Cost of living in Australia
The standard of living in Australia is among the best in the world. Living costs are quite competitive but your tuition and study fees do not include personal costs like accommodation, food and other things you will need while in Australia.
Plan and prepare a budget before you arrive, it can be really helpful when you need to manage the cost of living. Use the tables on this page as a guide. These figures are only estimates and will change with annual inflation.
Costs will vary depending on your location and your lifestyle. Rent, for example, is more expensive in Melbourne than it is in a regional area. You may need to add other items to your budget, like mobile phone and internet fees.
Monash Residential Services can help with more advice about the cost of living.The Live in Melbourne website also offers some guidance on typical expenses.
Health Insurance
All international students (except those from Sweden and Norway) must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before they can apply for a student visa. This is a requirement by the Australian Government.
Your OSHC is provided by a private insurance company and arranged by Monash. It only covers basic medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs while students are in Australia and enrolled at Monash. The cost of most medical and pharmaceutical services is only partly covered. The cost of most general hospital treatments in a public hospital is fully covered. It does not cover any dental costs.
The cost of the policy in 2011 is $A210 for one semester or $A385 for one year. You must pay the insurance premium to Monash before we can issue your Certificate of Enrolment (CoE). Some fee packages include OSHC cover in their cost.
School-aged dependents
Students with school-aged dependants accompanying them to Australia must ensure that their children attend school and be aware that they will be required to pay full fees if the children are enrolled either in a government or a non-government school.
Living costs by accommodation option
UniLodge
| Costs | A$ | |
Application fee
includes:
|
Once only | $240.00 |
| Security deposit | Once only | $1,000 |
| Key deposit | Once only | $50 |
| Maintenance deposit | Once only | $150 |
| Accommodation fees during academic year (40-43 weeks) | Weekly | $226-$406 |
| International student health cover (OSHC) | Yearly | $385 |
| UniLodge meals (optional) | Daily | $9-$22 |
| Books, stationery and equipment | Yearly | $1,200 |
All per person
Homestay
| Costs | A$ | |
Accommodation
includes:
|
Weekly | $301.00 |
| International student health cover (OSHC) | Yearly | $385 |
| Internet | Weekly | $10 |
| Clothing | Yearly | $960 |
| Miscellaneous (such as entertainment and personal items) | Yearly | $4,200 |
| Books, stationery and equipment | Yearly | $1,200 |
If students want snack food on top of their three meals, they have to purchase items themselves
On-campus single living
| Costs | Yearly A$ |
| Application fee | 65 |
| Accommodation fees during academic year (40-43 weeks) | 8,955 |
| International student health cover (OSHC) | 380 |
| Food (lunch from Monday to Friday) | 3,600 |
| Halls of residence meals (optional) | 4,800 |
| Books, stationery and equipment | 1,200 |
| Telephone and internet connection fees | 365 |
| Clothing | 960 |
| Miscellaneous (such as entertainment and personal items) | 4,200 |
| Total yearly cost | 24,525 |
Off-campus living - based on renting a share house with two others
Establishment costs (once only)
| Establishment costs | One-off costs A$ |
| Bond (one month's rent) | 600 |
| Telephone, internet and utilities connection fees | 150 |
| Setting up the house (e.g. buying furniture and linen) | 1,000 |
Ongoing costs
| Costs | Monthly A$ | Yearly A$ |
| Rent | 600 | 7,200 |
| Travel | 250 | 3,000 |
| International student health cover (OSHC) | 380 | |
| Household costs (groceries and bills) | 350 | 4,200 |
| Food (lunch from Monday to Friday) | 300 | 3,600 |
| Books, stationery and equipment | 1,200 | |
| Clothing | 880 | |
| Miscellaneous (such as entertainment and personal items) | 300 | 3,600 |
| Total yearly costs (including establishment) | 25,610 |
About Monash University
On our site
