International students studying in Australia can pick from a variety of housing options. Students should however know, that university accommodation differs from that which many international students are accustomed to, as Australian universities offer little or no university housing. While some on-campus accommodation is available, the majority of candidates coming for higher education in Australia live off-campus in homestay, hostels, or rented apartments.
- Homestay programs involve an international student living with an Australian family in their home.
- Single or shared rooms are generally available, and costs vary by type of room, but are usually between 110 AUD and 270 AUD per week.
- Some international students may choose to stay in hostels or guest house accommodations. At around 80 AUD-135 AUD a week, these accommodations tend to be cheaper than university or homestay accommodations.
- Rental accommodations generally cost around 100 AUD-400 AUD per week, and shared rental accommodations cost around 70 AUD-250 AUD per week.
As off campus housing is opted more, the demand is high, particularly housing situated close to campus. International students are encouraged to arrive in Australia two to three weeks before the start of orientation so as to get situated before classes begin. To weigh both options, here are a few important factors to keep in mind while considering living in Australia:
Comparison: On-campus and Off-campus Accommodation in Australia
Students need to be aware of the limited number of university housing. In Australia, on-campus housing options exist sparingly as there are not many universities. While there are residential colleges that offer furnished rooms with good amenities, the majority of the students live off-campus because it is generally cheaper than average university-managed accommodation. All the options have their own pros and cons and ultimately depend on the needs and budgets of the student.
| Factors | On-campus | Off-campus |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost(Weekly) | 160-470 AUD Prices vary for lodges, studio, single room, twin sharing and number of meals opted | 85-440 AUD Prices vary depending on city, rent, number of people sharing, and amenities. |
| Availability | Limited number of seats, differs with each college | Easily available |
| Duration | Depends on courses; 4-52 weeks | Varies with type of accommodation; short term to long term |
| Amenities | Includes water, food, electricity, internet, etc; Different Halls and Lodges have different charges according to needs and budget of the student |
Everything needs to be arranged if living in a rented house; Homestays are inclusive of most amenities with options to out of desired services |
| Transportation | Convenient | Varies with area, may cost a lot of time and/or money |
Homestays in Australia
While there are options like private rentals, apartments, guesthouses, boarding houses, and Au Pair, homestays have been gaining popularity because of their enriching experiences and availability in varying budgets. Homestays are an affordable option for accommodation in Australia and are usually charged on a weekly basis. Here are some benefits of living in a homestay.
- Enhanced English Language skills
Most students may not have English as their first language. Even if they have passed the required tests to study in Australia, living in a homestay provides them with an opportunity to practice their English comfortably with the hosting family. This is extremely helpful for studies and communication in a foreign country.
- A Cheaper Alternative
Not everyone finds accommodation on campus. While house-sharing may be an option for some, it is still too expensive due to rising rent prices. An average homestay can cost anywhere from 110 AUD to 370 AUD per week. This includes a lot of amenities like water, food, the internet, etc., which students have to arrange otherwise at extra costs. Even though there are plenty of scholarships and loans in Australia that students can apply for if they need financial aid, it is always better to be economical.
- Learning Australian Culture
Living with a local Aussie family will help foreign students get comfortable with the new culture and local knowledge. The family will definitely guide you around local transport, food options, destinations and local way of life. Homestays can be a home away home where students can experience the new changes while they look for accommodation
Where to Find Homestays in Australia?
There are many ways to find a homestay in Australia. These portals provide many services, varieties, budgets, and options so that they can cater to everyone’s requirements. Here are some popular options:
Australian Homestay Network (AHN)
Formed in 2008, AHN is an online, national management system which ensures great standards for homestays throughout Australia. AHN makes it easy to facilitate and resource good homestays and supervisors. It meets all relevant legislation and provides National, State, and Regional compliance standards. Currently, overall 11 cities from six states offer affordable homestays throughout Australia.
AHN provides everything online- including training, applications, and payments. It also provides 24×7 emergency phone support for hosts and students.
| Placement Fee | One time only, Non-refundable varies according to the region |
| Minimum Stay Period | 28 nights |
| Average Stay Period | Three months |
| Max. Distance From Place Of Study | Within 60 minutes from Public Transport |
| Notice Period For Leaving | Two weeks |
| Facilities Provided | Internet, Laundry facilities, Utilities, Private bedroom, meals |
| No-meal Option | Yes |
| Invoicing | Every four weeks |
Cost of Living in Australia When Opting For AHN
Australia has a lot to offer in terms of work, higher studies and tourism, making it an expensive place to live in. There are student homestays in major cities like Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney. Due to student-specific pricing, prices differ for every homestay. Estimated costs of major Australian cities are tabulated below:
Homestays for Students in Sydney
- National Matching Fee: 290
- Airport Pickup: 160
| Packages | Private Room | Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Homestay (2 Meals Monday- Friday, 3 Meals on weekends) | 330 AUD | 300 AUD |
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, everyday) | 350 AUD | 320 AUD |
| Dinner Only | 295 AUD | 265 AUD |
| No-Meals | 250AUD | 220 AUD |
Homestays for Students in Canberra
- National Matching Fee: 290
- Airport Pickup: 130
| Packages | Private Room | Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Homestay (2 Meals Monday- Friday, 3 Meals on weekends) | 325 AUD | 295 AUD |
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, everyday) | 345 AUD | 315 AUD |
| Dinner Only | 295 AUD | 265 AUD |
| No-Meals | 250 AUD | 220 AUD |
Homestays for Students in Melbourne
- National Matching Fee: 290
- Airport Pickup: 160
| Packages | Private Room | Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Homestay (2 Meals Monday- Friday, 3 Meals on weekends) | 325 AUD | 295 AUD |
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, everyday) | 345 AUD | 315 AUD |
| Dinner Only | 290 AUD | 260 AUD |
| No-Meals | 250 AUD | 220 AUD |
Homestays for Students in Brisbane
- National Matching Fee: 290
- Airport Pickup: 135
| Packages | Private Room | Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Homestay (2 Meals Monday- Friday, 3 Meals on weekends) | 320 AUD | 290 AUD |
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, everyday) | 290 AUD | 260 AUD |
| Dinner Only | 265 AUD | 235 AUD |
| No-Meals | 230AUD | 200 AUD |
Homestays for Students in Perth
- National Matching Fee: 290
- Airport Pickup: 130
| Packages | Private Room | Shared Room |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Homestay (2 Meals Monday- Friday, 3 Meals on weekends) | 325 AUD | 295 AUD |
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, everyday) | 290 AUD | 260 AUD |
| Dinner Only | 265 AUD | 235 AUD |
| No-Meals | 210 AUD | 180 AUD |
AHN also has a VIP Homestay package at an additional price of 75 AUD to the traditional package.
Students requiring a special diet( Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian) may be charged extra fees.
Homestay Australia
This website lists trusted homestays in six cities. It has filters according to budget range, whether the guest is a student or tourist, and if they want to opt for pickup and internet facilities. The website lists accommodations in different cities along with price, preferences and genuine reviews.
Official website: Homestay Australia
Homestay Direct?
Since 2006, Homestay direct has been helping national and international students find affordable accommodation in Australia. It provides living arrangements in eight major Australian cities. It has options for different living arrangements, including shared rooms, private rooms, VIP homestays for students under and above 18 years of age. However, the internet will be provided at a weekly fee of 10 AUD unless the student has selected the VIP package.
Official website: Homestay Direct
Student Accommodation Services
Established in 1998, SAS has received a quality management certification that ensures the highest standards of customer service. However, it only provides homestays in Victoria.
Official website: SAS
Rentals and Shared Accommodations
Many students coming to study in Australia prefer living off-campus with other international students, which is a good way to cut down expenses as well as have a multicultural experience. Australian Colleges have a team of housing advisors dedicated to help and guide new students to consider their housing arrangements. Some of the popular listing sites are mentioned under:
- Scape
- Flatmates
- Unilodge
- Urbanest
There are also university-provided housings which students can consider. These colleges provide accommodation related information and guidelines regarding legal, economic and social details concerning their stay in Australia.
