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Cost of living in Australia
Here’s how you can budget your expenses in Australia
With Australia boasting of globally acclaimed educational institutions, it attracts many international students from across the world every year. Besides, the country’s well-structured education system adds to its charm. So, as an international student, it is essential to know an estimate of your cost of living and studying in Australia to plan your finances accordingly. Let’s have a look at what you should expect and how you can manage it well:
1. Cheapest student cities in Australia
Depending on which city you are studying in Australia, the cost of living may vary. We have put together this list of the top six most affordable student cities in Australia:
Name of the city | Average cost of living per week | |
1 | City of Adelaide, South Australia | AUD$ 377 |
2 | Darwin, Australia Northern Territory | AUD$ 443 |
3 | Perth, Western Australia | AUD$ 449 |
4 | Hobart, Tasmania | AUD$ 475 |
5 | Gold Coast, Queensland | AUD$ 482 |
6 | Brisbane, Queensland | AUD$ 485 |
7 | Canberra, The Australian Capital Territory | AUD$ 509 |
2. Tuition fee
While the exact cost of studying in Australia will depend on the course and institution you choose, it is always better to have an approximate idea.
Institution/Degree | *Annual fees (indicative) |
School | $7,800 to $30,000 |
English language studies | $300/ week depending on course length |
Vocational Education and Training | $4,000 to $22,000 |
Undergraduate bachelor’s degree | $15,000 to $33,000* |
Postgraduate Master’s Degree | $20,000 to $37,000* |
Doctoral Degree | $14,000 to $37,000* |
3. Accommodation costs
Australia is the world’s largest main island and smallest continent with six states and two territories. Accommodation prices in the country vary based on the city you choose to study in. Sydney, for instance, is known to be the most expensive city followed by Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Here’s some help to get you started:
Accommodation type | Expenses (indicative) |
Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 per week |
Shared Rental | $95 to $215 per week |
On-campus | $110 to $280 per week |
Homestay | $235 to $325 per week |
Rental | $185 to $440 per week |
Boarding schools | $11,000 to $22,000 a year |
Source: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/living-costs
4. Living costs
According to the Human Development Index 2022 and the Quality-of-Life Index 2022, Australia is ranked among the top 10 nations*, which implies Australia is counted in the top countries in terms of GDP, education system, and purchasing power parity index. So, along with the high level of income, it enjoys an excellent quality of health awareness, the medical system and political stability. So, excited?
*Sources: https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/rankings.jsp
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hdi-by-country
You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
Living expenses | Weekly budget (indicative) |
Groceries and eating out | $140 to $280 |
Gas, electricity | $10 to $20 |
Phone and Internet | $15 to $30 |
Public transport | $30 to $60 |
Car (after purchase) | $150 to $260 |
Entertainment | $80 to $150 |
Source: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/living-costs
Calculate your cost of living in Australia
5. Transportation costs
Many Australian institutions run private transport systems to help students residing on the campus commute to the nearby areas. Besides, based on your area of living, you can be benefitted from discounts offered by state programs such as QLD (Queensland), SA (South Australia), or VIC (Melbourne).
Otherwise, public transport is also available, the costs of which vary depending on where in Australia you live and the type of transport you are using.
For short distances | For long distances |
You can make use of regional trains, buses, and trams. A short ride on a bus or train can cost you around AUD 3. You can get a weekly pass upwards of AUD 20 or a monthly pass for AUD 80. Student discounts are easily available in all states and territories apart from Victoria. | For travelling between different cities, you can avail yourself of any of the following options: Roadways (bus) Railways (trains) Airways (flights) |
6. Keep safe. Consider health support and insurance
It is mandatory for all students scheduled to travel to Australia from India to get medically insured before the commencement of their program. The average cost for medical insurance ranges from approximately AUD 500 a year. Extensive health and support services are readily available for all Indian students in Australia.
While most universities and colleges also provide health insurance facilities to international students, you might have to arrange for it on your own if your institution doesn’t provide one before your departure.
You should know that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all international students in Australia, and you need to have one to complete the application process. The OSHC coverage needs to last for at least as long as stated in your student visa and needs renewal if you opt for a visa extension.
7. Don’t ignore your taxes
As an international student in Australia, you will need a Tax File Number (TFN) to be able to work. With this, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your earned income will be taxable.
Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in Australia or seek scholarships in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.
Aside from all this, you definitely need to factor in your cost of studying. The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000 a year. Despite all the financial budgeting, if you still experience any kind of financial trouble while living in Australia, then without any hesitation you can approach your institution’s international student support or accommodation services staff for assistance. You can also reach out to us at IDP, and our experts will be more than happy to guide you.