Living Cost for
International Students in Australia
If you are an international student who has never been to Australia and consider continuing your further education here, you should read about this article. This article will discuss about the basic living cost in Australia. Generally you are going to expect expenses in accommodation, transportation, bills, food and other living expenses.
Accommodation
There are a lot of accommodation options available in the city or suburbs, and you can budget the rental price depends on your requirement. Most of the international students share a house or an apartment unit, and the price can range from $ 180 to $ 215 per week. For a homestay, it will cost around $235 to $325 per week. If you decide to rent a unit on your own it will be at least $440 per week. It’s a good option to share a house/apartment with family or friends so you can split the grocery and utility expenses as well.
Phone and Utility Bills
The utility cost for gas and electricity is around $10 to $20 per week. The cost might fluctuate depending on the season, for example you might use more electricity and hot water during winter. Mobile phone plan is also important because it helps us connect when we are on-the-go. Generally for a 30GB data plan, it will cost $ 30-$40 depending on the provider.
Commuting/ Transport
Generally if you use public transport, one way ticket cost from $ 3 to $ 6. The public transport rate of each states differ slightly. You can also choose weekly pass which costs $30 to $60 per week. Most of the classes or study are 2-3 days a week, so transportation expense will not be too expensive. If you travel daily, you may opt for a monthly or annual pass.
Food and Other Expenses
Eating out will cost from $ 13 - $ 25 on a typical restaurant. If you buy a meal from a fast food chain, it will cost you $10 - $ 14. The other alternative is to make your own meals to reduce your food expenses. Groceries shopping typically cost $ 80 - $ 280 per week. Time to try that recipe that you’ve been seeing in the social media!
Working Part-Time
under Student Visa
Now that we have the basic breakdown of living expenses in Australia, the cost can be quite high if you don't work part - time to support some of your expenses. Under Student visa, an international students is allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying. The Australian government allows international students to do this to help you meet your living expenses. Considering a wage of 20 dollars an hour, if accumulates to 1600 dollars a month which is a very decent amount assuming you are living a student life.
When you are not enrolled to any semester which ranges from one to three months, you are legally allowed to work full time. This is the most critical time period of your period that let’s you make and save some decent money to aid your living and education when in Australia.
For more information about study and work in Australia, talk to one of our staff, and we will be glad to help you out