
Some costs to consider when studying in Sydney.
If you're living abroad or out of home for the first time, managing your expenses is an important skill to master. You don’t want to be worried about running out of money while trying to focus on your studies! So, before you join us, it’s important to think about the costs of living and studying in Sydney, even if you’ve got support from back home.
To start with, we recommend you have at least $A2,000 available to cover the initial costs of books, rental bond and other settling expenses.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires students to have the financial capacity to cover living costs of at least $21,041 per year (not including course fees). This means that you will need approximately $1,754 per month for accommodation, food, utilities and entertainment. These cost allocations are intended as a guide only and will vary greatly dependant on an individual's spending habits, and lifestyle choices.
These costs do not factor in things like program tuition fees, required textbooks, public transport or medical expenses. It is important to consider pre arrival costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as well as your student visa and initial flights when budgeting for your Sydney stay.
As a good starting point, we recommend having a further $2,000 outside the $21,041 to cover initial upon arrival costs of items including textbooks, rental bond, should it be required, airport transfer costs and other settling expenses.
When creating a budget, we recommend considering the following basic expenses
The Australian Government Website Study in Australia provides a guide of indicative education and living costs that you can use as a starting point for possible general expenses associated with living and studying in Sydney
Renting privately can often be more affordable and flexible, depending on where and what you rent. Costs can range from $250–$350 AUD per student, per week in a shared house or apartment.
Groceries and eating out - $140 to $280 per week
Gas, electricity - $10 to $20 per week
Phone and Internet - $15 to $30 per week
Public transport - $30 to $60 per week
Car (after purchase) - $150 to $260 per week
Entertainment and social activity expenses - $80 to $150 per week
As a general guide DHA provides the following indicative costs per spouse and or dependant accompanying you to Australia for the duration of your studies.
Students wishing to bring children and/or their spouse (dependants) will need to consider
School-age dependants
All school-age dependants must attend school in NSW. Please note that school fees will apply to all school-age children.
We recommend trying the following handy budget planning tool provided by the Australian Government website Money Smart to help estimate associated living costs.
The Insider Guides 'Cost of Living Calculator' is another useful, practical tool you can use to help estimate your cost of living while in Australia.
In some instances, your student ID card will offer discounts across a range of services, including public transport, monthly subscriptions and entertainment establishments for things like movie tickets.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 6 May 2024 and 3 June 2024 respectively, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas and Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters
From 15 January 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of the Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers Academic English under CRICOS Provider code 01020K. See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2023 UNSW Global Pty Limited
ABN: 62 086 418 582