Cost of living

Australia: Embracing Diversity, Culture, and Hospitality.

Experience Australia:
Cost of Living in Melbourne.

FUTURE STUDENTS

If this is your first time away living from home, planning for everyday expenses can be daunting. It is important that you maintain a realistic budget by understanding the costs that you are likely to face as a student in Sydney. To manage your income and expenditure, a budgeting tool can be used.

If you are an international student, you must comply with the financial obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs. As a single student, you must be able to show that you have money to cover your living costs of at least AUD$24,505 per year. This will equate to approximately AUD$2,043 per month. The actual cost will vary depending on your needs and choice of lifestyle.

Below is a list of major expenses that you will need to include in your weekly budgeting:

  • Accommodation
  • Utilities and communication (electricity & gas bills, mobile phones and internet bills)
  • Food and groceries
  • Travel and transport
  • Entertainment and socialising
  • Academic needs (eg. study materials, stationery, printing & photocopying)
  • Insurance
  • Childcare and schooling costs (if you have school-aged dependants)

The Study in Australia website provides estimated costs for living and studying in Australia.

Useful Links

  • The Insider Guides Cost of Living Calculator provides a useful tool to help you with estimating your cost of living based on your desired lifestyle (accommodation arrangements, transportation options, entertainment activities etc.)
  • A budgeting tool by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) enables you to work out where your money is going, create your own items and change the currency (if applicable).

Testimonials

  • Studying Accounting at AIH, part-time Accounts Administrator in a Security Agency. AIH provides great education and supportive mentors for international professional growth.


    Marilyn

    Accounts Administrator
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    Sandra

    Student