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Cost of Living in Australia for International Students in 2024

Australia, the third most popular study abroad destination in the world, offers high-quality education to thousands of international students who complete their higher education every year. The nation draws a significant amount of investment for enhancing its academic quality and future growth of students. Australia is the study-abroad destination of choice for millions of undergraduate, graduate, and research students every year. The number of overseas students attending Australian universities has significantly increased in recent years, with many of their universities ranking among the top in the world. Australia has lower average tuition fees than the United States, but living costs are still lower. One of the main issues with studying overseas is the cost of living in Australia. The good news is that living expenditures for Indian students and other international students in Australia would be affordable if you do it right. If you have prepared ahead as an international student in Australia, your monthly expenses should be less than 2,335 AUD.

1. Cost of Living in Australia for Students

For overseas students, the typical cost of living in Australia is estimated to be roughly 20,000 Australian Dollars. While studying in Australia, this may change depending on a variety of variables, including your lifestyle, accommodations, mode of transportation, etc. Here is a table of the monthly expenses in Australia for an international student.

Expense 

Average Cost (Per Month)

Rental (On Campus Accommodation)

AUD 860 

Basic Amenities

AUD 800

Transportation

AUD 210

Entertainment

AUD 300

2. Accommodation for International Students in Australia

International students' living expenses are related to housing for students. The price of housing for overseas students in Australia varies depending on the kind of room they wish to stay in. Numerous lodging alternatives are available, including dorm rooms, shared housing, local homestays, etc. For international students, the residence hall is the most well-liked of these. The cost of living in Australia per month for various types of housing is shown below:

Various Types of Accommodation

Average Cost

Homestays

450 Australian Dollars to 1,200 Australian Dollars

Halls of residence

440 Australian Dollars to 1,100 Australian Dollars

Apartment

750 Australian Dollars to 1,700 Australian Dollars

Shared apartment

650 Australian Dollars to 950 Australian Dollars

3. Cost of Food & Groceries for International Students in Australia

In Australia, food is often a significant portion of your monthly living expenses. If you can compose for yourself rather than eating at pricey places, this should be reasonable for you. Regularly eating out will only drive up your expenses and be extremely pricey. As most international students find it simple to prepare their own food, it would be preferable for you to look for your local supermarkets in Australia that have all the ingredients for your native meals. As a result, living expenses for students in Australia can be effectively managed. Following are some examples of basic food and grocery prices:

List of Food Items

Costs of Food Items

White Rice 1 kg

AUD 3.52

A Dozen Eggs

AUD 15

White Fat Milk 1 Liter

AUD 3.10

Fast Food Combo Meal

AUD 14

1 kg Fruits

AUD 4.99

500 gr Local Cheese

AUD 11

Tomatoes 1 kg

AUD 9

Potatoes 1 kg

AUD 4.13

Bread

AUD 3.06

4. Household Bills for International Students in Australia

International students living in Australia must also appraise their household expenses. Electricity, water, internet, and other utility bills should all be paid on time. Most housing bills include these essential utilities, but if not, you must factor them into your monthly Australian living expenses. Look at the national average for the cost of your household's expenses:

Household Bills

Average Cost of Bills (Per Month)

Internet

AUD 75

Utilities such as Electricity, Cooling, Water, Garbage, etc.

AUD 200

Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local

AUD 5

5. Cost of Transportation for International Students in Australia

The cost of commuting within the cities is also included in the cost of living in Australia for international students. The majority of the time, you will need to travel a long distance if you live distant from your university. However, you can take advantage of some of the student discounts that are offered to the country's 10 international students in order to manage these costs. You can also choose to use public transportation because it is highly convenient and well-connected across the city. Compared to utilizing cabs, riding the bus, train, or even just a bicycle for transportation can be relatively economical. Here is a list of some of the expenditures associated with transportation:

Mode of Transportation

Average Cost of Transportation

Local transportation fare for one way

AUD 3.54 to AUD 8.69

Taxi Fare

AUD 2.90 to AUD 3.31 per KM

Gasoline (1 liter)

AUD 1.19 to AUD 1.60

Taxi (1 km)

AUD 1.60 to AUD 3.20

Monthly Pass

AUD 90 to AUD 220.70 

6. Cost of Shopping in Australia for International Students

As a foreign student studying in a place like Australia, you can be in awe of all you see. The list could go on and on, whether it is chic clothing, mouth-watering eateries, or name-brand clothing. Even if you manage to restrain your impulse to buy, you would still incur monthly shopping costs of about 80 Australian Dollars in Australia.

7. Part-time work opportunities for Students in Australia

The availability of jobs is another factor, and there are enough of them. Employing students is common in enterprises, small businesses, and retail outlets (both domestic and international). The same labor rules that protect domestic students, including minimum pay, equally protect you as an overseas student. You might anticipate earning about 17 Australian Dollars per hour as a student.

Part-Time Jobs

Average Pay Per Hour

Delivery Driver

AUD 20.33

Personal Tutor

AUD 20.33

Sale Representative 

AUD 30

Customer Service

AUD 26

Secretary

AUD 25

Waiter

AUD 24

Personal Trainer

AUD 25

Admin Executive

AUD 30

8. International Students' Living Costs in Australia Based on Cities and Suburbs

The cost of living in Australia for international students greatly depends on where they choose to live. For example, the average cost of living in Australia for international students is significantly greater in major cities like Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne than in suburban areas like St. Kilda West, South Brisbane, Spring Hill, and many others.

8.1. Melbourne

Melbourne came up at number six out of 100 global cities. The picturesque location is home to some of the most diverse student communities. Monash University, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, and more top universities may be found in Melbourne. You will require between 2,800 Australian Dollars and 3,500 Australian Dollars to survive in Melbourne.

8.2. Sydney

One of the most popular places to study abroad is Sydney. For the number of employers, the city comes in tenth. The University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and other top universities may be found in Sydney. One of the costliest cities to live in is Sydney. Sydney's cost of living ranges from 3,000 Australian Dollars to 4,500 Australian Dollars.

8.3. Brisbane

Brisbane, which is ranked 29th, is home to three prestigious institutions of higher learning. Griffith University, the University of Queensland, and the Queensland University of Technology are among the universities (QUT). It is one of the safest and best cities in the world thanks to the excellent educational institutions and facilities provided. Brisbane's average monthly cost of living is from 2,500 Australian Dollars to 3,000 Australian dollars.

8.4. Adelaide

Adelaide, one of the seven, is also among the best places for international students to live in. Several prestigious universities, include the University of South Australia, Flinders University, and the University of Adelaide. The beauty and alluring tourist attractions of Australia's fifth-largest city are well-known around the world. The average monthly cost of living in Adelaide ranges from 2,000 Australian Dollars to 3,500 Australian Dollars.

8.5. Perth

The city is well-known among students and consistently ranks among the best. Many overseas students select Perth as their home because it is home to the University of Western Australia, which is one of the top 100 universities in the world. Perth's cost of living is between 2,500 Australian Dollars and 3,000 Australian Dollars per month on average.

8.6. Canberra

Canberra, home to the University of Canberra and the Australian National University, has emerged as one of the most alluring destinations for international students. The city is safe for students and has all the hospitable amenities one would need, ranking 27th in popularity and 120th in affordability. Canberra's cost of living ranges from about 2,700 Australian Dollars to 3,500 Australian Dollars per month.

8.7. Gold Coast

Contrary to what most people think, the Gold Coast is one of the most incredible places to live. The city, which includes beaches and is known as a surfers' paradise, is also home to Bond University, Griffith University, and Southern Cross University. For international students, the cost of living in the Gold Coast typically runs from 2,300 Australian Dollars to 3,000 Australian Dollars.

9. Tips for International Students to Reduce the Living Expenses in Australia

During your stay in Australia, you may always adhere to some helpful advice to increase your savings. They consist of the following:

  • According to the kind of university you attend and the state where you live, you may first compare the cost of living in Australia per month.
  • Living abroad occasionally requires you to transfer your money into the local currency. Banks typically charge some extra fees for currency conversion. It is therefore preferable to use any trustworthy money exchange business in the nation.
  • Another way for International and other overseas students to lower living costs in Australia is to work a part-time job or work while studying.
  • Some colleges additionally provide financial aid to cover an international student's expenditures while studying in Australia.
  • Students' food expenses in Australia will be extremely high if they frequently eat out, purchase upscale and organic foods, and shop for foreign goods. With some preparation, individuals can cut back on eating out, reduce the number of times they go to cafés and bars, plan their meals in advance, and buy more locally grown food to start. Find out which components can be used for multiple meals and take leftovers into account. Instead of purchasing imported goods from large supermarket chains, purchase seasonal and local food at farmer's markets for a reasonable price.
  • In Australia, going out for coffee is rather usual, but you should be aware that each cup will set you back 2.70 Australian Dollars. If they continue these habits, a weekly coffee budget will start to inflate.
  • Australia has some of the costliest power prices in the entire globe. It is sufficient to suggest that electricity costs will significantly affect students' and tourists' finances. A few cost-cutting measures, such as using homemade food, public transportation, cycling, or turning off unnecessary electrical equipment, can help Australians maintain their standard of living.
  • There are many open events taking place in Australia that are free to attend. They can take advantage of several free live music performances, outdoor film showings, and affordable options like coin-operated barbecues along the beach, for example.
  • In Australia, students are not required to pay for their fitness needs or gym subscriptions. The weather makes outdoor recreation enjoyable all year long, and you can easily go bicycling, paddling, swimming, and hiking if you choose. Numerous communities offer free fitness classes and outdoor stationary exercise equipment. Live the Australian way of life by going outside instead of paying for an expensive gym membership.
  • There are various student incentives available in Australia. These discounts are available to students who are studying here and have an ISIC Card. A number of students are also qualified for price breaks on travel-related expenses including flights and transportation. Several retailers and stores provide additional discounts to them. In addition, they use their student ID to access as many offers as they can.
  • Use public transportation in Australia rather than calling a cab. This is a more cost-effective method of getting about the city. The majority of colleges are located in cities or on campuses with excellent access to public transportation. Check whether there are any student discounts for monthly or weekly passes on transportation providers that can be utilized frequently.

10. Conclusion

With this, it is possible to conclude that managing the expense of living in Australia for Indian students and other international students is a planning exercise. If you are thinking about the cost  of living in Australia and completing higher education then it is the best opportunity for international students to choose Australia as their destination for education abroad. You too can choose Australia and it will fit within your budget for study abroad.

11. Who Are We

The information provided above on the cost of living can help you decide more clearly on your decision to study abroad in Australia. But if you are still uncertain about the application, picking the best university, or choosing the appropriate housing kinds, get in touch with our professionals. Career Clinic is the best study abroad consultancy who can assist you with your study abroad journey for February Intakes of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

For overseas students, the cost of living in Australia is estimated to be roughly 20,000 Australian Dollars. While studying in Australia, this may change depending on a variety of variables, including your lifestyle, accommodations, mode of transportation, etc. The cost of living in Australia for international students greatly depends on where they choose to live. For example, the average cost of living in Australia is greater in major cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne than in suburban areas.

International students' living expenses are related to housing for students. The price of housing for overseas students in Australia varies depending on the kind of room they wish to stay in. Numerous lodging alternatives are available, including dorm rooms, shared housing, local homestays, etc. For international students, the residence hall is the most well-liked of these. The average cost of living for a family in Australia will range between AUD 2500 and AUD 3000 every month. Sydney is by far the most expensive city to live in Australia, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.

When it comes to getting a work permit while studying, Australian immigration laws are very simple. You could qualify to work in Australia as an overseas student with just a small request. Although there may be exceptions, overseas students are permitted to work up to 40 weeks per year. The availability of jobs is another factor, and there are enough of them. Employing students is common in enterprises, small businesses, and retail outlets (both domestic and international). The same labor rules that protect domestic students, including minimum pay, equally protect you as an overseas student. You might anticipate earning about 17 Australian Dollars per hour as a student.

If you're planning to study in Australia, there are scholarships, grants, and monetary awards provided which can assist you financially while studying  in Australia. If this ever happens that your education or training teacher defaults (closes or stops delivering your course), there is a tuition protection plan to help you with finding an alternative course and provider or receiving a refund from the Tuition Protection Service under the provided plan.