Many students dream to pursue tertiary study in Australia however due to the expensive living expenses and tuition fees, many put a full stop in fulfilling that dream. However, rest easy because there are Australian cities that have lower living expenses with affordable tuition fees, and some of the cities are also considered as Regional Areas. Not only that, you will be able to ease your financial burden during your study because the Australian governments allow international students to work up to 40 hours fortnightly with the minimum wage of AUD$ 19.49 per hour. So, don’t give up on that dream, when there’s a will there’s a way!
Check out the top 7 cheapest cities together with the estimated weekly living expenditure and the recommended universities below!
7. Canberra, The Australian Capital Territory
Many people mistake Sydney as the capital of Australia however, Canberra is the national capital of Australia and the name of this regional area derived from ‘Canberry’ which means a ‘meeting place’. Canberra is a modern, vibrant and multicultural city with 25% of the population being made up of students. Number 4 best student cities in Australia and number 23 in the world based on QS Best Students Cities 2019. So, this is proof that Canberra is among the greatest and best cities to study not just in Australia but in the world!
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 260
Groceries: AUD$ 108
Utilities: AUD$ 58
Leisure: AUD$ 60
Public Transport: AUD$ 23
Total: AUD$ 509
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and don’t take into account your budget and spending habits)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
Australian Catholic University | Sports-Related Subjects, Nursing, Education & Psychology | February & July | AUD$23,000 – 31,000 |
Charles Sturt University | Agriculture, Accounting & Environmental Science | January, June & October | AUD$25,000 – 31,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
6. Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane, also called the Sunshine City, is the third-largest yet affordable city in Australia. Although it is one of the cheapest cities in the country, that does not mean you are receiving a low standard of education as compared to other cities. You will receive a world-class education and top-notch living quality but with a lower price because the universities are among the top in the world. This is great for students who want to save but at the same time, you are not compensating for the quality of education.
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 234
Groceries: AUD$ 105
Utilities: AUD$ 54
Leisure: AUD$ 53
Public Transport: AUD$ 39
Total: AUD$ 485
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and it varies according to your lifestyle)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
James Cook University Brisbane | Business, Information Technology & Hospitality | March, July & November | AUD$ 30,400 – 33,000 |
Queensland University of Technology | Communication, Nursing, Sports-Related Subjects & Education | February & July | AUD$ 31,000 – 48,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
5. Gold Coast, Queensland
Located in Queensland, Gold Coast is one of the regional areas in Australia. This city is one of the popular destinations for most international students due to the high quality yet affordable education. Besides, the beaches such as Surfers Paradise Beach and Coolangatta Beach and the exciting theme parks are one of the many activities that students can do during breaks as Gold Coast are one of the top holiday destinations in Australia.
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 236
Groceries: AUD$ 105
Utilities: AUD$ 48
Leisure: AUD$ 78
Public Transport: AUD$ 15
Total: AUD$ 482
(The costs above are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and it varies according to your lifestyle.)
Check out the universities that are located in this city and their top programs below.
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
Hospitality Management, Pharmacy, Nursing & Business | February, June & October | AUD$28,000 – 35,000 | |
Southern Cross University | Nursing, Midwifery, Psychological Science & Information Technology | February, June & October | AUD$26,800 – 33,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
4. Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart, also a regional area, is the safest city and has the cleanest air in Australia. Students can roam around and walk freely everywhere in Hobart without any fear as the people are very welcoming and friendly. Students can benefit from the small classes in university as you will receive more attention and interactions from the lecturers. This can deepen your understanding and helps you to graduate with a high GPA. Not to forget, the beautiful scenery with a cool climate and cheap living expenditure is another reason this city is the best for international students.
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 232
Groceries: AUD$ 100
Utilities: AUD$ 66
Leisure: AUD$ 57
Public Transport: AUD$ 20
Total: AUD$ 475
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and it varies according to your lifestyle)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
Environmental Science, Agriculture & Education | February & July | AUD$ 33,000 – 75,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
3. Perth, Western Australia
Known as the ‘Education City’ of Australia, Perth received many international students from across the globe. The cheap accommodation options and the efficient transportation system make Perth the number one option for students. You can rest assured because you will receive great teachings and education from the reputable universities in Perth and they will ensure you receive a stellar student support service throughout your study.
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 203
Groceries: AUD$ 95
Utilities: AUD$ 55
Leisure: AUD$ 57
Public Transport: AUD$ 39
Total: AUD$ 449
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and it varies according to your lifestyle)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
Performing Arts, Cybertechnology, Information Technology & Business | February & July | AUD$30,000 – 34,000 | |
Murdoch University | Agriculture, Education, Environmental Studies & Social Science | February & July | AUD$ 26,000 – 33,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
2. Darwin, Australia Northern Territory
Darwin is a vibrant city with youthful energy, is classified as a regional area, and has one of the highest employment rates in the country making it ideal for students to secure a job. Students who love a relaxed and laid back environment, this city is perfect for you as you will not be surrounded by skyscrapers but there are plenty of activities to do during the weekends and semester breaks. You could go face-to-face with a crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove, swim at Wave Lagoon, or visit the weekly markets at Nightcliff. You will never get bored!
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 196
Groceries: AUD$ 104
Utilities: AUD$ 49
Leisure: AUD$ 72
Public Transport: AUD$ 22
Total: AUD$ 443
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and don’t take into account your budget and spending habits)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
Charles Darwin University | Engineering, Environmental Science, Accounting & Education | March, July & August | AUD$ 26,000 – 36,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
1. City of Adelaide, South Australia
Students can find a great balance between study and leisure because there are many festivals happening all year round as Adelaide is recognized as the city of festivals. This city is one of the Regional Areas in the country and 14% more affordable to live in than other major Australian cities. Apart from that, former President of Singapore, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, CEO of PETRONAS, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, and Editor in Chief Vogue China, Angelica Cheung are among the successful people that used to live and study in Adelaide. Talking about quality, aye!
Average Weekly Living Budgets
Accommodation (3 Bedrooms/Shared Apartment): AUD$ 190
Groceries: AUD$ 97
Utilities: AUD$ 50
Leisure: AUD$ 15
Public Transport: AUD$ 25
Total: AUD$ 377
(The costs below are an approximate guide only based on numbeo.com and it varies according to your lifestyle)
Universities | Top Programs | Intakes | Annual Indicative Fees 2020 |
University of South Australia | Nursing, Architecture, Environmental Studies & Education | January & July | AUD$ 28,000 – 40,000 |
Flinders University | Nursing, Education & Sociology | February & July | AUD$ 30,000- 39,000 |
To know more about the universities and courses, contact us 😃
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Stephanie Calamba
Part time ACCA student, part time content writer but full time child of God.
