Studying in Australia will open doors to a world of opportunities, making it a top choice for international students. However, moving to this vibrant nation requires a thorough understanding of living costs, from tuition and housing to food and transportation. Here’s our guide to helping you understand the cost of living in Australia and how to plan for your higher education in the country.
Key highlights:
- Overview of the Cost of Living in Australia
- Living Cost in Australia for International Students - Accommodation
- Living Expenses in Australia for International Students – Other
Overview of the Cost of Living in Australia
Before we dive into specifics, let’s evaluate the living cost in Australia for international students.
Tuition Fees
The tuition will usually be your biggest expense. Costs will vary depending on the programme and the level of study. Typically, humanities courses are more affordable than sciences or management options. A postgraduate course might cost as little as ~AUD 5,500 or ~INR 3 lakhs per year or as much as ~AUD 3,70,500 or ~INR 2 crores.
Airfare
You also have to consider airfare when travelling to your host country. The cost can vary depending on the host country and other prevailing conditions when you plan to fly.
Daily Living Expenses
Apart from the larger expenses of tuition and accommodation, you must consider the cost of essentials such as groceries, utilities, daily transport, and leisure and entertainment.
Initial Costs
Before you move to Australia, you may incur some one-time costs, such as your student visa fee and purchasing health insurance.
Also Read: Your Complete Guide to Pursuing MBA Courses in Australia
Living Cost in Australia for International Students - Accommodation
Your living expenses in Australia largely depend on your choice of accommodation and location. For example, the living cost in Melbourne for international students could be ~AUD 4,000 per month, while the cost of living in a city like Adelaide might be ~AUD 3,500 per month. Identifying the ideal accommodation for your needs can help shape your entire experience.
On-Campus Housing
Most universities have residence halls with secure student-only accommodations. You will typically get a single room but will have to share kitchens and other communal facilities. The cost of the on-campus room usually covers the cost of utilities and internet. Depending on the location, you might have to pay between ~AUD 800 to ~AUD 1,400 per month.
Student Apartments
These shared apartments allow you to enjoy more independence while still living with friends and other students. Shared apartments can be the best option for students who cannot find comfortable on-campus housing. The cost of the rent could be between ~AUD 600 and ~AUD 1,200 per month.
Private Rentals
While pursuing your postgraduate studies, you may require more independence, flexibility, and space. In such situations, you can opt for a private rental. Renting a space might cost ~AUD 100 to ~AUD 500 weekly. However, you also have to consider the cost of utilities.
Also Read: Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia After Graduation
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students - Other
While calculating the price of living in Australia, students usually focus on their tuition and accommodation expenses. However, here’s a look at the other weekly and monthly expenses that can add up over time.
Daily Travel Costs
Depending on how far you have to travel every day, your daily travel budget can fluctuate. Opting for a monthly public transport pass is usually the most convenient option. Students should budget between ~AUD 300 to ~AUD 400 per month to cover their daily travel expenses and occasional trips further away.
Health Insurance
While calculating the Australian living expenses for international students, you should include the cost of health insurance. You will require an Overseas Student Health and Travel Insurance when studying abroad.
Utility Costs
While evaluating the cost of living in Australia for Indian students, remember to consider your utilities like electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone expenses. You might have to pay between ~AUD 270 and ~AUD 490 monthly to cover all these costs.
Living expenses in Australia for Indian students, in addition to the tuition fees, can be super heavy on the pockets. Therefore, students opt for educational loans to help manage the cost of studying and living abroad. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan for study abroad programmes that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition, living, and other expenses. To know more about the education Loan interest rate, application and documentation process, please contact us.