Living and Study Expenses

Study in Australia Education Costs

Compared to other English speaking countries the costs of education and living in Australia are comparatively low. All tuition fees for international students who study in Australia are exempt from GST and are charged up-front, with some institutions making additional charges to cover other associated costs like sports facilities, laboratory costs, student organisation membership and library fees.

Australian education tuition fees to study in Australia for international students are very competitive with other countries. Other savings accrue as some degrees take only 3 years to complete in Australia compared to 4 years in the USA.

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Australian Primary School

Australian primary school costs vary between A$5,000 to A$11,000 a year for tuition. Again if boarding facilities are available they will be charged serparately.

Australian Secondary School

Australian secondary school costs in Australia vary between A$6,000 to A$13,500 a year for the tuition. Australian secondary schools which provide boarding facilities will charge for this service separately.

English Language Courses

The costs of English Language courses vary greatly depending on the duration and level of the English course. English language courses vary in duration and intensity, and can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for a 2 week short course to A$3,500 for a half year semester or up to A$14,500 for a full year university preparation English course.

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Australian Vocational/Career Education and Training (TAFE)

Prices for vocational education courses vary between A$3,500 and A$18,500 depending on whether the qualification is a certificate, diploma or advanced diploma. The length can also vary greatly depending on the type of course you plan on studying.

Australian University

Prices for Australia University courses and degrees vary depending on the qualifications and the university. Some Australian universities with international renouned courses in specific fields may charge more for these courses than other universities.

University entrance, bridging and preparatory courses cost between A$9,500 - A$15,500 per year
Undergraduate Bachelor Degrees vary between A$10,000 - A$16,500 per year Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas cost between A$9,500 - A$16,000
Postgraduate Masters and Doctoral degrees are typically in a price range between A$11,000 - A$19,000 per year.

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Study in Australia Living Costs

Living costs to study in Australia are based on the average expenditure by actual international students surveyed, but they will ultimately depend on the students’ own lifestyles. Students who study in Australia have the option of a number of types of accommodation, and can choose to live with other students or by themselves. Most international students prepare or buy their own meals however some on campus university accommodation offers cooked meals as well as accommodation.

On Campus

On campus accommodation can include cooked meals and accommodation, or just accommodation and facilities for students to prepare their own meals. Typically on campus accommodation includes a private bedroom with shared bathroom facilities in student residences. The cost of on campus accommodation can be anywhere from A$85 a week without meals to A$285 a week or higher with meals.

Off Campus

Share accommodation usually involves the payment of bond (commonly 2 or 4 weeks rent), which is refundable if the room is left in good condition. Telephone, gas and electricity are additional costs shared between the tenants. Prices can vary between A$50 and A$180 per week depending on size, location and facilities. Notice boards and newspapers (online or print) are generally the most common places to find share accommodation.

Rental Accommodation

Rental properties involve signing of a lease contract and paying a 4 week government held bond, which is refundable if the dwelling is left in good condition. Lease contracts are typically 12 months or six months in length. Single room units can be as cheap as $60 per week depending on the city and size. Multi room units and houses can be anything from $150 - $600 or more per week depending on the size location and city.
Note: Larger Australian cities are more expensive for accommodation. Sydney is the most expensive. Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth are all relatively moderate in price. Adelaide, Darwin, Perth and Hobart are all cheaper.

Homestay Accommodation

Homestay accommodation is popular among English language students and involves living with an Australian family in a shared or private room. Homestay accommodation is often arranged by the educational institution or privately by the student. Homestay can cost anywhere between A$135 and A$240 per week inclusive of most meals.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

Budget hotels and guesthouses typically involve accommodation in a dormitory or a private room excluding meals and are common among language or short course students and backpackers. Costs vary between A$15 to A$45 per day. Cheaper for weekly rates. Electricity and gas are usually included.