The assumption that it is more expensive to study in Australia than the UK might have been true once, but with the new English tuition fees, things are changing. With English tuition fees rising to up to £9,000 a year, how much do Australian degree courses cost?

 

Australian Tuition Fees

According to Australian Government information, Australian tuition fees vary between $12,500 Australian dollars to $31,500. Typically they will not average more than $13,500 to $16,000. In English terms then the figures are (on the exchange rate in mid 2011) £8,155 to around £20,500. However the typical range quoted works out as £8,800 to around £10,440. So it is perfectly possible to have an Australian university quote you a tuition fee rate that is the same as England, if not lower.

Food

You need to be aware (if your parents aren’t screaming this!), that tuition fees are not your only cost. You have to live. So how about the living costs? Well food is not any more expensive, and in many cases a lot cheaper (if you are cooking for yourself). Pubs and clubs vary as they do in the UK, but a night at the pub with friends can cost around the same, if not cheaper because Aussies are not in general, into the UK habit of getting blitzed. Binge drinking and after hours punch-ups are frowned on, not least by Australian Police forces, who can be somewhat vigorously physical with drunks.

Accommodation

The other major cost of living other than food and going out will be your rent. Again official Australian government sources quote various formats, including homestay (when boarding with a local university approved family) at anything from $110 to $270 a week. This works out at around £72 to £176 a week. Think of a provincial UK university versus a London one, and it appears directly comparable. Some homestay includes some or all meals and laundry.

Shared housing and student flats in Australia vary between $70 to $400 a week; or £45.60 to £261 a week. Just as in Britain, this varies by location and type, with fashionable city-centre areas and accommodation costing most. On campus student accommodation also seems reasonable in UK terms, with costs quoted as being between $80 and $250 a week (£52 to £161). Again, as in Britain, check what comes with the rent, ensuite shower, meals, laundry, on-site facilities and the rest.

Finally, we have heard of those who use the famous Aussie hostels and guest houses (including backpacker hostels) and these vary between $80 to $135 a week (or £52 to £88). Often really good value, you might again want to check. Having your own decent sized room but sharing showers and toilets per landing might be for you, but being in a bunk bed in a shared ‘dorm’ most probably will not! Remember you are there to achieve a good degree and need space and the occasional quiet and privacy to complete your work.

Visas and Working

In general, Australian living costs vary as much as they do in Britain, and you have the same choices of economy and quality to make. However, before you apply and get accepted, you will need to arrange a student visa (anyone intending to stay and study for more than 3 months). Australia welcomes international students at twice the rate of Britain, but they are strict at trying to weed out those who are not there to really study. The student visa application process can seem as bureaucratic as any red tape in Britain, but your receiving university will help you navigate the system. The good news is that because so many Australian degrees involve real time with industry and potential employers, the Australian student visa system allows you to work up to 20 hours part-time during studies. During university vacations you are allowed to work full-time. So you can earn as you learn, as well as develop real work experience relevant to your CV; or just work in a bar on a beach!

If you need further information or advice, contact the universities you are interested (see the article ‘Australian Universities’ for live links to relevant International Offices).

See also
Choosing Australia
Studying In Australia  

Also in Britain there is the Australian High Commission (Embassy) in London, at

Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LA.

Tel

www.australia.org.uk