Indication of the Cost of Living

Living Expenses

Canberra is a moderately expensive city. The estimated annual cost of living is $13,000 - $15,000 for a single person and an additional $2,500 for each dependant. International students who are accompanied by school-aged dependants are required to pay fees for children attending ACT or NSW government or private schools (see Visas, Spouses and Children for more information).

The University estimates that a single international student requires AUS$13, 000 - $15,000 per annum to cover living expenses in each year of study. However, students should have at least A$2,000 in excess of the monthly average when they arrive to cover the initial cost of books and establishment expenses such as rental bond payment and to purchase basic furniture items.

The figures given do not include the costs of such large non-essential items as household whitegoods or a car. Owning and maintaining a motor vehicle is expensive in Australia. Registration and insurance is compulsory and costly. Free parking is available on campus. A reasonable second-hand car may cost in excess of A$5,000, with registration and insurance around A$1,000 per year, with running costs extra. Canberra is a safe place to cycle with an extensive network of dedicated cycle paths available. Local buses service all areas.

Summer vacation expenses

The summer vacation time (December through February) requires special financial planning. Expenses for this period must be carefully estimated and added to costs for the academic year in order to give a realistic total figure for the calendar year. They are not included in the estimated $12,000-$15,000 quoted for living expenses. Long distance holiday travel and accommodation will add to your costs.

Part-time & vacation work

Under immigration regulations, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university vacation after being granted a work rights visa once they have commenced their studies in Australia.

While some students are able to earn extra money from part-time and/or vacation work, such work is not readily available and this can lead to anxiety and contribute to study problems.
It is very difficult to obtain work during vacation periods and it is impossible to earn sufficient funds working part-time to pay for tuition fees or living costs.