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Cost of Living in Australia for Indian and International Students 2024

Cost of Living in Australia for Indian and International Students 2024

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on May 27, 2024 02:28 PM IST

On an average the cost of living in Australia for an International student is around AUD 2500 per month (i.e. 1.37 lakh). These living expenses in Australia for international students are high when compared with India, however, the cost of living in Australia 2024 is almost the same or lower if we compare it to the cost of living in USA and UK. In this article, We have provided a complete list of the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses that are usually required while staying in Australia.

Many Indian students choose Australia to study at its world-class universities, hoping for better career growth. Along with good education quality, the country offers a great quality of life.

Australia has some of the best student cities in the world like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, etc. with attractive locations, student safety, quality education etc. Indian students who are interested in planning their study in Australia can know the monthly expenses required to live in this country. Going further, this article will detail the cost of necessary living expenses in Australia for international students.

In many cities like Melbourne, the cost of living depends whether you live in a city or a suburb. Usually, living in the suburbs is more affordable, however, accommodation rents are high in the city.

Cost of Living in Australia

The living cost in Australia for international students depends on the location where they choose to live. Cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne are some of the most expensive cities in Australia. If your university is located in these cities, then you need to prepare for a bit higher expenditure than the cheaper locations like Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, etc.

On average the monthly cost of living in Australia for an Indian student ranges from a minimum AUD 2000 to a moderate of AUD 3000 (i.e. Rs. 1.08 to 1.6 lakh per month). The Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government states that every international student who is applying for an Australian student visa needs to show minimum required funds of AUD 29,710 per annum to meet the financial capacity requirement. These changes were announced recently and the Australian government is planning more strategies to manage the increasing count of international students in Australia.

Cost of Essentials in Australia for Indian Students

As of now, you have known the monthly and annual living costs in Australia for international students. Let us break down every individual expense that has made this whole cost.

Accommodation Cost in Australia

As an international student, you can either prefer on-campus accommodation or off-campus accommodation in Australia. The on-campus accommodation costs range from moderate to high whereas the off-campus costs range from cheap to high. So, depending on your requirements you can choose your suitable ones. On average the accommodation costs for

  • On-campus can range from AUD 1300 to 3500 per month.

  • Off-campus can range from AUD 1000 to 2500 per month.

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Most of the on-campus accommodations in Australia include utility charges like electricity, gas, wifi within the rent itself. Whereas for off-campus it can be charged separately ranging from AUD 170 to 215 per month.

Food Expenses in Australia

Most of the on-campus accommodations in Australia include the food costs of 3 times a day within the rent itself. Welcoming the international students in Australia, the universities are equipped with Global cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Malaysian, Mexican, etc.

If you are found to cook your own meal, then shop vegetables and fruits at your nearest supermarket or local store. For your understanding purposes, here are the cost of groceries to get a basic overview of the prices in Australia.

Grocery costs in Australia

Item

Cost (Per kg)

Rice

AUD 2 - 5

Tomatoes

AUD 1 - 2

Potatoes

AUD 4

Carrots

AUD 3

Milk (1 litre)

AUD 2 - 5 per litre

Grapes

AUD 5

Bananas

AUD 4

Clothing Cost in Australia

Students are suggested to wear climate-appropriate clothing while studying in Australia. A pair of jeans and T-shirts are preferred during the summer and for winter, it includes jackets, sweaters, winter coats, etc. Here the cost of clothing in Australia is high when compared with the Asian countries. The basic apparel costs around AUD 20 to 40 per item like tops, pants, t-shirts etc.

Transportation Cost in Australia

International students can avail of many discounts if they use public transportation with a student card. The cities and towns are equipped with facilities like rail line, and intra-city trams. Students can also choose e-bikes to travel daily or shorter distances.

Transportation Costs in Australia

Expense

Cost (In AUD)

Car renting

25 per day

Train Travel(0 to 10 km)

3 to 4

E-bike rentals

50 per month

Health Insurance Cost in Australia

Any international students or their dependents have to take health insurance during their stay period in Australia. The insurance can be purchased from only registered health insurers in Australia.

Mobile & Wifi Cost in Australia

Few universities and many on-campus accommodations offer wifi facilities for students. With an international passport, you can apply for a sim card and mobile plans in Australia.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Australia

Other than the above-mentioned things, there are many other expenses that are to be included in the cost of living in Australia. These can include the costs of books, initial settling costs, household items, entertainment, personal health care items, toiletries, etc.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Australia

We have given the cost of monthly expenses of essentials in Australia.

Monthly Expenses

In AUD

In INR

Accommodation

1000 - 2000

1.08 - 1.6 lakhs

Food and Groceries

800

44,000

Utilities (Gas and Electricity)

170 - 215

9,200 - 11,700

Public Transportation

120 - 240

6,500 - 13,00

Health insurance

100 - 200

5,500 - 10,900

Mobile & Internet

70

3,800

Miscellaneous

320-600

17,500 - Rs 32,700

Cost of living in Melbourne and Sydney

Melbourne and Sydney are big and popular cities in Australia. Below we have given the list of monthly expenses for staying in a city in Melbourne and Sydney as of May 2024.

Monthly Expenses

Melbourne (In AUD)

Sydney(In AUD)

One Bedroom Unit

1908

3328

Public transport

200

220

Food

100

476

Mobile Plan

64

64

Working While Studying in Australia

International students are allowed to work part time jobs in Australia for up to 48 hours a fortnight along with regular studies. The labour laws here protect both domestic and international students, so you can at least get minimum wages. Part-time jobs in Australia for international students may earn you around $17 per hour.

Money Saving Tips for International Students in Australia

If you feel your cost of living in Australia is higher, then check these money-saving tips for the international students mentioned below.

  • Choose affordable university and accommodation: The two major expenses while studying in Australia are the tuition fees and accommodation. Students can look for the best and cheapest universities in Australia.

For accommodation, you can prefer the shared rooms on campus, which come along with 3 time meals and 24/7 wifi. However, living on-campus reduces your transportation costs in your monthly expenses in Australia.

  • Check for available scholarships: There is a wide range of scholarships in Australia offered by the universities, government and other private organisations. Based on the scholarship you achieve you can either cover your tuition fees or living expenses in Australia.

  • Work for Part-time jobs: As an International student, you will be able to work for 48 hours a week for part-time jobs in Australia.

  • Get the ISIC Card for accessing discounts: The ISIC card is a student status card endorsed by UNESCO. Using this ISIC card you can get access to thousands of student discounts on shopping, transportation, food, etc.

  • Limit your weekend activities to weekdays: Usually on weekends and public holidays, the dining places, and amusement activities charge 10 to 20 %5 extra, increasing expenditure. So try to plan your outings on weekdays.

  • Prefer the local markets: These local farmer markets often provide you with cheaper and fresher fruits and vegetables, saving you money.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cost of living in Australia for Indian students?

On average it costs around Rs.1 to 1.5 lakhs per month for Indian students to live in Australia. In these expenses, the accommodation occupies 50% of the proportion. However, these expenses vary based on the city where you live.

2. Is Australia cheaper than USA?

Both countries have almost similar living expenses. As per the population review, the USA stands in the 10th most expensive country in 2024, whereas Australia occupies the 11th place it. Both the country's average cost of living ranges from USD 1940 to 1950 per month.

3. How much is the rent in Australia per month?

If you consider a single bedroom off-campus in Australia, it can cost around AUD 500 to 600 per week. In Australia, the rent is typically collected on a weekly or fortnight basis.

4. What are the cheapest cities in Australia?

Cities like Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Gold Coast are some of the cheapest cities in Australia, where accommodation and groceries will be available at low prices when compared to costly cities like Sydney and Melbourne, etc.

5. Are there plenty of Indian restaurants in Australia?

If you are living in a city, then there will be a greater number of Indian restaurants. However, the students should know that Indian meals cost more than regular Australian meals.

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Questions related to

Hi there,

Hope you are doing fine.

Yes it is possible to pursue a Masters in Education (M.Ed) in Australia with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E). Australian universities have flexible entry requirements and value diverse academic backgrounds. However you will need to meet specific admission criteria set by the universities you are interested in.

To enhance your application you can highlight any relevant experience you have in teaching, training or educational projects. Some universities might also require you to submit a statement of purpose explaining your interest in transitioning to education and how your background in engineering could contribute to your study and future career in education.

You should review the specific requirements for each university and program by reaching out to the admissions offices of the universities you are interested in to confirm their acceptance criteria and discuss your unique background.

Hope this resolves your query.

A B.Ed. from IGNOU may be recognized but requires additional assessments in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • UK : Assessment by UK ENIC and possibly additional qualifications like a PGCE.
  • Australia : Evaluation by AITSL and meeting state-specific criteria.
  • New Zealand : Assessment by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, including possible English proficiency and practical teaching requirements.

Further qualifications or training might be necessary in each country.


For migrating to Australia with a high visa success rate, both commerce and medical fields offer strong opportunities, but they differ significantly:

  1. Medical Field :

    • High Demand : Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health) are in high demand.
    • Visa Success : Higher chances due to skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Clear pathways for permanent residency.
    • Career Options : Wide range of opportunities with good pay.
  2. Commerce Field :

    • Opportunities : Demand for accountants, finance professionals, and business analysts.
    • Visa Success : Good, but dependent on specific roles and skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Viable but might require additional qualifications or experience.
    • Career Options : Diverse opportunities in finance, business, and management.

Choose based on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.

hope this helps you!!

Hy,

Studying veterinary courses in Australia and securing a scholarship can be an excellent opportunity. Here’s a guide on how to pursue veterinary studies in Sydney and find scholarships:

Choosing a Veterinary Program in Sydney

Several universities in Sydney offer veterinary programs, including:

  • University of Sydney : Offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) : Offers related programs but does not have a veterinary program. Check for related courses or alternative pathways.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

Applying to Universities

  • Research Programs : Visit the websites of these universities to understand their veterinary programs, entry requirements, and application deadlines.
  • Meet Entry Requirements : Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the veterinary programs. This usually includes high school qualifications, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and sometimes an interview or entrance test.

Scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

  • University of Sydney : Offers scholarships for international students, such as the Sydney Scholars Program. Check their scholarships page for specific awards related to veterinary science.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers various scholarships for international students, including those for specific programs or merit-based scholarships.

External Scholarships

  • Australian Government Scholarships : Look for scholarships offered by the Australian government, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses.
  • Private and Non-Governmental Organizations : Various organizations offer scholarships for international students. Websites like Scholarship Portal, Study in Australia, and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) often list opportunities.

Applying for Scholarships

  • Identify Opportunities : Start by identifying scholarships that you are eligible for. This can include university-specific scholarships, government scholarships, and private scholarships.
  • Prepare Documents : Common requirements include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
  • Submit Applications : Follow the application process outlined by the scholarship provider. Be mindful of deadlines and ensure all required documents are submitted accurately.

Additional Tips

  • Contact University Admissions : Reach out to the admissions office of the universities you are interested in for guidance on scholarships and the application process.
  • Stay Organized : Keep track of scholarship deadlines and requirements to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
  • Prepare Financially : Even with a scholarship, you may need to cover some expenses. Plan your budget accordingly.

Useful Resources

  • University Websites : For specific scholarship information and application procedures.
  • Study in Australia Website : For comprehensive information about studying in Australia, including scholarships.
  • Scholarship Portals : Websites like Scholarship Portal and Studyportals for finding scholarships and financial aid.

By carefully researching programs, preparing your application materials, and applying for scholarships, you can enhance your chances of securing funding for your veterinary studies in Sydney.

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.

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