Cost of studying and living in Australia

For many international students, studying and living in Australia is an experience in itself, with all the glorious natural sights, beaches and buzzing, inclusive cities. The country is also one of the most popular destinations for international students, home to multiple reputable universities and state of the art research facilities.

However, given that you’d probably need to budget for your living expenses if you choose to pursue your dreams there, it’s always useful to find out the cost of living.

In terms of course fees, costs vary for Science and Arts degrees but studying in an Australian university will cost around PHP1.2 million per year on average. Use IDP’s course search tool to find out the cost of your preferred course in Australia.

The Cost of Living in Australia

The Australia cost of living varies greatly. If you want to stay in a bustling metropolis such as Sydney, that’s going to cost more than staying in the outskirts regions, of course. But in general, you’ll need to budget around PHP70,000 a month, including rent. If you are attracted to the thriving gastronomy and arts scene in Melbourne or the outdoor lifestyle in Sydney, do take note that these are also the most expensive cities in Australia.

Whether you are heading to Australia for university or work, you'll need to prepare for four primary areas of cost - Accommodation, Transportation, Food & Dining, Healthcare & Fitness.

#1: Accommodation

If you are going to be staying in Australia, you'll probably start by renting a place to stay. On a budget? Pick a place that isn't in the city center, as that's going to cost a bomb. You may refer to this guide by expatistan.com to give you an idea about the monthly rents in Australia:

• For 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area: A$2,575

• For 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area: A$2,065

• For a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in EXPENSIVE area: A$1,947

• For a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in NORMAL area: A$1,407

You can consider going for homestay or living in your campus residences. IDP can help you look for the best accommodation based on your preferences. Click here to know more about our Accommodation services.

#2: Transportation

In most cities, you can get a monthly transport card that gives you access to unlimited rides on trains, buses and trams (and even ferries, if that's an option in the city). This will cost you PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 depending on the city you’re in. The prices of monthly transport passes are rather steep, but it’s worth it considering an 8km bus ride in Sydney costs at least PHP200.

If you prefer the convenience of driving, economy cars in Australia are competitively priced. The price of gas varies between cities. On average, it will cost you around PHP200 per gallon.

#3: Food & Dining

For all of you cooking enthusiasts out there, there are many supermarkets such as Woolworths, Coles and Costco where you can get all your ingredients.

Feel like living it up a bit? You can get dinner for two in a pub for around PHP2,000.

More of the ‘stay home and chill’ type? There’s always UberEats (hooray!). Their delivery fee is anything between PHP150 and PHP300, but you have the choice of almost everything without even leaving your place.

And most importantly, you can get your perfect cup of coffee for around PHP150 whether it’s a flat white or chai latte.

#4: Healthcare & Fitness

If you are an international student studying in Australia, make sure to get your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in Australia. It’ll cover your consultations and certain prescriptions. Getting health insurance is mandatory to maintain your student visa, so don’t forget to do so!

IDP is partners with all healthcare insurance providers in Australia. We’ll be able to help you buy insurance before you leave the Philippines. Know more about Overseas Students Health Cover here.

Looking to keep fit consistently? A gym membership costs about PHP2,300. The outdoors and weather in Australia are great, which is why outdoor gym classes are so popular. Getting your workouts done surrounded by fresh air and nature is the way to go Down Under.

Plan and Prepare for a Fulfilling Experience

Before you leave the Philippines, it’s important to do some budgeting so you can have a hassle-free study experience in Australia.

Want to work part-time while studying? The minimum hourly rate is around PHP650 per hour and you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight. If you earn less than A$18,200 a year, you’ll be eligible for a complete tax rebate.

Your IDP Counselor can help you prepare for the life abroad. Book an appointment now to get free consultation by filling out the form on this page.

Knowing the cost of living is vital when preparing to study abroad. Use our cost of living calculator to estimate how much you will need to cover all your expenses as an international student. Go to IDP's Cost of Living Calculator.