Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
Cost of Living in Australia: Accommodation, Tuition Fee, Transport & More
The location of Indian students in Australia, their choice of accommodation, personal lifestyle preferences, and fluctuations in the exchange rate affect their cost of living in the country. Hobart, Adelaide, and Perth are among the most affordable Australian cities for Indian students. The average tuition cost to study at a recognised Australian university is estimated at AUD 25,000-40,000 per annum. The average cost of accommodation for international students in Australia is expected to range from AUD 374 to AUD 915 per week. The exact cost of living for Indian students in Australia may vary by city. The expected living expenses in Canberra, for instance, are approximately AUD 33,000-39,000 per annum. The average weekly transport costs for Indian students in Australia are estimated at AUD 458.46 (approx.). The mandatory health insurance cover for students may range between AUD 478 and AUD 4,200 per annum (indicative). Choosing shared housing over private accommodation and relying more on public transport are among the best ways to lower living expenses for Indian students in Australia.
Factors That Affect Cost of Living in Australia
The location of Indian students in Australia, their choice of accommodation, personal lifestyle preferences, and fluctuations in the exchange rate affect their cost of living in the country. Below are details of some key factors affecting the cost of living for Indian students studying in Australia.
Cheapest Student Cities in Australia
Hobart, Adelaide, and Perth are among the most affordable Australian cities for Indian students. With excellent student concessions and shared housing options, these cities are widely preferred by international students.
Cities | Average Cost of Living (Approx) |
Adelaide | AUD 350 - AUD 700 per week |
Hobart | AUD 392 - AUD 692 per week |
Perth | AUD 225 - AUD 445 per week |
Related source: https://www.studyperth.com.au/living-in-perth/cost-of-living/
Tuition Fee
The average tuition cost to study at a recognised Australian university is estimated at approximately AUD 25,000-40,000 per annum. These figures are indicative and may vary from one institution to another and also according to the level of study chosen.
Study Level | Average Annual Fees (Approx) |
High school | AUD 4,967 |
UG degree | AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000 |
PG degree | AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000 |
Doctoral degree | AUD 20,000 - AUD 42,000 |
Related sources: https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/australian-high-schools-the-most-expensive-in-the-world-new-research/
https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/student-finance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-australia#art_heading1
Accommodation Costs
The average cost of accommodation for international students in Australia is expected to range from AUD 374 to AUD 915 per week. This is only an approximation and may vary by housing type and location across the country.
Type of Housing | Average Costs (Approx) |
On-campus | AUD 598 - AUD 915 per week |
Shared rentals | AUD 279 - AUD 489 per week |
Private housing | AUD 286 - AUD 522 per week |
Related source: https://study.uq.edu.au/university-life/living-in-queensland/cost-living
Living Costs
The exact living expenses for Indian students in Australia may vary by city. The expected cost of living in Canberra, for instance, is approximately AUD 33,000-39,000 per annum. This typically covers accommodation, utility bills, food, clothing, and transport.
Typical Living Expenses | Average Cost (Approx) |
Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | AUD 22 - AUD 71 per week |
Food and groceries | AUD 146 - AUD 204 per week |
Public transport | AUD 5 - AUD 30 per week |
Related source: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/estimated-cost-of-living-in-canberra
Transportation Costs
The average weekly transport costs for Indian students in Australia are estimated at AUD 458.46 (approx.). This is indicative only and may differ from one region in the country to another.
Cities | Average Cost (Approx) |
Sydney | AUD 573.23 per week |
AUD 413.18 per week | |
Bunbury | AUD 464.97 per week |
Related source: https://www.aaa.asn.au/research-data/transport-affordability/
Health Insurance
The mandatory health insurance cover for international students in Australia may range between AUD 478 and AUD 4,200 per annum (indicative). This cost may vary depending on the number of family members covered and the coverage duration chosen.
Source: https://www.idp.com/blog/cost-of-study-at-universities-in-australia/
Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Australia
Choosing shared housing over private accommodation and relying more on public transport are among the best ways to lower living expenses for Indian students in Australia. Here are some more helpful tips on how to reduce the cost of living in the country during your study duration:
Look for shared rental outside the city centre in a suburban area.
Shop for groceries at generic-labelled brands and plan your meals well to keep monthly grocery bills in check.
Opt for public transport over your own car to save on fuel.
Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP Education for Studying Abroad
Indian students can now study in Australia without worry by taking advantage of the Student Essentials Services (SES), a wide range of exclusive services offered by IDP Education, one of the best overseas education consultants in India. We help students study abroad comfortably and affordably through:
Health insurance
Accommodation
Student ID card
FAQs on Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
1. What mistakes increase the cost of living in Australia for Indians?
Renting private apartments instead of shared rentals or on-campus housing, over-relying on imported Indian groceries, and not availing of student concessions on public transport are common mistakes that Indian students make, increasing their living expenses in Australia.
2. Which Australian city has the lowest rent?
Hobart is currently believed to offer the lowest rent to international students. The city generally offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other big cities in Australia.
3. Can scholarships cover living costs in Australia?
Yes, Indian students can apply for scholarships that significantly cover living expenses during their studies in Australia. These scholarships are offered both by the government and certain universities in Australia.
4. What unexpected costs should I expect in Australia?
Some unforeseeable and emergency costs that students may need to bear when studying in Australia include utility connection or disconnection fees, public transport surcharges, and advance rent payments.
5. What jobs help students manage expenses in Australia?
Indian students studying in Australia can work part-time for up to 48 hours per fortnight to offset their living costs. These jobs can be taken up both on- and off-campus.