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Living Costs
A single international student requires approximately A$18,000 for living expenses per year. This does not include the tuition fees, text books or additional expenses associated with the running of a car or social activities like parties or tours. Some students can live well within the estimated cost whilst some may need more depending on location, lifestyle and preferences.
In addition, an initial establishment cost is usually needed to cover rental bonds for accommodation, furniture and electricity and telephone expenses. Other expenses may include textbooks and study aids.
Clothing
In Australia, clothing can be costly except for occasional bargains. If you are coming from a warm climate to a cooler climate (such as to Canberra, Ballarat or Melbourne) you should either bring warm clothes with you or budget additional funds to purchase them after arrival in Australia.
Entertainment
Most students tend to organise their own entertainment, or they take part in on-campus activities. Other entertainment such as going to pubs and clubs can be costly.
Travel Concessions
State government travel concessions are unavailable to international students in some states.
Other
You should be aware that legal, medical and dental services in Australia are quite expensive. Overnight stays in hospital in Australia can cost in the vicinity of $A255 a night.
Initial Expenses
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Total | $2,800 |
| Temporary accommodation (minimum two weeks) | $500 |
| Personal expenses (food and transport for one month) | $300 |
| Rent in advance (varies with area and type of accommodation) | $300 |
| Bond (refundable upon vacating the accommodation) | $500 |
| Furniture pieces and kitchenware (second hand) | $1,000 |
| Connection charges (for utilities) | $200 |
All costs are in Australian dollars and can vary greatly. They are a guide only.
Weekly Expenses
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Weekly Total | $350 |
| Yearly Total | $18,200 |
| Rent (shared basis) | $140 |
| Food (based on home cooking) | $90 |
| Utilities (electricity, phone, gas, etc) | $30 |
| Public Transport | $40 |
| Personal | $50 |
All costs are in Australian dollars and can vary greatly. They are a guide only.
Other Expenses
You will also need to budget approximately $AUD 880 per year for text books.
Employment
Although many international and local students are successful in obtaining casual and part-time employment to help subsidise their living costs while studying, you should not rely on obtaining such work when calculating your budget.
In Australia, international students who do succeed in obtaining employment may work for up to 20 hours per week during semester time and full-time during vacations (for example over the three month break from December to February).
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