Plan your stay in Australia and read our Pre-departure Guide to find out important information about your stay in the country, including working out your weekly budget.

Pre-departure Guide

Plan your budget

The cost of living for a single international student varies based on location and lifestyle and can fluctuate from year to year. It includes rent, food, transport and other essentials but excludes tuition fees, textbooks, car maintenance costs, or social activities.

Use this cost-of-living calculator to help plan your budget

For the latest requirements on demonstrating sufficient funds for your student visa application, visit Subclass 500 Student visa.

If you are bringing your family, you will need to budget for additional living costs.

Understand your expenses

In addition to your ongoing expenses, it's important to plan your initial set-up budget upon arrival in Australia for the following essentials:

  • temporary accommodation for the initial two weeks
  • rent in advance
  • a rental bond (typically equivalent to one month's rent, refundable upon departure)
  • utility connection charges
  • household items such as furniture, bedding, and kitchenware

If you are bringing your family and/or children to Australia this may add additional costs to your budget. You may need to factor in costs such as daycare fees, school fees, and school uniforms.

The table below outlines the funds you need to show to meet the minimum financial capacity requirements of the Department of Home Affairs:

Primary applicant AUD 29,710
Spouse or de facto partner of the Student primary applicant (not applicable to Student Guardian applicant) AUD 10,394
Dependent child*
* You may also need to consider costs like daycare, school fees, and uniforms, which vary by provider		 AUD 4,449

Tips for saving money

There are many ways to save money on living costs. For example:

  • Use your student concession card wherever it is accepted to save money, such as in on-campus shops or local cinemas.
  • Shop at fresh food markets rather than supermarkets for fruit, vegetables and meat. Buy fruit and vegetables in season and compare prices.
  • Shop at discount pharmacies for medications and supermarkets for over-the-counter products like moisturiser, shampoo, and toothpaste.
  • Consider buying second-hand furniture to furnish your apartment.
  • Shop around and compare prices before purchasing clothing, furniture, and electronics.
  • Use a budget-planning tool to manage your money.

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