Student Accommodation in Australia

Australia has a large range of accommodation options available to international students. With choices ranging from university accommodation or homestay to self-catered apartments or share houses, there’s an option to suit every personality and budget.

Availability and Cost

The cost and availability of accommodation in Australia depend on the type you choose. For instance, on-campus accommodation is very popular and requires students to apply for a room well in advance, whereas rental accommodation tends to be more readily available and can often be organized when you arrive. You will also find that costs and availability vary between states and territories, as well as between metropolitan and regional areas.

Prior to your arrival in Australia, it is important to contact your education institution’s accommodation service and ask about what is available and the costs involved.

Types of accommodation

 Halls of Residence

Halls of residence also offer accommodation and a lively social atmosphere, but with fewer facilities and services included. Some meals and cleaning services may be included, but self-catering facilities are provided, enabling students to be more independent. Most offer private rooms, with shared bathrooms, kitchens and recreation areas.

 University Accommodation

The prices and accommodation options at residential colleges, halls of residence and apartments vary between institutions, so you should contact the institution you’re interested in for full details. These options are very popular, so it’s a good idea to apply early. On average, on-campus accommodation costs around AUD$80 to $250 per week.

 Apartments

Some institutions also offer apartments for rent either close to or on campus. This provides students with the security of institution-approved accommodation, but with the increased freedom of fully self-catered living. Single and shared apartments are usually available. Apartments are popular with students in the later years of their degrees.

 Residential Colleges 

Residential colleges provide accommodation, meals, cleaning and a wide range of support services for social and academic needs. They are generally more expensive than halls of residence because of the range of facilities and support services offered. Most offer private rooms, with shared bathrooms, dining halls, and recreation areas.

Homestay accommodation gives international students the option of living with an Australian family in their home. Single or shared rooms may be available, and costs vary according to the type of room (usually around AUD$110 to $270 per week). Meals are usually included in the cost, although self-catered homestay is also available. This type of accommodation is popular with secondary students and those studying short-term English courses. Most accommodation services at Australian institutions keep a register of approved and reputable homestay providers.

Many students choose to rent a property by themselves or share the cost of a rental property with housemates. You may move into an existing household or set up a household with some friends. Rental properties are rarely furnished, so you will generally have to provide some or all of your own furniture. Rental agreements usually require payment of rent in advance, as well as a security payment called a ‘bond’ (usually one month’s rent) that is paid up-front. You will also need to pay bills for electricity, gas, and water. Your institution’s accommodation service can help with finding rental accommodation and provide information about your rights and obligations. Rental properties or rooms are advertised on student notice boards, websites (such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au) and in newspapers. On average, rental accommodation costs around AUD $100 to $400 per week and shared rental accommodation costs around AUD $70 to $250 per week.