Budgeting as an International Student

Plan your budget and start your journey with confidence

Understanding the Cost of Living in Australia

When planning to study in Australia, it’s important to understand the financial requirements for securing a student visa and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. The information provided on this page is an overview of the estimated living costs and financial requirements for international students.

We aim to help you understand the financial requirements, living costs, and resources available to make your transition to life in Australia as smooth as possible.

While these figures provide a general guide, actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, accommodation choices, and personal circumstances. For specific advice or further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our student support team.

Minimum Cost of Living (Student Visa Requirements)

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs sets financial requirements you must meet to be eligible for a student visa. These costs are a guide to help you prepare:

Minimum Living Cost Table

List Items	Australian Dollar ($)
You (the student)	AUD 29,710 per year
Your partner/spouse	AUD 10,394 per year
Your first dependent child	AUD 4,449 per year
Each additional depentent Child	AUD 2,790 per year
Annual school costs (for school – aged children)	AUD 13,502 per year
Personal annual income requirment (if no family members are accompanying you)	AUD 87,856
Personal annual income requirment (if family members are accompanying you)	AUD 102,500

For the latest details on student visa requirements and cost of living estimates, visit the official Study Australia or Department of Home Affairs websites.

General Living Costs

Living expenses in Australia can vary based on your personal lifestyle, choice of accommodation, and spending habits. The Australian Government recommends AUD 24,505 per year as a base figure to cover one year of living expenses for a single person.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Hostels and Guesthouses

$90 to $150 per week

Groceries and Eating Out

$140 to $280 per week

Shared Rental

$95 to $215 per week

Gas, Electricity

$10 to $20 per week

On Campus

$110 to $280 per week

Phone and Internet

$15 to $30 per week

Homestay

$235 to $325 per week

Public Transport

$30 to $60 per week

Rental

$185 to $440 per week

Car (after purchase)

$150 to $260 per week

Boarding Schools

$11,000 to $22,000 a year

Entertainment

$80 to $150 per week

For tailored tips on budgeting and managing your expenses, visit MoneySmart, a resource by the Australian Government.

Additional Resources for International Students

Study Sydney: Explore the Study Sydney website for useful resources, events, and community networks designed to help international students thrive in Sydney.
Study Australia: Learn more about student life in Australia by visiting Study Australia for guidance on costs, accommodation, and cultural adjustment.

Remember, thorough financial planning is key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable study experience in Australia.

Important Note

The information on this page is provided for general guidance only. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official Australian Government website.
Please note that updates to the Future Financial Capacity Evidence occur annually. These updates are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and are typically implemented at the end of each financial year.
Student fees vary depending on the course you choose. Click the link below for course fees.
Additionally, please be aware that late fees will apply if student fees are not paid on time (i.e., at least 2 weeks before the start of the term). A late fee of $10 per day will be charged for overdue payments.

View Course Fees

Take Note:

The information provided on this page is for general information purposes only. Please visit the Australian Government’s website for the latest information.
Updates for the Future Financial Capacity Evidence are done annually and will be based on the increase in CPI and the implementation is done at the end of each financial year.

Student fees will depend on your chosen course of study. For the list of course fees and costs, please.

Please take note that late fees will be charged if you fail to pay your student fees on time which is 2 weeks before the first day of the term. An amount of $10 will be charged per day.

Got Questions? Contact us now

If you would prefer to speak with us, and ask questions, contact us and we will be in touch.

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