Course & Living Expenses

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on part-time basis during semester and full-time in the holidays, which have proved to be of immense help to international students in earning their livelihoods.

Study Expenses

Tuition fees may amount to anywhere between Aus$ (Australian dollars) 8,000 - 30,000 per year, while the living expenses amount to approximately Aus$ 12,000 per year. The fees vary depending upon the institution and programme.

Tuition fees

International students are charged up-front tuition fees in Australia. These fees are very affordable and are consistently less expensive than the UK or USA.
 

Some Institutions make an additional charge to cover other student costs. These may include student organization membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. You may also have to pay a specific charge for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material for some courses.

These costs will vary depending on the course or institution therefore average costs are provided below and should only be used as a guide. All school tuition fees are exempt from Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Institutions will advise you how to pay and when to pay your tuition fees.

University Foundation Studies:
$A9000–$A14, 000 a year
Such as university entrance, preparatory and bridging courses

Undergraduate:

Bachelor Degree $A10, 000– $A13, 500 a year
Such as courses in arts, business, economics and law

Laboratory-based Bachelor Degree $A11, 000– $A16, 500 a year
Such as science and engineering courses

Postgraduate:

Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas $A9000– $A16, 000 a year
Masters, Doctoral Degree $A11, 000–$A18, 500 a year

Vocational education and training

Certificates I - IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma $A5500–$A18, 000 a year

Living costs

The cost of living in Australia is comparable to the US. Living expenses cover aspects such as accommodation, food, transportation, textbooks and entertainment.

The cost of living in Australia varies according to the location of your host university, the style of accommodation you choose and your lifestyle. Where you choose to study and how you choose to live in Australia will affect your costs.

Not surprisingly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that households in capital cities spend considerably more on housing, food, clothing and recreation than those in regional areas.

Living expenses vary depending upon the city. While living expenses range from A$ 10,000 to A$ 15,000 per annum, depending on individual lifestyle. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs advises students to have $A15,000 per year. For example, living in a regional area or outer suburbs is usually cheaper than in main city centers, and running a car is more costly than using public transport.

The average international student in Australia spends about $300 per week on food, accommodation, clothing, local transport, telephone, gas/electricity, stationery, and entertainment, although this varies significantly by location and lifestyle.

Accommodation Options

There are a number of accommodation options available for students studying in Australia. Most universities and TAFE colleges operate housing services offices to assist students with accommodation.

Home stay (living with an Australian family) is popular with younger students and those studying short-term courses. Meals are usually included.

Many universities and colleges have halls of residence attached to them. Here, students have a bedroom/study of their own, and will share bathrooms, laundries and recreational facilities. Most of these residential halls provide meals, and some offer kitchen facilities where students can cook and store food.

Students can also rent an apartment or house. Rents vary depending on the location, size and facilities. Many students in Australia live in an apartment or a house with other students, sharing the cost of gas, electricity and sometimes food.

 

• Login or register to post comments
• Email this page
• Printer-friendly version