Living In Australia

From 1 July 2012, the basic rate of living costs under the Migration regulations increased. Under these regulations prospective students and their family members must have access to the following funds to meet the living costs requirements in order to be granted visas. As such, you must demonstrate that the funds you are relying upon will meet the costs of studying in Australia. This includes having the funds readily available during your stay in Australia.

• AUD$18,610 a year for the main student;
• AUD$6,515 a year for the student’s partner;
• AUD$3,720 a year for the student’s first child; and
• AUD$2,790 a year for every other child and where required.

The figures above are indicative only and that costs can vary significantly depending on where you live in Australia. You should be prepared in case your living costs are greater than the indicated figures.

For more information visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Once you’ve settled in, you should ideally work out a budget that covers costs including clothing, food, accommodation, transport and entertainment, travel costs and child care, if applicable.

• Costs associated with living in Australia are featured, as follows:

https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/living-costs

It is important to be aware of how much money you spend and where you are spending it. Sticking to a budget will ensure you are on top of your cash flow.

• Please read more about budgeting at understandingmoney.gov.au
• Also read this article for an insight on living in Australia http://insiderguides.com.au/first-weeks-australia/

All Australian major town centres and capital cities shopping facilities with opening hours generally 9.00am to 5.30pm seven days a week, with late night shopping until 9.00pm on Thursdays or Fridays. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Mainstream grocery stores in Australia include Coles, Woolworths, Foodworks, IGA and Aldi. Major department stores in Australia include Myer and David Jones, Big W, Kmart and Target.

While there are no set rules on clothing in Australia, many workplaces, restaurants, clubs and bars have their own dress codes. Australian people generally dress in modern clothing influenced by personal taste, status, place of work, lifestyle and location.

The cost of clothing in Australia can vary. There are a number of quality variety stores such as Target, K-Mart and Big W where you can find low- cost clothing and shoes of all varieties. Department and specialty stores such as Myer and David Jones carry more expensive higher end clothing labels.

For guides relevant to living in Sydney have a look at these free resources:

• http://insiderguides.com.au/international-student-guides/