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International

Living costs

When calculating your budget, you must include your:

  • Annual tuition fees
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Accommodation costs
  • Living expenses including food, gas, electricity, telephone and transport
  • Textbooks, study excursions and study equipment
  • Entertainment
  • Airfares
  • Emergency expenses

Typical living costs for a single student

Sample of ExpensesApartment/Flat/House
(Unfurnished, 2 people sharing)		Home Stay
(Some meals included)		Hostel
(Some meals included)
Establishment Costs (A$):per weekper yearper weekper yearper weekper year
Placement/ arrangement fee

 

 

 

165*

 

 

Accommodation establishment costs (rental bond, furniture, etc)

 

1,835*

 

 

 

840*

Recurrent Costs (A$):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rent for accommodation

160

8,320

235

12,220

235

12,220

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

 

350

 

350

 

350

Telephone, gas, electricity, water

40

2,080

20

1,040

20

1,040

Travel (up to 10km from city)

30

1,560

30

1,560

 

 

Books and stationery

 

815

 

815

 

815

Food

60

3,120

30

1,560

30

1,560

Personal expenses

80

4,160

80

4,160

80

4,160

Total Estimated Costs

 

A$22,240

 

A$21,870

 

A$20,985

*These costs are generally paid once when first setting up accommodation. Bond is equivalent to four weeks rent.

Note: Amounts listed above do not include Australian goods and services tax (GST).

You can use our currency converter to calculate the amount in your own currency. Remember to add your program fees and airfares to get a realistic total.

  • Do not depend on income from part time work to pay your expenses. Jobs may be difficult to find in Australia.
  • Some expenses are not included in this table because actual costs depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
  • Gas and electricity costs are higher in winter because heating is necessary.
  • Most rental agreements are for a minimum of 12 months and are based on a lease agreement signed by the tenant (you) and the owner of the property.

More information