How much does an international student need per month in Australia?

Most students budget about AUD 2,000 to 3,300 a month (roughly US$1,300 to 2,150), more in Sydney or a private studio. For the visa, the government sets a living-cost benchmark of AUD 29,710 a year, about AUD 2,476 a month. Tuition is on top of this and is paid separately.

How much is student rent in Australia?

A room in a shared house or flat, the most common student option, typically costs AUD 250 to 450 per week, rising to around AUD 300 to 550 in central Sydney. University residences and purpose-built student accommodation run AUD 250 to 600 a week, and a private studio AUD 450 to 750. Budget for a bond of about four weeks' rent upfront.

How much does it cost to study in Australia per year?

Budget for tuition plus living costs. Undergraduate tuition is typically AUD 30,000 to 60,000 a year, and living costs run about AUD 2,000 to 3,300 a month depending on the city. Add health cover of around AUD 500 to 700 a year. Sydney and Melbourne cost the most; regional cities cost the least.

Which Australian city is cheapest for students?

Regional cities are the most affordable, followed by Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, driven mainly by rent. Choosing a cheaper city, or a regional campus, can save thousands a year and, in the regional case, may also extend your post-study work visa.

Can I cover my costs by working part-time?

Only partly. Student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours in breaks, which helps with extras but will not cover tuition and rent. You must still show the required funds for your visa, and scholarships are the most reliable way to reduce total costs.

Cost of Living in Australia for Students 2026

How much does it cost to live in Australia?

Most students budget roughly AUD 2,000 to 3,300 per month (about US$1,300 to 2,150), more in Sydney or in a private studio. For the student visa, the government currently sets a living-cost benchmark of AUD 29,710 per year for a single student, which works out to about AUD 2,476 a month, a useful planning anchor. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities; Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and regional areas are more affordable.

Costs are higher than in Korea, Taiwan or China, but so are wages. Australia's national minimum wage is AUD 24.95 per hour (from July 2025), and casual roles typically pay more once the casual loading is added, often AUD 30 or more per hour.

Housing: your biggest cost

Rent drives most of the difference between a cheap and an expensive city. Typical weekly figures for students in 2026:

Room in a shared house or flat (most common): AUD 250 to 450 per week, rising to around AUD 300 to 550 in central Sydney
University residence or purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): AUD 250 to 600 per week, often bills-included
Private studio or one-bedroom: AUD 450 to 750 per week

University housing is limited and fills fast, so most students share a house or flat. Budget for upfront costs too: a rental bond (usually four weeks' rent) plus rent in advance, and some furniture and setup. Apply for on-campus housing as soon as you get your offer, since demand outstrips supply at the big Sydney and Melbourne universities.

Food: AUD 350 to 650 per month

Eating out adds up quickly, with brunch (avocado toast and a flat white) around AUD 15 to 25 and a casual restaurant meal AUD 20 to 30. Cooking at home keeps groceries to roughly AUD 80 to 150 per week. Budget supermarkets (Aldi, Coles, Woolworths) and shared-house cooking rotations are how most students keep this line down.

Transport: AUD 100 to 160 per month

Public transport is good in the big cities. Concessions vary by state and are an important detail: Victoria offers international students a discounted travel pass (around half price), while New South Wales generally excludes international students from concession fares, so check your state before assuming a discount. Melbourne also has a free tram zone in the city centre, and many students cycle or walk in compact inner-city areas.

Everything else

Health insurance (OSHC): mandatory for your whole visa, about AUD 500 to 700 per year for a single policy (roughly AUD 45 to 60 a month), paid upfront before your visa is granted
Phone and internet: AUD 40 to 90 a month (SIM plans AUD 15 to 40; home broadband AUD 60 to 90 split between housemates)
Activities and personal: AUD 150 to 350 a month (cinema AUD 15 to 20 with discounts; beaches and national parks are free)

A realistic monthly budget

Category	AUD per month	Approx. US$
Housing (room in a share house)	1,100 to 2,000	715 to 1,300
Food	350 to 650	230 to 425
Transport	100 to 160	65 to 105
Health insurance (OSHC)	45 to 60	30 to 40
Phone and internet	40 to 90	25 to 60
Activities and personal	150 to 350	100 to 230
Total	1,800 to 3,300	1,170 to 2,150

The low end assumes sharing in a more affordable city and cooking at home; the high end reflects Sydney or a private studio. Tuition is separate and typically runs AUD 30,000 to 60,000 per year for international students.

Sources: Australian Government student-visa financial benchmark (AUD 29,710/year); Fair Work national minimum wage (AUD 24.95/hour, July 2025); 2026 city rental and living-cost data. Figures are indicative and change; confirm current costs before you budget.

Explore study options in Australia or read our Australia country guide for tuition, visas and the path to work.

Cost of Living in Australia for Students