The Iglu Guide | Blog
The Cost Of Living In Sydney For International Students
Sydney is Australia’s largest city. Set on the spectacular harbourside, it has a wealth of educational and cultural opportunities – and it’s no surprise to discover it’s a top destination for international students. But with the rising cost of living impacting many students around the world, it’s important to understand what this means in real terms so that you can make the best financial choices well in advance of your arrival.
Why set up your student home in Sydney?
Sydney attracts over 35,000 international students every year thanks to its beachside setting, laid-back lifestyle and top-notch education opportunities. Home to five of the largest universities in the world, it provides a vibrant and engaging backdrop for all students to enjoy. International students in particular enjoy the high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and safe and secure environment. But Sydney is not cheap on the student pocket, rivalling London and New York when it comes to daily expenses and affordable student accommodation. As global living costs continue to put pressure on every household bill around the world, here’s what every international student planning on living and studying in Sydney needs to know.
Sydney cost of living – the breakdown
Tuition fees
Outside of student accommodation costs, university tuition fees are going to be your biggest expense as an international student. Universities are actually in charge of setting their own fees, and so these costs will vary by university, level and by course. Higher-ranking institutions such as Sydney University tend to have higher fees in place, with the cheapest options being Australian Catholic University and Western Sydney University. Although course fees have been on the rise over the past few years, international students can breathe a small sigh of relief as with the rate of inflation set to head above 8%, this is unlikely to continue. When you’re pulling together your uni budget, don’t forget to factor in all your additional textbooks and stationary needs on top of your course fees.
What can I expect to pay a year?
Course fees range between $20,000 and $45,000 for a bachelor’s degree, and between $22,000 and $50,000 for a Master’s.
These do not include medical or veterinary degrees which can be significantly more expensive.
Student accommodation costs
Affordable student housing in Sydney is notoriously difficult to find without making some sort of compromise, whether that’s location, design or distance. The cheaper housing options tend to be situated some distance from university, and the transport costs and extra travel time make it difficult for students to truly enjoy the Sydney experience. International students coming to live in Sydney have traditionally preferred to immerse themselves in on-campus accommodation or purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) buildings. These all offer a readymade student community on tap, as well as the extra benefits of multiple inclusions such as entertainment areas and gyms. But with the rising cost of living, many international students are seeking cheaper accommodation options, but in doing so, it’s important to consider the impact of each scenario. It might make more financial sense to save money on additional extras by having them already included in your weekly outgoings. If a gym is important to your wellbeing, this may be included in your student accommodation – immediately saving you extra money. If you enjoy an active social life – a student community on tap is much cheaper than going out and overspending the budget. If you’re concerned about rising utility costs, your budget is well protected with just one weekly bill to consider.
What can I expect to pay?
On-campus accommodation costs: $440 – $1,120 per week
Iglu Student Accommodation in Sydney: From $499 per week (including bills)
Shared rental: $740 – $1,760 per week
Food and entertainment
Sydney’s fantastic range of dining and eateries means that international students can happily munch through the week at a different location every night. But with the rising cost of living hitting students pretty hard, there’s plenty of other ways to get smart with your money and eat well along the way. Students can save extra cash by combining household budgets and cooking meals together, taking advantage of the bulk buy offers, and investing in high-energy nutritious foods that will keep tummies full until the next mealtime. Stay one step ahead of Sydney’s rising prices by cooking healthy meals that won’t break the bank, and be sure to target those student-friendly restaurants and bars that have cheap food and drink offers rotating throughout the week. Cook on a budget with friends, and save on going out by having your own fun at home. Make sure you stock up the pantry and freezer with canned and frozen veggies to keep you in budget, and still get your five serves a day.
What can I expect to pay?
The University of Sydney recommends that students should budget between $80-$280 every week for groceries. Find the best deals at Aldi, Coles and Woolworths, or head to the fresh food markets.
Many restaurants and bars have rotating student deals on offer, and students can also take advantage of cheap student nights at the cinema that usually run early in the week.
Student travel costs
The best way to avoid transport costs in Sydney is to have well-located student housing. The most central accommodation options are usually purpose-built student accommodation buildings or on-campus student housing. The benefit of these city-based locations is that you can easily walk, bike or run to your daily destinations. Going out is super easy, and getting to lectures on time is never a problem. If you’re living further afield and need to get around in Sydney, the Opal card is your ticket to ride. Valid on buses, trains, ferries and trams, all you need to do is load it up with credit, tap on and tap off the electronic readers and you’re good to go. The buses and trains have extensive and reliable networks, making it easy and cost effective to traverse this amazing city. And if you forget your Opal card, just tap your bank card, and keep on moving. Although international students are not currently eligible for concession prices, the competitive transport prices make it a budget-friendly option for all students.
What can I expect to pay?
Opal card fares are calculated on the distance you have travelled and the mode of transport.
Daily and weekly fares are capped at $16.80 weekday, and $50 for the week, with an $8.40 cap at the weekends and public holidays.
Health and wellbeing
When the cost-of-living pressures start to hit international students living in Sydney, it’s more important than ever to take good care of your health and wellbeing – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. When the budget bites and it’s time to seek out some cheaper options, you might find they’re pretty close to home. Instead of hitting the gym, check out some bedroom-based work-out videos, or take some time to try out some meditation and wellbeing apps. Jump on a bike and explore the harbour city, or walk the Sydney streets and see what’s happening right outside your door. Check in with your friends for regular emotional support, because good company is always the best medicine and it doesn’t cost a thing.
What can I expect to pay?
Sydney CBD gyms can cost between $17-$30 per week.
Choose student accommodation that includes access to a gym to save money.
*All costs approximate as at June 2023
