Costs for Students in Australia

It is the lifestyle that has fascinated students most about Australia for many reasons. Over the past few years, the University of Australia has seen a remarkable increase in the number of international students enrolled in their colleges, which rank amongst the top 100 in the world. There are several costs involved in studying in Australia. To know about the costs for students in Australia, read the article till the end.

Costs for students living in Australia 

Australia is one of the best-developed countries in the world. It has a good quality-life index. But as a student, what matters most is how much it would cost to stay in Australia.  

1. Tuition Fees 

Starting with the tuition fees, then I would say that it varies across cities and programs. Students should know that the cost of studying in Australia will depend on:   

• Your education provider  
• The level of study you choose   
• Your study location in Australia  

The average tuition fees will be around AUD $20,000 to AUD $30,000 per year. 

Engineering and medicine programs are more expensive than Humanities and art stream courses. And if you apply for a postgraduate degree, then the tuition fee is higher, and the cost depends on your chosen program. 

2. Accommodation Costs 

As long as accommodation costs are concerned then international students have the facility of on-campus accommodation. However, you can also select from other options like you can share apartments, or you can be in homestay with a local Australian family. Additionally, you can also stay in a guest house or a rental property. 

If you want to stay in independent accommodation or in a university hostel, which is, however, rare, then you would end up spending somewhere between AUD 1,000 – AUD 1,750 just for a single room unit.  

The rental price also varies from city to city. And you have to pay this every two or four weeks in advance. 

3. Cost of Transportation 

There are universities in Australia that provide the facility of private transport services. And these services will serve to be of great help to you to go around different places. Other than this, there are public transportation available too.

A bus ride may cost you around AUD $3 if you are traveling short-distance. Or, you can even get a weekly pass that would cost you 20AUD or monthly pass that may cost you 80AUD. There are also student concessions available in all states.   

4. Food Cost 

The local supermarkets have food and everything you need, which may cost around AUD $100 to $200 per week. The most popular and cheapest supermarkets for grocery shopping are Woolworths, Aldi, and Coles. You may have to spend around AUD $80 on a three-course meal for two people in a low-cost restaurant.

5. Other Living Expenses 

Student living overseas means setting aside money for emergencies and basic necessities like electricity, internet, and phone.

There should be a budget of around AUD $200 to $400 per week for an international student. When creating a budget, you can consider the following expenses like-

• Communication Expenses 
• Books and Supplies and 
• Personal Expenses which may include eating out, laundry, clothing, toiletries, etc. So these expenses will entirely depend on the lifestyle you choose for yourself. 

So overall, it depends on how you keep your living. The expenses in Australia are endless…but do not worry. Earning those extra dollars can make your stay worthwhile. 

Laws regarding part-time jobs while studying 

When it comes to the part-time job while studying in Australia, the immigration laws are relatively simple. A slight request often makes you eligible to work as an international student in Australia. Though the rules might vary, students are generally allowed to work up to 40 hours a fortnight or 20 hours per week. 

Local businesses, companies, and retail shops often hire students. If you are an international student, then you are protected by the same labor laws as domestic students, which also means the minimum wage which can be around 17 AUD per hour. 

There are a variety of types of jobs as well. Many universities have an office that will assist you in finding the right job, including on-campus and local jobs. The minimum salary to live in Australia should be AUD 30,000 – AUD 40,000, especially if you are from India.

Education Loan 

If you don’t have a strong financial backup then you can even apply for Education loan. In a country like India, many financial institutions and banks like HDFC Credila, SBI, etc offer student education loans at minimum interest. One can easily apply for an education loan and get approval within days. However, your loan documents should be precise and unerring. 

You can check out the Cost-of-Living Calculator in Australia. The link I will put in the description below. Link-https://insiderguides.com.au/cost-of-living-calculator/ 

How to Reduce the Costs for International Students in Australia

The cost of living in Australia for international students can definitely be reduced, or at least be controlled. You can start by preparing a budget for your expenses. It would give you a rough idea of how much money you need for the weekly or monthly expenses. 

1. Depending on where you live and what university you attend, you can compare the cost of living in Australia per month.
2. Choosing a transparent money exchange provider in the country will protect you from hidden charges. 
3. You can control your living expenses by switching off extra electrical appliances, eating homemade food, using public transport, etc. 
4. A part-time job is also an option.
5. There are universities that offer scholarships for managing the expenses of an international student in Australia. So you can apply for those scholarships. 
6. Make use of the discounts and offers which are there for students. You can get discounts on everything from flights to transportation and many others. 
7. Save money on transportation costs. Take public transportation instead of hiring cabs. 

There are some Best Student Cities in Australia for International Students-

• Melbourne 
• Sydney  
• Brisbane 
• Adelaide  
• Perth 
• Canberra 
• Gold Coast 

Conclusion 

Therefore, studying abroad can be an expensive affair. So you need to plan your budget smartly to get your finances in order and deal with costs for students in Australia. Before you depart from your home country, consider all the expenses, including the study costs (tuition fees), accommodation, food, travel, and health coverage.