Student accommodation
Australia has a large range of accommodation options for international students. With choices ranging from university accommodation or homestay, to self-catered apartments or share houses, there’s an option to suit every personality and budget.
|
Type of accommodation |
Cost ($AUD) |
Useful tips |
|
|
Boarding school |
$8000-$11,000 per year |
Students are usually fully catered for with meals, cleaning and laundry services. Tuition fees are in addition to boarding fees. |
|
|
Homestay* |
$180-$250 per week |
Students live with an Australian family in their home. Costs vary depending on whether board includes meals and other services. Most accommodation services at Australian universities and schools keep a register of approved and reputable homestay providers. |
|
|
University |
$100-$280 per week |
Prices and accommodation options vary between different universities so it’s important to contact the accommodation service of universities you’re interested in for full details. Due to the popularity of this type of student accommodation it is important to apply early. |
|
|
Residential colleges |
Accommodation, all meals, cleaning and a wide range of services are provided for social and study needs. Generally more expensive than halls of residence because of the range of facilities and support services offered. |
||
|
Halls of residence |
Also offer accommodation but with fewer facilities and services included. Some meals and cleaning services are usually included but self-catering facilities are provided and students are able to be more independent. |
||
|
Apartments |
Some universities offer apartments for rent either close to or on campus. This provides students with the security of university-based accommodation as well as the increased freedom of fully self-catered living. Apartments are generally popular with students in the later years of their degrees. |
||
|
Hostels/guesthouses |
$90-$130 per week |
Available for secondary and higher education students. Residents share kitchen and bathroom facilities and cook for themselves. This type of accommodation tends to be cheaper than university accommodation and still provides good opportunities for social interaction. |
|
|
Private rental |
$100-$350 per week |
Many students share the cost of a rental property with housemates. Please note rental properties are rarely furnished. Rental agreements usually require payment of rent in advance, as well as a security payment called a 'bond' (usually one month's rent) that is paid upfront. |
|
* If you are interested in becoming a homestay provider and hosting an international student in your home, contact the Housing Services of your nearest education provider and they will give you details on how to participate. Homestay providers can be single people or families, with or without children and from all different cultural backgrounds. The benefits of hosting an international student are numerous, and at the very least you should look forward to learning firsthand about a different culture, and making some life-long friends!
Help with finding accommodation
Universities, TAFE colleges and other large education providers in Australia have services to provide information and advice about the different accommodation options and costs, and to help international students find appropriate accommodation to suit their needs.
This service may also be able to arrange temporary accommodation for students when they first arrive in Australia. Students have the option of contacting their Australian education provider's accommodation service before their arrival in Australia to organise this.
Please note: the range of costs shown above are a guide only. Before you arrive in Australia it is important to contact your university, college or school's accommodation service and ask about the accommodation options available and the costs involved.
