Australia offers a unique experience for students. Apart from a world-class education system, the opportunities to get involved in daily life are endless: whether you’re into the arts or sport, partying or book clubs, the great outdoors or cosy cafés, you’ll find many ways to join in and have fun. So if you want to get an education and have a life, it really is the place to be.
Victoria is not only a great place to study, live and work, Melbourne is among the developed world’s least expensive cities in terms of cost of living, while at the same time offering an excellent quality of life – making it one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) advises that a single international student requires approximately AU$20,000 per year for living costs.
These expenses are on top of your tuition and study fees, and include costs like accommodation, food, text books, transport and other things you will need while in Australia. Living costs vary according to your circumstances, including the type of accommodation you choose, its location, the number of people you live with and your lifestyle.
The cost of living depends upon a student’s background, individual lifestyle and expectations. However, most students manage on approximately $18,000 per year. This is exclusive of tuition fees and lifestyle expenses but covers accommodation, food, public transport clothing, entertainment, books, stationery and incidental expenses.
Living costs
To help you understand the costs, we have developed a sample student budget for you.
Living expenses include food, clothing, entertainment, and transportation for you and your dependents (if any) and textbooks. Your actual expenses will vary according to your lifestyle.
The following estimated costs are based on a single student living in shared accommodation.
Weekly expenses
|
Item |
Cost per week |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | City: AU$200-300 Brunswick: AU$150 – 250 Bundoora: AU$120 – 200 |
|
Electricity, gas and water |
AU$40 – 100 |
|
Food |
AU$80 – 150 |
|
Phone and Internet |
AU$20 – 50 |
|
Public Transport |
up to $50 |
|
Entertainment |
AU$30 – 100 |
Home set up costs
You will need to allow AU$3,000 – 5,000 to cover establishment expenses such as bond payment, advance rent, furniture and other household items. Some student apartments come fully furnished but private rental accommodation often does not.
Fees
In addition to living costs, you need to pay for study-related expenses.
Study expenses include Tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and Other Fees.
Costs for students with families
If you intend to bring your family, you should also account for their living expenses.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection recommends that you budget at least the following annual living costs (estimated for the year July 2016 – July 2017):
- You – AU$19,830
- Your partner – AU$6,940
- Child – AU$2,970
School for your children
If your children are between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, and they will be in Australia for 3 months or more, they are required to be enrolled in school.
