Cost of Living in Sydney

sydney opera house and blue mountains montage

International students will require approximately AU$15,000 per year to cover living expenses. Depending on your lifestyle you may require more or less than these amounts (This is a rough guide only. Remember your living costs are separate to your tuition fees.)

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 the weekend (Saturday/Sunday) and do not change some currency at the airport you may not be able to change it until Monday.

Initial Expenses you may have to consider
Transport from the airport if you have not organised to be met as part of the Airport Reception Service	AU$50 - AU$130
Food and transport and associated expenses for three weeks	AU$250 - AU$500
Bedding: if you have not brought it with you, or it is not provided in your accommodation	AU$100 - AU$250
Rent for your accommodation in advance Rental Bond if you are renting off-campus accommodation	AU$500 - AU$1,000
Warm clothing - especially in winter (June/July/August) if you are coming from a tropical climate	AU$80 - AU$200
Textbooks	AU$300+
Phone calls home	AU$10 - AU$30+
We estimate your average weekly living costs may be:
Accommodation (depending on your 'style' of accommodation)	AU$90 - AU$190
Phone calls - mobile (cellular) phone calls will be more expensive	AU$10 - AU$30+
Food - eating at home	AU$80 - AU$100
Bus and train fares	AU$20 - AU$50
Stationery and photocopying	AU$15+
Personal items, entertainment etc	AU$40+
TOTAL	AU$255 - AU$425+
Some typical costs in Sydney:
A cup of coffee	AU$2.50 - AU$3.50
Lunch in a café	AU$10 - AU$20
Lunch on campus	AU$6 - AU$10
Fast food (McDonalds etc)	AU$6 - AU$10
Yum Cha (Dim Sum)	AU$10 - AU$20
Take Away food (Indian, Chinese, Thai, Pizza, etc)	AU$10 - AU$15
Movies (many theatres have 'budget nights' that will be cheaper)	AU$16
A night out (dinner, club, disco, etc)	AU$60 +
These prices include a Goods and Services Tax of 10%.