Australia offers international students a safe, welcoming and supportive environment in which to live and study. As an international student, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities, the support services available to you, and the conditions of your student visa. The Australian Government has published an International Students fact sheet which provides important information about studying and living in Australia, including:
Last Review September 2026
In addition to accommodation costs, international students should budget for day-to-day living expenses while studying in Perth. The figures below are provided as a guide only, as actual costs will vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.
Indicative Weekly Living Costs (excluding Accommodation)*
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Food and groceries | $80 to $180 per week |
| Public transport | $20 to $50 per week |
| Utilities and internet | $20 to $60 per week |
| Mobile phone | $10 to $30 per week |
| Personal and recreational expenses | $50 to $150 per week |
Estimated total living expenses (excluding accommodation): approximately $180 to $470 per week. Actual costs will vary according to individual circumstances.
* Information regarding accommodation options and associated costs can be found in the Accommodation section of the International Students webpage.
School-Aged Dependants
Students who intend to bring school-aged dependent children to Australia may be required to enrol them in an Australian school and pay any applicable tuition fees and associated educational expenses.
Additional costs may include:
Tuition fees and associated costs vary according to the education provider and individual circumstances. Students should contact the relevant school or education authority directly to obtain current fee information and enrolment requirements.
Important Information
The information above is provided as a guide only. Actual living expenses and schooling costs will vary depending on personal circumstances, location, lifestyle and individual requirements. Prospective students are encouraged to undertake their own research when preparing a budget for studying and living in Australia.
Students are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs and any expenses associated with accompanying family members.
The above information was reviewed in September 2026 and may be updated periodically.
Last Review September 2026
Perth offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles, including homestays, shared rentals, private rentals, hostels, and purpose-built student accommodation. Accommodation costs vary depending on location, property type, facilities, and proximity to public transport and educational institutions.
Indicative Accomodation Costs
The following costs are approximate and provide a guide only:
The costs above are indicative only and are based on publicly available accommodation information at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on location, availability, accommodation type, and market conditions.
Homestay Accomodation
Homestay accommodation allows students to live with a local Australian family, providing a supportive environment and an opportunity to experience Australian culture and improve English language skills.
Australian Homestay Network (AHN) offers professionally managed homestay placements throughout Perth. Homestay packages for students aged 18 years and over currently range from approximately $280 to $410 per week, depending on the package selected. Students should refer to the AHN website for current pricing and availability – Student Overview – Homestay Network
Perth Homestay also connects students directly with local host families across Perth, with many listings ranging from approximately $240 to $350 per week. For more information visit Homestay hosts & guests in Perth, WA | Perth Homestay
Student Accommodation
Purpose-built student accommodation provides furnished rooms and apartments designed specifically for students, often including communal study areas, social spaces, internet access, and security services.
Useful resources for finding student accommodation in Perth include:
Private Rental Accommodation
Students may choose to rent a private apartment, unit, or house independently or share accommodation with other students.
Students entering into a private rental agreement are usually required to pay a rental bond and may be asked to pay rent in advance. Students should ensure they understand the terms and conditions of any tenancy agreement before signing.
To search for rental properties in Perth, visit: https://www.realestate.com.au/rent/
Students renting privately are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights and responsibilities as tenants. Information on tenancy agreements, rental bonds, rent payments, repairs, and dispute resolution is available from Consumer Protection WA: https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/renting-home
Accommodation Assistance
ADCI can provide information about accommodation options in Perth and direct students to external accommodation providers and accommodation search platforms.
Students are encouraged to arrange accommodation prior to commencing their studies and to carefully consider factors such as:
Important Notice:
ADCI does not provide, manage, endorse, or guarantee any accommodation provider, property, or service listed on this page. Accommodation providers and websites are provided for information purposes only. Students are responsible for independently researching, selecting, and arranging accommodation and should carefully review all accommodation agreements before making a commitment.
The Department of Home Affairs has compiled a step-by-step guide to assist students through the Student Visa application process. Before submitting your application, we recommend reviewing the eligibility requirements, preparing all supporting documentation, and ensuring you understand your visa obligations as an international student in Australia.
You should also ensure that you:
The Department of Home Affairs has detailed information on:
Students should also ensure they have appropriate financial arrangements in place to cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs, and any expenses associated with accompanying family members. For information about estimated living expenses while studying in Australia, please refer to our Cost of Living page.
The above information was reviewed in September 2026.
International students studying in Australia on a student visa are required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia. OSHC helps cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital care, ambulance services, and some prescription medicines while you are studying in Australia.
Some students from countries that have reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, such as Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, may have different health insurance requirements. Students should check their individual eligibility and visa requirements before relying on these arrangements.
You must maintain valid OSHC for the duration of your student visa. If your visa status changes, or if you cease studying, you should contact your OSHC provider to discuss your cover arrangements.
ADCI has chosen Medibank as its preferred Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider. ADCI can assist students to arrange Medibank OSHC as part of the enrolment process. For further information, please contact admissions@adci.edu.au.
Students may choose to purchase their OSHC policy through any Australian Government-approved OSHC provider. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they maintain valid OSHC for the entire duration of their student visa.
Approved OSHC Providers
For more information about Overseas Student Health Cover requirements, please contact ADCI Admissions or visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
