Australia is the 6th largest country in the world in land area (about 7.5 million km2). The population of Australia is 25 million and the first state, New South Wales remain the most populous. This is followed by Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. 3 Australian cities are ranked among the 10 Best Cities to Live in the World. They are Melbourne (1st), Adelaide (6th) and Perth (7th). (Source: Economist Intelligence Unit)

Australia is a culturally diverse country and the results of the 2016 census shows that nearly half of the Australian population (49%) had either been born overseas (first generation Australian) or one or both parents had been born overseas (second generation Australian). Australians are born in close to 200 different countries, forming a multicultural nation who welcomes different nationalities and cultures. There are over 300 separately identified languages spoken in Australian homes and more than 21% of Australian spoke a language other than English at home. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics)

Australia is also a safe country, with low crime rates. It is ranked the 10th safest country in the world. (Source: SafeAround). Safe cities and our rich cultural diversity provides the ideal environment for international students to live and study in.

Australia is a large country and its weather varies across the 8 states and territories. Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.
Seasons:
Summer – December to February
Autumn – March to May
Winter – June to August
Spring – September to November

The transport network in Australia include buses, trains, trams and ferries. Transport options depends on where you live. Most states offer transport concessions to international students. You will also be able to hire private and public car services, from taxis to limousines. Ride-sharing is also a popular way to get around at more affordable fares.

There are numerous accommodation options for you to choose from.
If you are 18 years old or older, you can stay at any one of the following:

• Homestay
  You will live with an Australian family. This is a great opportunity for you to experience the Australian way of life and for you to improve your English. Single and shared rooms are available. Meals are usually included (Breakfast and Dinner on weekdays and all meals on weekends).
• Renting your own property
  You can rent a property with your family or a group of friends. Most rental properties are unfurnished so you will need to purchase furniture, beds, electrical appliances, kitchen utensils and so on. You will need to pay a bond, which is usually equivalent to 4 weeks of rent. You will also need to pay for electricity, gas, phone and internet expenses.
• Renting a room
  You can rent a room from families or other students. This is the most affordable option.
• On-campus student accommodation
  Universities and some vocational institutions offer residential colleges or halls of residence. Residential colleges are slightly more expensive and provide accommodation with meals. Halls of residence are located on or near campus grounds. Your board will usually include cleaning services and some residences also provide meals.

Australia is well known for its extraordinary landscapes, beautiful beaches and iconic attractions. Australia is also home to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which includes the Great Barrier Reef (QLD), Shark Bay (WA), Ningaloo Reef (WA), Greater Blue Mountains Area (NSW), Fraser Island (QLD), Purnululu National Park (NT), Kakadu National Park (NT), Sydney Opera House (NSW) and so on. With a vast variety of activities to choose from, such as coastal drives, walking trails, short city breaks, outback adventures and nature journeys, there will be an adventure to suit everyone.

According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Study in Australia website, the approximate cost of living in Australia are listed below.

Accommodation

• Hostels and Guesthouses – $90 to $150 per week
• Homestay – $235 to $325 per week
• Shared Rental – $85 to $215 per week
• Rental – $165 to $440 per week
• On campus – $90 to $280 per week
• Boarding schools – $11,000 to $22,000 a year

Living Expenses

• Groceries and eating out – $80 to $280 per week
• Gas, electricity – $35 to $140 per week
• Phone and Internet – $20 to $55 per week
• Public transport – $15 to $55 per week
• Car (running costs) – $150 to $260 per week
• Entertainment – $80 to $150 per week