Cost of Living in Australia for India Students in 2025

The cost of living in Australia is something every Indian student should plan for before moving. From rent to groceries, you’ll need to know what to expect to manage your budget well. Australia offers a great education system and lifestyle, but it’s important to prepare for the costs.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Rent in cities like Sydney can be AUD 250–400 per week (₹13,500–₹22,000). In smaller cities like Adelaide, it’s lower, around AUD 150–250 per week (₹8,000–₹13,500).
• Groceries for home-cooked meals cost around AUD 200–300 per month (₹11,000–₹16,500).
• Public transport is affordable for students, with passes ranging from AUD 90–160 per month (₹5,000–₹8,800).

We’ll cover all major expenses, compare costs across cities, and share tips to save money. Knowing this will help you prepare financially and enjoy your student life in Australia stress-free.

Overview of the Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students

If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s important to know how much money you’ll need for daily living. A clear idea of your expenses will help you budget better and avoid stress. Here are the main costs to think about:

• Accommodation: Renting a student dorm, shared apartment, or private room.
• Food and Groceries: Cooking your own meals or eating out occasionally.
• Transportation: Using public transport or managing your daily travel.
• Healthcare and Insurance: Paying for OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) and medical needs.
• Utilities and Other Costs: Bills like electricity, water, internet, and activities like movies or outings.

Here’s a quick look at how the cost of living in Australia can vary:

Expense Category	Key Considerations	Factors Influencing Cost
Accommodation	Rent and type of housing	City, location, shared or private living
Food and Groceries	Cooking vs. dining out	Grocery choices, frequency of eating out
Transportation	Public transport or car expenses	City-specific transport, student discounts
Healthcare and Insurance	OSHC and medical visits	Insurance coverage, personal health needs
Utilities & Misc. Costs	Electricity, internet, and leisure	Lifestyle habits, energy usage, entertainment

Accommodation Costs for Indian Students in Australia

Finding the right place to live is one of the first things you’ll need to do when studying in Australia. Accommodation in Australia costs depend on a variety of factors. Here’s what you need to know.

On-Campus Accommodation

Many universities offer on-campus housing. These are dorms or shared apartments located close to your classes.

• Facilities Included: On-campus housing often comes with furniture, internet, and utilities included. Some also provide meals.
• Cost Range: AUD 90–300 per week (₹4,900–₹16,500) depending on the location and type of room (shared or private).

Pros:

• Easy access to university facilities.
• No need to commute.

Cons:

• Limited availability and higher cost compared to shared housing.

Off-Campus Housing

This includes shared apartments, private rentals, or flats. Many students prefer this option for flexibility and affordability.

• Costs: Rent starts at AUD 100–400 per week (₹5,500–₹22,000) depending on the city and whether you share.
• Additional Costs: Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are usually extra and cost around AUD 20–50 per week (₹1,000–₹2,700).

Pros:

• More freedom and privacy.
• Options to live with friends.

Cons:

• Managing rent, bills, and furniture yourself.

Homestays and Student Hostels

Homestays involve living with a local family, while hostels are shared spaces for students.

• Homestay Costs: AUD 250–350 per week (₹13,500–₹19,500), usually including meals and utilities.
• Student Hostel Costs: AUD 150–300 per week (₹8,000–₹16,500), with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Pros:

• Homestays provide a family-like environment.
• Hostels are social and often close to city centers.

Cons:

• Limited privacy.
• May not suit students looking for independence.

 Here's an overview table to help you decide:

Accommodation Type	Key Features	Utilities Included?
On-Campus Dorms	Close to campus, furnished	Yes
Shared Apartments	Flexible, cost-sharing	No
Homestays	Family-like setting, meals	Yes
Student Hostels	Social environment	Sometimes

Food and Grocery Costs for Indian Students in Australia

Managing food costs is important when living in a new country. In Australia, expenses vary based on whether you cook at home or eat out. Let’s break it down.

Grocery Shopping Costs

Cooking at home is the cheapest option for students.

• Popular Stores: Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and local markets.
• Average Monthly Costs: Expect to spend AUD 200–300 (₹11,000–₹16,500) on groceries, depending on your eating habits.

Dining Out Expenses

Eating out can add up quickly, so it’s good to plan.

• Budget Options: Street food or takeaway meals cost AUD 10–15 (₹550–₹850) per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Dining out can cost AUD 25–50 (₹1,350–₹2,700) per meal.
• Indian Restaurants: Meals at Indian restaurants might cost slightly more due to imported ingredients.

Tips to Save on Food Costs

• Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home is always cheaper than eating out.
• Shop Smart: Buy in bulk from Aldi or local markets to save money.
• Use Discounts: Look out for student discounts or coupons when dining out.

Transportation Costs in Australia for Students

Getting around in Australia is simple, but it’s important to plan your transportation costs. Depending on where you live and study, you can choose public transport or private options. Let’s break it down.

Public Transport Costs

Public transport is the most common way for students to travel. It’s reliable and often comes with student discounts.

• Monthly Passes: Costs depend on the city:
  • Sydney: AUD 120–160 (₹6,600–₹8,800).
  • Melbourne: AUD 90–150 (₹5,000–₹8,300).
  • Brisbane: AUD 100–140 (₹5,500–₹7,700).
• Coverage: Includes buses, trains, trams, and ferries in major cities.

Tip: Check if your student ID qualifies you for reduced fares or unlimited travel passes.

Private Transport and Car Rentals

Some students prefer using private transport for flexibility.

• Car Rentals: Starting at AUD 50–70 (₹2,800–₹4,000) per day.
• Fuel Costs: Approximately AUD 1.8–2.2 (₹100–₹120) per liter.
• Insurance: Essential for private vehicles, costing around AUD 800–1,200 (₹44,000–₹66,000) annually.

Transport Mode Comparison Table:

Transport Mode	Key Features	Coverage
Public Transport	Affordable, student discounts	City-wide buses, trains, trams
Car Rentals	Flexible, short-term option	Ideal for intercity or road trips
Private Cars	Long-term convenience	Suburban or rural areas

Healthcare and Insurance Costs for Indian Students in Australia

Healthcare is a major part of your budget in Australia. International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), but some opt for private insurance for extra benefits.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is mandatory for all international students in Australia.

• Legal Requirement: You need OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa.
• Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, and emergency ambulance services.
• Cost: Starts at AUD 400–600 (₹22,000–₹33,000) per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.

Private Health Insurance (Optional)

Some students choose private health insurance for extra benefits.

• Benefits: Covers dental, optical, and physiotherapy, which are not included in OSHC.
• Who Should Consider It: If you need regular specialist care or want extra protection.
• Cost: Starts at AUD 1,000 (₹55,000) annually, depending on the plan.

Healthcare Services and Access

Healthcare services in Australia are of high quality, but costs vary.

• General Practitioner (GP) Visits: AUD 60–90 (₹3,300–₹5,000) per visit. OSHC may cover part of this cost.
• Emergency Care: Free at public hospitals for emergencies, but non-emergency treatments may cost extra.
• Prescription Medicines: Around AUD 15–50 (₹850–₹2,700), depending on the medication.

Explore the main types of insurance including their coverage and benefits:

Insurance Type	Coverage Details	Key Benefits
OSHC	Doctor visits, hospital stays	Mandatory for student visa
Private Insurance	Dental, optical, physiotherapy	Additional protection, optional

Utility Bills and Miscellaneous Costs for Indian Students in Australia

When living in Australia, you’ll need to budget for more than just rent and groceries. Utility bills, internet, and leisure activities are part of your monthly expenses. Here’s what to expect.

Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas)

If you live off-campus, utilities like electricity, water, and gas are usually not included in rent.

• Average Costs: Expect to pay around AUD 100–150 (₹5,500–₹8,200) per month for all utilities.
• Billing System: Utilities are billed monthly or quarterly, depending on your service provider.
• Cost-Saving Tips:
  • Use energy-efficient appliances.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
  • Share costs with housemates if you live in a shared apartment.

Internet and Phone Plans

Staying connected is essential for students, whether it’s for studies or staying in touch with family.

• Broadband Internet: Monthly costs range from AUD 60–80 (₹3,300–₹4,400) for unlimited data plans.
• Phone Plans: Prepaid plans start at AUD 20 (₹1,100), while postpaid plans with more data can cost AUD 40–60 (₹2,200–₹3,300) per month.
• Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Prepaid plans are flexible, while postpaid plans may offer better data packages but require a contract.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs

Enjoying your free time is important, and Australia offers plenty of options.

• Movie Tickets: Cost around AUD 12–20 (₹650–₹1,100) per ticket.
• Social Outings: Eating out with friends can cost AUD 25–50 (₹1,350–₹2,700) per meal.
• Weekend Activities: Gym memberships or outdoor activities may cost around AUD 50–100 (₹2,700–₹5,500) per month.

City-Wise Cost Comparison for Indian Students in Australia

Cost of living in Australia varies depending on the city. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while cities like Adelaide and Perth are more affordable.

Here is the comparison table of the average living expenses across Australia's top cities:

City	Average Monthly Living Cost (AUD) (INR Approx.)
Sydney	AUD 1,500–2,000 (₹82,500–₹1,10,000)
Melbourne	AUD 1,400–1,900 (₹77,000–₹1,05,000)
Brisbane	AUD 1,200–1,600 (₹66,000–₹88,000)
Adelaide	AUD 1,000–1,400 (₹55,000–₹77,000)
Perth	AUD 1,100–1,500 (₹60,500–₹82,500)

Factors Influencing Costs:

• Accommodation: Central locations cost more than suburban or shared spaces.
• Food: Cooking at home is cheaper than dining out.
• Transport: Public transport discounts for students help save money in most cities.

Budgeting Tips for Indian Students in Australia

Managing your budget is important while studying in Australia. A little planning can help you save money and avoid financial stress. Here are some simple tips:

• Write down all your monthly costs, like rent, food, transport, and entertainment. For example, if your rent is AUD 150 per week (₹8,250), add that to your tracker first.
• Always cover your main expenses like rent, groceries, and bills before spending on outings or shopping.
• Carry your student ID for discounts on public transport, restaurants, and movie tickets. For example, students in Melbourne get cheaper public transport passes.
• Check if your university offers affordable meal plans. For instance, some universities provide lunch at AUD 5–8 (₹275–₹440).
• Rent a shared apartment with friends to split costs. Sharing a flat that costs AUD 400 (₹22,000) monthly can bring your rent down to AUD 200 (₹11,000).
• Buy staples like rice, pulses, or snacks from Aldi or local markets to save money on groceries.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options in Australia

Australia has many scholarships and financial aid options to help Indian students. Here are some well-known examples and what they offer:

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students

• Australia Awards Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships by the Australian government. Australia Awards Scholarship covers tuition, living costs, and return airfare. For example, a student pursuing a master’s in Sydney could get their fees and expenses paid for 2 years.
• Destination Australia Scholarship: Provides AUD 15,000 per year (₹8.2 lakh) to students studying in regional areas like Tasmania or Darwin.
• University-Specific Scholarships:
  • Monash University International Merit Scholarship: Offers up to AUD 10,000 (₹5.5 lakh) for tuition.
  • UNSW Future of Change Scholarship: Specifically for Indian students, providing AUD 5,000 (₹2.75 lakh) per year.

Types of Financial Aid

• Need-Based Scholarships: These help students with limited financial resources. For example, if your family’s income is low, you might qualify for aid.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with excellent grades or achievements. For instance, scoring above 90% in your previous degree can increase your chances.
• Partial Funding: Covers part of the tuition or living costs. Example: A AUD 5,000 (₹2.75 lakh) grant for books and supplies.
• Full Funding: Covers all costs, including tuition, accommodation, and sometimes travel.

Courses You Can Study On-Campus in Australia

Australia is one of the best places to study abroad, offering a mix of world-class education and a vibrant culture. If you're considering studying on-campus in Australia, you’ll find a variety of exciting courses to explore at top universities.

Key Benefits of Studying On-Campus in Australia:

• Global Exposure: Studying in Australia allows you to connect with people from all over the world and learn from experts in your field.
• Access to Top-ranked Universities: Australia is home to some of the world's best universities, offering high-quality programs that can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Popular Courses in Australia:

Course	University
Bachelor of Information Technology	Australian National University
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science	University of Melbourne
BCom (Honours)	UTS College
MBA	University of Western Australia

Top Australian Universities:

• Australian National University
• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales

Studying on-campus in Australia gives you more than just an education—it opens doors to exciting opportunities. Whether you want to study technology, business, or another field, the choices are endless.

Curious about studying in Australia? Find out more about your options here!