Cost of living in Australia for Singaporean students​​​

Australia is an incredibly popular destination for international students, including those from Singapore, with over 200,000 choosing to study here each year. The country offers a fantastic blend of world-class education, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a global study experience. 

To help you plan your finances and enjoy your time in Australia, it's essential to understand the cost of living. Keep in mind that your actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and the specific city you choose. However, as a general guideline, you should budget between AUD $29,710 and AUD $55,000 per year for your living expenses in Australia, excluding university tuition costs.

Several factors will influence your expenses as a student in Australia, including your choice of city (with significant differences between major metropolitan areas and regional locations), accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Here's a breakdown of typical weekly costs:  

​​​Accommodation costs 

• Hostels and guesthouses: AUD $90 to $150 per week 

• Shared rental: AUD $278 to $425 per week 

• On-campus: AUD $180 to $670 per week 

• Homestay: AUD $270 to $460 per week 

 Other living expenses  

• Groceries and eating out: AUD $80 to $280 per week 

• Gas and electricity: AUD $35 to $140 per week 

• Phone and internet: AUD $20 to $55 per week 

• Public transport: AUD $15 to $55 per week 

• Car (ongoing): AUD $150 to $260 per week 

• Entertainment: AUD $80 to $150 per week 

Remember that these are weekly estimates. Your monthly expenses in Australia can roughly range from ​​AUD $1,400 to AUD $2,500 (excluding university tuition fees).

When comparing living costs to Singapore, it's important to note that living expenses in Australia can be significantly higher, especially in major urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne.   

However, more budget-friendly alternatives are available in other Australian cities. For instance, studying in Brisbane or studying in Adelaide is generally less expensive than in Sydney or Melbourne, providing a more cost-effective option for international students. 

In Australia, accommodation and utility costs are usually charged on a weekly basis, which is different from Singapore, where such expenses are typically calculated monthly. There are several accommodation options for international students to consider when calculating your overall monthly living expenses in Australia:  

Hostels and guesthouses 

Hostels and guesthouses offer a budget-friendly option, particularly for short-term stays, with weekly costs typically ranging from AUD $90 to AUD $150. 

Shared rental 

Sharing a house or apartment with other students is a common way to reduce expenses, with weekly rent typically between AUD $278 and AUD $425 per person. 

On-campus 

Living in university-provided accommodation offers convenience, with weekly costs ranging from AUD $180 to AUD $670, depending on the university and room type.  

Homestay 

Staying with a local Australian family through a homestay arrangement usually costs between AUD $270 and AUD $460 per week.  

Average weekly accommodation costs  

In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, accommodation costs typically range from AUD $250 to AUD $670 per week (higher in central locations). In other major cities like Adelaide and Perth, this range is generally from AUD $200 to AUD $350 per week.  

Factors affecting accommodation costs  

Several factors influence how much you'll pay for student accommodation in Australia. Location is a primary driver, with city-centre housing typically commanding higher rents. Proximity to your campus and the availability of convenient public transport also play a significant role, as does the range of amenities offered.  

Tips for finding affordable accommodation  

To find accommodation that fits your budget, consider these tips:  

• Utilise online platforms like Flatmates.com.au or UniLodge to explore various options. 

• Sharing accommodation with other students is a great way to lower your living expenses.

Food expenses are another essential part of your budget in Australia. Weekly grocery costs can vary significantly, typically from AUD $80 to AUD $280, depending on your eating habits and household size.  

 If you plan to dine out occasionally, your monthly budget for eating out might range from AUD $150 to $300, depending on your lifestyle.  

Tips for saving on food expenses  

To manage your food budget effectively:  

• Cook at home: Preparing your own meals is a great way to significantly reduce your dining out expenses. 

• Take advantage of grocery store discounts and student meal plans: Look for specials at supermarkets and consider purchasing a student meal plan at your university if available. 

• Weekly grocery budget: You can aim to keep your weekly grocery budget between AUD $50 and $80 for basic necessities. 

Getting around in Australia can be a significant part of your budget, so understanding your transportation options is essential. 

Public transport options 

Australia offers various public transport options, including buses, trains, and trams. The average weekly cost can range from AUD $15 to AUD $55, depending on the city you're in. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer convenient public transport cards (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane) with student discounts of up to 50% on fares. A monthly travel pass can cost between AUD $60 and AUD $200, depending on the city and the zones you need to travel through. Students often benefit from concession fares, but travel distances are longer compared to Singapore’s compact MRT system. 

Alternative transport options 

For shorter distances, consider alternative transport options. Purchasing a second-hand bicycle can range from AUD $100 to AUD $300 and offers an affordable and healthy way to get around. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available, with average fares for a short trip ranging from AUD $10 to $30, but these can add up quickly.  

Car rental or ownership 

Renting a car can be useful, with weekly rental costs ranging from AUD $150 to $440. However, car ownership involves additional expenses. The average fuel cost is around AUD $1.50 to $2.00 per litre, and car insurance can cost between ​​AUD $2,000 and $4,000 per year.  

Tips for saving on transport  

To minimise transportation costs:  

• Use student travel discounts and passes whenever possible. 

• Walk or cycle for short trips to save money and stay active.

Setting up and managing utilities and internet services is important to settling into your new home in Australia. 

Utility costs (electricity, water, gas) 

The average monthly expenses in Australia for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas can range from AUD $35 to AUD $140 per week, depending on your usage and the size of your accommodation.   

Internet and mobile phone plans​     ​ 

​​​For the internet, you can expect to pay approximately AUD $60 to AUD $100 per month for a standard broadband plan. Mobile phone plans typically range from AUD $40 to AUD $80 per month, with prepaid options often being more affordable for budget-conscious students. 

Having adequate health insurance is a crucial requirement for international students studying in Australia.  

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)  

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for most international students in Australia. OSHC policies typically range in cost from ​​AUD $478 to $4,200 per year, and major providers include Medibank, Bupa, and Allianz. This cover generally includes benefits for doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and some prescription pharmaceuticals.  

Additional health-related expenses not covered by OSHC  

It's important to be aware that OSHC may not cover all healthcare needs. You may need to budget separately for:  

• Dental treatments: Costs can range from AUD $100 to $300 per visit. 

• Optometry: An eye test can cost between AUD $50 and $150. 

Tuition fees in Australia vary for international students depending on the university and the specific course or programme you choose.  

• Undergraduate: You can typically expect to pay between AUD $15,000 and $40,000 per year for an undergraduate degree. 

• Postgraduate: Postgraduate tuition fees generally range from AUD $20,000 to $50,000 per year, with professional degrees like medicine and law often falling at the higher end of the scale. 

Major Australian universities, such as the University of Sydney or the University of Melbourne, often have annual tuition fees ranging from approximately AUD $35,000 to $45,000.  

Additional fees  

In addition to tuition fees, you'll likely encounter some additional costs:  

• Student services and amenities fees: These fees, which cover student support services and facilities, typically range from AUD $300 to $1,000 annually. 

• Health insurance fees: As an international student, you'll be required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs approximately ​​AUD $478 to $4,200 per year. 

 Tips for managing tuition costs 

 Here are some strategies to help manage your tuition fees in Australia:  

• Scholarships: Explore merit-based scholarships or other financial aid options offered by universities. 

• Payment plans: Many institutions offer instalment plans, allowing you to pay your tuition expenses in smaller amounts throughout the year.

International students are generally permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term-time, and they can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The average hourly wage for students can range from AUD $18 to $25 per hour, depending on the specific job and industry. This provides a great opportunity to gain work experience, earn extra income to contribute to the cost of living, and immerse in Australian culture.  

Tips for balancing work and study  

To successfully manage both work and studies: 

• Prioritise studies but take advantage of the flexible working hours allowed to supplement your income. 

• Create a realistic schedule that allocates specific times for study, work, and rest to avoid burnout. 

• Communicate clearly with your employer about your study commitments and availability. 

• Seek support from your university's student services if you're struggling to balance your responsibilities. 

Studying in Australia offers an incredible opportunity for personal and academic growth, and careful financial planning is key to making the most of this international student experience.  

To help you thrive during your studies, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the typical costs involved, from accommodation and food to transportation and other living expenses. By using the budgeting and saving tips provided, you can ensure a comfortable and rewarding journey.  

IDP Singapore's expert counsellors are also here to guide you through this process and help you achieve your study goals in Australia.