Education & Cost of Living in Australia

Knowing the average cost of living and studying in Australia is an important part of your application and financial preparation.

Students should be aware that the costs of studying in Australia will depend on your education provider, the level of study you choose and your study location in Australia.

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars).

The costs below are an approximate guide only and don’t take into account your budget and spending habits. 

Accommodation

  • 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

Other living expenses

  • Groceries and eating out – $140 to $280 per week
  • Gas, electricity – $10 to $20 per week
  • Phone and Internet – $15 to $30 per week
  • Public transport – $30 to $60 per week
  • Car (after purchase) – $150 to $260 per week
  • Entertainment – $80 to $150 per week

Cost of living

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia.

Refer to the step by step Student Visa Subclass 500 application and Document Checklist Tool for details on how to provide the evidence required to cover the costs of your stay, including your travel, study and living expenses.

As of October 2019 the 12-month living costs are;

  • For students or guardians – AUD$21,041
  • For partners coming with you – AUD$7,362
  • For a child coming with you – AUD$3,152

The Home Affairs website covers in more detail how to work out how much money you might need to cover the costs of your stay in Australia as international student.   

The Insider Guides ‘Cost of Living Calculator’ is also a useful, practical tool to help estimate your cost of living in Australia www.insiderguides.com.au/cost-of-living-calculator/.

If you experience financial trouble while in Australia, talk to your institution’s international student support and student accommodation services staff for assistance.

Education costs

The list below gives you a broad indication of the range of course costs (yearly) for different types of qualifications.

  • School – $7,800 to $30,000
  • English language studies – Around $300 per week depending on course length
  • Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
  • Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $20,000 to $45,000*
  • Postgraduate Masters Degree – $22,000 to $50,000*
  • Doctoral Degree – $18,000 to $42,000*

* Note: This does not include high cost of delivery courses such as veterinary and medical. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses.

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