Study in Australia

Australia is one of the top study destinations for international students from all over the world. It is one of the top 5 study destinations for international students who want to pursue an MBA abroad. An MBA in Australia costs around 40,000 USD to 63,000 USD. International students are required to bear the living expenses of about AUD 20,700 in addition to the MBA fees in Australia.

Australia offers quality education, high-end research opportunities, and excellent career prospects that make it a favorite study destination for MBA aspirants. In addition to this, the favorable visa policies also attract a lot of international students to pursue their higher studies in Australia. The total cost of studying MBA in Australia varies for the different universities and is based on the location of the university.

Table of Contents

• Cost of MBA in Top Universities in Australia
• Affordable Universities for MBA in Australia
• MBA in Australia Cost in Indian Rupees
• Living Costs in Australia for International Students
  • Pre-Arrival Costs for an MBA in Australia

Cost of MBA in Top Universities in Australia

One of the most important deciding factors while choosing an MBA university in Australia is the course curriculum and the cost of the program. Additionally, international students should also consider other fees such as living costs, course fees, accommodation costs, travel expenses, and more while calculating the MBA in Australia cost. Given below are some of the popular universities with their respective MBA fees in Australia for international students.

University Name	Total Course Fee
University of Sydney Business School	$97,500
University of New South Wales	$87,820
University of Melbourne	$85,470
University of New South Wales	$84,135
Macquarie University	$80,000
University of Western Australia	$73,500
Curtin University	$71,200
Monash University	$65,600
University of Technology Sydney	$62,784
University of Adelaide	$60,000
QUT Business School	$57,600
University of New South Wales	$56,520
Bond University	$56,373

Affordable Universities for MBA in Australia

An MBA in Australia costs anywhere between 40,000 USD to 63,000 USD for a duration of 15 months to 2 years. The tuition fees are a big point of a differentiator in deciding the total cost of doing an MBA in Australia apart from the living costs. Listed below are some of the cheapest universities for MBA in Australia for international students:

• Kaplan Business School
• Holmes Institute
• Charles Darwin University
• Edith Cowan University
• Victoria University
• Central Queensland University
• IIBIT
• Federation University
• University of Southern Queensland
• Southern Cross University
  

MBA in Australia Cost in Indian Rupees

The MBA fees in Australia for Indian students come up to INR 45 lakhs. UWA and La Trobe Business School have the lowest fee and Melbourne Business School has the highest fee for MBA in Australia among top-ranking institutes for international students. The MBA in Australia cost in Indian rupees is shown below:

University Name	Total Fees (in INR)
Melbourne Business School	45.59 Lakhs
La Trobe Business School	30.38 Lakhs
RMIT University School of Business	43.53 Lakhs
Deakin Business School	31.89 Lakhs
ANU College of Business & Economics	36.58 Lakhs
UQ Business School	41.16 Lakhs
UWA Business School	30.41 Lakhs
Macquarie Graduate School of Management	40.31 Lakhs
Monash Business School	44.83 Lakhs
AGSM Business School	44.01 Lakhs

Living Costs in Australia for International Students

International students planning to pursue an MBA in Australia should bear the overall expenditure including hostel and meals, transportation, other course-related and personal expenses for the duration of the MBA course. Pre-arrival costs such as the expenses incurred while submitting an application for an MBA degree should also be paid by international applicants. On average, international students will need approximately $14,432 per year towards living expenses in Australia. The monthly living costs that are a part of the MBA fees in Australia for Indian students are given below:

• Rentals (On-Campus Accommodation): AUD 750
• Transportation Pass: AUD 100
• Basic Amenities: AUD 250
• Entertainment: AUD 200
• Groceries and Eating Out: $560- $1,120
• Phone and Internet: $60- $120
• Public Transport: $120- $240

Pre-Arrival Costs for an MBA in Australia

International students applying for an MBA in Australia are required to bear certain charges before coming to Australia which includes a registration fee of required test scores, application fee, student visa fee, etc. Some of the pre-arrival costs for international applicants to Australia are shown below:

Pre-Arrival Expenses	Cost (in AUD)
Application Fee	$100
Australian Student Visa Fee	$426
GMAT Fee	$250
GRE Fee	$205
TOEFL (iBT) Registration Fee	$160-$250
IELTS Registration Fee	$215-$240

International students willing to pursue higher education in Australia are required to prove English language proficiency by submitting scores of a standardized language exam. IELTS is one of the most common language selection criteria in almost all universities in Australia. International students also have an option to study in Australia without IELTS with certain universities offering admission based on other factors.

Some of the Australian universities accept other test scores such as the TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Advanced CAE, etc to evaluate the English language proficiency of the applicants. Some other Australian universities offer admission to international students by exempting the English language requirements and evaluating them on other personal circumstances. Students who do not have a satisfactory IELTS score or are confident enough in their English-speaking ability can opt for these Australian universities.

How to Study in Australia Without IELTS?

Australian universities are aiming to gain a competitive edge in the international higher education market and may offer admission to international students without an IELTS score. Given below are some of the ways in which international students can study in Australia without IELTS.

• International students who have previously attained education that was taught in English are considered to study in Australia without IELTS
• Academically talented students who don’t possess the required English skills at the time of application may be offered admission to study in Australia without IELTS by offering them to study a language preparatory course before commencing their regular course.

Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS

Many Australian universities accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores from international students in place of an IELTS score for admission to various courses. There are several other English language proficiency tests accepted at most universities in Australia such as TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced, and more. Listed below are some of the best universities to study in Australia without IELTS for international students.

1. University of Queensland
2. University of Adelaide
3. Bond University
4. Swinburne University of Technology
5. Macquarie University
6. University of New South Wales
7. Victoria University

University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is one of the popular universities in Australia without IELTS for international students. It is committed to offering admission to students regardless of their English skills. International students who have received past education in English can provide adequate evidence of the same and can be shortlisted for admission to the respective courses. Listed below are the other evidence to prove English proficiency instead of an IELTS score that should be provided to the University of Queensland for admission:

• Proof that English was the language of instruction in previous educational institutions
• Relevant English certificates to prove English grades were high in your previous education
• A bachelor’s/ master’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the University of Queensland
• The applicant should have attended a one-year full-time study program at a recognized university from the University of Queensland
• Proof of work experience of a specific length in a professional English speaking environment

Read More: University of Queensland

University of Adelaide

International students with an appealing application apart from the English language proficiency applying to the University of Adelaide are required to attend a language preparatory course which normally lasts for a full academic year or two semesters. Students are tested at the end of each semester to assess their English improvement. The students who display excellent skills at the end of the first semester are not required to attend the second semester. However, the candidates who do not pass the final examination are not eligible to study the regular course.

Read More: University of Adelaide

Bond University

International students willing to apply for admission to Bond University are required to provide strong and relevant evidence of their English knowledge. IELTS and TOEFL are not considered the only two options to prove English language proficiency. Other English certificates such as the C1 Advanced and Pearson Test of English Academic PTE can be submitted by international students to study in Australia without IELTS. International students can also provide adequate evidence of having attained secondary education in an English-taught school in certain countries including Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to be considered for admission to Bond University.

Read More: Bond University

Swinburne University of Technology

The Swinburne University of Technology accepts other scores of English proficiency such as the PTE Academic, Common European Framework, and VCE English in place of an IELTS score for admission. International students who are not able to prove their English skills at the time of application can also enroll in preparatory English courses offered as part of the Swinburne University of Technology English Language Course (ELICOS) such as General English and English For Academic Purposes. The duration of these courses range between 5-50 weeks and are helpful in the further academic needs in the regular course.

Read More: Swinburne University of Technology

Macquarie University

Macquarie University accepts international students to study in Australia without IELTS. Its English language requirements vary depending on the course chosen by the student. The other English certificates accepted at Macquarie University are the Pearson Test of English Academic PTE, Cambridge English Advanced CAE, Cambridge English Proficiency CPE, and Occupational English Test OET.

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales accepts a wide variety of English language certifications such as the Pearson Test of English Academic PTE, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English CAE, and Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English CPE from students who are unable to produce IELTS scores provided the certificates are not older than two years.

In certain cases, it may also consider the application from students who have not obtained any of the above qualifications. In such cases, the applicant should contact the admissions office and provide evidence that their English meets the university language requirements. Given below are some of the other ways to prove English proficiency for international students applying to the University of New South Wales:

• Applicants can submit the scores of the relevant English tests undertaken in the previous study
• Students can also show proof of having worked for at least 2 years in an environment surrounded by native English speakers. A reference letter from the employer can be submitted to prove the same.

Read More: University of New South Wales

Victoria University

Victoria University accepts international students to various undergraduate and graduate courses without an IELTS score. Students can submit other English proficiency test certificates such as the Pearson Test of English PTE, Cambridge English Advanced CAE, and Cambridge English – First Certificate in English FCE for admission to Victoria University.

Read More: Victoria University

Australia is gaining popularity as one of the most preferred study destinations after the UK and the US for international students from all over the world. Australian universities are gaining popularity among Indian students due to the easy and straightforward Australian student visa application process and also the lower cost of living and education as compared to the US and the UK. An IELTS score for Australia is among the most popular English proficiency tests for higher education.

The IELTS band required for Australia student visa varies based on the course chosen. International students should have a 6.5 overall in IELTS for postgraduate and 6.0 overall for undergraduate options. For most medical-related courses, the Australia study visa band requirements are 7.0 with no band less than 7.0.

The IELTS band required for Australia for postgraduate studies is a minimum of 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0. For the undergraduate courses in Australia, students are required to score a minimum of 6.0 overall in IELTS. There are also certain universities in Australia that accept students to study in Australia with 5.5 bands in any of the sections of IELTS – either speaking, listening, reading, or writing.

Table of Contents

• Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Universities
  • Minimum IELTS Score for Undergraduate Courses at Top Australian Universities
    
  • Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Courses at Top Australian Universities
• Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Universities

The Australia study visa band requirements vary for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The IELTS score required for Australia depends on the requirements of your visa, and the organization where you plan to study or work. International students willing to pursue an engineering program, teaching, or education studies should have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall and per band. The minimum IELTS score for Australian universities at both undergraduate and graduate levels are shown below.

Minimum IELTS Score for Undergraduate Courses at Top Australian Universities

A study visa for Australia requires international students to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate programs. The minimum IELTS score for Australia for undergraduate programs at different universities are tabulated below:

University Name	Minimum IELTS Score for Undergraduate Programs
Australian National University	6.5
University of Melbourne	7.0
University of Sydney	6.5
University of New South Wales	6.5
Monash University	6.5
University of Western Australia	6.5
University of Adelaide	6.5
University of Technology Sydney	6.5

Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Courses at Top Australian Universities

A study visa for Australia requires international students to score at least 6.0 in each of the four IELTS bands with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and above for graduate programs. The minimum IELTS score for Australia for graduate programs at different universities are tabulated below:

University Name	Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Programs
Australian National University	7.0
University of Melbourne	7.0
University of Sydney	6.5
University of New South Wales	6.5
Monash University	6.5
University of Western Australia	6.5
University of Adelaide	6.5
University of Technology Sydney	6.5

Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS

IELTS is one of the most common language selection criteria in almost all universities in Australia. However, there are certain Australian universities that offer admission to international students if the education they have previously attained was taught in English, or if they take a language preparatory course before the commencement of the regular course at the respective Australian university. Listed below are some of the top universities for international students to study in Australia without IELTS.

1. The University of Queensland
2. The University of Adelaide
3. Bond University
4. The Swinburne University of Technology
5. The University of New South Wales
6. Victoria University

Australia is known to be a leading global powerhouse of education and offers some of the world's best educators and facilities to international students looking for quality education. It is home to some of the best universities in the world providing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree courses in various study areas. However, pursuing higher education in Australia is considered expensive for international students that depend on the program costs and standard of living of the student. International students can avail themselves of financial aid such as an education loan for Australia to bear the tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their studies.

International students can choose from over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions in Australia with innovation, creativity, and independent thinking deeply embedded in the core syllabus of higher education in Australia. It is one of the most preferred study destinations for international students due to its high quality of education, friendly natives, and culturally diverse student community.

The average cost of pursuing higher education in Australia ranges between AUD $34,000- AUD $40,000 for different courses. Additionally, international students should also bear the living expenses and other related costs to pursue their dream of studying in Australia. More details about an education loan for Australia along with the application process, documents required, and expenses covered are discussed.

Table of Contents

• Eligibility Criteria for Education Loan for Australia
• Documents Required to Apply for Education Loan for Australia
• How to Apply for an Education Loan for Australia?
  
• Expenses Covered under the Education Loan for Australia
  
  • Repayment of Education Loan for Australia
    
• Top Indian Banks Offering Education Loan for Australia
  
• Key Factors to Consider while Applying for an Education Loan for Australia

Eligibility Criteria for Education Loan for Australia

International students who have secured admission to the Australian universities of their choice should be focused on arranging the funds required for their educational expenses. The cost of pursuing studies in Australia is at par with other top countries such as the US and the UK and is expensive as compared to education in India. Many banking and non-banking institutions in India offer education loans to students interested in pursuing higher education in Australia. Given below are the basic eligibility criteria to apply for an education loan for Australia:

• The applicant should be an Indian citizen
• He/ she should have obtained admission in a recognized Australian university
• The student should be enrolled in a course that has been recognized by the funding institution (job oriented professional degree, technical degree, and diploma courses)

Documents Required to Apply for Education Loan for Australia

Several nationalized banks in India such as the State Bank of India provide education loans of up to Rs. 30 Lakhs to deserving students willing to pursue higher studies in Australia. Students will have to provide supporting documents for the bank to be able to process the loan amount. Listed below are the important documents needed to apply for an education loan for Australia:

• Admission letter from the chosen Australian university
• Completed loan application form
• Documents related to the total cost of studies
• ID proof
• Residence proof
• PAN details of the applicant
• Bank statement of the student/ co-borrower/ guarantor
• Statement of asset of the student/ co-borrower/ guarantor
• Income proof of the student/ co-borrower/ guarantor

How to Apply for an Education Loan for Australia?

Students willing to pursue education in Australia can avail themselves of education loans from Indian Nationalised Banks (Private and Govt.) or Non-Banking Financial Banking Corporations (NBFCs). Students should closely coordinate with visa offices, international admission offices, and bank authorities for a smooth application process. The detailed application process for an education loan for Australia is as follows:

• The applicant should first choose a banking institution to get an education loan for Australia
• He/ she should apply for the education loan by providing initial KYC documents, collateral documents, and academic records
• The student should also get an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from the respective Australian university
• The candidate should get a student visa application confirmation from the Australian embassy in India
• The next step is to get a Loan Sanction Letter along with a signed agreement by submitting the required documents to the banking institution
• The applicant should submit the Loan Sanction Letter to the Embassy and complete other processes to get the Australian Student Visa
• He/ she should then submit the Australian Student Visa confirmation to the university to confirm the intake session details and fee payment schedule. These details should finally be shared with the bank to start loan disbursement

Expenses Covered under the Education Loan for Australia

An education loan for Australia sanctioned by an educational institution can be solely used for educational purposes and does not cover personal expenses. Some of the expenses covered under the education loan for Australia for Indian students include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation charges
• Caution deposit
• Travel expenses
• Costs incurred for project work and study tours for the academic year
• Books, stationery, and laptop costs
• Other reasonable course-related expenses 

Repayment of Education Loan for Australia

The loan amount ranging between INR 4-7.5 lakhs should be repaid in full within 10 years. Students who have taken an education loan above 7.5 lakhs are given 20 years to repay the entire amount. The time given for repayment of the education loan for Australia varies for different loan-providing institutions.

Top Indian Banks Offering Education Loan for Australia

An education loan for Australia is provided by Indian Banks, NBFCs, and Private Education Loan Experts. Top Indian banks provide loans with an interest rate of 7%-18% to students interested in pursuing studies in Australia. Some of the top banks in India offering education loan to study in Australia along with the maximum loan amount are shown below:

Bank Name	Maximum Loan Amount (in INR)
Union Bank of India	15 Lakhs
Allahabad Bank	20 Lakhs
Punjab National Bank	20 Lakhs
Indian Bank	20 Lakhs
Dena Bank	20 Lakhs
State Bank of India	20 Lakhs
Bank of Maharashtra	20 Lakhs

Key Factors to Consider while Applying for an Education Loan for Australia

Most of the education loan providers cover the cost of living in Australia for Indian students along with their academic expenses. The Australian student visa application process is directly linked to the financial ability of the applicant. So, it is highly necessary for Indian students to get a loan, international scholarship, or personal funding to study in Australia. Some of the key factors to remember while applying for an education loan for Australia are listed below:

• One should always check if the education loan provider covers the medical insurance (OSHC Australia) expenses or not
• The applicant should confirm if the education loan service is scholarship adjustable
• One should check if the loan is still applicable if the student gets a PR-Visa in Australia
• The interest rates and Indian government education loan subsidy norms for overseas education needs to be checked

International students willing to pursue studies in Australia can avail themselves of various scholarships offered by the Australian government and the respective Australian universities in which they have taken admission into. Several private and public organizations also provide financial aid to international students at different levels of study. Financial assistance is also offered in the form of bursaries and grants in addition to scholarships in Australia for international students.

The scholarships in Australia are designed to attract high-performing international students to Australia as well as those hoping to work in the country after graduating. Most of the scholarships offered to international students in Australia offer a substantial bulk payment, educational subsidies, or living allowances to help students.

Australian Government Scholarships for International Students

International students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Australia are eligible for various government-funded scholarships. These scholarships cover the full or partial tuition costs and other living expenses in Australia. Listed below are some of the scholarships in Australia for international students offered by the Australian government.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Destination Australia Scholarships
• International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships previously known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) are long-term development awards offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia. These scholarships aim to promote knowledge, education links, and enduring ties between Australia and the neighboring countries through an extensive range of scholarship programs.

These scholarships are offered to students from developing countries particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. These scholarships generally cover full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and more.

Destination Australia Scholarships

Destination Australia Scholarships are offered by the Australian government to both local and international students willing to study in regional Australia. Over 1,000 scholarships worth $15,000 are offered every year to support the study and living expenses of students pursuing a Certificate IV to Doctorate level qualification at a regional campus of an eligible University in Australia.

The Destination Australia Program supports remote and regional Australian tertiary education providers by promoting activities that lead to growth and sustainability. Students are offered an opportunity to undertake high-quality education, training, and research, and to experience life in regional and remote Australia. This ensures that the regions share the social, cultural, and economic benefits that international students bring.

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships are offered to international students enrolled in postgraduate research in Australia to gain experience with leading Australian researchers. These scholarships are generally offered to international research candidates with a first-class honors degree or equivalent.

The scholarships are offered for a period of two years for a master’s degree in research and for three years for a doctorate degree in research. The scholarship amount is $29,843 per year with the possibility of a six-month extension for doctoral students. The scholarships cover the cost of health cover and also the tuition fees.

Australian University Scholarships

Australian education providers generally offer scholarships to qualifying international students based on academic merit. The admissions team or the international office of the respective university should be contacted to apply for a scholarship. Some of the popular scholarships in Australia offered by the Australian universities to international students are listed below:

• University of Sydney International Research Scholarships
• Macquarie University International Scholarships
• Griffith Remarkable Scholarships
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
• Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students
• Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships
• Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships
• UNSW International Scholarships

University of Sydney International Research Scholarships

The University of Sydney International Research Scholarships is offered to students eligible to undertake a postgraduate research degree or master’s research program at the University of Sydney. The objective of the scholarship is to attract top-quality international postgraduate students to undertake research projects which will, in turn, enhance the University of Sydney’s research activities.

These scholarships cover the tuition fees and living allowance of students for up to three years. Doctoral students can get a scholarship extension of up to one semester. Students commencing research in both March and July are eligible to apply for this scholarship. A separate application is not required but students must indicate their interest in availing of the scholarship while filling up the relevant section of the Postgraduate Research Application form.

Macquarie University International Scholarships

Macquarie University International Scholarships are offered to outstanding students pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Macquarie University North Ryde campus. The scholarship amount varies up to AUD $10,000 and covers the partial tuition fee of the students.

These scholarships are highly competitive and are based on the academic merit of international students. A limited number of scholarships are awarded and international students are advised to accept their offer and apply for the scholarship early on to avoid any disappointment.

Griffith Remarkable Scholarships

Griffith Remarkable Scholarships are awarded to academically exceptional students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Griffith University. These scholarships cover around 50% of the tuition fees and are deducted from the tuition fees for the duration of the respective program. These scholarships are valid for the entire duration of the course.

Students coming from countries other than Australia and New Zealand who have applied for admission to Griffith University before the scholarship application close date are eligible for the scholarship. The applicants should have a minimum GPA of 5.5 or above on a scale of 7.0 or equivalent in the previous study and should also satisfy all the academic and English language requirements for the respective undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program.

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships to high achieving domestic and international graduate research students and includes benefits such as tuition fee waiver, living allowance, relocation grant, and overseas student health cover.

The total value of the scholarship is up to $110,000 and offers 100% fee remission. Around 600 scholarships are awarded each year that are applicable across all study areas. Students are automatically considered for the scholarship and no separate application is required.

Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students

Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships are offered to academically excellent international students who are commencing undergraduate and postgraduate coursework at the University of Adelaide. These highly competitive scholarships cover 50% of the tuition fees.

Each faculty at the University of Adelaide awards two scholarships of a 50% reduction of the tuition fee to the applicant in their faculty with the highest score above an ATAR of 98 or GPA of 6.8. These awards are open to citizens of any country other than Australia and New Zealand pursuing studies in any discipline.

Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (FIPRS)

Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships are offered to deserving students pursuing a full-time research higher degree at Flinders University. The scholarships are offered for a period of up to two years for a master’s degree in research and for up to three years for a doctorate degree in research. These scholarships cover the international student tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, relocation costs, and airfare.

FIPRS covers the international student tuition fees charged by Flinders University for a research higher degree in addition to a generous living allowance paid at the rate of $26,288. The scholarship amount is indexed annually and is exempted from tax. 

Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships (CDU VCIHAS)

The Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships are offered to academically excellent international students who are starting an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Charles Darwin University. These scholarships are offered in limited numbers and cover around 25-50% of the tuition fee.

International students on a student visa not holding another scholarship from an Australian or foreign sponsoring agency are eligible for the VCIHAS scholarship. The applicants should meet the academic and English language entry requirement for their chosen course at CDU. The applicant should also have a minimum overall score of 95% in their highest completed qualification. 

UNSW International Scholarships

UNSW International Scholarships are offered to international students willing to pursue full-time undergraduate and postgraduate coursework at the University of New South Wales. The scholarship covers partial or full tuition fees and may also provide a stipend to assist with the costs associated with the studies.

The scholarship amount is $5,000 per year and some other scholarships are offered that provide full or partial tuition fee payment, or a stipend. The applicant should have received an offer of admission from the University of New South Wales to be eligible for the scholarship.

Australia is one of the most preferred study destinations after the USA and the UK for students from all over the world. One of the main concerns for international students moving to Australia is to find the right kind of accommodation. There are several student accommodations in Australia for students ranging from homestays to university accommodations to self-catered apartments.

International students can choose the right kind of accommodation in Australia based on their budget and personal needs. One of the advantages is that Australia has comparatively affordable accommodation for students. The cost and availability are some of the important factors while looking for student accommodation in Australia. On-campus accommodation options are popular among international students but are limited in number. Thus off-campus residence options are preferred by many international students.

Table of Contents

• On-Campus Vs Off-Campus Accommodation in Australia
• Types of Accommodation in Australia
  • Homestays
  • On-campus Residence
  • Managed Student Apartments
  • Private Rentals
  • Halls of Residence
  • Boarding Schools
  • Hostel Accommodation
  • Temporary Accommodations
  • Free Accommodation as an Au Pair
  • Move-in with Someone you Already Know or a Family
• How to Choose the Right Student Accommodation in Australia?

On-Campus Vs Off-Campus Accommodation in Australia

International students coming to Australia for higher education should keep in mind that on-campus housing options are limited as there are not many universities in Australia. There are several residential colleges that offer furnished rooms with good amenities. However, international students generally prefer to stay in off-campus accommodation as it is cheaper than the average university-managed accommodation. The main differences between on-campus and off-campus accommodation in Australia are given below:

On-campus Accommodation	Off-campus Accommodation
The average cost per week is 160-470 AUD and the prices vary for lodges, studio, single room, twin sharing and number of meals opted	The average cost per week is 85-440 AUD and the prices vary based on city, rent, the number of people sharing, and amenities.
A limited number of seats are available which differs with each college	These accommodation options are easily available
The duration of stay depends on the course duration and can range anywhere between 4-52 weeks	Students can stay for short-term or long-term
Includes amenities such as water, food, electricity, internet, etc	Homestays come with most of the amenities and students have to arrange everything if living in a rented house
Convenient stay option as no traveling is involved	Transportation may be involved which depends on the area of the accommodation and could be time-consuming and expensive

Types of Accommodation in Australia

International students coming to Australia are concerned about finding the right accommodation for the duration of their study. Various housing options are available in Australia based on the needs and preferences of the students. Listed below are a few types of student accommodation in Australia for international students:

1. Homestays
2. On-campus Residence
3. Managed Student Apartments
4. Private Rentals
5. Halls of Residence
6. Boarding Schools
7. Hostel Accommodation
8. Temporary Accommodations
9. Free Accommodation as an Au Pair
10. Move-in with Someone you Already Know or a Family

Homestays

Homestays are a great option for international students in the first month after arriving in Australia. Several homestay options are available that can be booked through a provider suggested by the respective educational institution. International students can choose to either stay for a short-term or long-term and experience valuable cultural experiences in a local host family. The average cost of a homestay ranges anywhere between AUD $250 and AUD$ 350 per week depending on the meal types, room, and other facilities. Given below are some of the pros and cons of living in homestays in Australia for international students:

Pros:

• Homestays are a cheaper option as compared to other accommodation types and they provide only laundry facilities and meals
• International students can experience the family atmosphere and other comforts that they are used to being at home

Cons:

• Students miss out on various social and cultural opportunities on opting to stay at homestays
• Some students may also find it difficult to adjust to a new family mainly with the house rules and food offered.

On-campus Residence

On-campus residences also called residential colleges are a popular option for international students living on or near the campus. This is also one of the easiest and most convenient accommodation options to stay in Australia. The cost of residential accommodation varies and may cost anywhere between AUD $200 and AUD $750 per week including utilities. Some of the pros and cons of living in residential college apartments are given below:

Pros:

• The residential college accommodation is generally situated near to the college campus. One can either walk to the campus or take a short public transport ride
• These accommodation options provide adequate privacy to the students and also offer them a more independent lifestyle in self-contained living spaces

Cons:

• Students may miss out on the sense of community offered by living on campus
• There could be additional charges incurred such as tutoring, meals, and internet access. Students should organize all these facilities on their own

Managed Student Apartments

Managed student apartments are purpose-built accommodations where the entire block is dedicated to accommodating around 100-400 students. It comes in the form of single or twin rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Certain rooms may also be shared between 4-5 students. The cost of a managed student accommodation varies from apartment to apartment. It costs anywhere between AUD $200 and AUD $500 per week and includes the costs of utilities such as power, gas, water, and internet. Given below are some of the pros and cons of living in managed student apartments for international students:

Pros:

• Managed student apartments have reduced living costs as there are more people to help cover the bills and rent
• Sharing accommodation with other students will help form solid bonds of friendship

Cons:

• One of the primary disadvantages of living in shared accommodation is the lack of privacy. Students are required to share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom that becomes difficult in certain situations

Private Rentals

Private rentals are one of the best accommodation options for international students willing to immerse themselves in the Australian culture. Students can choose to live alone or with friends as per their personal preferences. These types of accommodation are one of the most affordable options to live in Australia. Students should pay rent in advance and also the security payment commonly known as bonds. This is usually the payment of one month’s rent paid up-front. Students are also required to pay bills for gas, water, and electricity separately. The average cost of private rentals ranges between AUD $100 and AUD $500 per week. Listed below are a few pros and cons of choosing private rentals in Australia for international students:

Pros:

• Students can choose to set up residence anywhere they want be it further out in the suburbs or somewhere within the city
• One can experience far more independence in private rentals as compared to other types of accommodation. Students are expected to share cleaning duties, pay bills, and also deal with property managers or landlords that helps them to become self-sufficient and responsible

Cons:

• Sharing living space with other students can get a little difficult as there may be differences in lifestyles between roommates
• Students may have to deal with real estate agents and landlords which may not always be a pleasant experience
• Private rentals may be expensive especially if one decides to live on their own. Additional expenses are incurred such as bills and food

Halls of Residence

Halls of residence are affiliated with or owned by the respective educational institutions. These are located either on-campus or somewhere close by. International students have an option to rent a single bedroom and share facilities such as a kitchen, bathrooms, etc. There are also several Australian universities that provide apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and bathrooms including the utilities like gas, water, and electricity. Free internet is also available for all students. The cost of halls of residence starts from AUD $320 and can come up to AUD $1,000/ month. The pros and cons of living in halls of residence for international students are mentioned below:

Pros:

• International students can experience the comfort of home in halls of residence and can avail of amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and cinema rooms
• One doesn’t have to worry about public transportation or other travel options as halls of residence are located in close proximity to the campus
• Students can meet new people and socialize while living in halls of residence. There are events such as weekly parties, formal balls, or karaoke nights conducted on a regular basis that serves as a ground for socializing and networking

Cons:

• Students are expected to follow specific rules set by the respective university at the halls of residence
• These are expensive accommodation options for international students with the cost varying between institutions. Certain services may also be not included in the costs and will be charged extra

Boarding Schools

Several private secondary schools in Australia offer boarding school facilities to international students including services such as meals, laundry, and cleaning services. The costs for social activities and academic tutoring services after school may also be included in the fees. Students can choose between private or shared rooms that offer a supportive family atmosphere. This accommodation costs around AUD $11,000 to $22,000 per year. Given below are the pros and cons of choosing to stay in boarding schools for international students:

Pros:

• Boarding schools help students to build social connections and form new friendships
• Services such as cleaning, food, and laundry are included in the costs and students may also be able to avail tutoring services and participate in social activities

Cons:

• Students are allowed to occupy only one room and share a bathroom and kitchen with other boarders
• Boarding schools are expensive as compared to other types of accommodation

Hostel Accommodation

Hostel accommodation is a popular option for students who are moving overseas or interstate to study. Students can choose this accommodation for a short-term stay until they find some permanent place to live. The two types of hostel accommodations are backpackers hostels and classic hostels. Backpackers hostels are a home away from home for international students and include higher services like free breakfast, freebies, and free airport pick-up. Classic hostels are known for providing high-standard services in furnished bedrooms with access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, recreation facilities, and a lounge area. The average cost of hostels in Australia is around AUD $90 to AUD $150 per week. Listed below are some of the pros and cons of opting for hostel accommodation in Australia for international students:

Pros:

• Hostels located near the campus are an advantage that makes it more convenient for students studying in the Central Business District (CBD)
• International students get an opportunity to meet new people in the hostel accommodation

Cons:

• Students may have to pay extra for food and that can be an issue while living on a budget
• The facilities offered in hostels are to be shared with several other students which can be a little difficult for certain students

Temporary Accommodations

Temporary accommodations are the short-term accommodation option that can be used for at least 3 to 4 weeks while looking for permanent housing options and becoming familiar with the new city. International students are advised to arrange for temporary accommodation in advance and check out the property in person after arriving in Australia. Temporary accommodation in Australia costs between AUD 90 - 150 per week. A few pros and cons of living in temporary accommodation in Australia are shown below:

Pros:

• International students may have to sign a short-term lease while renting a temporary accommodation in Australia which offers the flexibility to move out as soon as they find a permanent accommodation
• These accommodations are fully furnished and well-equipped with all basic amenities

Cons:

• Short-term rentals in temporary accommodation are much more expensive than long-term rentals in the same
• The rental lease can be terminated at any time by the property owner that could lead to a stressful situation of finding a new accommodation in a short time

Free Accommodation as an Au Pair

Persons with previous childcare experience can choose to be an au pair, also called nanny, in Australia. Many Australian families require childcare services and offer food and accommodation in return. This option is best for students if the working hours do not clash with the class timings. One may have to put in extra efforts to meet the working hours, but free accommodation is guaranteed at the end of the day. Students on a strict budget can go for this option to be able to study and live in Australia. A few pros and cons of living in Australia as an au pair are shown below:

Pros:

• Students working as an au pair get regular meals, accommodation, and some amount of money in exchange for helping families with childcare
• This is one of the cheapest and best options to live in Australia and students can enhance their CVs with relevant work experience
• International students get to share their culture and experiences with other people and learn more about their culture in exchange.

Cons:

• One of the main cons of working as an au pair is that students are required to adapt to the lifestyle of another family
• One should always prioritize the plans of the family over their own
• Students find it difficult to divide their working hours and free time while living in the same place as their employer

Move-in with Someone you Already Know or a Family

International students already having family and relatives in Australia can plan to stay with them for the duration of their studies. This way, students can build their social connections outside of the university campus and also enjoy an independent life. The host family may have to undergo a few checks, which can also include a police inspection to be able to accommodate the student. Some of the pros and cons of moving in with a known family member in Australia are as follows:

Pros:

• Students moving with family or close friends in Australia can enjoy all the comforts of home like personal space, home-cooked meals, and more
• Living with family or relatives is also relatively cheaper for international students. One can work for much lesser hours and dedicate the remaining time to their studies
• Students have access to their own study space which is otherwise rare to find on-campus or in shared accommodation.

Cons:

• International students may miss out on several on-campus social activities while living with a close relative or family member in Australia. On the other hand, students living on-campus enjoy various activities and form close-knit friendships
• Students may have to follow certain house rules and may face privacy issues while living with close family members
• Commuting to and from college may be a hassle if one stays a bit far from the campus.

How to Choose the Right Student Accommodation in Australia?

Australia offers a wide range of accommodation options for international students ranging from homestays to rentals to hostel accommodation. Both on-campus and off-campus accommodations are preferred by international students based on their needs and budget. Some of the deciding factors while choosing the right accommodation in Australia for international students are shown below:

• The first thing to consider while choosing a student accommodation in Australia is the budget. Students can look for both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options in their budget and also consider applying for financial aid options like relocation scholarships and rent assistance to help them with their budget
• International students should do detailed research while looking for student accommodation in Australia. One should compare the different accommodation options and speak to the respective housing representatives or visit the on-campus accommodations
• Once a particular accommodation option has been selected, the student should weigh up both the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation based on factors like cost, location, affordability, amenities, etc
• The student should be dedicated while arranging accommodation and submit applications for on-campus accommodations on time. There should be proper management right from bond payment to sharing utilities with friends.