Living Expenses

Living expenses

Students should arrive in Australia with at least A$700 (Australian dollars) and have access to another A$2000 during their first week in Perth. This will be needed for expenses associated with organising housing, such as bond money (property security) and rent in advance. Connections to power, gas and telephone are usually paid later, with the first bill for these services.

Students who do not have permanent housing organised must arrive at least 2 weeks before orientation, so that accommodation can be found before the start of semester.

Living costs vary, depending upon your tastes, interests and finances. Students and parents should set a budget according to their individual needs, but this should be flexible enough to allow for changes.

Suggested Weekly Budget

This table is intended as a guide only. Figures for AusAID students will differ.

Service	Single (A$)	Family of 4 (A$)
Rent furnished residence - average	180	390
Services - gas, water & electricity	20	30
Food	120	200
Health Insurance	8	15
Public Transport	25	40
Clothing, toiletries & entertainment	120	145
Total	473	820

Students intending to purchase a motor vehicle should add additional expenses such as petrol, insurance and licence costs. Additional study costs can vary from student to student.

Student Employment

Students studying in Australia on a study visa are also able to work part-time. Any family members travelling with the student also have permission to work. This allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during semester breaks.

Restaurants and retail outlets often have part-time jobs available, but competition for these positions is strong. Students are advised that part-time work may distract them from their studies and they should not rely on their earnings to pay tuition fees or other living expenses.

For more information visit our Work Visa Information page.