The Cost of Living for International Students in Australia

FOOD

Eating Out

There are many eating out options in Australia. There is a wide variety of food cuisine reflecting the many cultures represented in Australian society.

PUBS - A 'counter meal' at the local pub will generally cost AU$8-20.

CAFEs - A café meal is generally AU$10-20. A coffee is around AU$3.00

RESTAURANTS - A full service quality restaurant meal costs AU$8-15 entrée and AU$15 - 30 for main course

TAKEAWAY- Many choices including Fish & Chips, Pizza and Charcoal Chicken - AU$5-20.

JUNK FOOD - McDonalds, Hungry Jacks/Burger King, KFC - Big Mac or Whopper meal deal AU$5.00.

There will also be food available on campus which will be a little cheaper than other venues.

Buying and Cooking your own Food

Please find below an approximate guide to average costs of common groceries.

Item	Approximate cost (Australian dollars)
Rice (1 kg bag)	$2.00 - 2.50
Pasta (500g)	$1.00 - 2.00
Loaf of bread	$2.00 - 3.00
Tin of tuna (185g)	$1.00 - 3.00
Tin of tomatoes (415g)	$0.80 - 1.20
Packet of chocolate biscuits (200g)	$1.00 - 2.50
Chicken breast fillet (approx. 250g)	$3.50 - 4.00
Beef mince (1 kg)	$9.00 - 13.00
Carrots (1 kg)	$1.50 - 2.00
Potatoes (1 kg)	$2.50 - 3.50
Apples (1 kg)	$2.00 - 6.00
Scotch whiskey (700ml bottle)	$20 - 35
Bottle of wine	$5.00 upwards
24 bottles of beer (375ml each)	$25 - 35

Exact prices depend upon location, brand, seasonal variations and variety.

Accommodation

Please find below approximate costs for student accommodation:

University residential colleges	AU$190-280 per week
University halls of residence	AU$120-250 per week
Home-stay	AU$110-270 per week
Boarding hostels	AU$80-135 per week
Share accommodation	AU$65-120 per week (for your room)
Rental accommodation	AU$150-350 per week (for the premise)

The prices given are only a rough guide. Variations due to location, size, condition of premises, and number of people living there.

Furniture is not usually provided in share and rental accommodation. Cheap second hand furniture can be easily purchased.

University accommodation, home stay and boarding hostels will have furniture.

Your education provider will be able to assist you with accommodation information relevant to your desired location, finances and needs.

General Costs

The average international student in Australia 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. In addition there are the course fees and incidental costs including books and office supplies. Naturally these figures vary according to location and lifestyle.

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

< Prev		Next >

Testimonials

Hi Andre, We always knew that finding someone to assist us with our visa couldn’t ...
Read more...
Dear Andre and the team of My Australian Visa, My husband and I would like to ex...
Read more...
Thank you and all the My Australian Visa team for providing valuable help and gu...
Read more...
I came across the myaustralianvisa website when searching for help in app...
Read more...
Dear Andre, Thank you so much for helping me with my visa application... for all of yo...
Read more...
I had started my quest for australia PR and I found out the Myaustralianvisa sit...
Read more...
My temporary visa journey started when I decided to look on the internet to find a l...
Read more...
My partner and I want to thank to MyAustralianVisa for its patience and help ...
Read more...
I would like to thank you for your help and support during what was a very stres...
Read more...
I used My Australi...
Read more...
Hello Andre, Thank you for this tremendous news.I was quite emotional when you...
Read more...
I chose to use My Australian Visa after recommendations from ...
Read more...
Dear Andre and Team, Thank you very much for your assistance for help...
Read more...
My wife and I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to our immigrat...
Read more...
"Andre and the team at My Australian Visa have provided a warm, informative an...
Read more...
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to My Australian Visa, especial...
Read more...
Hi Andre, Just wanted to share the joy. And I want to thank you for your efforts, ...
Read more...
Thank you so much My Australian Visa for helping us in obtaining the Tempor...
Read more...
Firstly I would like to thank My Australian Visa and Andre and Teresa for their assi...
Read more...
Dear Andre

"Dreams come true,...
Read more...
Thank you Myaustralianvisa, the service provided by you was excellent. The plan that y...
Read more...
Salut to every one who is reading this, ...
Read more...
I was applying for an Australian visa and decided to sear...
Read more...
Dear Andre and the team at MyAustralianVisa.com, Thank you for your professional help in obtaining my perm...
Read more...
I want to thank My Australian Visa for helping me obtain a skilled permanent residency ...
Read more...
Employer Sponsored Visa - I cannot thank My Australian Visa ...
Read more...
Andre and the team at My Australian Visa thank you for your prof...
Read more...
I would like to thank Andre and My Australian Visa.com for their help in ...
Read more...
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS), Nomination and Business (Lo...
Read more...
I can't thank you enough, Andre and My Australian Visa.com for all y...
Read more...