Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

• Sep 15, 2023
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Are you considering studying in Australia but are concerned about your financial situation? Don't worry, we've got you covered with all you need to know about student living costs in Australia. Continue reading!

Australia is a popular choice among overseas students for higher education because of its high-quality education at a reasonable price. It is a country that provides several opportunities for overseas students to thrive. So, if you're thinking about studying in Australia, you've made the proper decision. It is, therefore, critical to understand the cost of living in Australia. This comprehensive article covers everything you need to know about international students' living costs in Australia.

So, with this list of the typical cost of living in Australia, you can budget for your costs. Let's start with some of the things that influence living costs.

Factors impacting Australia's cost of living

International students can obtain a higher education in Australia at a reasonable cost; but, living costs in Australia can be exorbitant. The cost of living in Australia for students is affected by a number of things.

These are some of them:

1. Education

Tuition costs for your university account for a significant amount of your expenses in Australia. The cost of education in Australia varies greatly depending on the university you attend for your higher education. Aside from that, the charges vary based on the specific course you are taking. In Australia, master's and PhD degrees are generally more expensive than undergraduate degrees.

In Australia, studying in a public university is less expensive than studying in a private institution. International students, on the other hand, are charged more than domestic students.

2. Accommodation

For overseas students in Australia, housing costs are a major concern. The cost of living in Australia varies depending on your choice of accommodation. Most universities have amenities and give discounts to international students. Outside of campus, the cost of private housing varies depending on where you reside and the type of accommodation you select.

3. Location

In Australia, certain areas are more expensive to live in than others. As a result, the location of your university in Australia will have a significant impact on how much your living expenditures will be. For overseas students, the cost of living in Australia is higher if they live in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra. The capital cities of Australia's six states are more expensive than the country's other cities.

Adelaide is one of Australia's most affordable cities for overseas students. Living in Adelaide is 60 percent less expensive than living in Sydney. As a result, depending on where you attend university, your living expenses may be expensive or low.

4. Exchange Rates

When calculating your living expenses in Australia, remember to account for exchange rates. If you live in a country with a stronger currency than Australia, you will not find living in Australia to be prohibitively expensive in your native currency. However, for students whose native currency is not as strong as the Australian Dollar, living in Australia can be costly.

It's also crucial to consider the costs of converting your money into Australian currency, as certain banks and exchange offices mark up currency exchange rates. This, in turn, can significantly raise your long-term living expenses.

5. Spending behaviour

Your spending habits ultimately influence how much your living expenditures in Australia cost. You may find that the money you spend on eating out or other forms of entertainment adds to your overall living costs. If you want to keep your living expenses in Australia to a minimal, make a budget and stick to it.

The cost of living in Australia

After the cost of school in Australia, the largest expense for an overseas student is housing. The cost of living includes not just the rent but also the money needed for utilities and services. You now have a variety of lodging options to pick from. Depending on your budget, you can choose from these possibilities.

1. Hostels at Universities

Campus housing is the most cost-effective choice for a student's stay in Australia. Most colleges provide international students with subsidised housing.

In Australia, the average cost of on-campus housing is between AUD 90 and AUD 280 per week.

2. Accommodation that is rented (single)

Outside of campus, you can rent out spaces for yourself. One-bedroom apartments are available to assist you keep your living expenses in Australia to a minimum.

The weekly rent for rental places ranges from AUD 165 to AUD 440 on average.

3. Accommodation that is rented (shared)

By sharing housing with your colleagues, you may keep your living expenses to a minimum. Shared housing allows you to split the cost of utilities and save money on your lodging.

In Australia, the average weekly rent for shared houses ranges from AUD 85 to AUD 215.

4. Homestays 

Homestays are a type of accommodation available to overseas students in Australia. For the duration of your course, you will live with an Australian family. If your university is located in an expensive portion of Australia, this choice is ideal.

The typical weekly lodging costs for a homestay range from AUD 110 to AUD 270.

Be prepared to pay for utilities such as gas, electricity, and internet if you plan to live in a rental residence. The average weekly cost of gas and electricity in Australia is between AUD 10 and AUD 20. Internet access can set you back between AUD 15 and AUD 30 every week. Utilities, on the other hand, might cost up to AUD 200 each week.

Costs of travel in Australia

Australia has a fantastic public transportation system that might help you keep your travel costs down. In Australia, trains and buses are the most cost-effective modes of transportation. Furthermore, if you live on campus, you may be able to take advantage of transportation provided by your university.

A bus ticket costs around AUD 3 on average. If you need to travel frequently, you can get a day pass for AUD 8. A cab ride will cost you around AUD 4 on average, depending on the distance you travel. Overall, travel costs contribute AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week to an international student's overall living expenses.

Costs of food and recreation

Food is expensive in Australia, and it makes up a significant portion of your living expenses as an international student. If you eat out, a lunch can cost anything between AUD 18 to AUD 80, depending on where you eat. If you plan on cooking, groceries can cost anything between AUD 500 and AUD 1000 each month.

The average cost of living in Australia includes prices for entertainment such as movies, bars, and other such activities.

Are there any other costs to consider?

Aside from the prices listed above, there are a few other costs to consider while planning your budget. The following expenses are included:

• The cost of a student visa in Australia is roughly AUD 575 for overseas students.

• Health Insurance - If you're an international student, you'll need to get international health insurance. The cost of insurance starts at AUD 30 per month.

• Miscellaneous Expenses - You should reserve money for unexpected expenses.

Summing up all for you

The cost of living in Australia is determined by a variety of factors. An summary of the various expenditures can assist you in deciding how to budget for your time in Australia. Here's a table that lists all of the primary expenses you'll need to consider.

• Rent      -            AUD 1,100

• Utilities  -            AUD 220

• Travel    -            AUD 60

• Food     -             AUD 1000

• Insurance -          AUD 30

• Recreation -         AUD 500

• Miscellaneous  -   AUD 500 

The monthly cost of living has been computed using a higher cost of living range as a starting point. The actual cost of living that you will face may differ from what has been stated.

We hope that this information on the cost of living in Australia for international students helps you figure out how much money you'll need. Aside from that, these data can help you minimise some unneeded costs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with the university admission process.

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