There’s a lot of confusing information out there on Stem Cell Therapy in Australia. Whether it’s legal or not, can you get treatment here, what’s actually available.
This is where our team comes in. We look at the regulations to walk you through what you can actually get in Australia. We’ve also collated costs directly from patients & clinics to give more accurate price ranges than what’s typically out there.
Plus, if you live in Australia, we look at what nearby countries you can visit for Stem Cell Therapy.
Our team’s here to help you understand regulations & costs in Australia & Asia. They’ll talk you through results from past patients & which clinics you can trust.
Alt Treatment Vetting Guarantee
All prices are updated as of January 2026. Our pricing data is attained from real clinics in Asia and verified patient treatment data. Legal Data is obtained directly from official government sources (Australia’s TGA) and is reviewed monthly.
Get Free Support From Alt Treatment
- Walk you through latest data & independent patient reviews
- Guidance on regulations across countries globally
- Connects you with vetted clinics who follow best practice
- Secure exclusive discounts on treatments
- Support throughout your journey. Think of us as your free, personal concierge!
What Is Stem Cell Treatment?
Stem cell therapy is all about using the body’s natural repair cells to heal damaged tissues. It’s being studied for everything from joint pain to neurodegenerative diseases.
If you want the full breakdown, including how it works, the different types, and what it can do, check out our guide on How Stem Cell Therapy works.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Legal in Australia in 2026?
As of 2026, the only established stem cell treatment approved in Australia for routine clinical use is haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for blood and immune system disorders, according to the TGA’s wording on their Stem Cell Regulations guide.
There are a few nuances, which we will go into below. But if you’re reading this, the treatments you’re probably thinking about aren’t legal in Australia.
Want to know if Stem Cells can actually help your condition?
Who Regulates Stem Cells in Australia?
The TGA regulates stem cell treatments in Australia, ensuring that only approved therapies are legally available. However, there are some grey areas in the regulations. If you want to dive deeper into them, check it out here
What Stem Cell Treatments are Allowed in Australia?
Hematopoietic stem cells for blood disorders and SOME same day Stem Cell Treatments are allowed in Australia. Here’s more details:
- Allowed: Blood and immune system disorders (hematopoietic stem cell transplants using bone marrow, peripheral blood, or cord blood). You can read the exact wording on the TGA’s Stem Cell Regulations page
- Excluded Therapies: This is where it gets a little complicated. Some autologous cell procedures are excluded from TGA regulation if all of these apply:
- The patient’s cells are collected and reinfused under the care of a registered doctor.
- The procedure occurs within a hospital, under that doctor’s supervision.
- The treatment is not advertised to the public.
- Even in this case, the therapy is not “unregulated.” It falls under hospital governance, ethics committees and oversight by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and medical boards.
- Exempt Therapies: Outside hospitals, some autologous cell uses are exempt from full TGA approval if they are:
- Same-day, single procedure for one condition.
- Minimally manipulated (e.g. not isolated or cultured in a lab).
- Homologous use (cells used for their natural function, e.g., fat for padding, bone for grafting).
- Not advertised to consumers.
- Examples that fit: PRP injections, simple fat transfer, autologous bone grafts, skin grafts. You can read more on this in the TGA’s article on covering rules on autologous Stem Cells.
Get an estimated treatment quote today
We know getting treatment quotes isn’t easy. Get a personalized, estimated quote for any country so you can compare options globally.
Get Free Cost Estimate
What Stem Cell treatments are NOT Allowed in Australia?
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost in Australia?
Orthopedic treatments typically cost between $7,000 and $20,000 AUD. It’s definitely not cheap! We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it!
But if you’re looking for more advanced or affordable options, countries like India, Thailand, and Japan offer treatments at slightly cheaper costs. Check out our guide on Average costs in different countries for a full breakdown of costs.
Not sure if you should get stem cell treatment? We’ll help you decide. We’ll walk you through real data on success rates for each condition, stem cell treatments that don’t work & how to avoid poor clinics.
Does Medicare in Australia cover Stem Cell Treatments?
Yes, Medicare in Australia covers stem cell treatments for approved procedures like hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) used for blood disorders and cancers. But, cosmetic and unapproved treatments aren’t covered!
Where to Get Stem Cells Near Australia?
If you’re in Australia, nearby countries like Japan, Thailand & India offer more advanced or affordable Stem Cell treatment options. (it’s up to you to decide if they’re better though!)
Japan
Japan is a leader in stem cell research, with some of the strictest regulations in the world. Clinics offer a wide range of stem cell therapies for conditions. If you’re looking for a highly regulated and safe option, Japan is one of the best choices, but they’re not as cheap as India or Thailand. Read our full guide on stem cell therapy in Japan →
South Korea
South Korea recently changed its laws in 2025 to mirror Japan’s. Approved Regenerative Medicine Facilities can offer Autologous Cultured Stem Cell Treatments for a wide variety of conditions. They also have the world’s first umbilical cord derived Stem Cell Product for Knee Osteoarthritis (Cartistem). Read our full South Korea Country & Cost Guide.
Thailand
A common choice for Australians seeking medical procedures, Thailand has a large number of stem cell clinics. Offering everything from joint therapy to anti-aging treatments. But, it’s super important to choose the right clinic, regulations aren’t the tightest here. If you’re considering treatment here, proper research is key. See our full breakdown of stem cell therapy in Thailand →
India
If cost is a major factor, India is often the cheapest option. They have strong English speaking services too. However, India’s stem cell industry is less regulated, and the country has a mix of reputable hospitals and scam clinics. While some facilities offer advanced treatments, it’s super important to verify the credibility of any clinic before moving forward. Bear in mind, Stem Cell Therapy does fall into a grey area here. Explore our full guide on stem cell therapy in India →
If you want to know about other countries offering treatments, check out our Best Countries for Stem Cell Therapy Guide for a full comparison of top destinations, and what to watch out for.
Considering Stem Cell Therapy clinics in Thailand, Japan or South Korea?
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
Why Use Alt Treatment?
We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.
Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing
Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.
We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.
Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.
Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.
No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.
Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in South East Asia
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics across South East Asia. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare ClinicsStem Cell Treatment costs in Asia
Stem Cell treatment costs in Asia range from $4,600 – $53,700 (AUD), depending on which country & treatment you’re getting. This infographic breaks it down for you (bear in mind, the graphic is in USD, not AUD)
Knee Stem Cell Therapy prices in Asia
Stem Cell Therapy prices for Knee pain in Asia ranges from $7,200 to $23,200 (AUD) across the likes of Thailand, Japan & South Korea.
Not sure which country’s right for you?
Browse verified stem cell clinics in Thailand, Japan, India and more that we’ve already personally vetted.
Browse Verified Stem Cell ClinicsLatest Stem Cell Research & advancements in Australia 2026
Australia is making big moves in stem cell research. The Stem Cell Therapies Mission, part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), finalized its plans in 2023 to accelerate clinical research. The program supports trials for conditions such as osteoarthritis, neurological disorders, and blood diseases, with the goal of moving promising therapies closer to clinical use. You can read more about the mission here!
Last year, in 2024 the Australian government put $34.5 million to new stem cell research projects targeting conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, and motor neuron disease. This funding, delivered through the MRFF, is distributed across six key projects.
What’s Being Funded?
- Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment – A $7 million investment is going into clinical trials led by Melbourne-based Magellan Stem Cells, testing a donor stem cell therapy designed to repair joint damage and slow down osteoarthritis.
- Spinal Cord Injury Therapy – Griffith University received $6.8 million to develop a world-first treatment that could restore function after spinal cord injuries using transplanted stem cells.
- Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Research – The Florey Institute secured nearly $5 million to use patient-derived stem cells for drug testing, helping identify potential treatments that could keep motor neurons alive longer.
You can check out the full announcement to see who else got funding here.
This level of investment shows strong governmental interest in the long term potential of stem cell therapy. Over the next few years, results from these trials are expected to lead to major advances in stem cell therapy research.
Read these before booking any consultations
Should I Get Stem Cell Therapy in Australia?
No, stem cell treatment options in Australia are limited (we’re not saying that’s a bad thing either).
Australia still tightly regulates stem cell therapy and while research is making progress, most treatments aren’t available to the public yet. But Australia is investing big in the future of regenerative medicine, and breakthroughs are happening fast.
If you’re looking for treatment with high cell doses, you need to explore options overseas like South Korea, Thailand or Japan. If you specifically want umbilical cord derived Mesenchymal cells, Thailand’s the place.
If you’re looking for treatments across Asia, our team’s here to help you work out the best route for you & which clinics you can actually trust.
Get Free Support From Alt Treatment
- Walk you through latest data & independent patient reviews
- Guidance on regulations across countries globally
- Connects you with vetted clinics who follow best practice
- Secure exclusive discounts on treatments
- Support throughout your journey. Think of us as your free, personal concierge!
Alt Treatment is a free, independent platform that helps you understand stem cell therapy & decide if it’s right for you.
We break down complex information into clear, honest guidance. When you’re ready, we can connect you with verified clinics that meet your needs, in the right location & often with exclusive discounts.
There’s no charge to use our platform. No hidden fees. No pressure. Our main aim is to genuinely help you figure out if treatment is right & the best places to consider.
If you want to talk, fill out our form here & our personal concierge team will reach out.
In Japan, Stem Cell Injections for Knee osteoarthritis range from $13,900 to $24,000 (AUD).
In South Korea, Stem Cell treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis range from $12,400 to $18,500 (AUD).
No, stem cell treatments for anti-aging are not legally available in Australia.
Yes, it can do. Stem cell therapy has shown real promise for osteoarthritis. Some studies suggest it can help reduce pain and improve mobility, and there’s even early evidence it might slow cartilage damage. But, it’s not a guaranteed fix yet. Australia limited options means many people here explore treatment in countries like Japan, India or Thailand. If you want to read the latest studies on Arthritis, we’ve broken them down simply for you here.
Stem cells aren’t a guaranteed cure for baldness yet. Stem cell therapy might help with hair regrowth by reactivating dormant hair follicles and improving scalp health.
Some studies show promising results, but long-term success is still being studied. In Australia, you can get stem cells for baldness, but you can only use your own stem cells.
Common side effects of getting Stem Cells are fever and local pain/swelling at the injection site. We go into all of the side effects in more detail in our Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects Article
Most clinics use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, fat tissue, or umbilical cord.
To learn more about MSC cells used in treatment, see our full guide on How Stem Cell Treatments Work
Fill in your details below
For a discounted offer for Stem Cell Therapy!