Cost of Living in Australia | Western Sydney University

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Need to know

As a student visa holder, you will be required to have approximately AUD $29,710 per person per year for living expenses, as advised by the Australian Government. However, the actual cost depends on your individual lifestyle, and you should budget accordingly. We have useful information and links below to help you plan. Remember, your living expenses are separate from your tuition fees.

LIVING EXPENSES PER YEAR

Applicant - $29,710

Partner- $10,394

Child - $4,449

Annual School Costs - $13,502

As it can often take some time for money to be transferred from your home country to Australia, you will need to bring enough money with you to cover your expenses for the first few weeks. Foreign currency can be exchanged for Australian currency at Sydney Airport. If you arrive on a weekend (Saturday/Sunday) and do not change some currency at the airport you may not be able to change it until the next working day.

Useful links

Cost of living calculator

Insiders guide cost of living tool helps you discover how much it would cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. You can compare accommodation arrangements, transportation options, entertainment activities and much more.

Cost Calculator

Education and living costs in Australia

Knowing the average cost of living and studying in Australia is an important part of your application and financial preparation.

Learn more

NSW Fair Trading Consumer Guide

In Australia, every person has the right to be protected from unfair business practices.

Find out more

Public transport

Opal Card is your ticket to public transport and Transport NSW provides you with the information you need to plan an efficient and successful trip on public transport in NSW. Including: metro, train, bus, ferry, taxi, and light rail services.

Transport NSW

Cost of living guide

All prices in the below table are quoted in Australian Dollars.

Currency Converter

Housing and Accommodation

Description	Cost
Accommodation* Cost depends on your "style" of accommodation on or off campus. *Price may vary depends on location and room types See on campus accommodation costs Off-campus accommodation: a two bedroom apartment in Parramatta costs about $350-$450 per week to rent Internet is included for on campus accommodations and is often included within most of the private rental housing The University has free WiFi on campus.	$406 -$910
Rent advance or rental bond Rent for your accommodation in advance Rental bond if you are renting off-campus accommodation	$300-$900+
Home appliances (fan, heater, rice cooker) Some accommodation may not be fully equipped or you may want your own appliances Consult with your landlord ahead before purchasing.	$30-$300
Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) For on-campus accommodation, costs are included Costs varies for off campus accommodation depending on share arrangements.	$30-$50

Transport

Description	Cost
Airport Transfer Based on transport costs from the airport if you have not organised to be met as part of the Airport Reception Service.	$80-$150
Petrol (1 litre) Various type of petrol is available in different petrol stations.	$1.20-$2.40
Bus and train fares Depends on how far you live from a Western Sydney University campus and how often you use public transport Check the Transport NSW Opal Card website for more details.	$30-$60+

Description

Cost

Airport Transfer

Based on transport costs from the airport if you have not organised to be met as part of the Airport Reception Service.

$80-$150

Petrol (1 litre)

Various type of petrol is available in different petrol stations.

$1.20-$2.40

Bus and train fares

Depends on how far you live from a Western Sydney University campus and how often you use public transport
Check the Transport NSW Opal Card website for more details.

$30-$60+

Textbook and Program-related

Description	Cost
Computer Varies depending on your brand of choice and model.	$1000-$2000
Textbooks You can save money by buying second hand books. Check out campus notice boards or go to text book exchange	$400+
Stationary/Photocopying The Western Sydney University library has many books and journals available online so this may reduce photocopying costs You can also purchase stationary at discount department stores.	$15
Notebooks Available in the University Store.	$1-$5

Clothes

Description	Cost
Bedding Based on costs if you have not brought it with you, or it is not provided in your accommodation	$145-$800
Warm clothing Especially in winter (June to August) if you are coming from a tropical climate.	$50-$150
Laundry Service Laundry service is offered within on-campus accommodation	$5

Description

Cost

Bedding

Based on costs if you have not brought it with you, or it is not provided in your accommodation

$145-$800

Warm clothing

Especially in winter (June to August) if you are coming from a tropical climate.

$50-$150

Laundry Service

Laundry service is offered within on-campus accommodation

Mobile

Description	Cost
Mobile (cell) phone Varies depending on mobile contract or pre-paid prices.	$100-$200
International calls International calling cards (phone cards) to call home are available and are generally a cheaper way to call home.	$5-$25
Phone calls Mobile (cellular) phone calls will be more expensive.	$15-$20

Description

Cost

Mobile (cell) phone

Varies depending on mobile contract or pre-paid prices.

$100-$200

International calls

International calling cards (phone cards) to call home are available and are generally a cheaper way to call home.

$5-$25

Phone calls

Mobile (cellular) phone calls will be more expensive.

$15-$20

Entertainment

Description	Cost
Fast food (McDonald's, etc.)	$5-$15
Yum Cha (Dim Sum)	$15-$30
Take away food (Indian, Chinese, Thai, Pizza)	$10-$25
Gym membership (weekly)	$7-$11
Movies (some cinemas also offer budget nights)	$14-$30
A night out (dinner, club, disco, etc.)	$60+
Amusement park ticket (Prices varies during weekends and public holidays, some location offer ticket deals)	$20-$35/adult

Food and Groceries

Description	Cost
Bottle of water	$1-$3
Loaf of bread	$1.50-$4
Milk (1 litre)	$2
Rice (1 kg)	$2-$4
Cup of coffee or tea	$2.50-$5.50
Soft drink	$2-$4
Potato (1 kg)	$5
Can of tuna	$2
Apple (1 kg)	$4
Oranges (1 kg)	$5
Lettuce	$2.50
Instant noodles	$2
Alcohol beverages	$8-$15
Toothpaste	$2-$6
Deodorant	$3-$7
Manicure	$30-$40
Haircut/style	$15-$60
Lunch in a cafe	$10-$25
Lunch on-campus	$10-$20

Are you an International student?

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Cost of living

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Education and living costs in Australia

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Cost of living guide

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Housing and Accommodation

Transport

Textbook and Program-related

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