Cost of Moving to Australia from Nigeria: ₦8,000,000–₦25,000,000
Moving to Australia from Nigeria costs between ₦8,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 ($5,200–$16,100) in 2026, depending on visa type and city. Australia's points-based system demands a minimum of 65 points, but competitive rounds often require 85–95+. Skills assessments, high visa fees, and Sydney's rent make it one of the pricier japa destinations — though regional pathways and state nominations offer real savings.
What Nigerians Are Choosing
LIVE DATAFrom 1,245 Japa Calculator users
Chose this country
10%
Avg Japa Score
61/100
Common salary
₦500K–₦1M
Trend
RisingCost Breakdown: Moving to Australia
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | $3,163 | |
| Proof of funds | $0 | |
| Health surcharge | $624 | If applicable |
| Language test (IELTS / TEF) | $250 | |
| Credential evaluation (WES / ECA) | $625 | |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,100 | One-way economy |
| First 3 months rent | $4,425 | 1-bed, cheapest city |
| Estimated Total | $10,187 | Based on Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) |
Costs are estimates and may vary. Exchange rate and living costs fluctuate.
Visa Options for Australia
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)6–12 months (from invitation to grant)$4,662
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $3,163 |
| Proof of funds | $0 |
| Health surcharge | $624 |
| Language test | $250 |
| Credential evaluation | $625 |
Expert Tip
The 189 visa has no employer or state sponsor requirement — it's the gold standard for permanent residency. But the minimum 65 points is a myth in practice: recent invitation rounds for popular occupations like software engineers and accountants required 85–95+ points. You earn points for age (25–32 is the sweet spot at 30 points), English (Superior English via PTE/IELTS gives 20 points), and experience. Skills assessment costs vary: ACS (IT) charges A$625, Engineers Australia charges A$860–$1,310, and VETASSESS (general) charges A$630–$1,100. Budget 8–16 weeks for the assessment alone. The 189 is uncapped by state — you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)6–12 months (from invitation to grant)$4,885
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $3,386 |
| Proof of funds | $0 |
| Health surcharge | $624 |
| Language test | $250 |
| Credential evaluation | $625 |
Expert Tip
The 190 gives you permanent residency but requires a state or territory nomination — and that nomination adds 5 points to your total, making it easier to reach invitation thresholds. NSW and Victoria have the largest programs, but competition is fierce. South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory actively recruit Nigerians in healthcare, engineering, and IT — and they often have lower points cutoffs. The catch: you must live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years. Each state has its own occupation list and may require a job offer. Apply to multiple states simultaneously — there's no rule against it. The 2025–26 program has 12,850 places allocated for 190 visas nationally.
Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand)1–4 months (median processing)$3,154
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $2,279 |
| Proof of funds | $0 |
| Health surcharge | $0 |
| Language test | $250 |
| Credential evaluation | $625 |
Expert Tip
The 482 is Australia's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa, recently rebranded as 'Skills in Demand.' Your employer pays the sponsorship fee (A$420) and nomination fee (A$330), plus the Skilling Australians Fund levy (A$1,200–$1,800/year) — these costs cannot legally be passed to you. The minimum salary threshold rises to A$79,499 from 1 July 2026 for the core skills stream. After 2 years on a 482, you can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa. Key industries sponsoring Nigerians include healthcare, IT, engineering, and mining. No points test required — but you still need a skills assessment and competent English (IELTS 5.0+ per band or equivalent).
Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485)4–8 weeks (student visa), 4–6 months (485 visa)$23,388
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $1,420 |
| Proof of funds | $21,094 |
| Health surcharge | $624 |
| Language test | $250 |
| Credential evaluation | $0 |
Expert Tip
The student visa (500) fee is A$2,000 since July 2025 — a 25% jump from the previous A$1,600. You must prove access to A$29,710/year for living expenses plus tuition fees (A$20,000–$50,000/year depending on course and university). OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and costs A$624–$900/year for a single student. The real shock: the post-study work visa (485) fee doubled to A$4,600 in March 2026 with zero warning. The 485 now gives 2–4 years of post-study work rights (down from 4–6), and the age limit dropped from 50 to 35. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time on a student visa. Group of Eight universities carry the most weight for employment, but regional universities can earn you extra PR points.
Student Route to Australia
If you're considering studying abroad as your path to Australia, here's what you need to know:
| Visa type | Student Visa (Subclass 500) |
| Tuition | $15,000–$45,000/year (₦22,500,000–₦67,500,000/year) |
| Living costs | AUD $29,710/year (~$19,500 USD) in living costs, plus tuition and OSHC health cover |
| Work while studying | 48 hours/fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks |
| After graduation | Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — 2–4 years depending on qualification level and location |
| Popular student cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide |
Student Tip
Adelaide and Perth offer extra post-study work rights (up to 2 additional years) for studying in regional areas. Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships that can cover 25–50% of tuition — apply early as they are competitive.
Top Cities in Australia for Nigerians
Sydney
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $2,130/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,200 |
| Cost of living index | 80 |
| Nigerian community | Large |
Melbourne
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,630/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,200 |
| Cost of living index | 76 |
| Nigerian community | Large |
Brisbane
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | $1,670/mo |
| Flight from Lagos | $1,250 |
| Cost of living index | 70 |
| Nigerian community | Medium |
Insider Tips for Moving to Australia
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The 189 visa has no employer or state sponsor requirement — it's the gold standard for permanent residency. But the minimum 65 points is a myth in practice: recent invitation rounds for popular occupations like software engineers and accountants required 85–95+ points. You earn points for age (25–32 is the sweet spot at 30 points), English (Superior English via PTE/IELTS gives 20 points), and experience. Skills assessment costs vary: ACS (IT) charges A$625, Engineers Australia charges A$860–$1,310, and VETASSESS (general) charges A$630–$1,100. Budget 8–16 weeks for the assessment alone. The 189 is uncapped by state — you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The 190 gives you permanent residency but requires a state or territory nomination — and that nomination adds 5 points to your total, making it easier to reach invitation thresholds. NSW and Victoria have the largest programs, but competition is fierce. South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory actively recruit Nigerians in healthcare, engineering, and IT — and they often have lower points cutoffs. The catch: you must live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years. Each state has its own occupation list and may require a job offer. Apply to multiple states simultaneously — there's no rule against it. The 2025–26 program has 12,850 places allocated for 190 visas nationally.
Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand)
The 482 is Australia's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa, recently rebranded as 'Skills in Demand.' Your employer pays the sponsorship fee (A$420) and nomination fee (A$330), plus the Skilling Australians Fund levy (A$1,200–$1,800/year) — these costs cannot legally be passed to you. The minimum salary threshold rises to A$79,499 from 1 July 2026 for the core skills stream. After 2 years on a 482, you can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa. Key industries sponsoring Nigerians include healthcare, IT, engineering, and mining. No points test required — but you still need a skills assessment and competent English (IELTS 5.0+ per band or equivalent).
Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485)
The student visa (500) fee is A$2,000 since July 2025 — a 25% jump from the previous A$1,600. You must prove access to A$29,710/year for living expenses plus tuition fees (A$20,000–$50,000/year depending on course and university). OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and costs A$624–$900/year for a single student. The real shock: the post-study work visa (485) fee doubled to A$4,600 in March 2026 with zero warning. The 485 now gives 2–4 years of post-study work rights (down from 4–6), and the age limit dropped from 50 to 35. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time on a student visa. Group of Eight universities carry the most weight for employment, but regional universities can earn you extra PR points.
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's most expensive city — a 1-bed apartment averages A$750/week ($2,130/month), and that's not even in the CBD. Nigerian community hubs are in Blacktown, Liverpool, and Parramatta in Western Sydney, where rents drop 20–30% compared to the inner city. There are no direct flights from Lagos — you'll connect through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Doha (Qatar Airways), with total travel time around 22–25 hours. Sydney has the strongest job market in finance, tech, and healthcare, but your money stretches much further in other cities. Get an Opal card for public transport — weekly caps keep costs around A$50.
Melbourne
Melbourne is 15–20% cheaper than Sydney for rent and has the second-largest Nigerian community in Australia (around 3,000 Nigerian-born residents). The Nigerian Society of Victoria is active and well-organized, hosting cultural events, networking, and support for newcomers. Key suburbs for affordable living include Footscray, Sunshine, and Dandenong — a 1-bed in these areas runs A$350–$450/week. Melbourne has Australia's best public transport network (trams are free in the CBD). The job market is strong in healthcare, education, IT, and manufacturing. Rent has been stable for five consecutive quarters — the longest stability streak in a decade.
Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia's fastest-growing cities and still more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne — though rents are rising faster here than anywhere else in Australia. A 1-bed apartment averages A$590/week. The 2032 Olympics are driving massive infrastructure investment, creating jobs in construction, engineering, and hospitality. Public transport is ultra-cheap at A$30/month with the TransLink go card. Queensland's state nomination program (190/491) actively recruits healthcare workers, engineers, and IT professionals. The Nigerian community is smaller but growing, concentrated in Logan and Ipswich south of the city.
Perth
Perth is geographically closer to Nigeria than Sydney (flights via Dubai are around 18–20 hours) and benefits from Western Australia's booming mining and resources sector. A 1-bed apartment averages A$600/week. WA's state nomination program is one of the most active in Australia, particularly for engineers, healthcare workers, and trades. The catch: Perth is isolated — it's a 4-hour flight to Sydney. But that isolation means less competition for jobs and state sponsorship slots. The Nigerian community is concentrated around Mirrabooka and Balga. Perth has more sunshine than any other Australian capital — the climate adjustment from Nigeria is the easiest here.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the most affordable of Australia's major cities and South Australia has one of the most generous state nomination programs — actively targeting healthcare, IT, and engineering professionals with lower points thresholds than NSW or Victoria. A 1-bed apartment averages A$520/week, and groceries are 10–15% cheaper than Sydney. Living in South Australia for studying or working can earn you 5 extra points for regional residency on your PR application. The Nigerian community is small but growing, mainly around Salisbury and Elizabeth in the northern suburbs. Adelaide is ideal if you're chasing PR through the 190 or 491 pathway — the state genuinely wants skilled migrants.
Written by Max
Founder of Japa Calculator, Nigeria's first data-driven relocation decision tool. Every cost figure, visa fee, and expert tip on this page is independently researched and verified against official government immigration sources (IRCC, UK Home Office, USCIS, and embassy websites). Data is updated quarterly.
Data methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost of living from Numbeo and local sources. Flight prices from aggregator averages. Japa Pulse data from anonymized calculator submissions.
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Start Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Australia?
- The total cost of relocating from Nigeria to Australia ranges from ₦8,000,000 to ₦25,000,000 ($5,200–$16,100) in 2026, depending on your visa type and destination city. The Skilled Independent visa (189) costs approximately A$4,662 in fees, while the student pathway requires A$29,710+ in proof of funds plus tuition. Skills assessments are mandatory and cost A$530–$1,310 depending on your profession. Sydney is the most expensive city, while Adelaide offers the best value. Use the Japa Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to Australia in naira?
- In Nigerian Naira, relocating to Australia costs between ₦8,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 at 2026 exchange rates. The Skilled Independent visa (189) application fee is ₦4,744,500 (A$4,770). Skills assessment costs ₦937,500–₦1,965,000 (A$625–$1,310) depending on your profession. PTE Academic or IELTS costs ₦375,000 ($250). Flights from Lagos cost ₦1,800,000 ($1,200) via Addis Ababa, Dubai, or Doha. First-month rent plus bond (4 weeks deposit) in Sydney requires ₦6,390,000 ($4,260). Use the Japa Calculator for real-time Naira estimates.
- What is the cheapest way to move to Australia from Nigeria?
- The cheapest way to move to Australia from Nigeria is through the employer-sponsored visa (Subclass 482), where your employer covers sponsorship fees (A$420/₦420,000), nomination fees (A$330/₦330,000), and the Skilling Australians Fund levy — these costs legally cannot be passed to you. Your personal cost is roughly ₦1,312,500 ($875) for skills assessment and English test. For the points-tested pathway, target South Australia, Tasmania, or the Northern Territory which have less competitive state nomination programs and lower points cutoffs. Choose Adelaide over Sydney to save 30% on rent (₦2,212,500/month vs ₦3,195,000/month). Invest in PTE Academic preparation to hit a score of 79+ (Superior English) — those 20 extra points are often the difference between an invitation and waiting indefinitely.
- Can I relocate to Australia from Nigeria without an agent?
- Yes, you can relocate to Australia from Nigeria without a migration agent. The Department of Home Affairs application system (ImmiAccount) is fully online, and you can submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect yourself. Free resources include the Home Affairs website, the points calculator on SkillSelect, and state nomination program websites. However, Australian immigration law is complex — if your skills assessment is borderline, you have health or character concerns, or you need help maximizing your points, a registered MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) agent can be worth the investment. Always verify any agent's registration at mara.gov.au.
- How long does it take to relocate from Nigeria to Australia?
- Relocating from Nigeria to Australia typically takes 8–18 months depending on your visa type. The employer-sponsored visa (482) is fastest at 1–4 months median processing. The Skilled Independent (189) and Nominated (190) visas take 6–12 months from invitation to grant. Student visas process in 4–8 weeks. Before applying, budget 2–4 months for your skills assessment (8–16 weeks processing) and 1–2 months for IELTS/PTE preparation and results. The full timeline from decision to landing is typically 12–18 months for points-tested visas. Use the Japa Calculator to plan your specific timeline.
- What documents do I need to relocate from Nigeria to Australia?
- To relocate from Nigeria to Australia, you need: a valid Nigerian passport, skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS for general occupations), PTE Academic or IELTS test results (minimum varies by visa), police clearance certificates from Nigeria and any country you've lived in for 12+ months, health examination from a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician in Lagos, proof of funds (A$29,710 for students), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for student visas, employment references and payslips for points claims, and certified copies of all academic qualifications. All documents must be in English or include NAATI-certified translations.
- How does Australia's points test work for Nigerian applicants?
- You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect for the 189 or 190 visa — but in practice, competitive rounds require 85–95+ points for popular occupations. Points come from age (max 30 for ages 25–32), English proficiency (max 20 for Superior English), skilled work experience (max 20), education (max 20), and extras like state nomination (+5 for 190), partner skills (+10), or regional study (+5). Most Nigerians score well on education and experience but lose points on age (if over 33) and English (if not Superior level). Investing in PTE Academic or IELTS preparation to hit a score of 79+ (Superior) adds 20 points and is often the difference between an invitation and waiting indefinitely.
- Which Australian states sponsor the most Nigerians?
- South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory have the most active state nomination programs for skilled migrants and tend to have lower competition than NSW and Victoria. South Australia in particular actively recruits healthcare workers, engineers, and IT professionals through its state nomination program. For the 2025–26 program year, 12,850 places are allocated nationally for the 190 visa. States set their own occupation lists and requirements — some require a job offer, others don't. Apply to multiple states simultaneously to maximize your chances. Regional areas (outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) can also earn you an extra 5 points toward PR.
- What is the skills assessment and how much does it cost?
- Before applying for any points-tested visa (189, 190, 491), you must get your qualifications and experience assessed by the relevant Australian authority for your occupation. The assessing body depends on your profession: ACS (Australian Computer Society) handles IT roles at A$625, Engineers Australia handles engineering at A$860–$1,310, AHPRA handles healthcare, VETASSESS handles general occupations at A$630–$1,100, and CPA/CA handle accounting. Processing takes 8–16 weeks. A positive assessment is non-negotiable — without it, you cannot submit an EOI. The assessment also determines your 'skilled employment' dates, which directly affect your points claim for work experience.
- Can I get permanent residency through studying in Australia?
- Yes, but the pathway got harder and more expensive in 2026. After completing a qualifying Australian degree (minimum 2 years of study), you can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (485) which now costs A$4,600 (doubled from A$2,300 in March 2026). The 485 gives 2–4 years of post-study work rights depending on your qualification level. During that time, you can gain Australian work experience (worth up to 20 points), potentially get state nomination, and apply for PR through the 189 or 190. Regional university graduates get longer post-study work rights and extra PR points. The age limit for the 485 visa dropped to 35, and you now need IELTS 6.5 overall (up from 6.0).
- What is the real cost of living shock for Nigerians in Australia?
- The biggest shocks are rent and groceries. Sydney rent for a 1-bed apartment averages A$750/week ($2,130/month) — even in outer suburbs you'll pay A$500+/week. Groceries cost 3–4x what you'd pay in Nigeria: a loaf of bread is A$4, a dozen eggs A$7, and eating out at a basic restaurant runs A$25–$35 per meal. Petrol is about A$2/litre. The minimum wage is A$24.10/hour, which helps — but after rent, transport, and food, a single person in Sydney needs at least A$4,000/month to live comfortably. Melbourne and Adelaide are 15–25% cheaper. Many Nigerians share apartments in the first year to manage costs, splitting 2-bed or 3-bed rentals.
- Do I need a job offer to move to Australia from Nigeria?
- It depends on the visa. The Skilled Independent (189) does NOT require a job offer — it's entirely points-based. The Skilled Nominated (190) may or may not require a job offer depending on the state (some states require it, others don't). The employer-sponsored (482) absolutely requires a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor. The Student visa (500) requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from an Australian institution. For the 189 and 190, you can apply from Nigeria without ever setting foot in Australia — but having an Australian job offer or work experience significantly boosts your points and employment prospects upon arrival.
- How much does it cost to study in Australia from Nigeria?
- Tuition fees for Nigerian students range from $15,000–$45,000/year (₦22,500,000–₦67,500,000/year). On top of tuition, you need to show AUD $29,710/year (~$19,500 USD) in living costs, plus tuition and OSHC health cover for living expenses. Popular student cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide. The student visa type is the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
- Can Nigerian students work in Australia?
- Yes. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), Nigerian students can work 48 hours/fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. After graduation, Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — 2–4 years depending on qualification level and location. This work experience can be your bridge to permanent residency or a longer-term work visa.