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Living costs

Australian education programs represent great value for money. Australian courses are often considerably cheaper than similar programs in both the UK and US. This, coupled with the fact that accommodation and general living costs are also generally lower in Australia, makes the land ‘down under’ a great choice.

Accommodation

The type of housing you choose determines how much you will have to pay and how early you will have to arrange it. University halls of residence are generally very popular and require students to apply for a room at an early stage, but rental accommodation can generally be organised upon your arrival.

Types of accommodation available include:

Boarding schools

Cost: A$8 000–A$11 000 per year
Many private schools offer boarding options. Students are fully catered for whilst they board, meaning that meals, cleaning and laundry services are provided. Boarding students also have access to school facilities to assist with study and social activities. Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees shown.

Homestay or farmstay

Cost: A$110–A$270 per week
Homestay and farmstay are where you live with an Australian family in their house. Generally some or all meals are included. It can be an easy entry to Australia, especially for young students and is a popular choice with high school and ELICOS students. Homestay is the more common option and is accommodation within a city, whereas farmstay is accommodation in a rural area. Your accommodation service will be able to help you find a homestay or farmstay family.

University accommodation

Cost: A$80–A$250 per week
University accommodation prices and options vary between different institutions and students should contact the accommodation service of their prospective university for full details. Due to the popularity of these choices it is important to apply early.

University residential colleges

University residential colleges provide accommodation along with all meals, cleaning and a wide range of support services for social and study needs. They are generally more expensive than halls of residence because of the large number of facilities offered.

University halls of residence

University halls of residence also offer accommodation but with fewer services attached. Some meals and cleaning will usually be included but students will be expected to look after themselves more, with facilities such as cooking equipment being provided. This form of accommodation is very popular, especially with first year students, and has to be booked early.

University apartments

Some universities also have apartments, either close to or on campus, which students can rent. This provides the security of university based and run accommodation with the increased freedom of share living. Apartments are generally popular with students in the later years of their degrees.

Private or church-owned boarding hostels

Cost: A$80–A$135 per week

This option can be cheaper than university accommodation and shares many of the attractions. It is available for both tertiary and non-tertiary students. Residents share kitchen and bathroom facilities and cook for themselves.

Share accommodation

Cost: A$50–A$160 per week

Share accommodation is when two or more people live in a house or apartment and share the costs. Rooms are advertised on student notice boards, in accommodation services and websites, and in the 'share accommodation' section of newspapers. Advertisers are looking for one or more people to move into a share accommodation house or flat. Many students prefer to move into share accommodation after a year or two of on-campus residence. You are generally expected to provide some (or all) of your own furniture.

Rental accommodation

Cost: A$70–A$350 per person per week

Rental accommodation is the same as share accommodation except that it involves finding a house or flat to rent, rather than moving into one that has already been rented and set up. You will generally be expected to supply your own furniture and household goods. Rental agreements usually require payment of rent in advance and a security payment called a ‘bond' (usually one month's rent) to be paid at the start. Costs depend upon whether you are renting by yourself or planning to share with others. Your accommodation service will be able to help you with finding rental accommodation and your rights and obligations as a tenant.

Please note: the range of costs shown above are a guide only. Prior to arrival you should contact the accommodation service at the institution where you will be studying and ask about the accommodation options available and the costs involved.

Accommodation cost range and information taken from Australian Education International (AEI) Study in Australia website, viewed 1 February 2007.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are a common part of daily life in Australia, and there is a wide range of phone providers, phones and phone plans to choose from, both pre-paid and billing. It is impossible to give a real idea of cost as there are so many plans but generally billing plans start at A$15 per month. Once you are in Australia it is easy to do your research and find the plan that best suits your needs.

Food costs

Australia has an impressive range of fresh produce and grocery items for you to choose from.

Apart from the supermarkets there will also be local markets and smaller independent grocers for you to purchase groceries from.

For a rough idea of buying food from the supermarket please see the table below.

All of the prices are approximate and depend upon factors such as brand, seasonal variations and where you make your purchase.

Public Transport

All of the capital cities have modern transport facilities to get you around and the majority of universities are easily accessible by public transport.

The cost involved depends on the length of your trip and which city you are in, but generally a fee of between $3-6 could be expected for a daily ticket. It is usually possible to buy weekly and monthly tickets, which are cheaper and a good idea if you catch public transport regularly.

There are also some student discount transport allowances that you can check with your university.