Money and banks
Australian currency is the only legal tender in Australia. When you first arrive, money from other countries can be changed at the exchange facilities located at international airports, banks and major hotels. Travellers cheques are easier to use if already in Australian dollars, however, banks will cash travellers cheques in virtually any currency. Major hotels and some shops, depending on individual store policy, will cash travellers cheques.
It is a good idea to set up an Australian bank account. You will need to provide your visa and evidence of residency. Banking services in Australia are extremely competitive. Over 20 local and numerous international banking groups are represented in Australia. All major banks have a branch in cities and regional centres. Most shopping centres have Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) facilities. These machines can be used for deposits and, in many instances, withdrawals 24 hours a day. Many department stores, supermarkets and specialist shops have electronic transfer terminals (EFTPOS) where cash withdrawals can also be made in addition to purchasing goods. More information on banking is available at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Normal bank trading hours
9.30 am – 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday
9.30 am – 5.00 pm Friday
Some banks are open Saturday mornings
Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted around Australia. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners International, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates.
Currency
Australia uses a dollars and cents system of decimal currency with 100 cents in a dollar. The bank notes in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins used are the silver coloured 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent and the gold coloured $1 and $2 coins.
Australia’s development of the polymer (plastic) banknote heralds the introduction of advanced banknote technology for the new millennium and rewrites world standards in design. Not only does this leading-edge polymer technology offer immense security benefits but its concepts of cleanliness, environmental responsibility and recyclability set an example for the world to follow.
Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. In better-class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service.
Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. However, at any time, tipping is a matter of individual choice.
Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. However, at any time, tipping is a matter of individual choice.
Budgeting
You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment. Childcare, if applicable, should also be taken into account.
The average international student in Australia spends about $360 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. School students in Australia typically spend a little less – about $265 a week – on accommodation and food, entertainment, transport and associated items. While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle
Accommodation
The following types of accommodation are available for International students
Hostels and Guesthouses - $90 to $150 per week
Shared Rental - $95 to $215 per week
Homestay - $235 to $325 per week
Rental - $185 to $440 per week
Boarding schools - $11,000 to $22,000 a year
For more information, visit: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living-and-accommodation/how-to-find-accommodation
Travel
During semester breaks, you may like to venture beyond the capital cities to experience more of Australia’s spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty—national parks, The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Uluru and the Tasmanian Wilderness.
Working in Australia
Immigration laws allow students to work for a limited number of hours whilst studying on a student visa in Australia. Students can currently work 40 hours per fortnight during Accredited Education & Training Australia study time and full-time during breaks. However, work is not always easy to find and under no circumstances can students rely on income earned in Australia to pay tuition fees. Students are not permitted to work if it interferes with their study.
Services students can access for information on their employment rights and conditions, and how to resolve workplace issues, such as through the Fair Work Ombudsman can be located in the following links:
Cost of Living
Melbourne is a reasonably priced city providing good quality affordable living and abundant accommodation. According to the Government Website, Study in Australia, Australia is a sophisticated, friendly and affordable country which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. The costs below are an approximate guide only and don’t take into account your budget and spending habits. For more information, visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/Live-in-Australia/living-costs
1.Travelling to Australia for you and any family members travelling with you; and
12 months living expenses, course fees and school fees for any school-aged (5 – 18yrs) dependents.
You must include the following when calculating your estimated expenses:
Tuition fees; Fees for your first two semesters or trimesters
For students or guardians - AUD$21,041
For partners coming with you - AUD$7,362
For a child coming with you - AUD$3,152
School fees for any school aged children (5 – 18) : $ 8,000.00 per child
The lifestyle in Australia is safe and friendly. Australians have a high standard of living. The climate is pleasant, there is plenty of food and the vast natural resources in Australia enable most people to live well.
Fruit, vegetables and meat are available fresh and at reasonable prices. Clothing and personal effects are usually good quality and available at a wide variety of prices.
Below is a price table of typical daily items. This is only a guide. Remember that you can shop around for items such as clothing and shoes to find a cheaper source.
| Food* | Personal Effects/Services* |
|---|---|
|
Milk 1 litre $1.80 |
Shoes 1 pair $70.00 |
|
Bread 1 loaf $2.50 |
Cinema ticket $15.00 |
|
Apples 1 kg $4.00 |
Toothpaste 140g $2.50 |
|
Potatoes 1 kg $1.00 |
Shampoo 500ml $3.00 |
|
Beefsteak 1 kg $15.00 |
T-shirt $20.00 |
|
Eggs 1 dozen $4.00 |
A full fare myki costs $6 and all concession myki cards (includes concession, seniors and child myki) cost $3 |
These prices are indicative and may fluctuate
School-aged dependents
There are requirements for compulsory school attendance for children or dependents of international students. In Victoria it is compulsory for children to attend school until the age of 16. The choice of schools includes public schools, private schools and religious schools. People over the age of 16 can continue to attend school until they have completed year 12. Dependents of persons holding a student visa may be required to pay full fees in any school, college or university that they enrol in whilst in Australia. School fees vary depending on the school. Details about the Victorian school system are available at Department of Education website. Intending students with dependents should budget for school fees, living costs and health insurance in their calculations. If you are intending that your dependents will attend a private school in Victoria you will have to contact the specific school to obtain information of fees. Information on private school in Australia is available at www.education.vic.gov.au
If you would like to bring your children to Australia with you, you must be aware of the following schooling issues:
It is an immigration policy that school-age dependants of international students undertake formal schooling while they are in Australia.
Children who have their fifth birthday before 1st April of that calendar year are eligible to start school
You will need to provisionally enrol your child in a school before you leave your home country and you will normally have to pay the school fees one semester in advance. The school will issue an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment Form (eCoE) stating the program and its duration, so that you can obtain the appropriate visa for your child.
The Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country can tell you which State schools are registered to take international students. Fees are payable by international students at all State schools unless you:
Are in receipt of sponsorship or scholarships from the Australian Government (e.g. the Australian Development Scholarship, IPRS);
Hold a higher institution or approved non-government scholarship. These scholarships must be approved by the State government for the dependants to be exempt from school fees.
You will be responsible for school fees and other costs including school uniforms, books, excursions and stationery.
When choosing the most appropriate school for your child, it is best to ask questions about the school's curriculum, size, extra-curricular activities and the size of individual classes.