Australia is a dream destination for many due to its worldwide reputation, subject rankings, innovative technologies, quality lifestyle, and stable economy. But before you consider Australia your study destination, you must know the cost of studying in Australia and other associated expenses.
To get an in-depth understanding of living costs in Australia for students, it is essential to know the associated costs. Living expenses in Australia mainly depend on lifestyle preferences and choices. Monthly, the average cost of living for international students ranges from $1400 to $2500, including food, travelling, social activities, and other accommodations. Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra are some of the most expensive cities in Australia.
Learn more below, and to have any further questions answered about the cost of living in Australia as an international student, contact SI-Australia for a free consultation today.
Australia Living Expenses for Students: Public Vs Private Universities
Australia is a mix of private and public universities, having distinct fee structures. The government funds public universities and offers low tuition fees. On the other hand, private universities in Australia provide specialised courses and programs with smaller classrooms and unique academic experiences.
Overall, the total living costs in Australia for international students depend on the choice of institution and course of study. Here is a breakdown of living costs in Australia (based on the university type).
Australian Public Universities
|
University |
Average Living Expenses for International Students (annually) |
|
$20,290 - $31,870 |
|
|
$30,000 - $45,000 |
|
|
$26,000 - $44,500 |
|
|
$26,000 - $42,560 |
|
|
$24,000 - $73,204 |
Australian Private Universities
|
University |
Average Living Expenses for International Students (annually) |
|
$20,000 - $25,000 |
|
|
Carneige Mellon University |
$40,000 - $62,250 |
|
$43,200- $64,872 |
|
|
Kenvale College |
$26, 000 |
Tuition Fees in Australia
The average yearly fees in Australia can vary depending on the courses (bachelor's/master’s or PhD). For example, a bachelor’s degree fee can range from $9,000 to $50,000, and a master’s degree fee can range from $9,000 to $54,000.
|
University |
Annual Fees (average) |
|
$46,000 to $48,000 |
|
|
$45,000 to $47,000 |
|
|
$50,000 to $54,000 |
|
|
$7,000 to $11,000 |
|
|
$2,900 to $3,500/ credit |
|
|
$37,000 to $45,000 |
|
|
$9,000 |
|
|
$45,000 to $48,000 |
|
|
$1,256 per credit |
|
|
$14,000/semester - $16,000/ Semester |
International students can apply for education loans from nationalized banks, private banks, and non-bank financial companies to manage their costs better.
Student Accommodation Cost
Most Australian universities offer on-campus residence facilities. However, one can also apply for off-campus residence facilities to share with other students or stay alone with a local Australian family. The rent is paid every two weeks in advance. However, the rentals can vary from city to city.
According to the Australian Government website, here is a breakdown of the weekly costs of the accommodation options.
|
Accommodation Type |
Cost per week |
|
Hostels and Guesthouses |
$90 to $150 |
|
Shared rental |
$95 to $215 |
|
On campus |
$110 to $280 |
|
Homestay |
$235 to $325 |
|
Rental |
$185 to $440 |
Average Cost of Living per City
Besides the average cost of living, location also plays a vital role in stay options. For example, living expenses in Sydney are higher for international students than in Canberra or the Gold Coast.
|
City |
Average Cost of Living |
|
Melbourne |
$24,500 |
|
Brisbane |
$25,600 |
|
Canberra |
$22,400 |
|
Gold Coast |
$20,600 |
|
Adelaide |
$24,500 |
|
Perth |
$25,700 |
Cost of Attendance in Australia
The cost of attendance in Australia involves your pre-arrival expenses and cost of living. The pre-arrival fees will come out to approximately $3,000, which includes your airfare, standardized exam charges, college application fees, and visa charges.
On the other hand, the cost of living depends on the factors such as accommodation, commuting options, food, etc. Students can plan for short-term accommodations to minimize their living expenses.
Living Expenses
Australia’s annual student cost of living will come to around $35,000, which covers food, transport, grocery, accommodation, and other minimal expenses. Here is a breakdown of the living costs in Australia for students -
|
Factors |
Average cost per month |
|
Accommodation |
$297-$743 |
|
Food and Groceries |
$208 -$416 |
|
Transportation |
$44 - $89 |
|
Household Bills |
$20- $50 |
|
Shopping |
$223 |
Cost of Australia Student Visa
Anyone studying abroad must have an Australian student visa, which costs $630.
Other Expenses
|
Health Insurance |
$609 - $3438 |
|
Sufficient Fund Proof |
$20,290/ yearly |
|
Application fee payment |
$133 |
Study in Australia
If you want to learn more about living and study in Australia, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today.
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Australia for students?
The average annual cost of living in Australia for students is around $30,000 to $34,000, which is low compared to the cost of living in the UK and Canada.
What is the cost of overseas student health coverage (OSHC)?
The cost of OSHC depends on the type of coverage you’ve selected. For singles, the minimum OSHC cover is $478/annually. However, for couples and family cover, it is $2600 and $4200 respectively.
What is the average tuition fee for studying in Australia?
The tuition fee depends on the course, university, and duration you choose. However, the average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree can range from $9,000 to $50,000, and a master’s degree can range from $9,000 to $54,000.
Does the cost of studying UG and PG in Australia vary?
Yes, it varies because of the choice of course, duration, number of credit completions, and if applied for the scholarship program.
