You don't need $$$ to grease the palms of the person processing your application (a very big no, no), but you do need to be able to prove that you can support yourself financially and therefore won't be a burden to the host country. The 3 countries mentioned have different rules (as all sovereign countries are so entitled), so I suggest that you visit the respective consular websites to check the details. I know that with the AU website you'll be able to download and/or print the relevant forms.