Cost of Living in Australia for International Students 2024

Australia, with its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and high standard of living, is a dream destination for many students aspiring to study abroad. However, before making the move, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living in Australia.

As an international student, you can expect the living expenses to be on the higher side. On average, the annual living expenses in Australia can be between AUD 28,000 and AUD 34,000, depending on your lifestyle. This annual expense covers basic necessities, travel, food, and miscellaneous activities.

This article is specially written for international students who are thrilled to experience their Aussie life in no time! Read ahead to learn more about the cost of living in Australia, the budget-friendly institutions to study in, tips to manage living expenses, and much more!

Monthly Living Costs in Australia for International Students

The cost of living in Australia is influenced by several factors, including housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and groceries. Knowing all about the living expenses in Australia is important for anyone planning to study there.

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students

Studying in Australia usually depends on which university or college you go to. The annual tuition fees for international students can differ a lot, especially for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; the type of course you choose also matters.

We’ve given you a table of the average yearly international student tuition fees for each type of study in Australia based on the top cities list we provided you before.

Cost of Living in Australia by Cities

Australia is known for its high quality of life, but this often comes with a high cost of living. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive, while other cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide offer more affordable living options. Understanding the living cost in Australia for international students is crucial.

Here’s a detailed comparison of living costs in Australia by cities to help you effectively.

Living Cost in Sydney vs Melbourne

Sydney and Melbourne are two of the most popular cities in Australia for both living and studying. Sydney is often considered more expensive than Melbourne, particularly in terms of rent and dining out.

The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne can vary significantly based on various factors like accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Here’s a brief overview and a comparative table to help you understand the costs in these two major Australian cities.

Health Insurance Costs in Australia for International Students

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) helps international students cover medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals. OSHC is a visa requirement and must be maintained for the duration of your student visa. Several providers offer OSHC, including Allianz, Bupa, and Medibank, each with varying costs and coverage options.

Cost Information

Here are the respective costs for OSHC based on a single student policy from various providers:

These given rates may vary slightly depending on the specific terms and conditions of each insurance provider.

How to Reduce Your Living Expenses in Australia as an International Student?

Here are the top 5 tricks from our immigration experts for you to reduce your living costs in Australia as an international student:

1. Living in a Shared Accommodation

Consider living in shared accommodation to split the rent and utilities, reducing your housing expenses significantly.

2. Cooking at Home

Prepare your meals at home instead of eating out frequently. This not only saves money but also, allows you to have more control over your diet and stay healthy.

Public Transportation Passes

Invest in a monthly or yearly public transportation pass instead of paying for individual trips. This can save you a good amount on your commuting monthly expenses in Australia.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts 

These may offered by various retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues hence, always carry your student ID card to avail of these discounts.

Pick up a Part-Time Work

Sign up for part-time job opportunities to earn extra income.

Pro tip: Many universities have job boards or career centres that can help you find suitable employment options that fit your study schedule. Expand your network to easily find this out in the initial days itself.

We hope all your doubts regarding the average Australia life cost have been cleared very well with this article! Anyhow, it is also important to manage your money well when you’re studying abroad. Make a proper plan for how much you’ll spend each month, and then check it at the end of the month. In this way, you can see where you might be spending too much and figure out how to fix it.

Cheers to you, the energetic future Australian student!