We estimate that you need approximately AUD20,000 to cover living expenses in Sydney for each year of study.
In addition, we recommend that you have at least AUD2000 when you arrive to cover the initial costs of books, rental bond, and furniture.
These figures do not include large household items (such as a refrigerator) or a car. Owning a car can be expensive, and we recommend that you use public transport.
| Shared house of flat | One-bedroom flat | On campus (college) | |
| Weekly Costs | |||
| Weekly rent | 200 | 250 | 200 |
| Shared household expenses (cleaning products, etc.) | 80 | 90 | 80 |
| Food | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Utilities (gas, electicity, phone) | 35 | 60 | 60 |
| Travel | 35 | 25 | 25 |
| Spending money | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Incidentals | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Average weekly costs | 555 | 630 | 630 |
| Total Estimate (one academic year = 37 weeks) | 20,535 | 23,310 | 23,310 |
*Summer break
In addition to the 37-week academic year, there is a 10-week summer break from December to February. (The other five weeks comprise student vacations, known as stu-vacs, and mid-semester breaks.)
If you stay in Australia during the break, you need to allow for an extra 10 weeks of living expenses. Of course, if you stay, you save on airfares back home and on the costs of having to establish yourself in a new house when you return to Sydney. You can also take casual or part-time work to offset your expenses.
How much do basic items cost?
| Men's shirt | $30+ |
| Men's trousers | $50+ |
| Men's jacket | $60+ |
| Women's blouse | $30+ |
| Women's skirt | $45+ |
| Women's trousers | $45+ |
| Shoes | $50+ |
| Milk | $1.80/litre |
| Eggs | $4.29/dozen |
| Rice | $2.15/kg |
| Pasta | $1.29/kg |
| Chicken (whole) | $10.00 |
| Beef steak | $12.00/kg |
| Apples | $4.10/kg |
| Potatoes | $3.10/kg |
