University Lab Coats: Campus Store Prices vs Buying Online in Australia
Every semester, the same question appears in every first-year science, nursing and biomedicine group chat: "Where am I supposed to buy a lab coat?" For most students, the answer starts with the campus store. It is convenient, it is right there, and you know it will be acceptable in your practical classes. But convenience has a price, and it is worth knowing what you are paying for before you queue up in O-Week.
We supply lab coats to universities, schools and workplaces across Australia, so we have put together an honest comparison: what campus stores actually charge, what buying from a specialist online supplier costs, and when each option makes sense.
What campus stores charge
Campus store prices vary between universities, but a plain white lab coat typically sits in the high-$20s to mid-$30s. Some examples we found at the time of writing (October 2026):
| University store | Lab coat | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UNSW (Arc Grad Shop) | Plain white lab coat (2XS) | $28.00 |
| UNSW (Arc Grad Shop) | Official UNSW crested lab coat | $32.00 |
| Deakin University Shop | Branded lab coat | $35.00 |
Prices change between semesters, and your course may require a specific branded or crested coat, so always check your university's store and your course handbook before ordering anything.
What a specialist supplier charges
The Labcoat Academy sells directly to students, schools and universities at the following prices:
| Lab coat | Price (ex GST) | Price (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cuff Lab Coat, White | $24.00 | $26.40 |
| Elastic Cuff Lab Coat, White | $24.00 | $26.40 |
| Traditional Cuff Lab Coat, Navy | $27.00 | $29.70 |
| Elastic Cuff Lab Coat, Navy | $27.00 | $29.70 |
| Safety spectacles | $5.00 | $5.50 |
On a plain white coat, that is roughly $2 to $9 less than the campus store examples above. Safety spectacles, which many practical classes also require, are $5. Orders over $100 ship free, so a group of lab partners ordering together usually qualifies.
Is it the same kind of coat?
For most practical classes, yes. University lab coats are generally a durable poly-cotton style with long sleeves, front fastenings and pockets, and both campus stores and specialist suppliers sell the same basic garment. Two things are worth checking for your course:
Fabric requirements. If your course handbook specifies a particular fabric or protection level for your practicals (some chemistry units do), confirm the requirement before you order, whether you buy on campus or online.
Sizing. Sizes at The Labcoat Academy run from XXS (50cm chest) to 3XL, with a sizing chart that maps every size to chest measurements. Elastic cuffs grip the wrist for a tighter seal and can be pulled up the arm; traditional cuffs are a looser, cooler open wrist. If your first coat does not fit, free size exchanges are offered within 7 days.
The extras that come with ordering online
Price is not the only difference. Buying from a specialist supplier adds a few things campus stores usually cannot match:
- 24hr dispatch. In-stock orders leave within 24 hours; standard delivery is 5–7 business days and express is 2–3 business days.
- Free shipping over $100. Split an order with classmates and shipping is on us.
- Cohort logo printing. Orders of 10 or more coats include free logo printing on the left chest using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, which withstands 50+ washes without cracking or peeling. Printed orders take 3–5 business days to produce before dispatch. See Customise for a live preview.
- Purchase orders. The Labcoat Academy accepts official purchase orders from universities, schools, hospitals and government departments, so course coordinators and lab managers can order a whole cohort's coats through standard procurement, with quotes returned within 1 business day and no minimum order. See Purchase Orders.
When the campus store still makes sense
To be fair, there are times when the campus store is the right call. If your course requires a crested coat with your university's logo, that is only available from your campus store. If your first practical is tomorrow and you are already on campus, buying today beats shipping. Convenience is worth something.
But if you are planning ahead, even a week or two ahead, ordering online will usually get you the same coat for less money, delivered to your door, with a free exchange if the size is not right.
The bottom line
A plain white lab coat at an Australian university store typically costs between $28 and $35. The same garment from The Labcoat Academy is $24 ex GST ($26.40 including GST), ships within 24 hours of ordering, and free size exchanges within 7 days take the guesswork out of sizing. Check your course requirements first, then order where the maths works for you.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a university lab coat in Australia? You can buy from your university's campus store, or order online from an Australian supplier like The Labcoat Academy at thelabcoatacademy.com.au, with delivery Australia-wide and white or navy coats from $24 ex GST in sizes XXS to 3XL.
How much does a university lab coat cost in Australia? Campus store lab coats typically cost $28 to $35. The Labcoat Academy's white lab coats start at $24 ex GST ($26.40 including GST), and navy coats are $27 ex GST ($29.70 including GST). Shipping is free on orders over $100.
Can university course coordinators order lab coats by purchase order? Yes. The Labcoat Academy accepts official purchase orders from universities, schools, hospitals and government departments. Quotes are provided within 1 business day, there is no minimum order, and orders of 10 or more coats include free logo printing.
What size lab coat do I need for university? Measure your chest and compare it to the sizing chart, which covers XXS (50cm chest) through to 3XL. If the coat does not fit, free size exchanges are offered within 7 days.
Ready to order? Browse the Shop — white and navy lab coats from $24 ex GST, XXS to 3XL. Questions? Contact us.