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Cost of Living for International Students in Australia
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Australia is one of the top preferred destinations for studying abroad. The country offers high class education and rich cultural experience. If you are planning to study in Australia then you need to have a bit of understanding about the Cost of Living for International Students in Australia.
The cost of living in Australia depends very much on the location, accommodation type, lifestyle and individual spending habits. The average spending on living expenses by an international student in Australia is around AUD 21000 to AUD 37000 per year. This includes food, accommodation, transport, utility bills etc. This cost seems high but here you as a student can work part-time and offset the costs.
In this blog, we will explain to you the key aspects of living cost in Australia. This will cover accommodation, transportation, healthcare and entertainment. Students will have a clear idea about the probable expenses while studying in Australia. Hence, they will be able to plan their finances properly.
If you are also planning to study in Australia and need guidance then you can connect with Global Colliance. It is the leading Australia student visa consultant in Rajkot.
Understanding the Cost of Living for International Students in Australia
When you study in Australia, then the cost of living for international students in Australia is very important. The country gives you a high quality of life but it also has very high expenses based on the location you stay and your spending habits.
When it comes to students, for them the accommodation expense is the biggest expense. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have higher rentals compared to other cities. Students will need to spend AUD 150 to AUD 500 per week on accommodation. This depends on what type of accommodation they choose.
Apart from accommodation, food and groceries are another important part of living expenses. Students will require around AUD 140 to AUD 280 per week depending on the type of meal they prefer. At the same time, you also have the option to get affordable food from local markets depending on the city you choose in Australia.
Transport costs can be determined based on where you live and where you study. Public transportation is very affordable. Moreover, students are offered discounts for public transportation in buses, trains and trams. For transport, students will need to spend between AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week.
Healthcare is another important aspect of living expenses. International students studying in Australia need to take Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This can cost between AUD 500 to AUD 700 annually.
How Much You Should Budget for Accommodation in Australia
Accommodation is a very important aspect of living expenses in Australia. The amount an international student will need to spend in Australia will depend on where he lives and the type of housing he prefers. In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane accommodation is quite expensive. A student will need to spend AUD 200 to AUD 500 for rent purposes. Shared apartments and houses are very popular among students who want to split the cost with some roommate.
Whereas there are certain students who would prefer to live in accommodation provided by universities. The cost of this accommodation can be between AUD 250 to AUD 600 per week. This sounds very convenient but it comes with a higher cost. This is because there are additional amenities like internet, security and utilities.
Homestay programs are the most affordable housing option in Australia. Students here live with local families which costs around AUD 250 to AUD 350 per week.
Navigating Food Expenses as an International Student in Australia
Food expenses need to be planned well to manage your budget effectively. The cost of food can vary depending on eating and cooking habits. But with proper planning, one can enjoy nutritious and tasty meals without overspending.
International students in Australia will require a budget of around AUD 140 to AUD 280 per week for groceries. Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi are very popular for affordable choices. Apart from this, every city has some popular local markets. Here you can get fruits and vegetables at affordable rates.
To control food expenses one can cook food at home. If you prepare your own food then you can plan your grocery shopping and reduce the cost of dining. Also, bulk buying and meal prepping for the week can also help you stretch out the budget further.
Understanding Transportation Costs for International Students
Transport cost is an important aspect of Australia living expenses for international students. It impacts the overall budget of the student. But you need not worry as Australia has an efficient public transport system which has discounted fares for students in most of the cities.
The majority of cities in Australia have extensive public transport networks which consist of buses, trains and trams. The cost of using public transport varies from city to city as well as the distance you travel. Students will generally spend around AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week on public transport.
Many states in Australia offer travel discounts to students. For example, they have concession cards in a few states which offer reduced fares for full time international students. But if you are living very close to university then cycling can be a very good option.
A Guide to Health Insurance for International Students in Australia
Health insurance is necessary in Australia for international students. All International students in Australia need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the time they study in Australia. This insurance covers all essential health services.
There are several insurance companies providing OSHC insurance. Some of the leading ones are Bupa, Medibank and Allianz. The expenses of OSHC can depend on the coverage you opt for, your stay in Australia and other factors. However, it can be around AUD 500 to AUD 700 per year for a student.
Managing Entertainment Costs as an International Student
Managing entertainment costs is not easy for international students living in Australia. As you need to balance your studies with enjoying a social life. There are a lot of ways to have fun without affecting your pockets.
You can start by exploring the outdoors. Australia is quite famous for its natural beauty and hence it has free access to national parks, beaches and hiking trails. Also, many cities host free festivals and outdoor markets. This gives you a chance to experience local culture without much spending.
Cinema lovers can get tickets at discounts which can range from AUD 10 to AUD 15. OTT streaming services like Netflix, and Disney + are also very affordable options which can cost between AUD 10 to AUD 20 per month.
If you are someone who loves socializing then budgeting for the occasional night out is necessary. You can dine at a student-friendly café which is a very cost-effective way to meet friends. One can also cook with friends which can also be a fun and very inexpensive way to socialize.
Budgeting for Miscellaneous Expenses in Australia
Miscellaneous expenses are also an important part of Australia’s cost of living. You need to prepare a proper budget for miscellaneous expenses as it includes a wide range of expenses like tuition, rent, food etc.
Personal care products like toiletries, cosmetics and cleaning supplies are regular purchases that students need to keep a budget for. On an average, this would cost around AUD 20 to AUD 50 per month.
Budgeting for phone and internet expenses is a must. The Internet can cost between AUD 50 to AUD 100 per month. Students can share internet costs with roommates and hence reduce the cost. Students can opt for prepaid phone services which can cost between AUD 20 to AUD 50 per month.
Students will also need to budget for study expenses. This includes expenses for notebooks, textbooks, stationery and software. Textbooks can be expensive which can cost between AUD 500 to AUD 1000 per year. But at the same time, students can opt for second-hand books and reduce expenses.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing the cost of living is an important aspect of an international student’s experience in Australia. The country offers an excellent education and has some of the top universities in the world. The living expenses in Australia can be high but with proper planning and budgeting students can have a comfortable lifestyle with focus on their goals.
The cost of Living for International Students in Australia can vary from student to student. This is because it depends on a variety of factors like healthcare, transportation, food, accommodation etc. On average, an international student will require AUD 21000 to AUD 37000 per year to cover these expenses. Out of all the expenses, accommodation is the highest one.
Accommodation costs can be reduced by staying in shared housing and homestays. Also cooking at home has its own advantages and a lot of cost reduction. Public transportation is very affordable in Australia. Moreover, it is available at discounted rates to students. Healthcare is mandatory for international students in Australia.
Cost of living in Australia can be reduced by proper planning and budgeting. By proper understanding of all living expenses students can thrive their academic journey while fully enjoying the lifestyle of Australia. If you are planning to study in Australia then you can take consultation from Global Colliance. It is the leading overseas consultancy in Ahmedabad.
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