LIVING COST IN AUSTRALIA
Living Cost for International Students in Australia
Accommodation Options and Costs
A variety of high standardstudent accommodation is available to suit different budgets and needs. Students can opt to live in university accommodationor with an Australian family. Shared accommodation with other students is common and popular.
Institutions provide students with help 
in findingaccommodation and understanding lease and tenancy conditions. Temporary accommodation can be arranged before you leave home allowing you time on arrival to consider where and how you would like to be accommodated in the longer term.Student notice boards and newspapers often advertise rooms, apartments and houses for rent.
in findingaccommodation and understanding lease and tenancy conditions. Temporary accommodation can be arranged before you leave home allowing you time on arrival to consider where and how you would like to be accommodated in the longer term.Student notice boards and newspapers often advertise rooms, apartments and houses for rent.Further advice is available from your prospective institution.
Accommodation options | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Homestay or Farmstay | A$110-A$270 a week |
| Gain access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way through Homestay. This is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly. Self-catering Homestay is sometimes available cheaply. Farmstay offers the same services in a rural setting. Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Education institutions ensure that Homestay families are reputable and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. | |
| Hostels and guest houses | A$80-A$135 a week |
| Hostels are usually run by organisations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities. | |
| Share accommodation Rental accommodation | A$50-A$160 a week A$70-A$350 a week |
| Students often share with fellow students. They advertise on notice boards and in newspapers. Students may have to provide their own furniture. When renting a house, apartment or bedsitter, landlords require rent to be paid in advance and will require a security bond equal to one month's rent. | |
| Boarding schools | A$8000-A$11000 a year |
| Many private secondary schools provide accommodation, meals and laundry services for international students. Note: Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees | |
| University accommodation | A$80-A$250 per week |
| Most universities offer a variety of accommodation on or near to campus such as university apartments, residential colleges or halls of residence. Halls of Residence are usually cheaper and a popular option with full-time international students. The cost ranges depending on the type ofaccommodation. | |
University Apartments
Most universities offer a variety of accommodation on or near to campus such as university apartments, residential colleges or halls of residence. Halls of Residence are usually cheaper and a popular option with full-time international students. The cost ranges depending on the type of accommodation.
University Residential Colleges
Residential colleges provide accommodation with meals. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence. The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and (generally) computer access are also provided.
Halls of Residence
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full-time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
