A guide to living in Canberra for international students

Student life in Canberra is active, diverse, and well supported. With thousands of domestic and international students living in the city, you can expect a welcoming environment. This makes it easy to make friends, join clubs and student communities, take part in campus events, and maintain a balanced lifestyle during your studies. 

Beyond the classroom, Canberra offers a mix of culture, history, entertainment, and outdoor activities. As Australia’s capital city, it is home to nationally significant institutions, lively dining areas, and well‑maintained natural spaces. Whether you are interested in Australian history, arts and culture, live events, or spending time outdoors, Canberra provides opportunities to enrich your student experience. 

Must‑see attractions and activities for students

Canberra offers many experiences to help you make the most of your student life. 

Explore Australia’s democracy 

Visit Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to learn about Australia’s political system and history. 

Discover national museums

Explore major institutions focused on Australian history, culture, film, sound, and social change. 

Enjoy Lake Burley Griffin 

Walk, cycle, kayak, or relax around the city’s central lake. 

Hike Mount Ainslie 

Take in views across the city, including Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Australian War Memorial. 

Experience local culture 

Enjoy cafés, festivals, markets, live performances, and community events throughout the year. 

Museums worth visiting 

• National Museum of Australia 

• Australian War Memorial 

• Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House 

• National Film and Sound Archive of Australia 

• Canberra Museum and Gallery 

Galleries and arts spaces 

• National Portrait Gallery 

• Canberra Contemporary 

• Belconnen Arts Centre 

• Canberra Museum and Gallery 

• Drill Hall Gallery 

Popular markets 

• Old Bus Depot Markets 

• Capital Region Farmers Market 

• Handmade Market 

• Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets 

• Belconnen Fresh Food Markets 

Live music and entertainment 

Canberra’s entertainment scene continues to grow, offering live music, comedy, theatre, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. Popular venues include: 

• Smith’s Alternative 

• UC Hub 

• The Street Theatre 

• Canberra Theatre Centre 

With its mix of academic opportunities, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and student‑friendly facilities, Canberra offers a balanced student experience. Whether you are exploring national institutions, relaxing by the lake, discovering local cafés, or attending community events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy life while studying in Australia’s capital city. 

As Australia’s capital city, Canberra offers international students a high quality of life with access to strong education, public services, and recreational facilities. Living costs vary depending on your accommodation choice and personal lifestyle. With careful budgeting, students can maintain a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle.  

The table below provides an indicative guide to common monthly living expenses for students in Canberra. These amounts are estimates only and should be used as a general reference. 

Accommodation is usually the largest expense for international students. Choosing shared housing or student residences can help manage costs. Transport, groceries, and entertainment expenses may be reduced through student discounts and budgeting. 

Some international students also choose to work part time, in line with their student visa conditions, to support living costs and gain work experience.  

Student accommodation options across Canberra  

Canberra offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and study needs. You can choose between on-campus housing and private rentals, depending on your preferences and daily routine. 

 Where to live in Canberra as a student 

The table below highlights some of the most popular areas for international students, along with typical monthly rent ranges. Actual costs may vary depending on property type and demand. 

 Whether you choose on-campus housing or private accommodation, Canberra offers practical options to suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles, helping you feel comfortable and settled throughout your studies. 

Getting around Canberra is simple and affordable for international students. The city’s public transport network is operated by Transport Canberra and includes buses and a light rail service. Together, they connect major residential areas, universities, shopping centres, and key attractions, making it easy to travel between your accommodation, campus, and everyday destinations. 

Students can access discounted public transport fares through the MyWay+ ticketing system. MyWay+ is used on both buses and light rail services and allows you to travel using a physical travel card, a mobile app, or contactless payment. This gives flexibility for regular travel across the city. 

International students may also benefit from carrying an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which can provide access to discounts on travel, shopping, entertainment, and other student services in Australia and around the world. Together, these options can help students save money while studying in Canberra. 

Transport options in Canberra 

Buses 

Buses are the main form of public transport in Canberra. They connect suburbs, town centres, universities, and major attractions. Key transport interchanges include Civic, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, and Woden. Rapid bus services offer faster travel between major destinations. 

Light rail 

Canberra’s light rail operates between the city centre and Gungahlin, running along Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road. It uses the same MyWay+ system as buses, which makes transfers simple. The journey between the city and Gungahlin takes around 25 minutes. 

Taxis 

Taxi services are available across Canberra, with ranks in the city centre, shopping areas, transport hubs, and near university campuses. 

Rideshare services 

Uber and other rideshare services operate throughout Canberra. These can be useful when travelling outside public transport hours or to locations not directly served by buses or light rail. 

Walking and cycling 

Canberra has an extensive network of walking paths and cycling routes. Many students choose to walk or cycle, especially around Lake Burley Griffin, the city centre, and university areas. 

Travelling beyond Canberra 

For longer trips, Canberra has road, rail, and air connections to other parts of Australia. Students often travel to nearby cities such as Sydney and Melbourne for weekend trips, holidays, or to explore more of the country. 

Whether you are commuting to university, meeting friends, or exploring the region, Canberra’s transport options make it easy to move around the city and enjoy student life in Australia’s capital.  

Many international students in Canberra choose to work part time alongside their studies to gain work experience, build practical skills, and help manage living costs. The city offers a range of student‑friendly job opportunities in areas such as hospitality, retail, customer service, administration, and tourism. These roles often provide flexible hours that can fit around your study timetable.  

Canberra’s stable economy and large public sector also create opportunities for internships and casual roles that support career development. Universities typically provide career services, job boards, and employment workshops to help international students prepare for work and find suitable roles during their studies.  

Part‑time work can help you develop communication skills, understand Australian workplace culture, and feel more connected to the local community. While it is important to balance work with study commitments and follow student visa conditions, working part time can be a valuable and rewarding part of your experience living and studying in Canberra.  

Flexible part-time opportunities are widely available in Canberra, offering steady income and work-life balance:

• hospitality and tourism

• retail

• community services

• education support roles

• construction and infrastructure

• customer service

Canberra is a strong choice for international students who want quality education in a safe and supportive city. The city is home to leading institutions such as the Australian National University and the University of Canberra and attracts students from around the world. This creates a diverse academic environment with opportunities to build skills, networks, and career pathways.  

Life in Canberra offers a high standard of living alongside study. The city is known for reliable public services, green spaces, cultural attractions, and a welcoming community. Its compact layout makes it easy to get around, helping international students settle in quickly and feel connected to their surroundings. 

 Canberra combines urban facilities with outdoor recreation and a multicultural student population. For students looking for academic quality, a more affordable lifestyle compared with larger Australian cities, and a calm place to live and study, Canberra is often seen as an attractive study destination.  

Planning to study and live in Canberra is an exciting step, but choosing the right university, course, and study destination can feel overwhelming. That's where IDP can support you throughout your entire study abroad journey.   

Whether you need help finding the right university in Canberra, understanding admission requirements, preparing your application, or exploring scholarship opportunities, IDP's experienced counsellors can provide personalised guidance tailored to your academic goals, career plans, and budget.   

Ready to study in Canberra? Explore courses in Australia and book a free counselling session with IDP to find the right university, course, and city for your future.