The cost of studying in Australia was found to be consistently less expensive than the cost of studying in the UK or USA in a recent study by the Australian Government. The study included both tuition fees and living expenses on an average basis.
A student visa for Australia is currently charged at AU$540. The Student visa application charge includes an International Education Contribution of $115. This contributes to Australian Government initiatives to support international education through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
In order to have an Australian student visa granted you need to prove that you have the funds available to pay for your living costs and tuition fees for the duration of your course.
The Visa Application charge must accompany your application and is generally not refunded if the application is unsuccessful.
Tuition fees in Australia will vary depending on the course or institution as each University sets its own tuition fees. You need to bear this in mind when choosing your course in Australia as you could be looking at an annual tuition fee of between AU$8,000 and AU$28,000. Specialist degrees such as Architecture, Medicine, and Dentistry often charge higher tuition fees.
According to a recent Australian Government study the average international student in Australia will spend around AU$360 a week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport and telephone. The cost of living very much depends on your lifestyle and the location you choose to study in.
While choosing your course you should look into the cost of accommodation at the university or in the vicinity so you can take this into consideration.
A typical academic year is between 38 and 40 weeks so you will need to consider what costs you will incur outside the academic year.
Homestay is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Single or shared rooms are available and the costs vary accordingly. Meals are usually included, but cheaper self-catering homestay is available. Another option is farmstay, which offers the same services in a rural setting. Educational institutions maintain a register of reputable families prepared to board international students during the academic year.
You should pay for your homestay rent and deposit (usually the equivalent of four weeks' rent) on arrival if you have not paid before you leave home.
Make sure you get a receipt each time you pay the rent.
As you will be living in someone else's home, you will be expected to clean up after yourself, especially in shared areas.
Homestay will cost you around AU$110 to AU$270 per week.
If you are planning to rent, check price ranges for housing with the International Office, real estate agents, university noticeboards, student and local newspapers and your institution’s website. Shared accommodation will cost you around AU$50 – AU$160 a week. As most properties are not furnished, take into account the cost of buying furniture as well as estimates for electricity, telephone and gas.
Below is an estimated cost of living guide per month for a single student living in homestay accommodation in Melbourne and Sydney. Your tuition fees are not included in this budget.
| Item | Melbourne | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost per month ($AUD) |
||
| Single homestay room (breakfast & dinner included) | $900 | $1060 |
| Food (lunches & snacks) | $252 ($9 per day) | $295 ($10 per day) |
| Telephone | $50 | $50 |
| Transport | $100 | $140 |
| Laundry | $40 | $40 |
| Stationery | $40 | $40 |
| Clothing, entertainment, personals | $200 | $200 |
| Total monthly costs | $1562 | $1805 |
| Total costs per academic year (40 weeks) | $15,620 | $18,050 |
Whilst you are resident in Australia you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
You will need to purchase OSHC before you come to Australia to cover you from when you arrive.
You might find that your institution has an agreement with a specific OSHC provider. You can choose to take out OSHC with this provider, or with the Australian OSHC provider of your choice. As at July 2008, there are five providers of OSHC in Australia. Visit these websites to find detailed information on what they cover and to decide which provider is right for you.
Your OSHC will help you pay for any medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in Australia, and it will contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines, and an ambulance in an emergency.
OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy. If you want to be covered for these treatments you will need to buy additional private health insurance, such as:
Extra OSHC provided by some OSHC providers
International travel insurance, or
General treatment cover with any Australian private health insurer. You can find a list of these providers and search for the one that suits you best at http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/ or http://www.iselect.com.au/.
The cost of Overseas Student Health Cover is around AU$350 per year.
International students resident in Australia on an Australian Student Visa can apply for permission to work for up to 20 hours a week during course time and full time during vacation. If you are granted your visa after 26 April 2008 you will automatically receive permission to work with your visa grant. This information is held electronically by DIAC
You can only start work once you have started your course.
