Budget

As an international student preparing to study in Sydney, Australia, you’ll need to consider your budget. There are a few mandatories that you will need to cover – food and groceries, living costs, lifestyle, insurance, and travel. You will also have expenses in relation to academic (textbooks, notebooks etc.) and insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover). 

The Australian Government estimates students need at least A$21,041 per year to cover living expenses, which will vary from individual to individual. This estimate covers expenses such as groceries, accommodation, entertainment, and public transport:

• accommodation costs  (ranging from approx. A$220 to A$579 p/w depending on your choice)
• groceries (approx. A$100 p/w)
• gas, electricity and other bills (approx. A$20 p/w)
• phone and internet (ranging from A$20 – A$55 p/w depending on your plan)
• public transport (approx. A$40 p/w)
• entertainment (ranging from approx. A$80 to A$150 p/w).

Beginning your studies in a new country means that you need to keep track of how much you are spending. Sometimes expenses can be more than expected, so we thought we would provide you with some budgeting tips:

• Make your own tea, coffee and hot chocolate
• Drink plenty of water, and leave the other drinks for the weekend
• Keep an eye for specials at grocery stores (Woolworths, Coles, IGA and Aldi are the common ones). 
• Speaking of grocery stores, keep an eye out for home brands (found in plain packaging) which is great quality but costs less than well-known brands
• Cook your own meals
• Buy second-hand rather than brand new. Second-hand options can be very good quality
• Take advantage of the free breakfast we have on campus each week on certain days. Chat with us on campus or view the posters in the student kitchen for details!
• Keep checking your student emails for on-campus activities. There will be times where we provide free social events, along with free food and refreshments.