Your complete blueprint to studying in Australia.
From CoE to move-in day, your complete guide to studying in Australia. Visa calculator, city explorer, cost breakdown, and verified homes.
Discover the best student housing near top Australian cities and universities
Why Australia
Straight from students who've made the move. The real reasons to go, and the real things to prepare for.
Australia isn't just geographically closer to India than the UK, it's embedded in the Asia-Pacific economy. If your career is pointed toward Southeast Asia, finance, engineering, or tech, Australian university networks open doors that European degrees don't. The Singapore–Sydney–Melbourne corridor is real.
Since 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester (effectively unlimited during breaks). That's significantly more than the UK's 20 hours/week — and Australian minimum wage is A$24.10/hour, one of the highest in the world. Many students cover 30–40% of living costs through part-time work.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers up to 2–6 years of post-study work rights depending on your degree level and where you studied. Regional study gets you extra years. For a 2-year Masters, you typically get 3 years to work. That's more runway than any other English-speaking country right now.
Melbourne and Sydney consistently rank in the top 10 most liveable cities globally. The weather, healthcare, safety, and outdoor lifestyle are legitimate factors — not just travel-brochure copy. If you're coming from a dense, high-stress environment, the difference in day-to-day stress levels surprises most students.
Australia went through a serious rental crisis in 2022–2024 and prices haven't fully come back down. Sydney studio rent can hit A$2,000+/month. The play is Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, or a regional university town — same or better quality of life, A$400–600/month cheaper. Budget for A$2,000–2,500/month all-in outside Sydney, A$2,500–3,200 in Sydney. Do not go in expecting UK prices.
Answer 7 questions. Get a personalised visa likelihood score and specific tips to improve it.
All fields affect your score. Be accurate.
Your nationality
Degree level
University tier
IELTS overall band
Prior AU visa refusals
Gap years since last qualification
Proof of funds status
Based on DIAC data and community-reported outcomes
Your profile is strong. Focus on documentation quality; financial evidence should be clear and consistent, your statement of purpose should be specific about why this course at this institution, and your OSHC must be arranged before you apply.
This is an indicative tool based on published DIAC/Home Affairs data and community-reported outcomes. It is not migration advice. For complex cases, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
Six steps. Know what happens at each, how long it takes, and what trips people up.
Monthly estimates for 2025/26. Shared accommodation, including rent, food, and transport.
Rent (shared): AUD $1,100–$1,600
Rent (shared): AUD $950–$1,350
Rent (shared): AUD $850–$1,200
Rent (shared): AUD $800–$1150
Rent (shared): AUD $700–$950
| City | Rent (shared) | Budget / mo | Moderate / mo | Comfortable / mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD $1,100–$1,600 | AUD $2,100 | AUD $2,700 | AUD $3,500 |
| Melbourne | AUD $950–$1,350 | AUD $1,900 | AUD $2,400 | AUD $3,100 |
| Brisbane | AUD $850–$1,200 | AUD $1,700 | AUD $2,100 | AUD $2,800 |
| Adelaide | AUD $800–$1150 | AUD $1,650 | AUD $2,050 | AUD $2,700 |
| Perth | AUD $700–$950 | AUD $1,450 | AUD $1,850 | AUD $2,450 |
Every city Acolyte covers in Australia — with verified properties ready to browse.
Melbourne University Guides
Find student homes with easy access to Melbourne campus transport, local shops, and verified listings that support international students.
Do these two things before anything else. They unlock rent payments, phone plans, and discounts.
Australia's equivalent of Monzo — opens on your phone in minutes with just your passport. No fees, instant notifications, excellent app. Set this up at the airport. It's the fastest way to have a working Australian account.
This should be your first account.
Largest bank in Australia. ATMs everywhere, trusted by employers, and their student account has no monthly fees. Takes a few days to open fully but worth having. Employers and landlords recognise it immediately.
No international transaction fees and a solid savings rate. If you're planning to save a portion of your work income, ING's savings account pays better interest than the big four. Good secondary account once you're settled.
AUD $30/mo
30GB data, unlimited calls on Telstra's network (the best coverage in Australia). Available at every Woolworths supermarket. Easiest to grab on arrival day. Top choice for students in major cities.
AUD $28/mo
Fully digital, 30GB data on Optus network. Great app and easy SIM swaps. Popular with international students — no ID required beyond your passport. Buy online before you arrive.
The actual rules — no hedging. If your situation is complex, the MARA helpline is free.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows up to 2–6 years of post-study work depending on your degree and location.
48 hours per fortnight work limit during semester (more generous than UK, similar Australian minimum wage is A$24.10/hour).
Connect with other international students studying in Australia. Share experiences, tips, and get support from the community.
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Student reviews
“I was convinced the listing I found on Facebook was real until my friend showed me the same photos on a scam alert page. The fact that Acolyte physically visited the flat changed everything. I slept properly the night I confirmed the booking.”
“Moved to Melbourne for my Masters. Messaged Acolyte support at 11pm when I couldn't get the heating to work on my first night — someone replied within 20 minutes and had the landlord call me by midnight. The support makes the difference.”
“My parents in Hyderabad were more nervous about housing than I was. I showed them the Acolyte verification report for my flat — the physical inspection notes. My dad read it three times. They finally stopped worrying.”
Every listing verified. Every city covered. Support from day one.
