Cost of living in Australia for international students

To maintain a healthy study abroad journey in Australia, financial management is essential for every international student. Basically, the cost of living in Australia for international students is high or low depending on the city where you live and your daily spending habits.

So how much is the budget and cost of living in Australia considered reasonable? Let's find out more about typical living expenses such as housing costs, travel expenses or food expenses to prepare a suitable budget for expenses but still save!

1. Housing costs

For international students, the form of living in a homestay or dormitory is quite popular. Besides, you can also rent a house in areas far from the center if you want to save on a budget. Normally, the average cost of rent is AUD 200 a week. Specifically, as follows:

• Private apartment: $99 to $165 per day• Shared rent: $90 to $235 per week• Dormitory: $350 to $450 per week

• Living with host family: $235 to $325 per week

Related article:Housing in Australia for international students, which type should you choose?

2. Transportation costs

Among the living expenses in Australia for international students, travel expenses are an indispensable expense during the study abroad process. Travel costs vary from student to student, depending on where you live and the type of transportation you use. Since Australia is a fairly large country, almost all cities are equipped with public transportation such as buses, trams or trains.

You can buy a monthly transit pass for an unlimited number of trains, buses, and trams (even city ferries). In Australia, public services are paid for by card, which is almost the same as an ATM card. Common cards used in states include:

The average cost of moving the amount per week in Australia, depending on the state, will range from AU$20 - $59.67/week

For those of you who live near the school, you will see a lot of people walking to school or traveling by bicycle. Traveling by bike is not only cheaper, but it's also a healthy option for your health. However, you also need to follow the traffic rules when cycling in Australia. You need to wear a helmet and have lights in front or behind the bike.

3. Meal costs

An indispensable fee when it comes to the cost of living in Australia for international students is the cost of food. Although you want to save money, don't eat too strictly, maintain reasonable spending habits but still focus on a healthy diet.

The cost of accommodation when studying in Australia will depend on your spending habits and eating habits. The average cost of eating usually ranges from 80 – 280 AUD per week. You can go to supermarkets such as Woolworths, Coles, and Costco or markets that sell Asian goods such as KT Mart, Chan's Asian Supermarket, Eastland Market, and Thuan Phat Market if you want to cook at home.

Besides, you can use the food delivery service - My Asian Grocer to find the necessary Asian ingredients, if you can't find the food you care for at the supermarket chains you usually visit.

Here are some basic foods that cost the same when you shop from Australian food supermarkets:

Refer to: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

If you want to eat out, a dinner for two at a pub will usually cost 50-70 Australian dollars, and a dinner at a restaurant like Osteria Ilaria in Melbourne will cost about 100 Australian dollars. Food delivery fees usually range from AUD 3.95 to AUD 6.45. Food ordered from Uber Eats will usually be quite varied but will cost a little more than eating on the spot, as you will need to pay extra for shipping.

4. Healthcare

International students in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to apply for a student visa before flying to Australia. This insurance will help cover some of the costs of medical examination and treatment at the hospital, ambulance insurance and prescription drugs for international students.

All Australian international students must buy insurance before going to study abroad and maintain it throughout their studies and living in this country. Depending on the OSHC service provider as well as the program of study, you can choose a type of insurance that is right for you.

If you are still wondering which type of student insurance will be right for you, you can read more about International Student Health Insurance or contact IDP for detailed advice.

5. Other incurred expenses

In addition to the basic living expenses in Australia for international students, there are many other fees you should be aware of, such as:

• Gas and electricity: $35 to $140 per week

• Phone and Internet: $20 to $55 per week

• Car (ongoing expenses): $150 to $260 per week

• Entertainment: $80 to $150 per week

In addition to the above costs of living in Australia, there will be other costs and different levels of spending depending on the living needs of each individual as well as the place where you study and live.

6. Secrets to saving living costs when studying in Australia

There are many ways to help you earn extra income to cover the costs of studying in Australia and let's take a look at some of the popular ways for international students today.

6.1. Hunt for scholarships to study abroad from schools or the Government

The first secret to saving some money on studying abroad is to look for scholarships from the Government or the school you want to attend. Every year, Australian schools and educational institutions have scholarships worth from 30% to 100% of tuition fees for international students. Scholarships vary from English, Foundation, Pathway, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programs.

To apply for the scholarship, you need to meet the prerequisites including excellent academic achievement and foreign language proficiency. In addition, many schools will ask you to provide a Letter of Recommendation and a personal essay that shows your future learning and development goals.

6.2. Find a part-time job

Because the standard of living in Australia is quite high, the cost of accommodation when studying in Australia is not cheap. Therefore, working part-time is an ideal option for those of you who want to save money on studying abroad. The Australian government still allows international students to work 48 hours a week. However, when working overtime, you need to register for a tax identification number (TFN - Tax File Number) and must sign a clear labor contract. This ensures that working individuals fulfill their tax obligations, and at the same time protect the interests of international students.

Common part-time jobs in Australia for international students include:

• Tutor

• Retail work in supermarkets, department stores

• Waiter, bartender

• Telesales and marketing

• Customer Service Agents

• Farm work (fruit picking, harvesting)

See more: Part-time Jobs in Australia: Regulations, Benefits, and Popular Jobs

6.3. Take advantage of student incentives

International students will save some costs when discovering preferential programs for students and students. Using a student card will save you a small amount of money when shopping or moving from home to school. In addition, many stores also create conditions for students to buy clothes and supplies at preferential prices such as Cotton On, and H&M.

Above is a summary of the living costs in Australia for international students in great detail, hopefully the above information will partly help you save money on your journey to study in Australia. If you need more information, contact IDP immediately for detailed advice.

Plan your spending wisely when studying abroad with IDP

As a leading educational institution founded by the Australian Government, IDP has strong links with prestigious educational institutions in Australia (universities, colleges, high schools), offering a wide range of flexible options in terms of schools and courses. You can actively hunt for scholarships to study abroad at the official website or contact IDP to get Australia Study Abroad Advice completely free.

Besides, you can attend study abroad festivals or IDP Study Abroad Events organized throughout the year to have a direct conversation with school representatives, review applications on the spot, hunt Find a scholarship to study abroad with a value of up to 100%.

Besides, IDP is ready to accompany you in Preparing your study abroad application, applying for admission and tracking progress until you receive a confirmation letter from the school, Australia Student Visa Interview, and plan for all living expenses in Australia for international students. Contact IDP to start your study abroad consultation today!

See more:

30% - 100% Scholarships to Study in Australia [Latest Update]

Study in Australia by doing: What you need to know

Latest Updated Cost of Studying in Australia

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