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Living costs and Student Accommodation

In Australia, the average international student spends about AU$320* per week on living costs (accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs). This equates to AU$16,640 per year. Although the initial student visa will not permit work once they have commenced their course International students in Australia on student visas can seek permission to work for up to 20 hours a week.

Furthermore, there are course fees and incidental costs including books and office supplies. These figures vary according to location and lifestyle. International students have many accommodation options in Australia like: (1) ON or Near Campus Living, and (2) Off Campus Living such as Share Accommodation, Home-stay and Rental Accommodation.

*Figures are sourced from AEI - International Education Network 2004, Department of Education, Science and Training. - 27 April 2004.

(1) ON or Near Campus Living

University Halls of Residence *(AU$100-160 per week) & University Residential Colleges *(AU$180-280 per week): They accept students who are attending university or colleges on a full-time basis only. Normally, places are quite limited and they have very good services. The services that are provided are all meals, cleaning tutoring, social organisations, sporting facilities and more. This option of accommodation is of good value and can save you on transport costs.

(2) Off Campus Living

• Share Accommodation *(AU$90-130 per week) International students can choose to share a house, apartment or flat with others who have already entered into a lease agreement with the landlord. Students are expected to provide some furniture and to pay bills evenly.
• Home-stay *(AU$180-250 per week) Students can also choose to live with an Australian family. The cost generally includes two meals (breakfast and dinner) during the week and three meals on weekends. Rooms may be single or shared and cost will vary accordingly. Full Board and Meals is a variation of Home-stay. Private or Church Owned Boarding Hostels *(AU$90-130 per week)
• Hostels are available for both tertiary and non-tertiary students and are usually cheaper than on campus living. The facilities generally include kitchen and communal bathroom. Most hostels provide meals as well as laundry and recreational facilities. Some have twin share or single rooms and rental may be by the week or daily.
• Rental Accommodation *(From AU$150 per person per week) Real Estate agents advertise rental accommodation in newspapers and on the Internet. International students have the option to enter into a lease agreement as a tenant themselves. However, apartments, houses or flats are generally not furnished. The Landlords usually require one month's rent in advance and a security bond equal to one month's rent which is usually held until the tenant leaves to cover any damage to the rental property. Only students over the age of 18 years can sign contracts.