Cost of Living

Introduction

Some students are unprepared for the cost of living while studying and find themselves in financial difficulties. It is important to be aware that the ANU has extremely limited financial assistance available to students, so you must plan your budget carefully.

• Living on or off-campus - if you decide to live off campus, you will face considerable costs when you first arrive. You will be required to pay rent in advance, along with a security bond (usually the amount of four weeks' rent). If your house is unfurnished, as most rental properties in Canberra are, you will need to buy furniture and kitchen items.
• Transport - owning a car or using public transport is obviously more expensive than riding a bicycle or walking.
• Paying for school expenses (other than fees) - textbooks and other supplies can be quite expensive, particularly if you will be studying courses involving field trips or laboratory work. Some textbooks can be purchased second hand, but not all. (Websites such as Textbook Exchange and Textbooks 'n' Stuff are great ways to get the books you need for cheap.)
• Having your family come to live with you in Australia.
• Entertainment - restaurants, clubs, bars and films can be quite expensive. (There are ways to save such as using websites such as StudentVIP and Pokitpal for discounts and attending the movies or eating at Wagamama on a Tuesday for Cheap Tuesdays.)
• Travelling in Australia during your holidays. (STA located right on campus can get you some great deals and be sure to keep an eye on discount airlines like Tiger and Virgin Blue.)

Estimated costs

While it is not possible to set an exact guide of what your expenses will be while living in Australia, this is the guide used by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship Affairs (DIAC) in assessing Student Visa applications (excluding your student fees). These figures DO NOT reflect the actual cost of living in Australia.

• Living costs of A$18,000 per year if you are unaccompanied. (This was introduced on 1/1/2010)
• 35% extra per year if you have a spouse with you in Australia.
• 20% extra per year if you have one child (plus A$8,000 per year for the cost of schooling, if the child is of school age).
• 15% extra per year for each additional child (plus A$8,000 for the cost of schooling, if the child is of school age).

For a realistic estimation of living expenses, ANU recommends: