The cost of living in Sydney is about AUD1400 – AUD2000 for Indian students. Its high-class educational institutions, job opportunities and infrastructure are some of the most significant reasons why this city is a bit expensive compared to others.
But trust me when I say, the city is worth every penny when you wisely plan your finances and understand the essential costs involved.
I have broken down these costs and given the most impactful ways you can fund your education here without breaking the bank! Keep reading to know it all!
Overview Of The Cost Of Living In Sydney
There are many costs associated with living in Sydney, apart from just university fees.
Here is a brief breakdown for a quick understanding:
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month IN AUD) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 500-1000 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 500-1000 |
| Transportation | 50-100 |
| Food | 600-1000 |
| Entertainment | 40-90 |
| Groceries | 60-100 |
| Clothes | 100-200 |
Cost Of Living In Sydney – Detailed Breakdown
Now that you have understood the overall costs you can incur every month for various components, let’s look at the detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Sydney.
Here I have also mentioned healthcare and education costs to go a little further on the information you need to know –
Food Costs
Food would probably take a significant amount of your monthly expenses, so let’s just get into the details of it first.
Below is a table of the cost of groceries that you might incur, I would say avoid eating outside as it would be more expensive than cooking your meal at home:
| Item | Price Range (A$) |
| Milk (regular, 1 litre) | 2-4 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3-6 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 2-6 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 5-10 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 10-30 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 10-19 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 15-35 |
| Apples (1kg) | 3-6 |
| Banana (1kg) | 3-7 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2-10 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 4-9 |
| Potato (1kg) | 3-5 |
| Onion (1kg) | 3-5 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2-5 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1-5 |
Transportation Costs
From the iconic Manly Ferry to the historic Inner West Light Rail, there are a variety of unique and exciting ways to get around Sydney.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to travel daily to your university, then there is are many transportation options in Sydney that are perfect for you.
| Item | Price Range (A$) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 4-8 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 196-261 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5-10 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2-8 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 60-100 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 2-2 |
Entertainment
You are in Sydney, and not exploring the entertainment options is beyond impossible! Sydney has a modern arts and culture scene with multiple entertainment options.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of some popular entertainment activities in Sydney:
| Activity | Cost (AUD) |
| Movie ticket | 20-50 |
| Concert ticket | 50-100 |
| Sporting event ticket | 30-100 |
| Museum admission | 20-30 |
| Nightclub entry | 20-50 |
Heathcare Costs
Healthcare expenses for Indian students in Sydney are primarily influenced by the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs and services associated with healthcare for international students in Sydney.
1. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
| Coverage Type | Annual Premium (AUD) | Services Covered |
| Single Coverage | 438 – 609 | Doctor visits, hospital stays, some prescription medications |
| Couple Coverage | 2,685 – 4,087 | Extended to partner, includes same services as single coverage |
| Family Coverage | 2,685 – 4,087 | Covers spouse and children, includes same services as single coverage |
- OSHC is mandatory for all international students.
- Costs vary depending on the provider and level of coverage.
2. General Medical Costs
| Service | Cost Range (AUD) |
| Doctor’s Visit | 30 – 70 |
| Specialist Consultation | 100 – 200 |
| Prescription Medications | 10 – 20 (per item) |
| Hospital Stay | 500 – 1,000 (per day) |
3. Additional Healthcare Expenses
| Expense | Details |
| Vaccinations and Non-OSHC Services | Costs vary depending on requirements |
| Routine Health Services | May be free if covered under specific plans (e.g., Medibank Private) |
Educational Costs
Studying in Sydney can be a significant investment, with costs varying based on the university, course, and additional living expenses.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of tuition fees to help you plan better:
| University | Undergraduate Tuition Fees (AUD) | Postgraduate Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| University of Sydney | 45,500 – 56,000 | 43,500 – 56,500 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | 30,000 – 50,000 | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| UNSW Sydney | 40,000 – 50,000 | 35,000 – 55,000 |
Ways To Handle The Costs Of Living In Sydney?
Managing the cost of living in Sydney can be challenging for international students, particularly for those from India. However, there are several strategies, including scholarships and education loans, that can help alleviate financial burdens.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of these options:
Education Loans
For many students, scholarships may not fully cover the costs of studying abroad. Education loans can provide the necessary financial support:
| Lender Name | Loan Upper Limit | Education Loan Interest Rates For Abroad Studies | Moratorium Period | Loan Tenure |
| UBI Education Loan | Up to INR 1.5 Cr | 9.85% – 10.5% | Course duration + 1 year | 10-15 years |
| Axis Bank Education Loan | Up to INR 2.5 Cr | 9.9%-12.5% | Course Duration + 1 year | 10-15 years |
| ICICI Bank Education Loan | Up to INR 1.5 Cr | 9.85% – 12% | Course duration + 1 year | 10-15 years |
| IDFC Education Loan | Up to INR 1.5 Cr | 9.5% – 12.75% | Course duration + 1 year | 10-15 years |
| Bank of Baroda Education Loan | Up to INR 1.5 Cr. | 9.7%-10.2% | Course duration + 1 year | 10-15 years |
| HDFC Credila | Up to INR 1.5 Cr | 9.75% – 12.5% | Course duration + 1 year | Up to 15 years |
Scholarships To Cover The Cost Of Living In Australia
Indian students studying in Australia have access to numerous scholarships that can greatly reduce tuition fees and living expenses. Here’s an overview:
- Australia Awards Scholarships:
Funded by the Australian government, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. They are ideal for postgraduate students in fields like engineering and health. - Destination Australia Scholarship:
Offers up to AUD 15,000 per year to international students studying in regional areas, encouraging them to explore life beyond major cities while receiving financial support. - University-Specific Scholarships:
Many universities in Sydney provide scholarships tailored for international students, such as:- University of Sydney: Merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition fees.
- UNSW Sydney: Scholarships awarded based on academic excellence and financial need.
- Merit-Based Scholarships:
Institutions like the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Macquarie University offer scholarships ranging from AUD 10,000 to full tuition fee waivers for students with outstanding academic performance. - Global Citizens Scholarship (University of Adelaide):
Provides a tuition fee reduction of 15% to 30% for international students based on academic achievements.
These scholarships are a valuable resource for students seeking financial assistance while pursuing their education in Australia.
FAQs
1. What is the cost of living in Sydney compared to India?
The average cost of living in Sydney, Australia, is higher than in India. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Sydney is 296.9% higher than in Mumbai, India.
2. What is the living cost for international students in Sydney?
The average living cost for international students in Sydney is AUD 41,041-66,041 per year for undergraduate students and AUD 43,041 – AUD 70,041 for postgraduate students. This includes the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
3. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options to help with the cost of living in Sydney?
Yes, Popular universities like the University of New South Wales & Western Sydney University offer scholarships to international students.
4. What typical expenses should international students consider in Sydney?
The typical expenses that international students should consider in Sydney include tuition fees, accommodation, food transportation, textbooks and course materials, health insurance and other expenses
5. How does the cost of living in Sydney compare to other Australian cities?
The cost of living in Sydney is 7-11% higher than in other major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
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