June 29th, 2024 at 05:16 am
Cost of Living for International Students in Australia in 2024
Australia is a popular study destination for overseas students, offering world-class education as well as a wide range of work prospects. Every year, Australia welcomes many students.
As of March 2024, there were 741,224 enrolled international students, representing a 16% growth over the same period in 2019.
This figure represents a significant increase in the number of international students studying in Australia. But there’s another side to the story. I’ve seen many students struggle in Australia after receiving admission to their preferred university owing to living expenses.
As a result, if you intend to study in Australia, you must be aware of the living expenses and prepare properly. In this blog article, I’ve presented a full breakdown 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 monthly cost of living for an international student in Australia is between $1400 and $2500. It includes lodging, meals, and other social events.
According to the Department of Education’s study on the income and expenses of international students, the median yearly expenditure is AUD 42884.89. This usually includes rent, groceries, and household necessities.
Furthermore, you’ll require around AUD 3778 every year for courses and tuition.
Different Living Costs in Australia for International Students
Your living expenses in Australia are determined by how often you travel and the sort of accommodation you choose. In addition to academic fees, overseas students must pay for transportation, food and groceries, utilities, housing, and entertainment.
As an international student in Australia, you may meet the following types of expenses:
1. Average tuition fees for international students in Australia.
According to StudyAustralia, the typical annual tuition fees for overseas students are as follows.
- A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree costs between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 each year.
- A Master’s or postgraduate degree costs between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 per year.
- Tuition rates for a PhD degree range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 per year.
However, keep in mind that these figures exclude pricey programs such as veterinary or medical degrees, which may have much higher tuition.
2. Accommodation Costs for International Students in Australia.
Accommodation expenses may differ based on where you choose to reside. If you are an international student, you should be aware that lodging expenditures make up a considerable amount of your living expenses.
You will have many alternatives for where to stay, including local homestays and shared lodgings in residence halls. However, in my opinion, residential halls are the best alternative for overseas students.
The chart below provides an overview of the typical 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 Grocery Costs in Australia
Food and groceries are another major item on a student’s budget. The cost of food and groceries varies depending on whether you cook for yourself, dine out at cafés, or order in.
- The average person spends between AUD 80 and AUD 150 per week on groceries, depending on their nutritional needs and consumption habits.
- There are also other dining alternatives available, with meals often ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 30 per person.
- Takeaway food options are also available. Convenience is also given, with prices ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 20 for each meal.
However, many overseas students choose to cook their meals. So, if you want to make it yourself, here’s some helpful information. Take a look at the table below for necessary food and grocery products.
| 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.
Many Australian institutions offer private transportation services to help on-campus students get to adjacent places. Furthermore, public transit options are accessible. The cost of public transportation varies according to your location and manner of travel.
Short-distance transportation options include regional trains, buses, and trams. A brief trip by bus or rail can cost you around AUD 3. The following is a summary of transportation costs for overseas 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. Utility Expenses for International Students
In Australia, utility prices vary widely depending on region and consumption. Payments for necessary bills such as internet, water, and electricity should be made on time.
The table below provides a general sense of the typical monthly cost of utilities.
| 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 notice that leisure and entertainment expenditures are slightly higher. The lively surroundings will entice you with a wide range of options, including branded apparel, delectable cuisine, and other fun activities. In Australia, monthly expenditure on shopping and entertainment might cost around 80 AUD.
7. Miscellaneous expenses.
Finally, miscellaneous expenses encompass a wide range of items, such as additional housing expenses and stationery. These costs differ from person to person and are primarily driven by the lifestyle you have chosen. Thus, proper planning is essential, and you should consider basing your budget on average Australian expenses rather than extravagance.
Concluding thoughts
By now, you should be familiar with the various sorts of living expenses in Australia. This blog post has presented you with a detailed examination of the costs of lodging, utilities, transportation, food and groceries, and other miscellaneous expenses. Remember that strategic planning is the key to managing your living expenditures in Australia.
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