Fees and Costs: Cost of Living
Adelaide is a more affordable city to live in than most other Australian capital cities. In particular, the costs of accommodation and transportation are significantly less than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Statistics show that it costs 24% more to live in Sydney, 21% more in Melbourne, 12% more in Perth and 8% more in Brisbane. **
** Statistics from the Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009.
- Average Weekly Living Expenses
- Pre-Arrival Costs
- Post-Arrival Costs
- Money Management After Arrival
- Other Fees and Charges
Guide to Average Weekly Expenses in Adelaide*
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Rent+ |
$98-268 |
| Food |
$87-100 |
| Electricity, gas^ |
$15-$28 |
| Transport |
$15-20 |
| Telephone, postage |
$23-32 |
| Other (clothes, entertainment, etc) |
$40+ |
| Total |
$290-475 |
|
* Source - Education Adelaide + Accommodation costs can vary significantly based on location, type and arrangement. For example, centrally-located accommodation generally costs more than in outer suburbs. Similarly, students can lower their accommodation costs by sharing with other students - the lower end of the price range shown is mostly shared accommodation. ^ Gas and electricity often included in University-managed accommodation This should be viewed as a guide only for a single student. Costs can vary enormously from one student to another. These are basic living costs and do not include program tuition fees, costs for textbooks, other study related needs, running a car, medical expenses, or any luxuries. |
|
Pre-Arrival Costs
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee deposit | $9000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | $395 - $1975* |
| Economy air travel | $800 - $2000 |
| Visa application charge | $565^ |
| Medical exam for visa | $430# |
| Refundable deposit for University managed rental accommodation (if applicable) | $500 |
|
* The Department of Immigration requires all students to have health insurance for the duration of their visa. Visa length varies and is slightly longer than the length of a student's program. # Approximate cost for standard exam only - additional costs may be incurred if more comprehensive medical exams are required ^ Not applicable to AusAID scholarship holders |
|
Post-Arrival Costs
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Rent in advance | Two weeks |
| Household setup (linen, groceries, etc) | $500 |
| Remainder of tuition fee | refer to offer letter |
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Refundable accommodation deposit | Four to six weeks' rent |
| Electricity and gas deposit and connection charges | $38 - $72 |
| Telephone connection charge (landline) | $59 - $299 |
| Furniture and household goods | $1000+ |
Accommodation is the largest variable cost - $100 - $110 is an average cost of shared private accommodation outside of the city centre, whereas $190 is for University-managed or rental accommodation often within the city centre. Please note that there can be very large set-up costs associated with private accommodation that are not applicable to University-managed accommodation.
The cost of study-related costs, such as textbooks and basic study materials are not included in tuition. Information about such study-related costs can be found here.
Money Management After Arrival
For information about money management after arriving in Adelaide, please read more information on financial matters.
