Living Costs

You'll need to allow for living costs in addition to your course tuition fees.

The Australian government estimates the average living expenses for an international student is A$18,000 - A$20,000 per year (A$230 - A$380 per week) to cover food, accommodation, telephone, gas electricity, transport and entertainment. These amounts are typically for 1 person and will vary depending on where you study and the lifestyle you live.

Example weekly budget (in Australian dollars)

Item Weekly cost range
(Australian dollars)
Accommodation (house or apartment shared with others) $100-$150
Food $60-$80
Utilities - telephone, electricity, gas (shared costs with others) $20-$40
Public transport $20-$50
Entertainment $30-$60
Total $230-$380


It generally costs more to live in Sydney than in other cities or towns in New South Wales. Outside Sydney, accommodation and transport costs are lower.