You will have new and ongoing expenses during your time in Melbourne. Knowing the average living cost will help you prepare for life here, and organise a suitable budget for day to day life.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) advises that a single international student requires approximately AU$20,290 per year for living costs.
These expenses are in addition to tuition and study fees, and include things like your accommodation, food, textbooks, transport and other costs that will crop up from time to time.
Living expenses vary according to your circumstances, such as the type of accommodation you choose, its location, the number of people you live with, and your lifestyle.
Student life can be expensive, and most people live on a limited income while they are studying.
To help you understand what costs to expect, we have developed a sample weekly budget for you.
The following estimated costs are based on a single student living in shared accommodation (per May 2019):
Single Myki fare AU$2.20 (concession)
Restaurant meal AU$15-$30
Movie ticket AU$18.50 (concession)
Pair of jeans AU$99-$150
Find out about other lifestyle costs in Melbourne.
You should 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.
In addition to living costs, you need to pay for study-related expenses, including tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other fees associated with your course.
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
If you have young children, you may be able to take advantage of the RMIT City Campus Childcare Centre.
If your children are between 5 and 18 years old, and they will be in Australia for three months or more, they are required to be enrolled in school.
If you are a postgraduate research student, you are exempt from paying primary and secondary school fees at public schools.
For more information see the Victorian Public Schools International Students Program website.
Acknowledgement of country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
