Education and living costs in Australia

Knowing the average costs of living and education in Australia is a crucial part of your application and financial preparation.

Students should understand that the costs of education in Australia will hinge on your education provider, the level of study you decide on, and your study location in Australia.

Having knowledge of the average living costs in Australia is a vital part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the expenses associated with residing and schooling in Australia (all figures are in Australian dollars).

The education and living costs in Australia 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 prerequisites you are required to meet so as to obtain 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 estimated 12-month living expenses 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 an international student.

The Insider Guides ‘Cost of Living Calculator’ is also a valuable, hands-on tool to help calculate approximately your cost of living in Australia.

If you go through financial distress while in Australia, talk to your school’s international student support and student accommodation services staff for support.

Costs of study in Australia will be determined by the education provider and level of study you are.

Make use of the Course Search on this website to find programs and see information like their tuition fees. There may be extra costs for your program, including program materials and the right to use to institution facilities.

Students should refer to their provider’s payment conditions for specific advice.

Education costs

The list below provides you a wide indication of the range of program costs (annually) for various 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 Master’s Degree – $22,000 to $50,000*
• Doctoral Degree – $18,000 to $42,000*

* Note: This does not comprise the high cost of delivery programs like veterinary and medical. Please check the institution websites directly to know the costs for these programs.

All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com

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