 

1. Convert Your Tuition Fee into Philippine Pesos

Use the tuition rate indicated by your education provider. If your annual tuition is, for instance: 

Using ₱45 per AUD:

AUD 25,000 × ₱45 = ₱1,125,000

That will help your family understand the peso equivalent better. 

However, you shouldn’t expect that AUD $25,000 is the common tuition price for all Australian courses. The cost of the course depends on the provider, course level and course content.

Tip for Filipino families: Be sure to always make use of the tuition fee that is currently stated in your offer or enrolment paperwork. 

2. Include Student Visa Costs

Visa costs should be included separately from tuition. The Australia Student visa application charge has risen from its current rate of AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026. But the increase does not apply to those who applied for a primary Student visa from ASEAN member countries such as the Philippines as they can enjoy a concession. 

Visa fees and grants may vary, so be sure to verify the current fees and grants that are applicable to the student before filing for the visa.

3. Add OSHC to Your Budget

One of the main expenses of being an international student is OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). Students on student visa must have sufficient health insurance during their stay in Australia.

The charges will vary depending on:

• Insurance provider
• Length of your course and visa
• Individual or family cover
• Policy selected

Ensure you use the specific quote from the OSHC for your situation, not a generic quote from online. 

4. Estimate Your Living Costs

The cost of living can be: 

Accommodation

You could choose from options such as:

• Shared accommodation
• Homestay
• Student accommodation
• Private rental

Food

Budget for groceries, meals, occasional takeaway and eating out.

Transport

Add travel expenses (including public transport) between your housing and your campus/campus and place of work.

Mobile and personal expenses

Remember to bring your phone plan, toiletries, clothes, study supplies and entertainment. 

It’s important to be in the right place. The study Australia says that people’s living expenses can differ around Australia, and suggests doing some research into the place you would like to live before making financial plans. 

A Simple Example: Australia Study Costs in Philippine Pesos

Let’s take an example to understand the conversion. 

This is not a typical study cost in Australia. It is just one example of how one can convert Australian dollar expenses to pesos and teach Filipino students how to do this.

This is the total that you may be more or less depending on your course and your city & your lifestyle.

Don’t Forget the Exchange-Rate Buffer

This is particularly true when the family is on a budget in the Philippines. If the tuition you estimate that you will be paying is: 

AUD 20,000

At ₱45:

₱900,000

But if the exchange rate becomes ₱47 when you make the payment:

AUD 20,000 × ₱47 = ₱940,000

That’s a ₱40,000 difference.

If you’re not sure, you may want to plan ahead by making a little extra in one currency, rather than using a single exchange rate when you plan.

You’re not predicting what the exchange rate will be in the future. You’re just giving them a little leeway for transfer fees and price fluctuations. 

Is the Visa Financial Requirement the Same as Your Total Budget?

No. This is a crucial difference with regard to Filipino students.

Financial-capacity requirements for Student visa applicants in Australia. According to Study Australia, applicants will need to provide evidence of funds to support themselves, which may include course fees and living expenses, as well as travel.

The financial requirement should not be confused with the total financial budget required for your studies. Costs may include: 

Tuition + living costs + visa + OSHC + flights + accommodation setup + emergency funds

Your overall course costs and other factors may differ markedly. 

Should You Rely on Part-Time Work to Pay for Your Studies?

One of the factors that Filipino students take into account is having part-time jobs when relocating to Australia. But instead, it is advisable to consider employment income as a possible source of your living expenses and not your initial study budget.

Before travelling to Australia, you need to have a realistic financial plan. There are also conditions you must adhere to in your Student visa, such as employment restrictions and course conditions.

A good approach is:

Prepare your initial funds → start your studies → understand your expenses → then consider eligible work opportunities.

How Filipino Students Can Build a Better Australia Study Budget

While considering a course, make two budgets.

Budget 1: Philippine Peso Budget

This answers:

“What should my family expect to prepare in the Philippines?”

Include:

• Tuition
• Visa
• OSHC
• Airfare
• Initial accommodation
• Living-cost reserve
• Emergency buffer

Budget 2: Australian Dollar Budget

This answers:

“How much will I actually spend after arriving?”

Track:

• Weekly rent
• Groceries
• Transport
• Phone
• Personal expenses
• Study costs

With both budgets, a Filipino student is able to see the difference between saving in PHP and spending in AUD. 

Australia Study Budget Checklist for Filipino Students

If you are leaving the Philippines, please do so after you have thought about:

Education

• Tuition fees
• Course materials
• Equipment or other course-related costs

Visa & health

• Student visa
• OSHC
• Medical examination, if applicable

Travel

• Flight from the Philippines
• Airport transfer
• Initial accommodation

Living

• Rent
• Rental bond
• Food
• Transportation
• Mobile/internet
• Personal expenses

Safety buffer

• Emergency fund
• Currency fluctuation
• Unexpected expenses

Final Takeaway

If you are planning to study in Australia, you need to be a planning student with both Philippine pesos and Australian dollars.

Avoid asking the question, “How much does it cost?” 

Ask:

“What will the total cost of the whole study plan be my family in Philippine pesos?”

Use your existing tuition fee, visa and OSHC fees, an estimate of living costs, a realistic AUD-to-PHP planning rate and allow for an exchange-rate fluctuation.

Most importantly, select your course and institution for education on your academic qualifications, career objectives, budget and cumulative study plan rather than the lowest tuition.

As a Filipino student, you may not be sure which course, provider, and budget is right for you and you can connect study abroad consultants in Makati to understand your study options and plan your application.