Cost of Living in Australia for 2025-26

The cost of living in Australia for an international student is AU$29,710 (₹17.54 L) for the first year’s living expenses (Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs). This breaks down to a monthly budget of around AU$2,475 (₹1.46 L), which will cover your accommodation, food, and transport. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne will be more expensive. While monthly living expenses in Australia for international students are high, the country often presents a better overall value than countries like the USA, where university tuition fees can be significantly higher. 

The living expenses in Australia are high, and budget planning can be challenging for Indian students. This guide will walk you through every expense in detail, giving you a clear financial roadmap for your educational journey in Australia.

Latest Updates for Students (As of 2025)

The rules for studying in Australia have seen significant changes recently. Here’s what you need to know:

• Increased Financial Requirement: To ensure students are well-supported, the minimum savings required for a student visa has been raised. You must now show proof of AU$29,710 (INR 17.5L) for annual living costs in Australia for international students.
• New Visa Rules & English Scores: As of March 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Alongside this, English language minimums have increased; for example, the IELTS score for a student visa is now 6.0 bands (up from 5.5), and for a Temporary Graduate visa, it is 6.5 bands (up from 6.0).
• Post-Study Work Rights for Indian Students: Under the Australia-India ECTA, Indian graduates can access extended post-study work visas: up to two years for Bachelor’s degrees, three for Master’s, and four for PhDs.
• Continued Popularity: Australia remains a top global destination. As of early 2024, the country was home to over 713,000 international students, demonstrating its continued appeal (Australian Dept. of Education).

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Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students (2026 Overview)

You will need to prove to the Australian Government that you have AU$29,710 (₹17.53L) for your first year's living expenses. However, the actual monthly spending will be based on your lifestyle choices, along with the city you’re living in. Food, accommodation, tuition fees (for students), and other personal expenses will come under the total living expenses in Australia for Indian Students. 

The following table provides a realistic monthly budget range for a single student to help you plan accurately. A smart budget plan will help you manage your expenses efficiently.

Accommodation

This will be your largest and most variable expense. The range reflects the significant difference between living in a more affordable city like Adelaide versus a more expensive one like Sydney. Shared rental apartments are the most common student option.

1. Shared Rentals

• Cost: AU$85–215 per week per person
• Description: Sharing a house or apartment is the most common student choice. Affordable in cities like Adelaide, more expensive in Sydney.
• Example: A 2-bedroom flat in Brisbane: AUD 280/week per person; 3-bedroom: AUD 225/week per person.
• Pros: Cost-effective, social environment.
• Cons: Less privacy.

2. On-Campus Accommodation

• Cost: AUD 90–280 per week
• Description: University-managed housing provides convenience and a built-in community.
• Example: University of Newcastle: AU$249–478/week depending on room type.
• Pros: Close to classes, utilities sometimes included.
• Cons: Limited availability, often higher cost.

3. Private Rentals

• Cost: AU$185–440 per week (1-bedroom)
• Description: Renting privately offers independence but is more expensive, especially in Sydney or Melbourne.
• Pros: Privacy, flexibility.
• Cons: Higher cost, utilities may be extra.

4. Homestays

• Cost: AU$235–325 per week
• Description: Living with a local family provides cultural immersion and often includes meals/utilities.
• Pros: Supportive environment, all-inclusive.
• Cons: Less independence.

5. Hostels & Guesthouses

• Cost: AU$90–150 per week
• Description: Suitable for short-term stays, basic amenities, often near universities.
• Pros: Affordable, flexible.
• Cons: Limited privacy, temporary solution.

6. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

• Cost: AU$150–600 per week
• Description: Modern student housing with amenities like Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and communal areas.
• Pros: Facilities-focused, secure environment.
• Cons: Higher cost depending on location and amenities.

Transportation

A student will have to pay for transportation daily to the university and for part-time. So it’s essential to choose the transportation type and plan the budget accordingly. Public transportation is ideal and budget-friendly.

• Average Cost: AU$30–70 per week
• Public Transport: Most affordable and widely used. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have excellent transport networks.
• Student Discounts: Many states offer 40–50% discounts on student travel cards (e.g., Opal card in Sydney, Myki card in Melbourne).
• Other Options:
  • Bicycles: Popular in student-friendly cities like Adelaide or Canberra (low cost after initial purchase).
  • Car/Taxi/Rideshare: More expensive; generally used only occasionally.

Food & Groceries

This budget is for students who primarily cook their own meals. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi can help keep you on the lower end of this range. Food expenses vary depending on whether you cook at home, eat out, or a mix of both.

• Average Cost: AU$80–200 per week
• Cooking at Home: Cheapest option; shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles helps reduce costs.
• Eating Out: Dining at restaurants or ordering food can cost AUD 15–25 per meal.
• Meal Plan Options: Some universities offer on-campus meal plans, but these are usually pricier than cooking.

Healthcare (OSHC)

You are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire visa duration. While it's usually paid as an annual lump sum, the figure above shows its average monthly cost.

• Average Cost: AU$45–55 per month (AU$550–650 annually)
• What It Covers: Doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and some medicines.
• Providers: Popular OSHC providers include Medibank, Bupa, NIB, and Allianz Care.

Personal Expenses: The weather can be extreme for Indians, so personal care expenses, including warm clothes, skincare, and personal care items, should be considered. 

• Average Cost: AU$150–250 per month
• Clothing: You may need warm clothes if you’re from India, especially for colder cities like Melbourne or Canberra.
• Personal Care: Skincare, toiletries, and self-care items add up monthly.
• Leisure & Entertainment: Going out with friends, streaming subscriptions, or traveling within Australia.

The key takeaway is that your choice of housing and city will have the biggest impact on your budget. While the Australian government requires proof of funds at AU$24,505 per year (AU$2,042 per month), this figure is best seen as the minimum needed to survive.

In reality, Indian students often spend AU$2,500-3,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. For example, living in Sydney or Melbourne typically pushes costs toward the higher end due to expensive rent and transport, whereas students in Adelaide, Canberra, or Brisbane can manage comfortably on lower budgets. Another factor is that lifestyle cooking at home, sharing accommodation, and using public transport can keep monthly costs down, while eating out frequently or renting privately in city centres will increase expenses.

Cost of Studying in Australia for International Students

Your tuition fee will be your largest single expense. The cost of studying in Australia is often more affordable than in other popular destinations like the US and the UK, especially for Master's programs. The exact fee depends on the university and the course you choose.

The table below shows the typical annual fee ranges. All figures are based on the latest data from official government sources.

(Source: Study Australia - Official Government Website)

University-Wise Tuition Fees in Australia (2025)

It's important to check the specialisation. Courses like medicine will cost much more than a general arts or business degree, often exceeding AU$70,000 (₹41.3L) per year. For a more affordable pathway, many students consider Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, where annual fees typically range from AU$4,000 to AU$22,000. You should have a structured plan for where and how you should spend your money.

Cost of Living in Australia: City-wise List

Your choice of city is the single biggest factor that will determine your cost of living in Australia, including accommodation, transportation, and other expenses. To help you make a decision, we've compiled a comparison table of Australia's most popular cities for international students. It includes their official QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking and a realistic monthly budget range for your understanding.

Popular Student Cities: Cost vs. Ranking

We highly recommend researching the specific accommodation and public transport costs in your target city to create a more precise budget.

Financial Requirements for Your Australian Student Visa (2026) 

Meeting the financial requirements for your Australian Student visa (subclass 500) is a critical step. You'll need to pay the non-refundable visa application charge, which is currently AU$710, and show official proof that you have enough funds to cover all your expenses for your first year.

Total Funds You Need to Show

You must prove you have access to a total amount covering these three components:

• Living Costs: A set amount of AU$29,710 for a single student.
• Tuition Fees: Your full first-year course fees as stated on your Letter of Offer.
• Travel Costs: Approximately AU$2,000 for a return airfare to India.

How to Show Your Funds

The Australian Government requires official evidence from approved sources. For Indian students, this typically includes:

• Bank statements showing a consistent history of funds.
• An official education loan sanction letter from an approved bank.
• Official scholarship letters.

Always prepare these documents well in advance and refer to the (official Department of Home Affairs website) for the most detailed requirements.

Tips to Save Living Costs in Australia?

The cost of living in foreign countries is a major concern for international students. It is important to find ways to cut down your daily expenses. While Australia can be an expensive country, making smart choices in your daily life can save you thousands of dollars each year. Your biggest savings will come from managing the accommodation, food, and transport. Below are simple, practical tips with realistic data to help you control your budget without sacrificing your experience.

These are some tips to help you save money while studying and living in Australia.

• Choose Shared & Suburban Housing: You can reduce rent by 20-30% by sharing and living in a suburb outside the city center. Not just rent but other food, electricity, and transportation expenses can also be shared.
• Use Public Transport: A weekly student pass is often under AU$50, saving you over AU$800/month compared to the total cost of owning a car or opting for private transport.
• Cook More Meals at Home: A home-cooked meal will help you save money than eating out regularly. Groceries also don’t come cheap. Make a plan and list while doing grocery shopping.
• Get a Part-Time Job: With a minimum wage of over AU$23/hour, working 15-20 hours a week can cover most of your basic weekly costs for food, transport, and utilities. Know more about part-time jobs in Australia.
• Leverage Student Discounts: Use free services like UNiDAYS (student discount section of Apple) to get 10-25% off at retailers and restaurants, saving you hundreds of dollars per year for gadgets and living expenses.
• Be Smart with Utilities: Simple habits like turning off lights and using cold water for laundry can cut A20−A30/month from your shared utility bills.
• Thrift: Thrifting is a good option for crockery, seasonal clothes, and other items like decorations. It is sustainable and budget-efficient.  
• Education: Opting for public universities instead of private universities will help you reduce your tuition fees. You can also opt for public libraries and free online learning resources. Find fully & partially funded scholarships available for your course or university to fund your expenses. You can buy used textbooks or go for rental services. 

Planning and smart budgeting are the keys. Managing our finances is crucial while studying in a foreign country. Create a budget for your monthly expenses. Try to review your expenses at the end of every month. This will help you identify where you are overspending and will help you fix it. This will eventually help you to achieve long-term financial stability.

Conclusion: Living Expenses in Australia for Students

Planning your move to Australia requires a significant financial commitment. You should expect around  AU$55,000 to AU$85,000 (₹32-50 Lakh) for your first year in Australia, including pre-arrival fees, tuition, and living expenses. While this is a substantial figure, the return on this investment is why millions of students choose Australia. The country offers a world-class education in a safe, multicultural environment. More importantly, the ROI comes from the opportunities after graduation. With generous Post-Study Work rights of 2-4 years and high graduate starting salaries, you have a clear pathway to gain international work experience and earn back your investment.

The high minimum wage also allows you to support yourself effectively with a part-time job during your studies. A clear budget is the key to turning your Australian dream into a reality. Ready to create a personalised financial plan for your journey? Speak to a LeapScholar expert counselor for free to get started.

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