Canberra is the federal capital of Australia that is located on the southeastern part of the country. The city is known for its natural beauty, culture and the presence of various national institutions. The city is also a site for spooky encounters with the presence of various haunted sites. Canberra is one of the top 50 cities in the world for students that ranks 30th on the QS best cities list 2024. The city offers an exceptional quality of life, students should be aware that the cost of living in Australia, particularly in its capital cities like Canberra, can be higher compared to other regions.
While the city may not have a beach of its own like many other Australian cities Canberra has a manmade lake right in the city center with various other nature reserves. It is known for being safe, having a welcoming environment and presence of high-ranked universities. The city is also a great place for students to start their careers especially if they are in the field of healthcare, education, construction, retail and more.
This brief introduction tells us why the city is a favorite among international students but what does it cost to live there? Let’s find the answer to that question in the upcoming section.
Cost of Living in Canberra Australia for International Students
The cost of living in Australia for international students is as follows:
1. Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in the city of Canberra depends on the way students choose to live. Students can choose to live on-campus accommodation at the university, or they can choose to live off campus in a rented house. The cost of living off campus ranges from AUD 640 to AUD 700. The cost of living on campus for international students is around AUD 648 to AUD 750.
2. Food and Grocery
There is a lot for students to explore when it comes to food in Canberra with various cafes, pubs and restaurants. While eating out can be fun, students need to be mindful about eating fresh food and shop for groceries too. There are many farmers’ markets for students to explore that offer affordable fresh fruits and vegetables for students to buy. The cost of food per month can range from AUD 400 to AUD 600. To save on groceries, shop at local supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi, and take advantage of student meal deals at university cafeterias or nearby eateries.
3. Travel & Transportation
Students that live on campus do not need to worry about the expenses of their daily commute as it will be nearly negligible. For other students the city of Canberra offers various modes of public transportation like buses and trains. Students can also get concession cards for public transportation that can reduce the per trip cost significantly. The approximate cost of transport and travel per month is AUD 120.
4. Utilities
Utility costs like electricity, water and gas are not a part of the rent in most cases, their cost per month can be anywhere from AUD 80 to AUD 100 for a month.
5. Entertainment
Entertainment or recreation is a big part of student life apart from academic obligations. There are many places and experiences for students to explore in the city. The ideal budget for entertainment per month can be anywhere around AUD 200 to AUD 250 per month.
6. Internet & Phone
Phone and the internet are essential ways to connect to peers, family and are also used for studies and more. They are a part of the cost of living in Australia for international students. The cost of internet and phone for a month is in the range of AUD 60 to AUD 72 per month.
7. Insurance
International students need to have some security when it comes to their health. That is why health insurance is an important expense. The cost of insurance for students in the city of Canberra is around AUD 70 per month.
8. Miscellaneous
Some costs are not planned for students which they need to be ready for. Students should have an emergency fund, or some amount of money kept aside for unforeseen circumstances in the form of miscellaneous. There is no ideal amount that students should save but they can save up to AUD 50 to AUD 100 per month. Lastly, make use of free entertainment options like visiting Canberra’s museums, parks, and galleries, which offer enriching experiences without any additional cost.
To summarize, in this article we talked about the beautiful city of Canberra and the costs for students to study there. For more information on the costs of living or studying in Australia, students can reach out to study abroad experts. By planning your budget carefully, you can make the most of your time studying in Canberra without compromising on your lifestyle.
They offer guidance and assistance to students and help them on every step of the way. They can help students to find universities to study in Australia for international students so they can make the best choice for themselves.
