Living in Australia
Experience life in one of the most popular student destinations in the world – Australia.
Discover Australia as an ALG student
Australia is a popular study destination for international students and it’s easy to see why. Australia’s respected education system is well known for its quality, safety, friendliness, and diversity. As an international student in Australia, you will improve your English language skills, boost your career opportunities and enjoy the excitement of living in a new country.
Australia’s appeal is wide-ranging – from our pristine beaches, picturesque hikes, to the wild outback. Consistently ranking among the top five countries in the world for quality of life, education, healthcare, transport, and infrastructure, it’s no surprise that Australia attracts students worldwide. With so many affordable activities, including coastal walks, mountain hikes, art gallery visits, multicultural festivals, and beach surfing – there’s truly something for everyone!
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Transport
Understanding the average living expenses in Australia is an essential part of your financial planning when you are preparing to study in Australia. Here are some estimated expenses you may need to consider:
- Rent: $185 to $440 per week
- Groceries and Eating Out: $140 to $280 per week
- Gas and Electricity: $10 to $20 per week
- Phone and Internet: $15 to $30 per week
- Public Transport: $30 to $60 per week
The Cost of Living Calculator is a great tool for managing your budget in Australia. It allows you to compare expenses for accommodation, transport, entertainment and much more.
Study Costs
Before you move to Australia think about your study and living costs for the duration of your course. Upon application, your course fees will be outlined in your Letter of Offer. Please note that course fees may vary for different courses and may be subject to change each year. For other additional costs relating to your studies at ALG, please refer to the additional fees table.
Accommodation is a significant expense and there are several factors to consider. We recommend selecting a place to live that is convenient for you to get to your campus. Consider options such as shared apartments or finding a roommate, particularly where utility costs are included in the rent. For more details about accommodation options, click the link below.
Australia offers various transport options within the city centres of each state. Public transport costs usually range from $30-$60 per week, depending on the service and how often it is used.
For a detailed breakdown of transport options in different cities, the Transport: Getting Around Your City page can be helpful. For details on transport and parking around ALG campuses, refer to our Campus Locations Page.
Visit the Insider Guides page, Transport: Getting Around Your City, to see a full breakdown of transport options in each city.
Obtaining a Student Visa
To study in Australia as an international student, you must have a valid student visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. To qualify for a student visa, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Have an acceptance letter from an educational institution in Australia, supported by a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Have Overseas Student Health Cover.
For more information including additional student visa requirements, visit the Home Affairs website.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student in Australia on a student visa, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire visa duration. OSHC covers medical and hospital expenses with limited benefits for pharmaceuticals and ambulance services. It’s important for the health insurance to be valid from your arrival until your departure date, irrespective of your course’s start and end date.
Students from certain countries may have exceptions or special arrangements regarding OSHC. To determine if you qualify for any exemptions, please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Australian insurance providers offering OSHC include Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance, and nib OSHC.
Useful Student Resources
Study Australia
This is the official Australia government website for advice on study in Australia for international students and their families.
Australian Department of Home Affairs
This website provides official government information about studying in Australia on a student visa including visa options and application procedures.
International Students Factsheet
This factsheet prepared by the Australian Department of Education contains important information about the rights and responsibilities of international students studying in Australia.
Top 10 Reasons Why International Students Love Australia!
Australia’s vibrant multicultural environments offers you the chance to immerse yourself in new experiences and feel a strong sense of belonging
Each Australian city offers a unique experience. From the laid-back beach vibes of Sydney to Melbourne’s eclectic shopping boutiques, there’s always something interesting for everyone and new experiences to discover.
Australia is famous for its diverse landscapes. Beach lovers have thousands of kilometres of unspoiled coast to explore, and adventure seekers can venture into the outback. There are many vacation options right at your doorstep.
Graduates from Australian institutions are in high demand worldwide due to the exceptional reputation of the Australian education system. This system is rigorously regulated by the government ensuring consistently high standards nationwide..
International students reported a satisfaction rate of 75.9% for their overall educational experience in Australia and 93.6% had an positive overall living experience, according to the 2022 International Student Experience survey conducted by the Australian Government.
Sydney and Melbourne consistently rank among the top 5 student cities worldwide. These rankings consider factors such as student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity.
Despite having one of the highest living standards globally, the living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably lower than those in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Australian educational institutions, including ALG, offer a wide range of courses. Students can easily find the field that matches their interests. Whatever your passion may be, there’s likely a course for you here.
You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks and unlimited hours during breaks while you are studying in Australia. For certain international students, the Australia’s temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to stay and work after graduation.
English is the primary language in Australia, making it easier for most students to communicate effectively. While mastering the local slang might take a bit of time, Australians do have some unique interpretations on common phrases!