Australia has fascinated students for a multitude of reasons but the topmost is the lifestyle it promises. With colleges ranking amongst the Top 100 of the world, the Universities of Australia have seen a definitive increase in their international student numbers in recent years. What adds to the excellent education system of Australia is, unlike any other country, can truly promise. Though costly to live in, studying in Australia is still a cheaper option for students in comparison to the USA, UK and Canada.
The average tuition fee in Australia, is 45-50% cheaper than in America and so are the living expenses. The annual average living expense in Australia for international students is between AUD 30,000 to AUD 34,000. Adding to the expense, the quality of life, the various entertainment options as well as a higher student income by means of a relaxed international student work permit have added to the popularity of Australia as a Study Abroad destination.
So, what is life really like? Why Australia is a good option? What’s the cost of living and studying in Australia? What are the rules for working while studying? We attempt to answer the same here and more so read on.
Cost of Studying in Australia
The island country Australia attracts more and more international students from all around the globe. Some of the top universities and colleges in the world are located in Australia and thus, Australia is becoming the new favourite among students. The Australian education system is another factor that adds to its attractiveness. Owing to its proximity to the Indian sub-continent, Indian students prefer to study in Australia rather than in western countries. But how much does education in Australia costs? Read the Cost of Studying in Australia to know more. The tuition fee differs from university to university as well as the type of programme and course you opt for.
Cost of Living in Australia
Australia ranks amongst the top 10 in the Human Development Index as well as the Quality of Life Index. In simple words, a developed nation, Australia is amongst the top countries of the world in terms of its education system, GDP and purchasing power parity indexes. With a high level of income, people living and working there also enjoy a high level of health awareness, an excellent medical system as well as a politically stable economy.
But as a student, these are hardly the indices you would wish to worry about. What matters is how much it would cost to stay in Australia. So, here’s the above jargon simplified to numbers per month for Australian living costs:
| Monthly Expenses | In AUD | In INR |
|---|---|---|
| Rentals (On-Campus Accommodation) | 860 | 48,500 |
| Transportation Pass | 210 | 11,850 |
| Basic Amenities* | 800 | 28,150 |
| Entertainment | 300 | 16,900 |
| Estimated Total Monthly Expense | 2,170 | 105,200 |
* Basic Amenities include your food/ grocery bills.
These figures, however, talk about the basics and would vary from university to university as well as the style of living you wish to maintain. If you would rather wish to stay in independent accommodation or alternatively, your university does not have a hostel facility (though rare), then you would end up spending anywhere between AUD 1,000 – AUD 1,750 for a single room unit.
Also, the level of expense may vary considerably for entertainment. If you are an exploring kind and would rather spend your weekend exploring the magnificent outback, the monthly expenses can roughly denote your weekly expenses as well.
So in all, it depends on how you wish to live. There’s a lot to spend in Australia…but you need not despair. You can always earn that extra amount to make your stay worthwhile.
Cost of Living in Sydney & Melbourne
The cost of living in Sydney is expensive in comparison to the cost of living in Melbourne. As per the recent July 2022 data for the average costs of living, it can be noted that those who are living or earning in Sydney tend to pay more than those living in Melbourne. The cost comparisons for living in Sydney and Melbourne are tabulated below for reference:
| Expenses | Cost of Living in Sydney | Cost of Living in Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | AUD 3,224 | AUD 2,300 |
| Public Transport | AUD 193 | AUD 156 |
| Private Transport* | AUD 32,000 | AUD 30,000 |
| Food and Drink | AUD 20 – AUD 40 | AUD 15 – AUD 25 |
| Clothes and Shoes | AUD 150 – AUD 200 | AUD 200 |
| Entertainment | AUD 41 | AUD 40 |
| Personal Care and Hygiene | AUD 63 | AUD 69 |
| Insurance | AUD 250 | AUD 200 |
| Total Cost | AUD 7,428 (Public Transport) or,
AUD 39,235 (Private Transport) |
AUD 2,990 (Public Transport) or,
AUD 32,834 (Private Transport) |
*Private Transport: These expenses are counted since the purchase of the vehicle plus the cost of fuel and the cost of maintenance. Thus, the costs may also vary depending upon the choice of vehicle purchased.
The average monthly cost of living in Sydney for an individual is approximately AUD 4,100 on average while the cost of living in Melbourne is AUD 2,000 on average. Yet, Melbourne is less expensive in comparison to Sydney.
Working while studying
Australian Immigration Laws are comparatively easy when it comes to working while studying. A slight request would often make you eligible to work in Australia as an international student. Though the rules might vary, generally students are allowed to work for up to 40 hours a fortnight or 20 hours per week.
The other aspect if the availability of jobs and there is no dearth of the same either. Companies, local businesses, and retail shops often hire students (both domestic and international). As an international student, you are protected by the same labour laws as the domestic student populace which also means the minimum wages. As a student, you can expect around $17 per hour.
The kinds of jobs are also varied. There are both on-campus jobs as well as local jobs available and often universities have an office which would help you find the right one for you. The kinds of industry students are employed in vary from retail to hospitality to administrative/ teaching jobs. It is important to note that Australia offers excellent post-study work options for International students. In order to support the living expenses, AUD 30,000 – AUD 40,000 should be the minimum salary to live in Australia from Nigeria.
Entertainment Options
Now that we have covered the expense and the income options as a student, we might as well talk about the many things you can do while being in Australia.
An island continent, Australia has beautiful beaches. You would often find people spending leisurely hours at the beaches not that far from your university. And if your tastes run on the wilder side, you have a host of water sports activities to keep you busy. From surfing to deep sea diving, the options are aplenty.
Another thing that Australia has in abundance is a variety of wildlife. If you are an adventurer, Australia offers you beautiful wild terrains that would simply take your breath away.
But all need not be wild, the urban life has its own zing as well. There are clubs, lounges, bars and speciality restaurants. And not to forget the famous Opera House in Sydney. If you are a connoisseur or simply wish to have an experience unlike any, a visit to the Opera House in Sydney is sure to make your stay in Australia worthwhile.
Education Loan
To apply for international education, one must start planning as soon as possible and the most important step towards this dream is preparing your financials. However, not everyone is lucky to have a strong financial background. But one should not lose hope to achieve their dreams. Financial institutions and banks like HDFC Credila, SBI, etc offer student education loans at minimum interest. One can easily apply for an education loan and get approval within days. However, for loan approval, all your loan documents should be precise and unerring. Read our article Step-by-Step guide for bank loans to know more about the procedure for Education Loan for Studying in Australia.
We conclude thus that Australia promises an experience unlike any. For your intellectual appetite, it has enough to keep you on your toes. But there are much more things that add to your experience as a student…and Australia promises you both the options and the opportunities to go exploring!
