How to Apply International Student
Pre-departure Information
Living & Accommodation costs
The cost of living in Australia varies according to a number of factors including which city you choose to live in and your preferred lifestyle. The Study in Australia website (www.studyinaustralia.gov.au) provides details on the cost of living in Australia that you might find useful as a starting point.
One of the largest living costs you will face is accommodation. The cost of accommodation will vary based on where you choose to study, which suburb you choose to live in, whether you choose to live alone or with flatmates and whether you rent a furnished apartment or bedroom or an unfurnished apartment or bedroom.
Having our three campuses based in the centre of cities close to public transport means that there are a range of accommodation options open to you. Our staff can help you choose accommodation by giving you an understanding of where proposed accommodation is in relation to the campus you intend to study at.
Please note: If you have a school-aged dependant (aged between 5 and 18 years) accompanying you to Australia they are obliged to attend school whilst in Australia and full school fees will normally be required to be paid irrespective of whether the school-aged dependant is enrolled in a government or non-government school.
Estimates of rental accommodation
Boarding Houses
Boarding houses range from fairly large commercial properties to average sized houses run by private citizens. Full board, room with use of facilities, or room only are available. You should expect to pay about A$150-$200 per week for a single or shared room in a boarding house.
Renting
A rough estimate of weekly rents is given below. This varies by city and suburb and searching for accommodation on the web should give you a good idea of what you might pay. In addition to rent you will also be expected to pay a bond of up to four weeks of your rent up front and two weeks rent in advance. Bond, is used to cover any damage that may be done to the property while you live there and if no damage is done it will be refunded when you leave.
Apartments/flats
- 1 bedroom A$200-$300 per week
- 2 bedroom A$300-$600 per week
- 2/3 bedrooms A$400-$800 per week
When renting you often need to pay for the use of electricity, the telephone and gas on top of your rent.
Note: The above costs are indicative only.
Homestay
Homestay consists of a single room in a private home where the householder provides meals for you and, you share the life of the family. Homestay can be a good way for you to improve your English, learn the culture, and meet people when you first arrive. The cost of homestay is approximately A$235 per week and there are a range of associated up-front fees. For more information visit: www.homestay-australia.com
