The cost of living and studying in Australia
Your living expenses will depend on your lifestyle preferences. You can estimate how much you should budget using the information below.
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To get a better idea of what it will cost you to live in Australia, check out Study Australia’s Cost of Living Calculator.
There are financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia, and you may need to provide evidence you have enough money to cover the costs and expenses of your travel and your stay in Australia. Learn more from the Department of Home Affairs.
Living costs
The categories below will help you further understand the costs associated with living in Sydney.
One of the most important decisions to make is where to live. Your housing costs will vary according to the type of accommodation and location you want.
Visit Macquarie University Accommodation to learn more about the options we offer.
It’s also important to consider the cost of electricity, gas, and water. Some accommodation options include these expenses in the monthly rent.
| Macquarie University accommodation and private listings | Estimated weekly cost |
|---|---|
| Studio room | $375–$500 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $400–$450 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $350–$450 (per bedroom) |
| Student share house | $200–$300 (per bedroom) |
| Gas, electricity | $25–$40 |
If you want to have a phone at home, you will need to pay a monthly line rental fee. This fee can be shared between all the members of the house.
With mobile phones, it is recommended that you look for a plan or pre-paid card that best suits your needs. To call overseas, students usually find it much cheaper to use pre-paid cards available at most convenience stores and newsagents.
For internet options, choose a broadband plan that suits your needs. It is important to check if your broadband service is on a fixed plan to avoid going over data limits.
Estimated cost
- Mobile phone plan: average $50 per month
- Broadband internet: average $70 per month.
Wireless internet on campus
Macquarie University offers all students free, fast, unlimited internet access via wi-fi across the University campus.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a requirement of entry into Australia for all international students and accompanying dependents. This means that you and your family must have OSHC for the full duration of your stay in Australia.
Students can choose their health cover provider, but Macquarie University’s preferred provider is Medibank. Compare policy types and pricing.
The cost of food and groceries really depends on your dining and shopping preferences.
Budget around $100–$250 per week.
Car
If you want to get a car in Australia, you need to consider the cost of buying the car as well as the cost to maintain and run it. www.carsguide.com.au has detailed information available.
Public transport
The cost of public transport depends on how far away you live from Macquarie University and how often you use it. We recommend considering this cost when you decide where to live. See New South Wales transport for more information.
| Type of transport | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Car running costs – after purchase, including petrol, compulsory car insurance, registration and maintenance | $100–$200 per week |
| Public transport | Opal card daily travel cap is $16.80, weekly travel cap is $50 |
Your entertainment expenses will depend on your lifestyle preferences. See budget guide below.
| Type of entertainment | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Movies | $10–$25 depending on day, time and concession status |
| Take away food | $10–$20 |
| Lunch on campus or in a café | $10–$20 |
| Fast food | $10–$25 |
| Cup of coffee | Average $4.50 |
You need to consider that during your program you will make additional expenses including stationery, photocopies, purchase a computer, textbooks and course material.
Average cost for course-related expenses: $850 to $1000 annually.
Schooling costs
If you are bringing school aged children with you when you study in Australia, you will need to arrange for them to attend school. The requirements for enrolling students and school fees vary across schools.
For further information on public schools in New South Wales visit the NSW Department of Education International Students website.
Incidental expenses
You may occur other incidental expenses including, but not limited to, personal grooming and clothing costs, gifts, medical expenses and postal services.
Working while you study
Most employers expect applicants to be skilled and experienced in the workplace. Working while you study is an excellent way to build your employability skills, meet new people, contribute to your living expenses and gain life experience.
From 1 July 2023, the number of work hours allowed during study terms and semesters for international student visa holders will be capped at an increased amount of 48 hours per fortnight.
To assist you in finding part-time employment, Macquarie University offers a career and employment service to students.