Finding Accommodation

The following types of accommodation are available for international students.

Home Stay:

This option is an opportunity for students to live in a private home, with a local family, couple or single person and learn about Australian life. You may need to compromise with living arrangements as you will need to fit in with the household’s routines and expectations. You will need to think about the things that are important to you. You may need to ask about how adaptable meal times are in relation to your studies and other commitments. You may also want to consider how the other people will feel about your friends visiting, your music and the hours that you keep. There are different types of home stay arrangements:

Cost: A$110.00 – A$270.00 per week

Full Board:

Usually includes a furnished room (bed, desk, lamp, wardrobe), three meals per day and bills (electricity, gas and water, but not telephone and internet). Some homestay providers may even do your laundry.

Cost: A$110.00 – A$270.00 per week

Half Board: Usually includes a furnished room (bed, desk, lamp, wardrobe) and bills (electricity, gas and water, but not telephone and internet). You can use the cooking and laundry facilities in the house.

Cost: A$ 70.00 – A$ 100.00 per week

Board in Exchange: Usually means free, or low cost, accommodation (including bills), in return for household duties such as cleaning, or childcare.

Cost: Free or low cost (below A$70.00)

Lease/Rent: Renting an apartment or house is done through a real estate agent. You must sign a contract called a “lease” to rent the house, either month-by-month, or sometimes a 6-month, 12-month or 2-year lease is required. The lease entitles you to private use of the property for the duration of the lease. The advantage of this is privacy and independence.

You must pay a bond (the equivalent of one month’s rent, to cover any damage you may do to the premises). You are responsible for paying all bills (except water and council rates), maintenance of the property and providing all your own furniture and household items.

If you choose a house or apartment in a popular area, there will be much competition. The real estate agent selects the tenants who they believe are the most stable and able to meet the requirements of the lease.

Cost (shared accommodation): A$100.00 – A$400.00 (unfurnished)

Useful internet sites for student housing are:

http://www.s-h-a.com.au

http://www.lestudent8.com

http://www.find-studentaccommodation.com

http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

http://homestaydirect.com.au

http://gumtree.com.au

http://flatmatefinders.com.au

http://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

http://studyinaustralia.gov.au

Useful rental accommodation websites are:

www.realestate.com.au

www.domain.com.au

www.realestateview.com.au

Cost of Living

Australia is a sophisticated, friendly country that enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars).

The costs below are an approximate guide only. Students should be aware that these costs can vary depending on your study location in Australia.

Accommodation

• Hostels and Guesthouses– $90 to $150 per week
• Shared Rental– $85 to $215 per week
• On campus– $90 to $280 per week
• Homestay– $235 to $325 per week
• Rental– $165 to $440 per week
• Boarding schools– $11,000 to $22,000 a year

Other living expenses

• Groceries and eating out– $80 to $280 per week
• Gas, electricity– $35 to $140 per week
• Phone and Internet– $20 to $55 per week
• Public transport– $15 to $55 per week
• Car (after purchase)– $150 to $260 per week
• Entertainment– $80 to $150 per week

Minimum cost of living

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. From 1st February 2018 the 12-month living cost is:

• You– $20,290
• Partner or spouse– $7,100
• Child– $3,040

All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com/

The Australian Government provides information and guidance on managing your finances. You can read more at www.moneysmart.gov.au

If you experience financial trouble while in Australia, talk institution’s student support staff for assistance.