Cost of Living for International Students in Australia in 2024

Australia is a top destination for international students to study and offers world- class education and multitude of job opportunities. Each year Australia welcomes a large number of students.

As of March 2024, the number of enrolled international students was 741,224, which is a 16% increase over the same period in 2019.

This figure shows a notable increase in the number of overseas students studying in Australia. But there’s another side of the story. I’ve seen many students struggling in Australia after getting admission in their chosen university due to living expenses.

Therefore, if you are planning to study in Australia, you must be aware of the living expenses and must be prepared accordingly. In this blog post, I’ve provided a detailed overview of the cost of living for international students in Australia in 2024.

What is the Average Cost of Living for International Students in Australia in 2024?

The average cost of living for an international student in Australia ranges between 1400 and 2500 AUD per month. It includes accommodation, food and other social activities.

According to a report from the Department of Education on the income and expenses of overseas students, the median annual expenditure is AUD 42884.89. This mostly covers bills like rent, groceries, and supplies for the home.

Furthermore, for studies and tuition fees, you will need approximately AUD 3778 annually.

Different Living Costs in Australia for International Students

Your living expenses in Australia are based on how frequently you travel and the type of accommodation you choose. As an international student, you will have to pay for transportation, food and groceries, utilities, accommodation and entertainment expenses in addition to paying your university fees.

Here is the overview of types of expenses that you may encounter in Australia as an international student:

1. Average Tuition Fees for International Students in Australia

According to StudyAustralia, the average annual tuition fees for international students is as follows:

For a Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree, the tuition fees range between AUD $20,000 and AUD $45,000 per year.
For a Master’s or postgraduate degree, the tuition fees range between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 per year.
For a PhD degree, the tuition fees range between AUD 20,000 and AUD 42,000 per year.

But it’s important to remember that these numbers don’t include expensive programs like veterinary or medical degrees, whose tuition might be significantly higher.

2. Accommodation Costs for International Students in Australia

Accommodation costs may vary depending on the location you choose to live. If you are an international student, you must know that a significant portion of your living expenses goes to accommodation costs.

You will have a lot of options for staying, including local homestays and shared accommodations in residence halls. However, in my opinion a residence hall is the ideal option for international students.

Here is the table that provides an overview of the average monthly rental expenses for international students in Australia in 2024:

Type of Accommodation	Average Monthly Rent
Homestays	AUD 450 – AUD 1,200
Halls of residence	AUD 440 – AUD 1,100
Apartments	AUD 750 – AUD 1,700
Shared Apartments	AUD 650 – AUD 950

3. Food and Groceries Cost in Australia

Food and groceries is another significant expense on a student’s budget. The cost of food and groceries depends on whether you prefer to cook for yourself, eat out at cafes, or order in.

The average person spends between AUD 80 and AUD 150 in a week on groceries, depending on their nutritional needs and consumption patterns.
There are also various options of eating out, where meals normally cost between AUD 10 and AUD 30 per person.
Takeaway food alternatives are also available. Convenience is also provided, which ranges in price from AUD 10 to AUD 20 per meal.

However, many international students prefer to cook their own food. So, if you want to cook it by yourself, here is some important information for you. Have a look at the following table for essential food and grocery items.

Food Item(s)	Average Cost (in AUD)
1 kg White Rice	AUD 3.27
A Dozen Eggs	AUD 6.11
1 Liter of Whole Fat Milk	AUD 2.32
Fast Food Combo Meal	AUD 25
1 kg Apples	AUD 4.84
1 kg Local Cheese	AUD15.3
1 kg Tomatoes	AUD 6.62
1.5 Liter Bottle of Water	AUD 2.57
1 kg Potatoes	AUD 3.71
0.5L Domestic Beer Bottle	AUD 7.38
1 Bottle of Red Wine	AUD 20
Bread (500g)	AUD 3.77

4. Transportation Costs For International Students

Private transportation services are provided by numerous Australian colleges to assist on-campus students to travel to nearby areas. Moreover, public transportation facilities are also available. The cost of public transportation varies depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation.

You can use regional trains, buses, and trams are available for short distance travel. A quick trip on a bus or rail can cost you about AUD 3. Below is the overview of the transportation costs for international students

Type of Expense	Cost (AUD)
One-way local transport ticket	3-6
Taxi Tariff	3.60-7
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.19-1.60
Taxi 1 Km	1.62-3.20
Monthly Pass	90-220.70

5. Utilities Expenses for International Students

In Australia, the price of utilities varies greatly based on your location and consumption. Payment of essential bills, such as those for internet, water, and electricity, should be made on schedule.

To get a general idea of the average monthly cost of utilities, see the table below.

Type of Expenditure	Cost (in AUD)
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	82.47
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	311
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	41.75

6. Entertainment Costs

If you’re an international student studying in Australia, you’ll probably discover that leisure and entertainment costs are a bit higher. The vibrant setting will attract you with a variety of choices, including branded apparel, delicious food, and other entertaining activities. In Australia, monthly spending for shopping and entertainment can cost you approximately 80 AUD.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Finally, miscellaneous expenses include a variety of things like extra living expenses and stationery. These costs can vary from person to person and are mostly determined by the lifestyle you have selected. Planning appropriately is therefore crucial, and you should think about establishing your budget on the average expenses in Australia rather than on luxuries.

Concluding Thoughts

By now, you must have been familiar with the types of living expenses in Australia. This blog post has provided you with an in depth analysis of the accommodation costs, utility bills, transportation costs, food and groceries costs and other miscellaneous expenses. Remember, strategic planning is the key here to manage your living expenses in Australia.

However, if you are in Australia and facing difficulties related to CoE, course change or any other student visa related issues, you can contact us at The Migration.

FAQs

What is the average cost of living in Australia for international students?

The average cost of living for international students residing in Australia ranges from 1,400 to 2,500 AUD per month. It covers expenses including housing, food, transportation and social activities.

Which city is cheapest for international students in Australia?

Gold Coast is one of the cheapest cities for international students to live in Australia. The city provides a high quality education at competitive rates to overseas students. According to QS Student Cities ranking 2024, the Gold Coast ranks at number 89 worldwide, as one of the most affordable cities in Australia. It offers cheaper living and tuition fees as compared to other Australian cities.

What is the minimum required bank balance for an Australian student visa in 2024?

As of May 10, 2024, the primary applicants must have at least AUS$29,710 in their bank account to apply for a student visa in Australia.

Samavia Shahid

I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.