Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students: Guide 2024

Written by

Darakasha Singh

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students: Guide 2024- TerraTern

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The cost of living in Australia for Indian students highly depends upon factors such as geographical location, personal lifestyle choices, type of accommodation, and university tuition fees. The cost of living in Australia for Indian freshers is generally higher in bigger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. On the other hand, the cost of living in Australia for Indian freshers is moderately cheaper in cities such as Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Students can manage their cost of living and expenses by carefully budgeting their expenses. Australia is renowned for its high quality of education, which attracts students from all over the globe. So, students must learn to balance and budget their expenses so they can study in Australia without any financial issues. This can enhance the learning experience of students in Australia. 

Average Monthly Expenses for Indian Students in Australia

The cost of living in Australia for Indian students depends on tuition fees and living expenses. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Australia for Indian students. 

1. Accommodation Costs

The rent of living might differ depending upon the location and city. The average rent for shared flats in Australia falls between AUD 200- AUD 400 per week. On the other hand, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can cost around AUD 300 - AUD 600 per week.

Including other essential needs such as water, electricity, gas, and internet bills, the cost can go up to around AUD 100- AUD 200 per month. These costs might vary depending on usage as well as location.

Overall, the average cost of living in Australia for Indian students on accommodation can cost approximately AUD 800- AUD 1600 per month. 

2. Food and Grocery Expenses

The budget for food depends on personal eating habits and choices as well as dietary preferences. On average, a person could spend around AUD 80- AUD 150 on groceries per week. Dining out can cost around AUD 15- AUD 30 per meal at an average restaurant. 

Overall, the average food cost can be roughly around AUD 320- AUD 600 per month.

3. Transportation Costs

The most common mode of transportation in Australia is the bus. Many buses have special discounts on bus fares for students. Monthly bus passes in Australia can range between AUD 50- and AUD 150, depending on the location.

Another common mode of transportation for students is bicycles. It's a one-time expense for students who know how to ride. The average cost of getting a bicycle in Australia is around AUD 100- AUD 300. This can reduce the cost of living in Australia for Indian freshers.

4. Entertainment and Miscellaneous Expenses

Other costs of living in Australia for Indian candidates that add up to the cost of expenses are entertainment and other expenses. Students might have to spend money on movies, outings, medicines and personal stuff. This can all cost up to around AUD 100- AUD 300. Typically, the cost of living in Australia for Indian students can be around AUD 1,800- AUD 3,000 per month.

Average Monthly Expenses for Indian Students in Australia

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students 2024

Cost of Living in Australia Per Month for Indian Students City-Wise

Here is a table of the top 15 cities showing the latest cost of living in Australia per month for students:

City Name

Cost Per Month (AUD) 

Cost Per Month (INR)

Sydney

4300

221450

Melbourne

4200

216300

Brisbane

3200

164800

Perth

3000

154500

Adelaide

2300

118450

Gold Coast

2200

113300

Canberra

3800

195700

Darwin

2900

149350

Hobart

2500

128750

Wollongong

2700

139050

Newcastle

2600

133900

Geelong

2400

123600

Cairns

2800

144200

Townsville

2500

128750

Ballarat

2300

118450

This table is based on the following information and calculations:

  1. The costs include typical student expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, and other living costs.

  2. The exchange rate used is 1 AUD = 56.78 INR, based on the current exchange rate provided in the search results.

  3. These figures represent average monthly costs and can vary based on individual lifestyle choices and specific circumstances.

  4. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities, while Adelaide and Hobart are generally more affordable.

  5. The costs are rounded to the nearest hundred AUD for simplicity and to account for minor fluctuations.

It's important to note that these are average estimates, and actual costs can vary depending on accommodation choices, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Students should also consider additional costs such as health insurance, textbooks, and entertainment when budgeting for their stay in Australia.

Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

The major cost of living in Australia for Indian students includes the tuition fees of universities. Here’s a brief outline of the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students:

Top Universities

Courses Offered

Tuition Fees per semester (AUD)

Tuition Fees per semester (INR)

University of Melbourne

Commerce, Engineering, Science, Arts, Medicine

AUD 15,000 - 20,000

INR 8,40,643 - 11,20,858

Australian National University 

International Relations, Engineering, Business, Arts, Science

AUD 15,000 - 20,000

INR 8,40,643 - 11,20,858

University of Sydney

Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, Arts

AUD 16,000 - 21,000

INR 8,96,686 - 11,76,901

University of Queensland

Business, Engineering, Science, Arts, Medicine

AUD 14,000 - 19,000

INR 7,84,600 - 10,64,815

University of New South Wales

Business, Engineering, Science, Arts, Law

AUD 16,000 - 22,000

INR 8,96,686 - 12,32,944

Monash University

Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Arts

AUD 15,000 - 20,000

INR 8,40,643 - 11,20,858

University of Western Australia

Engineering, Science, Arts, Business, Medicine

AUD 14,000 - 18,000

INR 7,84,600 - 10,08,772

University of Technology Sydney

Information Technology, Architecture, Business, Pharmacy

AUD 14,000 - 19,000

INR 7,84,600 - 10,64,815



Macquarie University

Marine Science, International Relations, Data Science

AUD 13,000 - 17,000

INR 7,28,557 - 9,52,729

University of Adelaide

Engineering, Business, Science, Arts, Medicine

AUD 13,000 - 18,000

INR 7,28,557 - 10,08,772

Note: The tuition fees can differ slightly based on the specific course and program.

 

Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students

Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students- TerraTern

Here are a few tips to reduce the cost of living in Australia for Indian students: 

1. Sharing Housing

Consider sharing a flat with someone to reduce living expenses on accommodation. Sharing the flat can split the costs and reduce the burden of expenses. One can also opt to stay with a local family who put up a room for rental purposes. The rent for them is generally cheaper, which can decrease the cost of living in Australia for Indian freshers.

2. Managing Utilities

Be mindful about using energy sources such as water, gas and electricity. These utilities can highly affect the cost of living. Use the resources in limit to keep the bills in control. Also, for internet connection, compare the internet plans of different providers. Select the best and cheapest deal among them according to need.

3. Food Budgeting

Manage the budget for food as it can create a huge difference in the cost of living for Indian students in Australia. Try to cook at home to avoid dining bills outside. Groceries are cheaper than eating outside at restaurants. Even grocery shopping, buying items at discounts, and selling them to save money.

4. Public Transport

Use public transport modes such as buses to avoid high rates of cabs. Travel passes by bus are much more affordable and cheaper than any other mode of transportation. Students can also opt to buy a bicycle, which is a one-time investment and a cheaper mode of travel. 

Also  Read: Freshers Job in Australia for Indian- Latest Guide 2024

5. Study Materials

Buy second-hand books to avoid expenses on new books. This can save students money as new books are priced very high as compared to the old ones. Also, consider using library resources for extra reading materials rather than buying them. 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of living in Australia for Indian freshers can vary based on their way of budgeting and handling money. With efficient methods, students can easily save a lot of money on the cost of living in Australia for Indians. Students can take advantage of the extra benefits they provide by showing their student’s pass. They can get extra discounts and offers at many places, including malls, transport, and shopping by their student pass. Apart from that, keeping a regular check on finances can help the students to manage their money properly. 

For further details, contact TerraTern to help with the process of obtaining an Australian student visa. They can help you to kickstart your student journey in Australia with ease!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost for an Indian student to live in Australia?

On average, Indian students need between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 per month to cover living expenses.

What are the cheapest cities to live in Australia for students?

Cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart are generally more affordable compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

Can Indian students work part-time in Australia?

Yes, Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.

How can I reduce my cost of living in Australia?

Opt for shared accommodation, cook at home, use public transport, and take advantage of student discounts.

What is the cost of health insurance for Indian students in Australia?

Health insurance costs start from AUD 30 per month, depending on the coverage plan.