COSTS FOR ACCOMMODATION WHEN STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA, BRISBANE

Starting your journey to study in Australia, covering the accommodation cost is always one of the top concerns for international students. In the first few weeks of studying in Brisbane, your estimated budget should be around AUD 2,500 to settle in, stock up on food, and cover transportation costs, as there will be quite a few initial expenses that you’ll need to get accustomed to and adapt to.

The monthly rental costs will vary from AUD 250 to AUD 700 per week depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Some types of accommodation you can consider include homestays, private housing, university dormitories, and student housing complexes.

For off-campus rentals (renting outside the school campus), the costs range from AUD 210 per week (shared room) to  AUD 620 per week (full room rental). Renting private housing will range from $250 to $530 per week, depending on the room type or the number of people sharing the accommodation. Rental costs also depend on whether you live in the suburbs or the inner city, which can cause significant price differences.

For on-campus rentals (renting within the school campus), the costs range from $513 to $715 per week. The rental price usually includes electricity, gas, and water. However, international student services such as club memberships and parking fees are not included.

To help you more specifically estimate your monthly budget, you can refer to the estimated cost table below from the University of Queensland.

Cost of living as a student in Brisbane (uq.edu.au)

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IN BRISBANE

Brisbane boasts a rich and diverse cultural life, with festivals and exhibitions occurring regularly along with amazing destinations like Fortitude Valley and Sunnybank, known for their distinctive Asian markets and restaurants, as well as a vibrant international community from all around the world.

Brisbane is a culturally diverse city, proudly hosting dozens of international festivals and traditions each year, including:

• Chinese New Year
• Songkran Water Festival
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Buddhist Festival
• Brisbane Festival
• French, German, Italian, and Spanish Film Festivals

Additionally, student life becomes more exciting as universities frequently organize events and activities for students. One of the most beautiful seasons in Brisbane is the Jacaranda season, also known as the purple flower season. There is a local legend that if students do not study before the flowers bloom, they will fail their exams. Conversely, you will have good luck if you catch a falling flower with your right hand. These flowers bloom in October and November, creating purple flower showers along the roads, parks, and even university campuses.

UNIVERSITIES IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

This city has unique features that can attract international students. Rough Guide also ranks Brisbane among the top 8 most beautiful cities in the world, thanks to its modern architecture and the winding Brisbane River. Besides the city’s beauty, the reasons attracting students to study in Brisbane, Australia, include a high-quality education system, clear and diverse study pathways, valuable scholarships from the government, and its universities, among others.

Some universities in Brisbane you can consider are:

The University of Queensland (UQ)

Belonging to the top universities in Australia – the Group of Eight (Go8), the University of Queensland is renowned for its excellence in research and teaching. Established over a century ago, UQ has always been at the forefront of academic innovation, producing outstanding individuals and contributing knowledge to societal development. The teaching methods at UQ ensure that students not only have a solid foundation in their chosen fields but are also equipped with the adaptability to succeed in a global environment.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the world, QUT hosts over 50,000 students across its two inner-city campuses in Brisbane.

QUT offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. With strengths in areas like Information Technology, Creative Industries, and more, the university is always focused on providing students with the necessary skills and experiences for their future careers.

University of Canberra (UC)

Located in the heart of Australia’s capital city, Canberra, the University of Canberra (UC) is renowned for supporting specialised professions and prioritising hands-on experience for students throughout their studies. UC takes pride in its significant achievements evidenced by its presence in renowned global rankings. The university has been ranked in the top 5 globally for reducing inequality and is within the top 300 universities worldwide.

Griffith University

Located in Southeast Queensland, Australia, Griffith University ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide, offering degrees tailored to industry demands, designed with a forward-looking vision and aiming for positive social impact. With 5 main campuses and an online learning platform, Griffith currently serves over 55,000 students and boasts a vast alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.

Victoria University

Located in Melbourne, Australia, with a campus in Brisbane, Victoria University prides itself on over 100 years of history, committed to providing accessible higher education to students in Western Melbourne and beyond. At Victoria University, students can start their educational journey at any comfortable level and transition flexibly between courses to meet their ambitions.

You can also consider other universities in Brisbane such as:

• Federation University
• Australian Catholic University
• James Cook University
• Bond University
• University of Southern Queensland
• Charles Darwin University
• Central Queensland University
• Southern Cross University
• University of the Sunshine Coast

WORKING PART-TIME AND TAXATION

Finding part-time work to cover additional expenses while gaining experience during your study abroad journey is a valuable experience. Some channels you can explore to search for part-time jobs include:

• careerjet.com.au – one of the most popular job search websites in Australia
• seek.com.au
• au.indeed.com
• au.linkedin.com
• careerone.com.au

International students studying in Australia are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, which is considered one of the privileges that the Australian government grants to international students. However, you should not abuse this right and deviate from your primary purpose of studying. Check your visa conditions; if your visa does not include this provision, you need to apply to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for permission to work. Additionally, you need to apply for a tax file number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are studying here for more than 6 months.

OTHER INFORMATION

– Cuisine: Brisbane is a multicultural city where you can easily find supermarkets and weekend farmers’ markets to source fresh produce. Additionally, the city boasts hundreds of restaurants offering diverse cuisines from dozens of countries around the world.

– Weather: Brisbane is famous for its fantastic weather, with an average of over 280 sunny days per year. Summers are warm (up to 35°C), winters are mild (down to 10°C), and the rainy season typically runs from December to April.

Brisbane is honored to be recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 50 greatest places in the world – it’s the only Australian city to make the list. So, are you considering studying and working in this city? For more detailed advice on services offered by SET EDUCATION, don’t hesitate to contact SET through the chatbox or give us a call!