Study in Australia on a Budget: Affordable Cities for International Students

Written by Priya » Updated on: July 26th, 2025 21 views

Australia is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. The country is known for its high academic standards, multicultural environment, and globally recognized universities. For many international students, the cost of education and living plays a crucial role in choosing where to study. While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are renowned worldwide, they are on the expensive side of Australia.

However, the country also offers several affordable yet high-quality education hubs where students can pursue their academic dreams without stretching their finances. These cities offer a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas while still providing access to quality education and a good student lifestyle.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top affordable cities for international students to study in Australia. Let’s have a more detailed look:

Pocket-Friendly Cities to Study in Australia as an International Student

1. Brisbane

Brisbane offers a perfect balance of urban and outdoor lifestyle. Students enjoy the perks of a metropolitan city without the hefty price tag. The city boasts stunning beaches, a sunny climate, and a vibrant sporting culture that coexist with a downtown area offering a trendy nightlife and thriving art scene. It is a multicultural city with students from all around the world here and is ranked 26th globally on the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026. A student with a low student budget can particularly enjoy Brisbane, as expenses from rent to transport to food are comparatively affordable. A detailed breakdown is listed below:

Type of Expenses	Cost
Accommodation	AUD 220– AUD 350 per week for on campus & AUD 200- AUD 450 per week for off campus.
Food	AUD 200- AUD 300 per week
Transportation	AUD 50 to AUD 120 per week

2. Adelaide

Adelaide is known as Australia’s food and wine capital and attracts a large number of international students from around the world. The city is known for its lower rents and relaxed lifestyle, making it a smart choice for students looking to manage the overall cost of education in Australia. Ranked 31st in the world in QS Top Student Cities. There’s plenty to explore in Adelaide, with gorgeous hills and beautiful beaches, to the wine district. It is also known as the festival state as it hosts a number of national and international events throughout the year. The cost of living in Adelaide depends highly on the type of accommodation you choose. Additionally, Food and groceries are another major necessity that are an integral part of the cost of living in Adelaide. The average cost breakdown is listed below:

Type of Expenses	Cost
Accommodation	AUD 275 – AUD 452 per week for on campus & AUD 150 to AUD 300 per week for off campus.
Food	AUD 90- AUD 188 per week
Transportation	AUD 20 to AUD 59 per week

3. Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is the second-largest city in the state of Queensland. It is one of the most desirable cities among international students due to the climate of the city and strong cultural diversity, along with the presence of top Universities in the city. The city places in the mid-range for the cost of studying, with expenses much lower than the bigger cities in Australia. The Gold Coast is among the top 100 in the world, with a ranking of 95 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026. The cost of living on the Gold Coast is greatly impacted by the rent you pay for accommodation. Other expenses like groceries and transportation also have a big impact. The average cost breakdown is listed below:

Type of Expenses	Cost
Accommodation	AUD 200– AUD 350 per week for on campus & AUD 450+ per week for off campus.
Food	AUD 90- AUD 200 per week
Transportation	AUD 30 to AUD 70 per week

Some additional factors that influence the cost of living are your lifestyle choices, the location you wish to live in, and the type of accommodation you choose. Choosing the right city can significantly impact not just your finances, but also your overall study abroad experience. While affordability is an important factor, it's equally essential to consider factors such as cultural exposure, academic opportunities, safety, and work options for international students.

Cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast strike a smart balance between cost and quality of life, making them attractive alternatives to Australia's more expensive metro hubs. If you are planning to pursue your higher education in Australia, you can reach out to an overseas education consultant. Their seasoned experts will provide end-to-end assistance at every step of your journey, from research, applications, getting an Australia student visa to admissions.

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