As of 2025, the Australian government has updated the financial requirements for international students applying for visas. The minimum funds required to support oneself and any accompanying family members are:
Australia offers a relatively uniform cost of living across its states and territories, though slight variations exist between metropolitan and regional areas. If you’re coming from Europe or North America, you’ll likely find living expenses manageable, with many items and services reasonably priced compared to your home country. Accommodation and transport remain the largest expenses, though still more affordable than in some parts of the world, such as the UK or USA.
On the other hand, those from Southeast Asia may find Australia relatively more expensive, though the higher standard of living often balances this out.
International students can expect to spend approximately $370 per week on essentials, including:
For many international students, studying in Australia is their first experience living independently. While the cost of living can be manageable, budgeting is essential:
Part-Time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks. This can supplement your income but should not be relied upon as your sole means of financial support.
Savings or External Income: Ensure you have a financial safety net, such as savings, family support, or alternative income sources, to cover your expenses comfortably.
Compared to other countries like the UK or USA, Australia offers a significantly lower cost of living, including tuition expenses. For residents of Central Europe, the cost of living in Australia is often comparable, though rental and fuel costs may be cheaper. Australia also boasts a higher overall standard of living, making it an excellent choice for international students and professionals.
By planning carefully and managing your finances wisely, you can enjoy your time in Australia without unnecessary financial stress. With a welcoming environment and high standard of living, Australia remains one of the most desirable destinations for international students and visitors.
Australia offers incredible travel experiences for adventurous individuals and families, with costs varying depending on your preferences and destinations. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget:
Australia offers a variety of low-cost options to keep families and adventurous travelers entertained:
For those craving adventure, $100 per day per person is achievable by:
Living and traveling in Australia isn’t excessively expensive, but proper budgeting is key. Plan your expenses carefully, opt for cost-effective choices, and stick to your budget to ensure a financially stress-free and memorable adventure in Australia.
If you choose to live on campus, how much will that cost? If you want to go off campus, live off campus? If you want a dorm room with a partner or a solo apartment and where do you want it located? All these questions should be considered when you’re trying figure out your budget before hand.
Remember that cost varies from state to state so you might want to look into prices such as public transportation, mobile phone plans, electricity, gas, water, telephone, food, text books and anything you believe you might want to invest in.
Below is a guide to estimate how much you might generally pay for items in Australia from the student guide of the Australian goverment.
Prices listed in Australian dollars.
For bigger items, such as televisions, computers just shop around; you can always find sales and good deals.
If you feel that you have been unfairly charged for an item or service, then you can get in contact with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The cost of goods and services are monitored by the ACCC. Prices of items and services vary from store to store, and it is a good idea that you shop around before you buy.
The best way to avoid falling into financial stress is coming up with a budget and following it. Here’s a list from the Australian government study guide to help:
You will need to open a bank account when you arrive in Australia, it is recommended to open it immediately that way any money you do have can be deposit and when you begin working you can talk about the option of direct depositing.
There are a dozens of banks you can choose from, all slightly with different fee and interest rate structures but all offering the same services. You can visit www.infochoice.com.au for more information.
Normal working hours are from 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday thru Thursdays and 9:30am to 5:00pm on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings and on Sunday and public holidays remain closed. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) work 24 hours a day. Most stores and supermarkets also have Electronic Funds Transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminals where you can pay for goods directly from your bank account and make cash withdrawals.
At the bank you are required to show your documentation, ID, passport, birth certificate and something that has your current address (such as a copy of your tenancy agreement).
As an international student you will need to show your student visa. If you are under 18 years of age you also might need to show not only a school photo ID but a letter from your school principal too.
When opening your account, advise your bank of your Tax File Number, It will help you avoid higher tax rates on the interest you earn.
Credit cards
The most common cards are Master Card, Visa, Bankcard, American Express and their affiliates. It is not necessary to carry large amounts of cash with you.
Transferring funds
You can transfer money by bank drafts or checks and telegraphic transfer. Bank located overseas takes a couple of days to arrive and can be up to 10 business days to clear in an Australian Bank. Telegraphic transfers clears in a shorter amount of time but are more expensive, while checks take about five business day to clear.
Australia offers various affordable options for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment, ensuring international students can balance their budgets while enjoying their time in the country.
Australia offers a variety of accommodation styles, with Homestay often being the most affordable and culturally enriching option for international students.
Australia’s cities and towns provide world-class shopping and dining options.
Australia has reliable public transport systems, and students can take advantage of concession rates for significant savings.
Australia offers a variety of low-cost or free entertainment options:
By exploring these options and taking advantage of student discounts, you can enjoy an affordable and enriching experience while studying in Australia. Let the combination of savings and cultural immersion make your time unforgettable!
There are strict laws in Australia, a few have already been mentioned. You must be over 18 to purchase alcohol and cigarettes, photo identification will be required such as drivers license, passport, proof of identification. Weapons and drugs are illegal big penalties to apply. Violence and harassment is not tolerated in Australia, neither is acts of sexism and sexual assault. Huge penalties apply. If planning to drive in Australia be sure to know the road rules, speed limit and do not drive if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
Tipping is not customary in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Tipping will be up to you and your choice if you prefer to or not. You can tip food and drink waiters up to 10% of the bill for good service. And taxi drivers do not and are not required to be tipped.
Shopping centres in Australia are open most days of the week, it will depend on how close to the city you are living. The major supermarket chains are open 6 days a week Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursdays are late night shopping, shops are open until 9:00pm. Saturdays shops are open usually from either 9:00am to 12:00pm or for the bigger shops from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
There are bank branches located in all suburban areas, they are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with some open until 5:00pm on Fridays. Bigger branches open to the public on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
ATMs or Automatic Teller Machines are available at all branches and shopping centres. They are available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
Australia Post runs the postal service in Australia, mail is picked up and delivered Monday to Friday. Australia Post outlets are available at most shopping centres and are open from Monday to Saturday. Monday to Friday they are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, on Saturdays they are only open until 12:00pm.
Here customers can buy stationary, office supplies, stamps and post parcels, letters. They can also pay certain bills here.
There are many telecommunications providers in Australia, most people are now purchasing mobile phones on a plan rather the using a land line all the time. For international uses though, it will be best to shop around to find the right deal for you. This will most likely be a joint mobile, phone and internet plan. Dial up, ADSL and wireless internet are all available in Australia.
There are many phone shops in shopping centres, where mobile phones can be purchased. However most of the shopping around for plans and phones can now be done over the phone or online.
There are libraries available at all educational institutes and within close location to shires and council houses. Contact the local council in your area to find one closest to you.
Here customers can borrow books, CDs and DVDs. There is only the first membership fee to pay. This is a very cost effective way to read books, it will also help with study.
Currently Australian television is digital TV, to use this watchers need to use a digital ready TV and box to watch additional channels free of charge. At the moment there are quite a few free to air channels available. For cable television, consumers will need to sign up with either Foxtel or Austar this is usually quite costly.
Foreign, local and community papers are all available in Australia these can either be delivered to your house at an extra charge or can be brought at the local supermarket or newsagency. To find all your local papers and where they can be brought from visit www.newpapers.com.au.
Moving to a foreign country is a very daunting experience, to make this transitions easier many international students will attend a Multicultural Community Group. These groups have people in similar situations all attend. This may help students feel a little more at home.
Australia is a very accepting country with even more friendly people, students will find that they will easily meet new friends at there educational institute. Here there will be frequent social events listed, and people will be more then happy to help you settle in. Most Australian Universities are now filled with international students, so don’t fear being the odd one out there will be many students in the same situation.
As with any country, be positive and polite. If you need directions or assistance be polite and ask for it there will always be someone there to provide help. Australia prides itself on its equality. No one is judged on race, gender, sexuality or religion, be accepting of others and others will accept you.
Dress appropriately for the situation, most Australians dress fairly casually. If attending a job interview, formal function or restaurant it would be more appropriate to wear something formal.
Littering is illegal in Australia, as is smoking in public places. Spitting in public is also seen as dirty and is an offence.
You may have a feeling of frustration when first moving to Australia this is known as culture shock. Feelings such as this should pass once the student has settled in, if it stays with you seek counselling, services are available for international students at all educational institutes.
