How much does it cost to live in Australia as an international student?

The Australian Government requires student visa applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses. The current financial requirement is AUD 29,710 per year for the primary student (updated annually). In practice, your actual costs will vary significantly by city.

Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities. Expect to spend AUD 2,000–2,800 per month on rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. Shared accommodation in Sydney typically costs AUD 250–450 per week.

Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are more affordable, with monthly living costs around AUD 1,600–2,200. Shared housing runs AUD 180–350 per week.

Regional cities (Wollongong, Geelong, Gold Coast) offer the most affordable options, often 20–30% cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne, with the added benefit of potentially qualifying for Destination Australia scholarships.

Typical monthly breakdown for a student in a mid-tier city:
- Rent (shared): AUD 800–1,200
- Groceries: AUD 300–400
- Transport: AUD 100–150 (student concession applies)
- Utilities/phone: AUD 80–120
- Social/entertainment: AUD 200–300

Many students offset costs through part-time work (up to 48 hours/fortnight during study). At minimum wage of AUD 24.10/hour, 24 hours/week generates roughly AUD 1,200–1,400 per fortnight before tax.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory and costs approximately AUD 600–700 per year for a single student. This is usually arranged through your university.