Student Accommodation

June 28, 2008

Study in Australia Living Costs

Living costs to study in Australia are based on the average expenditure by actual international students surveyed, but they will ultimately depend on the students’ own lifestyles. Students who study in Australia have the option of a number of types of accommodation, and can choose to live with other students or by themselves. Most international students prepare or buy their own meals however some on campus university accommodation offers cooked meals as well as accommodation.

accommodation in australia

UniLodge Student Accommodation - Central and convenient locations with public transport, shops and cafes at your doorstep.

On Campus

On campus accommodation can include cooked meals and accommodation, or just accommodation and facilities for students to prepare their own meals. Typically on campus accommodation includes a private bedroom with shared bathroom facilities in student residences. The cost of on campus accommodation can be anywhere from A$85 a week without meals to A$285 a week or higher with meals.

Off Campus

Share accommodation usually involves the payment of bond (commonly 2 or 4 weeks rent), which is refundable if the room is left in good condition. Telephone, gas and electricity are additional costs shared between the tenants. Prices can vary between A$50 and A$180 per week depending on size, location and facilities. Notice boards and newspapers (online or print) are generally the most common places to find share accommodation.

gold coast australia

Rental Accommodation

Rental properties involve signing of a lease contract and paying a 4 week government held bond, which is refundable if the dwelling is left in good condition. Lease contracts are typically 12 months or six months in length. Single room units can be as cheap as $60 per week depending on the city and size. Multi room units and houses can be anything from $150 - $600 or more per week depending on the size location and city.
Note: Larger Australian cities are more expensive for accommodation. Sydney is the most expensive. Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth are all relatively moderate in price. Adelaide, Darwin, Perth and Hobart are all cheaper.

Credit: Tourism Australia Copyright

Homestay Accommodation

Homestay accommodation is popular among English language students and involves living with an Australian family in a shared or private room. Homestay accommodation is often arranged by the educational institution or privately by the student. Homestay can cost anywhere between A$135 and A$240 per week inclusive of most meals.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

Bedget hotels and guesthouses typically involve accommodation in a dormitory or a private room excluding meals and are common among language or short course students and backpackers. Costs vary between A$15 to A$45 per day. Cheaper for weekly rates. Electricity and gas are usually included.


Australia Offers Overseas Students Better Accommodation whilst Studying in the Country

Australia is one of the leading destinations for overseas students wanting to study abroad. Every year, the number of foreign students studying in Australia is increasing due to the superior quality of education, life and work opportunities available in the country. The most popular factor which draws foreign students to study abroad in Australia is the comparatively low cost of living and tuition costs compared with other countries such as USA and UK.

Another major factor that attracted overseas students to study in Australia is the accommodation opportunity that is offered by the Australian Government to foreign students during their stay in Australia. The Australian Government has warmly welcomed and encouraged overseas students to invest on Australian second hand houses within the vicinity of the student