Australia is a country with many opportunities for international students from all over the world. Studying in Australia is an exciting new chapter for international students looking for studying and living abroad experience. If you are thinking of applying for a student visa in Australia and you are doing your research on expenses to expect in Australia, this blog will answer your questions. The living cost in Australia for international students is categorized into 3 costs: Accommodation costs, living expenses, and personal expenses.
We shall discuss these in detail and provide you with an estimated cost for each. But before that, let us briefly understand why you should choose Australia for higher education.
Why Choose Australia for Higher Education?

Choosing Australia for your further studies is an excellent decision due to its degree value and education quality. It is popular for its teaching methods and a warm welcome to international students. Here are a few reasons to choose Australia for higher education, especially as a Nepali student.
- The degree value is recognized all over the world.
- It is affordable compared to the USA.
- They provide a variety of courses for you to select from.
- Study hours are flexible, and you can tailor your classes to your needs.
- You can work part-time jobs to pay your bills while managing your studies.
- A large Nepali student community can be found in Australia.
- Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Living Cost in Australia for Nepali Students in 2025 (Sydney vs Other Cities)
The cost of living in Australia for international students varies depending on factors like cities, personal spending, and many more. Living costs in Sydney are higher than in other cities in Australia, such as Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth.
|
Expenses
|
Sydney (per month)
|
Other Cities (per month)
|
|
Rent
|
900 – 1,200
|
600 – 900
|
|
Groceries
|
300 – 500
|
250 – 400
|
|
Utilities
|
100 – 150
|
80 – 100
|
|
Transportation
|
120 – 160
|
80 – 120
|
The table shows the basic cost of living in Australia for international students. Let us discuss three different costs that should be considered for a Nepalese student moving to Australia in more detail.
Accommodation Costs
One of the essential expenses that international students must plan while studying in Australia is Accommodation expenses. Depending on your preference, you can either choose to stay on-campus, or you can prefer to stay off-campus, matching your comfort level. A detailed comparison of weekly costs for on-campus and off-campus accommodation in Sydney versus other major cities in Australia is provided below.
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Types of Accommodation
|
Estimated weekly cost in
Sydney (In AUD)
|
Other Cities(Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and others)
|
|
On-Campus
|
90 – 280
|
80 – 250
|
|
Shared Rental
|
95 – 215
|
85-180
|
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Homestay
|
235 – 325
|
200-300
|
|
Private Rental
|
185 – 440
|
150-350
|
Accommodation costs in Sydney can be expensive compared to other major cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Living Expenses
For international students
studying in Australia, living expenses are a crucial component of budgeting. These consist of regular expenses, including food, transportation, utilities, and other personal expenditures required to sustain a reasonable standard of living.
Food and Groceries (Monthly Budget Tips)
The monthly cost of groceries ranges from AUD 300 to 500, depending on your food and grocery preferences. In other major cities like Adelaide or Perth, groceries cost less, on average, around AUD 250 to 400.
Transportation (Public Transit, Student Discounts)
Sydney has a vast public transportation network, costing around AUD 120 to 160 monthly. Other cities, such as Melbourne and Brisbane, cost AUD 80 to 120 monthly.
Household Bills
Household bills such as electricity, gas, and internet cost around AUD 100 to 150 per month in Sydney. In other major cities, bill costs are lower, around AUD 80-120 per month.
Shopping and Leisure
Living in Sydney costs more for entertainment and shopping due to high demand, limited supply, and growing population. Shopping and Leisure expenses can cost around AUD 150-250 a month and can be higher depending on your preference. In other cities, leisure and shopping expenses are cheaper, costing an average of AUD 100-180 monthly.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses include payment for mobile phone plans, purchases of assets, personal care, and miscellaneous activities. Living in Sydney requires AUD 150 to 250 for monthly personal expenses. These costs can rise according to your lifestyle choice and spending habits. Meanwhile, other cities in Australia, such as Perth or Adelaide, incur fewer personal expenses. International students can expect a monthly average cost of AUD 100 to 200 in major cities like Perth and Adelaide.
Cost of Australia Student Visa
International students should be aware of the following significant expenses when applying for a student visa to study in Australia. These consist of application fees, sufficient proof of funds, and health insurance.
Health Insurance (OSHC)
Health Insurance (OSHC) is an essential requirement for international students in Australia. The cost is AUD 500-600 per year, depending on the service provider and the length. Make sure you look over the insurance plans offered by various providers to determine the one that is best suited to your individual health needs.
Sufficient Fund Proof
International students need to have enough funds to cover their living expenses and travel expenses. The Australian Government requires students to have at minimum AUD 29,710 to cover the costs and expenses associated with the course. This means you need bank statements, sponsorship letters, and education loan documents totalling more than AUD 30,000 to process the visa.
Application Fee Payment
As a Nepali student, you require a valid visa to enter and study in Australia. You are required to pay the application fee for the student visa (
subclass 500), which costs approximately AUD 620. In addition to the visa application fee, you are also required to pay for a police verification report, medical expenses, NOC application fee, and biometric charges.
Tips to Save Money as an International Student

Studying and living in the major cities of Australia can be challenging for international students due to high living costs, education fees, and expenses. However, with smart budgeting and managing lifestyles, you can cut down costs significantly. Some of the practical tips to save money as an international student in Australia are:
- Accommodation sharing: Sharing the accommodation can be the best way to minimize spending and save on accommodation costs. You can split rent, utility bills, and shared expenses to save expenditures.
- Part-time work: You can work weekly 24 hours as part-time work in Australia as an international student. Working part-time helps you cover your expenses while gaining experience.
- Student discounts: Some facilities and services give student discounts in Australia. You can get a student discount by carrying a student ID while using specific services.
- Smart travel plan: Always travel during off-peak time when you get discounts on travel tickets and offers. You can minimize and save expenses using travel cards and coupons.
Part-time Work Opportunities in Australia

Part-time work can be the best way for foreign students to manage their living expenses while also gaining invaluable work experience in Australia. Australia offers flexibility in work opportunities across a variety of sectors that fit different schedules and skills. Some of the information related to part-time work for international students in Australia:
- International students can work 24 hours a week or 48 hours per fortnight.
- Part-time positions are available in areas like hospitality administration, cleaning elderly care, and the retail industry.
- The most common roles for students are cashier or barista, delivery person, and support worker, depending on their previous experience.
- Students can search for job openings via platforms such as Find, Indeed and Gumtree. Additionally, you can increase the chances of getting a job by making a personal visit to local firms in addition to submitting a resume directly.
Why Choose AIMS Education for Studying in Australia from Nepal
If you are planning to
study in Australia, then AIMS education can be the ideal place to visit. AIMS education is one of
the best consultancies in Nepal for Australia that offers professional counseling and guidelines to students. Being one of the trusted consultancies for Nepali students aiming to study in Australia, AIMS Education offers the following:
- Counseling and guidelines: AIMS Education's expert counselors and advisers, you get to choose the ideal university and course based on your preferred location, career goals, budgets, and academics.
- Test Preparation: AIMS offers test preparation courses, including IELTS and PTE, with expert tutors and updated courses.
- Visa Assistance: We offer visa assistance to students by supporting them in every step of their visa application. Also, we ensure your document is complete and accurate for a higher visa success rate.
- University Application Support: AIMS education also offers assistance with documentation, application, and submission to universities in Australia to secure offer letters.
- Pre-departure Briefing: We also provide guidelines and briefings to the students before departure to assist them during their travel and arrival in Australia.
Visit
AIMS Education today for expert guidance on
studying in Australia. With a high success rate and a commitment to assistance, AIMS Education is a trusted partner for your educational journey to
Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Living Cost in Australia for International Students
Is 2000 AUD enough to live in Australia?
The AUD 2000 monthly can be sufficient for basic student life in affordable cities in Australia. However, in larger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, it could be difficult due to rising rents and other expenses. To cover the cost, you can work part-time, use student facilities, and make smart budgeting.
How much money is required to study in Australia for Nepali students?
Nepali students generally require between AUD 30,000 and 50,000 annually to pursue their studies in Australia for the cost of living, tuition, and visa-related costs. The Australian Government will require a minimum of 29.710 AUD in financial documentation to be eligible for the student visa to be approved.
What is the cost of living in Australia for a single person?
The living costs within Australia for a student are around AUD 1800 to 2500 per month, which includes transportation, food, rent, and other utilities. Prices vary according to location as cities like Sydney incur more living costs in comparison to other major cities in Australia.