Blog - Australian Institute of Higher Education (AIH)

The Real Cost of Living and Studying in Australia

Written by Australian Institute of Higher Education | Feb 19, 2025 6:12:56 AM


Dreaming of studying in Australia? It’s an exciting step towards your future, but let’s be real, moving to a new country means figuring out how much everything costs. Rent, food, tuition, transport…it all adds up. 

The good news? With a little planning (and the right support), you can make it work! This guide breaks down what you need to budget for and how our international student scholarships in Australia, flexible study options, and Pay As You Learn plans can make studying more affordable. 

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Australia? 

Australia is a fantastic place to study, but as with many international study destinations it’s no secret that the cost of living is a key consideration. According to the Australian Government, international students should budget around AUD 29,710 per year for things like rent, food, transport, and entertainment. 

Of course, how much you actually spend depends on your lifestyle and where you live. Sydney and Melbourne—home to some of the best universities and private institutions for international students in Australia—are vibrant, exciting cities with plenty of job opportunities. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend each week: 

  • Rent (shared accommodation) – AUD 250-400
  • Groceries – AUD 80-150
  • Transport (public transport pass) – AUD 30-60
  • Phone & internet – AUD 20-40log  
  • Eating out & entertainment – AUD 50-150 r 


(And yes, coffee is practically a must-have in Australia—expect to spend around AUD 4-5 per cup:-) 

What About Tuition Fees? 

Tuition is usually the biggest expense for international students, and it varies depending on the university or college, and course. If you're looking for an affordable business or information systems degree in Sydney or Melbourne, researching tuition fees is key. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay per year in Australia: 

  • Bachelor’s degrees: AUD 20,000 - 45,000 per year 
  • Master’s degrees: AUD 22,000 - 50,000 per year 

At our institute, we keep things affordable while still delivering a high-quality education. 

Our 2025 tuition fees per year for our most popular courses are: 

  • Bachelor of Accounting: AUD 16,800 per year. 
  • Bachelor of Business / Business Information Systems: AUD 17,840 per year. 
  • MBA (Business Analytics) / Master of Business Information Systems: AUD 21,440 per year. 


Compared to many other Australian institutions, we offer a budget-friendly option—plus, our flexible payment plans and scholarships make things even easier. 

 

How We Help You Save Money on Your Studies 

We get it, studying abroad is a big investment. That’s why we’ve designed our teaching and learning to give you more financial flexibility and freedom while studying. 

✔️ Pay As You Learn (PAYL) 
Instead of paying a huge fee upfront, you pay per subject as you go. This makes it easier to manage your money and budget better each term. 

✔️ Block Model = No Overload Stress 
With our Block Model, you study one subject at a time in a four-week ‘block.’ This means you’re not juggling multiple subjects at once, so you can really focus (and pass!). 

✔️ Hybrid-1: The Best of Both Worlds 
Our Hybrid-1 model means you only have to come to campus one day a week—giving you time for part-time work, exploring the city, or just catching up on sleep! 

 

Get a Scholarship or Bursary and Save Even More 

To make studying in Australia even more affordable, we offer three scholarships and bursaries for international students: 

💰 Australian Next Gen Award – 30% off tuition fees for offshore international undergraduate students (saving up to AUD 16,080 over three years). 

💰 International Student Support Bursary – 20% off tuition fees for onshore students starting in 2025. 

💰 Global Access Award – 15% off tuition fees for international students (both offshore and onshore) starting in early 2025. 

If you're considering studying at one of the top private colleges in Australia, our scholarships can make a huge difference—reducing tuition costs so you can focus on your studies without stressing about finances. 

 

Plan Smart, Study Smart 

Studying in Australia is an incredible experience, but knowing the costs upfront will help you budget wisely and avoid surprises. 
We make education affordable, flexible, and accessible, so you can study smarter, work smarter, and live the student life you’ve always wanted. 
Want to find out more? Check out our 2025 scholarships and bursaries 👇


 
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