Cost of Living for International Students in Australia
At Visafast, we understand that the cost of living is a major consideration for international students planning to study in Australia. Living expenses can vary significantly depending on the city or state you choose to study in. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect in terms of living costs across different parts of Australia.
Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is Australia’s largest and most iconic city, known for its vibrant culture, world-class universities, and stunning harbour views. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities to live in.
- Accommodation: Expect to pay between $250 to $550 per week for rent in a shared apartment or student accommodation.
- Transport: Public transport in Sydney is efficient but can be pricey. A weekly transport pass typically costs around $50.
- Groceries and Dining: You’ll spend approximately $100 to $200 per week on groceries. Dining out in Sydney is diverse but expect to pay around $15 to $25 for a meal at an affordable restaurant.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Budget around $50 to $100 per week for leisure activities, mobile phone plans, and other personal expenses.
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne, known for its arts and culture, is another popular destination for students. It offers a slightly more affordable cost of living compared to Sydney.
- Accommodation: Rent in Melbourne ranges from $200 to $450 per week in shared accommodation or student housing.
- Transport: A weekly public transport pass will cost you around $45.
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries generally cost between $80 to $180 per week. Meals at budget-friendly restaurants are typically priced between $15 to $20.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Allocate around $40 to $80 per week for entertainment, phone plans, and other expenses.
Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane offers a warm climate and a more relaxed lifestyle, with lower living costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Accommodation: Renting a shared apartment or student accommodation will cost between $180 to $400 per week.
- Transport: A weekly transport pass costs around $40.
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries typically cost around $80 to $150 per week. Eating out in Brisbane is affordable, with meals ranging from $12 to $18 at inexpensive restaurants.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Plan to spend around $30 to $70 per week on entertainment and other personal expenses.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and relatively lower cost of living.
- Accommodation: Expect to pay between $170 to $380 per week for rent in a shared apartment or student residence.
- Transport: A weekly public transport pass will cost you about $35.
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries will set you back around $70 to $140 per week. Dining out is affordable, with meals ranging from $10 to $18.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Budget around $30 to $60 per week for entertainment, phone bills, and other personal expenses.
Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide is a smaller, more affordable city, popular among students for its high quality of life and lower living expenses.
- Accommodation: Rent in Adelaide ranges from $150 to $350 per week in shared accommodation or student housing.
- Transport: Public transport is more affordable, with weekly costs around $30.
- Groceries and Dining: Expect to spend around $70 to $130 per week on groceries. Dining out is budget-friendly, with meals priced between $10 to $16.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Allocate around $25 to $50 per week for entertainment and other expenses.
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a quieter lifestyle, with some of the lowest living costs in Australia.
- Accommodation: Rent in Hobart is very affordable, ranging from $140 to $320 per week.
- Transport: A weekly transport pass costs approximately $25.
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries typically cost around $60 to $120 per week. Dining out is affordable, with meals costing around $10 to $15.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Budget around $20 to $40 per week for entertainment and other personal expenses.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Australia’s capital, offers a high standard of living with moderate living costs.
- Accommodation: Expect to pay between $200 to $420 per week for rent in a shared apartment or student accommodation.
- Transport: A weekly public transport pass costs around $35.
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries will typically cost between $80 to $150 per week. Dining out costs range from $12 to $20 per meal.
- Entertainment and Miscellaneous: Allocate around $30 to $60 per week for entertainment and other personal expenses.
The cost of living in Australia varies widely depending on the city you choose. At Visafast, we recommend budgeting carefully and exploring all accommodation and transport options available to you. With the right planning, you can make the most of your time in Australia without breaking the bank.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees in Australia vary depending on the type of course, the level of study, and the institution you choose. Here's a breakdown of the average annual tuition costs for different levels of study:
- English Language Courses: $300 to $600 per week, depending on the length of the course.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses: $4,000 to $22,000 per year.
- Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree: $20,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the field of study.
- Postgraduate Master’s Degree: $22,000 to $50,000 per year.
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): $18,000 to $42,000 per year.
Note: These figures are indicative and can vary significantly based on the course and institution. Some specialised degrees, such as medicine and veterinary science, may have higher fees.
Earning Potential
Australia offers international students the opportunity to work while studying, helping to offset living expenses and gain valuable work experience. Understanding the earning potential as a student on a visa is crucial for managing your finances effectively while pursuing your studies in Australia. Here’s what you need to know about how much you can earn while on a student visa.
Work Rights and Conditions
As an international student on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the academic term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, such as holidays. This flexibility allows you to balance your work commitments with your studies.
Minimum Wage
Australia has a strong labour market with fair work conditions, including a minimum wage. As of July 2024, the national minimum wage is $24.08 per hour for full-time and part-time workers. Casual workers typically earn a slightly higher rate of $30.10 per hour, which includes a casual loading to compensate for the lack of paid leave entitlements.
Average Earnings
The actual amount you can earn will depend on the type of job you find, your skills, and your experience. Here’s a general idea of average earnings in some common job sectors for students:
- Hospitality (e.g., cafes, restaurants, bars): $20 to $30 per hour
- Retail (e.g., supermarkets, clothing stores): $21 to $28 per hour
- Administrative and Office Work: $25 to $35 per hour
- Tutoring (subject-specific or language tutoring): $30 to $50 per hour
- Delivery Services (e.g., food delivery): $20 to $30 per hour
- Cleaning and Maintenance: $22 to $28 per hour
The exact pay can vary depending on your location, the employer, and your level of experience.
Taxation and Superannuation
As an international student working in Australia, you are required to pay taxes on your earnings. You will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to ensure you are taxed at the correct rate. The amount of tax you pay depends on how much you earn, but students often fall into the lower tax brackets.
In addition, your employer is required to contribute to your superannuation (retirement savings) if you earn more than $450 in a month and are over 18 years of age. Superannuation contributions are typically set at 11% of your earnings. When you leave Australia, you may be able to access your superannuation through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.
Balancing Work and Study
While working part-time can help with living expenses, it’s important to prioritise your studies. The primary purpose of your student visa is education, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress is essential for visa compliance. Working too many hours or late shifts can affect your study performance, so finding the right balance is key.
Job Search Resources
Australia offers a variety of resources to help international students find part-time work:
- University Career Services: Many universities have dedicated career services that offer job listings, resume workshops, and interview preparation.
- Online Job Portals: Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Gumtree are popular platforms for finding part-time and casual work.
- Networking: Joining student groups, clubs, or associations can provide valuable connections that lead to job opportunities.
Working while studying in Australia is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and support yourself financially. With the right approach, you can effectively manage your studies and part-time work, making the most of your time in Australia.