Australia is a safe and friendly place to study
It offers a combination of quality education and high living standards. Students need to consider the cost of living and prepare a budget carefully. We have provided some examples below of expenses to consider when preparing for life in Australia as a student.
Study costs
Your cost of studying in Australia may include:
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for your chosen program plus any requirements such as textbooks or special equipment
Health insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the duration of your student visa
English language course
Course fees if you need to improve your English level
Flights
For travel between Australia and your home country plus travel insurance
Cost of living
Accommodation, transport, groceries, entertainment, clothing, phone calls
Cost of living
The cost of living in Australia will vary depending on your lifestyle and personal requirements. The Australian Government requires student visa applicants to show they have a minimum of AUD$29,710 (Australian dollars) in savings to cover annual living costs.
Talk to our students
Do you want to speak to someone about their experiences at Griffith University and in Australia?
Possible living expenses
- 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: $80 to $150 per week
- On-campus accommodation: $166 to $394 per week
- Off-campus accommodation: $160 to $440 per week
- Homestay: $235 - $325 per week
Please be advised it is an estimate only and individual differences mean prices will vary. The above costs do not include: security deposit, textbooks, clothing and medical expenses.
At a glance
Fast food meal
$13.00
Dinner
$25.00
Regular coffee
$5.50
Pint of beer
$9.00
Cocktail
$16.00
Movie ticket
$19.50
Weekly gym membership
$15.00
Men’s haircut
$33.00
Bringing your family to Australia
Ensure you have the funds to support your family financially if you are bringing them to Australia.
Working
Working part-time can help complement your study and living experience.
Scholarships and finance
Griffith offers an exciting range of scholarships to support international students with study and living costs. We also support more than 250 sponsored students from around the globe and assist with financial aid options and student loans.
Exchange rates
View the exchange rate between the Australian dollar and your local currency.