Melbourne is one of Australia's most well-known urban centres, and for good reason: it's a thriving economic hub with a rich cultural heritage that attracts both international professionals and students looking to further their education.
The beautiful environment, many cultural offers, tasty eateries, and thrilling sporting events have made this region famous. The high quality of education and research possibilities offered by the state's several institutions attract around 227,000 foreign students every year.
Students in Melbourne, Victoria's capital, have access to top-tier institutions of higher learning and are immersed in a vibrant and diverse cultural environment.
Melbourne is home to some of Australia's most famous universities, research centres, and vocational schools, earning it the reputation as the country's educational epicentre. In 2019, Melbourne ranks second on The Economist's list of the world's most liveable cities. You can get a top-notch education and see other cultures without leaving the country. Melbourne's status as a global centre for arts and education attracts thousands of students from across the world every year.
Melbourne is largely recognised as a cultural and creative hotspot, and it serves as Australia's primary educational and cultural hub. We'll help you create a realistic budget that accounts for the actual expenses you'll face as a student in Melbourne.
Student living expenses in Melbourne, Australia's state capital, may be estimated by adding the amounts you'd spend on rent, food, and transportation per month. Read this post intended for foreign students to get a sense of how much money you'll need to survive in Melbourne.
FAQs About Melbourne
The average cost of living on campus at a university in the Melbourne area ranges between $665 - $825 per week. Keeping in mind you will have your meals cooked for you every day, utilities are included, and you will most likely be travelling less than you would be if you lived off-campus.
No matter the source of your income, you should make sure your rent costs never exceed 30 per cent of your net monthly earnings. If you're bringing in $2,000 per month, try to keep your monthly rent under $600. Some rentals will even come earmarked with income requirements.
With an average annual fee of 43,000 AUD/year, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) charges more than any other Australian university for its degrees – yet the university doesn't have the highest place in the QS World Rankings.
The title is awarded to the city with the highest score for stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. When you study in Melbourne, you'll be living in a safe and vibrant city that offers world-class study options, services and the widest range of things to do.
More than a third (91,000) are international students. The city offers students a wide range of education choices, with eight universities based in the city. Melbourne is Australia’s most livable city because of the cultural entertainment on offer, plus good public transport.
Living Expenses For Students In Melbourne
The typical expenses of living in Melbourne, Australia have been collated for you, including those of housing, public transportation, healthcare, administrative services, entertainment, and telecommunications, so you may plan accordingly for your upcoming relocation.
Overview Of Expenses
The following table shows a high-level breakdown of several major outlays that are commonplace in Melbourne. It's possible that the actual figures might vary based on your location inside the city.
- Price of an apartment per week - $430
- Monthly public transportation ticket - $155
- Cost of basic health insurance for international students is about. - $400
- The typical monthly grocery bill in (VIC) - $257
- A moderately priced restaurant dinner - $20
- Meal at a high-end restaurant - $50
Accommodation
Only Sydney has higher average monthly rental expenses in all of Australia than does Melbourne. The typical weekly rent in the greater Melbourne area is $430, as stated by the Victorian Government's Department of Health and Human Services.
There is still student housing in the city that won't break the bank, particularly if you're willing to share an apartment with one or two other people. If you're looking to cut down on your housing expenses, finding a rental where utilities are included is a good option.
Study Costs
The cost of attending a university in Australia varies from course to course due to the unit-based pricing structure used. According to research conducted in Australia, the average cost of a bachelor's degree for an overseas student is between $20,000 and $45,000. Expenses for things like textbooks and computers should be included to the cost of tuition.
Transport
The city of Melbourne has an excellent public transportation network that includes buses, trains, and trams. All you need to go about the city is a myki card (the city's reusable public transit ticket), and full-time students get discounts. One month of unlimited rides on Melbourne's public transit would cost you back roughly $155 USD, reports Expatistan.
Food And Groceries
Melbourne's restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, and there are many affordable places to dine. Though high-end restaurants in the city start at roughly $50 for a lunch, you may enjoy a satisfying meal for as low as $20.
Home cooking is a great way to save money. While $257 per week is what Budget Direct reports the typical Victoria family spends on food, as a student, you will likely spend less.
Save money on groceries by shopping at your neighbourhood farmers market instead of at a big box store.
Insurance
As an international student, one of the most significant expenses you'll incur is Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC). If you become sick or injured while studying in Australia, this insurance will help pay for your medical expenses.
Depending on the kind of coverage you choose and other factors, the price might be several hundred dollars or well over a thousand.
Lifestyle
You should put some money away so that you may experience the rich culture that Melbourne has to offer. Queen Victoria Markets, where you may stock up on wonderful, freshly cooked local cuisine, are just one of many attractions.
There is a lot of free stuff to do and see in Melbourne, so even if money is tight, you can still enjoy the city's best attractions. Besides the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River, Federation Square is a terrific area to spend time in nature.
Why Go To Melbourne To Study?
The following are some of the many reasons why studying in Melbourne is a great option for anybody looking to make the most of their time abroad:
- The Most Livable City in the World
- The top destination for Australian students
- Quality teaching and research Opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding
- Statistically Significantly Higher Job Gains
- Recreational activities, Cultural activities, and Museums
- Theatrical productions and other festivals
The World's Most Liveable City
From 2011 through 2017, Melbourne was consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities by a variety of metrics, including quality of education and healthcare, cultural offerings, personal safety, environmental friendliness, and infrastructure.
Melbourne provides a really outstanding quality of life, with a wealth of cutting-edge facilities and a high standard of living. Beaches, parks, and bushland all border the city of Melbourne, making for a stunning backdrop.
Exciting Job Opportunities
Melbourne is a significant hub for higher education and research, providing excellent opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates.
The city is home to the research and development branches of several global corporations and is home to a strong start-up environment. College students in Melbourne may participate in internships and get practical experience via the school's many programmes.
Excellence In Research
Melbourne is widely recognised as a top location for higher learning and scientific enquiry, and it has the world's greatest concentration of urban research partnerships. Students may utilise these state-of-the-art research facilities to their advantage and become experts in their fields.
Highest Employment Rates
There are a majority of Victoria employment, the state's second biggest employer, in Melbourne. Employment has increased by 15.9 percent in Victoria during the previous five years, more than everywhere else in Australia.
According to statistics, most Victoria workers have at least a bachelor's degree. Gains of 3.5%, or 114,200 people, in Victoria's employment rate indicate significant improvement in the state's labour market.
Since last year, the number of people working full time in Victoria has grown by 4.5 percent, or 98,500, while the number of people working part time has grown by 1.5 percent, or 15,800. In addition, Victoria's unemployment rate fell by 1 percentage point year-over-year in January 2019 to 4.5 percent, which is lower than the national average of 5.0 percent.
There was a 2% decrease in youth unemployment from January 2018 to January 2019, when it stood at 11.2%. Meanwhile, youth employment climbed by 3.1%, or 14,900 people.
The economy of Victoria seems promising for the near future.
The Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance predicts that employment in Victoria will expand by 2.0% in 2019-2020, with the unemployment rate averaging 5.0% over that time. Employment in Victoria is forecast to expand by 8.3 percent during the next five years, through May 2023, compared to the national average of 7.1 percent.
The Best Student City In Australia
Melbourne is ranked as a top five student city worldwide by the QS Best Student Cities Guide. Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, has outstanding student support services that may help international students adjust to life in Australia.
Art, Sports, Culture, And Museums
Melbourne's dominance in Australia's arts and entertainment sectors has earned it the nickname "culture capital." Two of Melbourne's most visited attractions, both are must-sees for art lovers.
As Australia's national museum of cinema, video games, and digital arts and culture, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image welcomes visitors at no cost. The Australian Music Vault, The Koorie Heritage Trust, Victoria State Library, Australian Sports Museum, Bendigo Art Gallery, and Science Works are just a few of the numerous famous tourist spots in Melbourne.
In Australia, sporting activities are a major social gathering point. Melbourne is not only the cultural centre of Australia, but also the "sporting capital" because of the number of important events that are held there. In addition to the annual Australian Open Tennis tournament, Melbourne also plays host to a number of other major sporting events, including the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Rules Football (AFL), the Spring Racing Carnival (also known as the Melbourne Cup), a test match on Boxing Day, and many others.
Sports enthusiasts in Melbourne may participate in a wide variety of community events.
High-Quality Education
A degree earned in Melbourne is widely valued by businesses throughout the globe, so it may help you launch a successful career.
These schools provide students with the highest education available thanks to their staff of seasoned professionals and academic researchers. The curriculum is flexible enough to adapt to the demands of the market at any given time and includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on experience in the workplace.
Festivals & Entertainment
The international student community in Melbourne is vibrant, and there are many fun things to do for students from other countries. Every month of the year, the city comes alive with festivals showcasing local art, dance, literature, music, and cinema. The Melbourne International Arts Festival has always been held in October.
Many notable annual events take place in Melbourne, including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, etc. Due to the city's diverse population, Melbourne has a vast selection of restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.
Top-Rated Universities For Studying In Melbourne
Check out this list of institutions of higher learning in the vicinity of Melbourne, Victoria:
- University of Technology Swinburne (CRICOS Code: 00111D)
- The research conducted at Swinburne University of Technology is widely recognised as among the best in the world.
According to the QS World University Rankings, Swinburne is one of the top 400 institutions in the world, placing it in the top 3 percent of educational institutions worldwide. According to the World University Rankings 2020 by Subject, Swinburne is positioned in the Top 250 for Physical Science and the Top 300 for Computer Science. Swinburne University of Technology's Faculty of Business and Law has been awarded prestigious AACSB International accreditation, the hallmark of a world-class business school.
Swinburne University of Technology is a tertiary institution with three campuses in Melbourne: Hawthorn, Croydon, and Wantirna. Each campus provides students with access to cutting-edge resources and a welcoming atmosphere.
Federation University
Federation University is the best university in Victoria in terms of employment rate, beginning wage, student services, and faculty pay (QILT, 2018). Graduates from FedUni have been ranked as having the highest levels of employability, technical, and adaptable abilities in Australia, according to the Employer Satisfaction Survey 2017, January 2018.
Those interested in furthering their education may choose from more than four hundred different classes, programmes, and degrees at this institution. Location of the university in Berwick is around 40 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD. The Gippsland campus, located in Churchill, is within a two-hour drive from Melbourne.
The Mount Helen campus is on 110 acres of natural bushland, about 10 kilometres from Ballarat's central business district. The Ballarat Technology Park is located there as well, which is home to several prominent corporations including IBM.
La Trobe University
According to Times Higher Education's 2019 edition of The Young University Rankings, La Trobe is the 52nd best university in the world for students aged 18 to 34. According to the 2020 World University Rankings, La Trobe is among the best universities in the world. The institution also places in the world's top 200 for study of arts and humanities, psychology, and other related fields.
The Melbourne neighbourhood of Bundoora, where La Trobe University is situated, is just around 14 kilometres from the central business district. Students who choose to attend this institution will have the rare chance to work with Nobel Prize–winning experts in a variety of fields.
Among the cutting-edge facilities available on the La Trobe University Melbourne campus are the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, the Centre for Agribioscience, the Centre for Sport and Social Impact, and many more.
Deakin University
Deakin University is a premier institution of higher learning that has won several awards and has a stellar reputation across the world. According to the authoritative Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Deakin University is among the top one percent of educational institutions globally. Deakin University's five-star grade by the esteemed Quacquarelli Symonds reflects the quality of its research and education programmes (QS).
About 60,000 students each year attend one of Deakin University's five campuses. Burwood, where Deakin University Melbourne is situated, is conveniently positioned near the city's eastern transportation centres. The campus's lush landscaping provides a tranquil and inspiring atmosphere for students to study and grow.
The Burwood campus includes state-of-the-art facilities and is home to over 26,000 students and 1500 faculty and staff. Within an hour's drive of Melbourne, you'll find the Geelong Waterfront campus right on the water's edge in the city centre. In a beautiful rural environment not far from some of Australia's greatest beaches, the university's Geelong Waurn Ponds campus offers students a top-notch education.
Part-Time Work Opportunities In Melbourne To Make Money While You Study
You may work part-time in Melbourne to help pay the bills while you're a student there. Student visa holders in Australia are permitted by law to work up to 40 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the academic semester breaks. Masters by research and doctoral students may hold down full-time jobs while they earn their degrees.
Foreign students often work as wait staff, receptionists, retail sales associates, and assistants at universities in Australia. There are both on-campus and off-campus employment options available to students. Make sure you have a CV and application letter ready to go before you apply for a part-time employment.
Work in Australia, and you'll be entitled to the minimum wage and many legal safeguards. Help in finding part-time work is available at many universities and institutions. You may also get a job in Australia through networking with people you know there, such as other students or people you know personally.
Average Cost Of Living While Attending School In Melbourne
Cost of living in Melbourne should include not just accommodation, but also utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. The term "utilities" refers to essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and similar resources. Travel expenses may rise or fall depending on your location.
If you are a foreign student, you may get a 50% discount on Myki cards, which are valid for public transit throughout Melbourne and many areas of rural Victoria.
Here are some of the most common monthly expenses of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, as measured in Australian Dollars (AUD):
- Hostels/Guesthouses – $90 to $150 per week
- Groceries/Food – $100 to $200 per week
- On-campus stay – $110 to $280 per week
- Public transport – $15 to $30 per week
- Shared Rental – $95 to $215 per week
- Rental – $185 to $440 per week
- Gas & Electricity – $10 to $20 per week
- Homestay – $235 to $325 per week
- Entertainment – $80 to $150 per month
- Phone & Internet – $10 to $20 per week
Studying in Australia may be expensive; however, the exact amount can vary based on factors including the school, the level of study, the chosen subject, and the chosen study location.
Conclusion
Many of Australia's top universities, research institutions, and vocational schools may be found in Melbourne. If you were to ask The Economist to choose the world's most liveable cities in 2019, Melbourne would come in at number two. We'll work with you to build a spending plan that considers all the money you'll need to survive as a student in Melbourne. Tuition at Australian universities varies widely across disciplines. International students should expect to spend between $20,000 and $45,000 on a four-year degree at a U.S. university.
Find a rental where the cost of utilities is already included in the monthly fee to help you save money. Among the world's best cities for research and study, Melbourne consistently ranks high. Students are welcome to make use of these cutting-edge study resources. First, more people are working now than ever because of Victoria's 15.9 per cent employment growth over the last five years. Second, only to Sydney in population, Melbourne, Australia, has excellent resources for its student population.
According to the state's Department of Treasury and Finance, employment in Victoria is expected to grow by 2.0% in 2019-2020. It is anticipated that Victoria's labour force will grow by 8.3 per cent during the next five years. Accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) has been bestowed to Swinburne University of Technology's Faculty of Business and Law. Federation University emerges as Victoria's top institution when comparing employment rates, starting salaries, student services, and professor salaries (QILT, 2018). Deakin University is a highly regarded and prize-winning educational institution.
Students have the option of working either on or off campus. While studying in Melbourne, you can pick up some extra jobs to assist cover your living expenses. Accommodation costs in Melbourne should be compared with other aspects of daily life, such as food, clothing, and transportation. For certain Myki card prices, you may be eligible for a 50% discount if you are an international student. In addition, many schools provide services to assist students in obtaining part-time employment opportunities.
Content Summary
- Melbourne is largely recognised as a cultural and creative hotspot and serves as Australia's primary educational and cultural hub.
- We'll help you create a realistic budget that accounts for your actual expenses as a student in Melbourne.
- Student living expenses in Melbourne, Australia's state capital, may be estimated by adding the monthly amounts you'd spend on rent, food, and transportation.
- Read this post intended for international students to get a sense of how much money you'll need to survive in Melbourne.
- The typical living expenses in Melbourne, Australia, have been collated for you, including those of housing, public transportation, healthcare, administrative services, entertainment, and telecommunications, so that you may plan accordingly for your upcoming relocation.
- There is still student housing in the city that won't break the bank, particularly if you're willing to share an apartment with one or two other people.
- If you're looking to cut down on your housing expenses, finding a rental where utilities are included is a good option.
- According to research conducted in Australia, an overseas student's average cost of a bachelor's degree is between $20,000 and $45,000.
- Expenses like textbooks and computers should be included in the cost of tuition.
- The city of Melbourne has an excellent public transportation network that includes buses, trains, and trams.
- Melbourne's restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, with many affordable dining places.
- Save money on groceries by shopping at your neighbourhood farmers market instead of at a big box store.
- As an international student, one of the most significant expenses you'll incur is Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC).
- If you become sick or injured while studying in Australia, this insurance will help pay for your medical expenses.
- There is a lot of free stuff to do and see in Melbourne, so even if the money is tight, you can still enjoy the city's best attractions.
- The following are some of the many reasons why studying in Melbourne is a great option for anybody looking to make the most of their time abroad: The top destination for Australian students with quality teaching and research opportunities that are both challenging and rewardingStatistically Significantly Higher Job GainsRecreational activities, Cultural activities, and MuseumsTheatrical productions and other festivals World's Most Liveable CityFrom 2011 through 2017, Melbourne was consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities by a variety of metrics, including quality of education and healthcare, cultural offerings, personal safety, environmental friendliness, and infrastructure.
- Melbourne provides an outstanding quality of life, with cutting-edge facilities and a high standard of living.
- Melbourne is an important higher education and research hub, providing excellent opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates.
- The majority of Victoria employment, the state's second biggest employer, is in Melbourne.
- Employment has increased by 15.9 per cent in Victoria during the previous five years, more than everywhere else in Australia.
- Melbourne is ranked as a top five student city worldwide by the QS Best Student Cities Guide.
- Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, has outstanding student support services that may help international students adjust to life in Australia.
- Melbourne's dominance in Australia's arts and entertainment sectors has earned it the nickname "culture capital."
- In Australia, sporting activities are a major social gathering point.
- Melbourne is not only the cultural centre of Australia but also the "sporting capital" because of the number of important events held there.
- The international student community in Melbourne is vibrant, and there are many fun things to do for students from other countries.
- Check out this list of institutions of higher learning in the vicinity of Melbourne, Victoria: University of Technology Swinburne (CRICOS Code: 00111D). The research conducted at the Swinburne University of Technology is widely recognised as among the best in the world.
- According to the QS World University Rankings, Swinburne is one of the top 400 institutions in the world, placing it in the top 3 per cent of educational institutions worldwide.
- The Swinburne University of Technology is a tertiary institution with three campuses in Melbourne: Hawthorn, Croydon, and Wantirna.
- Students who attend this institution will have the rare chance to work with Nobel Prize-winning experts in various fields.
- Among the cutting-edge facilities available on the La Trobe University Melbourne campus are the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, the Centre for Agribioscience, the Centre for Sport and Social Impact, and many more.
- Deakin University is a premier institution of higher learning that has won several awards and a stellar reputation worldwide.
- Part-Time Work Opportunities In Melbourne To Make Money While You StudyYou may work part-time in Melbourne to help pay the bills while you're a student there.
- Work in Australia, and you'll be entitled to the minimum wage and many legal safeguards.
- Help in finding part-time work is available at many universities and institutions.
- You may also get a job in Australia through networking with people you know there, such as other students or people you know personally.
- Average Cost of Living While Attending School in Melbourne Cost of living in Melbourne should include accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.