Financial Matters

Once you’ve settled in, it is recommended you work out a budget covering costs including clothing, food, accommodation, transport and entertainment. Travel costs and childcare, if applicable, should also be taken into account.

Living Costs

Students should be aware that the costs of studying in Australia will depend on your education provider, the level of study you choose and your study location in Australia. Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation.

The costs outlined at the link below are an approximate guide only and don't take into account your budget and personal spending habits. It is suggested that you should be prepared in case your living costs are greater than the indicated figures see https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/living-costs

Accommodation

Arranging Accommodation:

The cost of accommodation in Australia varies from state to state and the cost of renting accommodation while studying can be high. Many International students choose to share accommodation to keep costs down.

Most international students choose to rent a home with friends or find people to share with, through websites. It is important to stay safe when searching for accommodation or people to share with online.

Security Deposits/Bonds:

The owner or agent of an owner who has the right to rent you a property is called the landlord. A landlord will ask you for money before you move into an apartment. The bond is usually set at four weeks rent. A bond/"security deposit" is an amount of money that is supposed to guarantee that the tenant will care for the property. If the tenant does not care for the property or clean it before leaving, the landlord has a legal right to keep the bond/security deposit. Otherwise, the landlord must return the security deposit within a month after the tenant leaves.

Ensure you receive a receipt for any money paid to a landlord and do not pay any deposit/bond amounts without first inspecting a property.

Property Inspection:

Most landlords will inspect the property with you on commencement of your tenancy. This is done with a list of furniture and fittings in each room of the property so that the two of you can agree on the condition of the property at the commencement of the tenancy.

You should note on this document anything you notice during the inspection that is not already listed and keep a copy that has been signed by both of you.

Once you are the tenant, the condition of these things will be your responsibility. This will be done again at the end of your tenancy and the final condition of the property may determine the return of your full security deposit.

If this inspection is not suggested, you might suggest it yourself (you are entitled to) as a means of ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.

Rental Agreement:

In most cases, the landlord will require the tenant to sign a lease. A lease is a written agreement between a tenant and a landlord that describes the responsibilities of each party.

This is a binding legal document that commits the student to a specific period of residency in the unit or dwelling.

The lease may contain restrictions, such as not permitting animals or children in the dwelling. Ask the landlord about his/her requirements.

Make sure that you know and understand these restrictions before signing the lease. If you do not obey the restrictions on the lease, the landlord can ask you to leave.

Shopping

Australia’s major town centers and capital cities have world-class shopping facilities. Hours are generally 9.00am to 5.00pm 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.

Transportation

Public Transport:

Public transport in metropolitan Adelaide including bus, tram and train is run by Adelaide Metro. No matter how far you travel, Adelaide Metro fares are the same for buses, trains, and trams. Rechargeable metro CARDs, paper Metro Tickets, credit/debit cards, and smart devices (available on all trams, O-Bahn buses, and select buses) are the possible payment methods. Some free public transportation services are provided by Adelaide Metro to North Adelaide and the city core. Adelaide Metro concession fares are available to South Australian government-approved full-time postsecondary students.

For more information you can go to the Adelaide Metro website: https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/

Cycling:

Cycling is common in Adelaide because it's fun, cheap, environmentally friendly as well as an excellent form of exercise. Cycling in Adelaide is enjoyable and simple because of the city's level roadways and plenty of bike lanes and trails. On walkways, bicycles of all ages are permitted. For bicycles, footpaths offer a secure and occasionally more direct option.

For more information about cycling laws, please visit: My License - Cycling Laws

Driving a Car:

In Australia, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. Short term visitors with temporary visas are permitted to drive in South Australia, although they are limited to using the vehicles that are permitted by their licence. You must always have a valid driver's licence, whether it was obtained domestically or abroad. You must carry an International Driving Permit or an English translation if the license is not in English.

There is limited off-street car parking and motorbike parking available around campus.

Familiarise yourself with the Road Rules in South Australia in more detail:

My License - My car license - International drivers