Cost of Studying in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia for Indian students can vary widely depending on factors such as the course of study, the university, the location, and the individual student’s lifestyle choices. Here is a breakdown of some of the main expenses that Indian students can expect to incur when studying in Australia:

Tuition fees can vary widely depending on the university and the course of study. On average, undergraduate courses in Australia can cost AUD 20,000 to AUD 40,000 per year. Similarly, postgraduate courses specialising in different subjects can cost AUD 22,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. Some courses, such as medicine and dentistry, can be more expensive.

Living expenses can include accommodation-related supplements, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. On average, students can expect to spend between AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 per year on living expenses, depending on their lifestyle choices and the city they are living in.

Students can choose to live in university-provided accommodation, which can cost between AUD 250 to AUD 550 per week, or in private accommodation, which can cost between AUD 150 to AUD 400 per week.

Health insurance is mandatory for international students while studying in Australia. The cost of health insurance can vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage, but on average, it can cost around AUD 600 per year.

Students may also incur travel expenses, such as airfare and visa fees, which can add up to several thousand dollars.

It is important to note that Indian students are eligible for some scholarships and financial aid programs offered by Australian universities and Indian government scholarships. It is recommended that students research and apply for these opportunities in order to reduce the overall cost of studying in Australia.

Accommodation expenses can be a significant portion of the overall expenses for international students in Australia. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of living in Australia for Indian students:

• Location

Accommodation in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be more expensive compared to smaller cities and towns.

• Type of Accommodation

The type of accommodation can also affect the cost. On-campus accommodation universities provide can be more expensive but offer convenience and social opportunities. Shared accommodation, which includes renting a room in a house or apartment, can be a more affordable option.

• Facilities

The cost of accommodation can also depend on the facilities provided, such as access to a swimming pool, gym, or other amenities.

• Length of stay

The length of stay chosen can also define the cost. Short-term accommodation options like hostels or Airbnb can be more expensive compared to long-term options.

• Inclusions

Accommodation expenses may also depend on the inclusions like utilities, internet, and meals.

To give you an idea of the average costs, here are some estimated weekly expenses for different types of accommodation in Australia:

• On-campus accommodation provided by universities: $250 to $400 per week
• Shared accommodation: $150 to $250 per week
• Homestay (living with a local family): $235 to $325 per week
• Renting a one-bedroom apartment: $250 to $400 per week
• Renting a two-bedroom apartment: $400 to $600 per week

It is important for international students to plan their budget and accommodation expenses carefully to ensure that they can afford their living costs in Australia. They can also explore options like student housing, which can offer more affordable accommodation with a community feel. It is always advisable to research and compare accommodation options and negotiate with landlords to get the best deal possible.

Studying in Australia can be an expensive undertaking for Indian students, but with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to manage the costs and make the most of the educational opportunities available in the country.

International students in Australia can rely on several free resources to save money and manage their expenses. Here are some free resources that international students can consider:

• Public libraries

Public libraries in Australia offer free access to books, e-books, audiobooks, and other resources. These libraries also offer free internet access, study spaces, and printing facilities, which can be helpful for students who need to research or complete their assignments.

• Student discounts

Many businesses in Australia offer discounts to students who have valid student ID cards. These discounts can range from food and drinks to transportation and entertainment.

• Free events

Australia hosts many free events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and cultural events. These events provide opportunities for students to explore and experience the local culture and entertainment without spending money.

• Volunteer work

Volunteering is a great way for international students to gain valuable experience, make connections, and give back to the community. Many volunteer opportunities in Australia do not require any previous experience or skills.

• Online resources

Online resources such as YouTube tutorials and educational websites offer free access to educational materials and resources. Students can use these resources to supplement their studies and improve their skills.

• Student services

Most universities in Australia offer free student services such as counselling, health services, and academic support. These services can help students manage their mental and physical health and improve their academic performance.

By taking advantage of these free resources, students can save money, gain experience, and improve their skills and knowledge.

International students in Australia are allowed to work part-time while they study, with a limit of 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Here are some part-time job options for international students in Australia:

• On-campus jobs

Many universities offer part-time job opportunities for students, such as working in the library, as IT support, or as a research assistant. These jobs can be convenient and offer a good work-life balance.

• Retail and hospitality

Retail and hospitality jobs, which include working in a cafe, restaurant, or retail store, can be a good option for international students who have good customer service skills.

• Tutoring and coaching

International students who excel in academics or have sports, music, or art skills can offer tutoring or coaching services to other students.

• Delivery and courier services

With the growth of online shopping, delivery and courier services are always in demand, and international students who own a car or bike can take up these jobs.

When it comes to cutting down expenses as a student, here are some tips that can help with the minimising cost of studying abroad for Indian students:

• Budgeting

Creating a budget and tracking expenses can help students identify areas where they can cut down on expenses and save money. Students tend to spend recklessly if the money isn’t tracked, which leads to a hampered lifestyle for the remaining duration.

• Cooking at home

Cooking at home instead of eating out can save a lot of money. Students can shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi and plan meals ahead to minimise food waste.

• Taking advantage of discounts

Students can take advantage of discounts offered to them, such as student discounts on public transport, entertainment, and shopping.

• Sharing expenses

Sharing accommodation and transportation expenses with friends or classmates can help reduce expenses.

• Avoiding unnecessary expenses

Students should avoid unnecessary expenses like excessive shopping, frequent eating out, and expensive entertainment activities.

• Using free resources

Students can use free resources like the university library, online educational resources, and open-source software to minimise expenses on textbooks and software.

Living expenses in Australia for international students can be quite high, especially in large cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Here are some of the main living expenses that international students can expect to incur, as well as some tips on how to save money:

• Accommodation

As mentioned before, accommodation costs can vary widely depending on the location and type of accommodation. Students can choose to live in university-provided accommodation, which can be more expensive but can offer convenience and social opportunities. Alternatively, students can look for shared accommodation or rental properties outside of the city centre, which can be more affordable.

• Food

The cost of food can also be high in Australia, especially if students choose to eat out frequently. Students can save money by cooking at home and shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Coles. They can also look for student discounts at local restaurants and cafes.

• Transportation

Public transportation can be expensive in Australia, but students can save money by purchasing discounted student passes or by walking or biking when possible.

• Entertainment

Entertainment expenses can add up quickly, but students can save money by taking advantage of free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, attending community events, or joining student clubs and organisations.

• Health expenses

International students are required to have health insurance in Australia. Still, they can save money on health expenses by choosing bulk-billing doctors and taking advantage of free or low-cost services offered by the university’s health centre.

• Other expenses

Other expenses like phone bills, internet, and textbooks can also add up. Students can save money by using free or low-cost apps for communication and studying, renting textbooks instead of buying them, and taking advantage of student discounts on software and technology.

It is important to remember to balance work and study commitments and to ensure that the work does not interfere with academic progress. The living expenses in Australia for international students can be high, but with careful planning and budgeting, students can manage their expenses and make the most of their time in Australia. 

Expert Education, the leading education consultant in India, can help you estimate the costs of your study in Australia. Contact us for a detailed explanation of the cost of studying abroad for Indian students and other admission details.