How much does it cost to live in Sydney? If you’re an international student preparing to study at UTS, read on.
Cost of living in Sydney
Do I need savings to apply for a student visa?
Currently, the Department of Home Affairs requires international students to demonstrate that they have access to at least A$24,505 to cover living costs in Australia during the first year – this number increases if you are bringing a partner or dependants.
You will also have to prove that you are able to cover your travel costs, tuition fees, and school fees if any school-age children will be accompanying you.
From 1 October 2023, international students will need to demonstrate that they have access to at least A$24,505 to cover living costs in Australia during the first year.
Living expenses in Sydney
Here’s quick guide to the most common expenses in Sydney:
item | Weekly | Annual |
---|---|---|
Rent per person in shared accommodation within a short commute to UTS | A$350* | A$18,200 |
Groceries | A$100 | A$5200 |
Internet/Phone (mobile) | A$30 | A$1560 |
Gas/Electricity | A$20 | A$1040 |
Books/Supplies | A$832 | |
Transport costs | A$35 | A$1820 |
*apartment or room share in the city
Please note that these costs are indicative and living costs vary significantly according to personal circumstance.
If you want to estimate your expenses according to your lifestyle, the Australian Government has created a cost of living calculator. Visit the Study Australia page (opens external site) to find out more.
Accommodation
The UTS Housing Service offers safe, comfortable and affordable student accommodation close to UTS. They also can help you find off-campus and temporary accommodation when you first arrive in Sydney.
For information on rental prices at the on-campus residence, visit the campus accommodation fees page.
For accommodation outside of UTS, you may pay approximately A$5200 for start up costs like:
- rental accommodation bond (four weeks’ rent)
- rent in advance, linen, furniture
- telephone and internet connection
- kitchenware
- personal items
- and electricity connections.
You can expect to pay $250-$430 a week for shared accommodation near UTS. If you want to live alone, your rent will be more expensive.
Textbooks
The cost of textbooks and course materials varies depending on your course. We estimate that textbooks for a year may cost several hundred dollars.
You can buy digital textbooks from websites like VitalSource. If you want physical textbooks, you can search by university and subject on Booktopia.
You can also find secondhand books via Facebook pages such as the UTS LSS Textbook Exchange, or through StudentVIP’s textbook marketplace. You may be able to borrow the textbook from UTS Library - however, there aren’t enough copies for everyone, so be quick!
Entertainment
Some attractions and entertainment venues (e.g. cinemas, museums) offer concession tickets for university students. On campus, ActivateUTS offers a variety of cafes, bars and retail outlets as well as a fitness centre, which offer discounts to UTS students.
Many retail outlets, cafes, and takeaway outlets offer student discounts. Cinemas, Sydney attractions and live entertainment venues sometimes offer concession tickets for university students.
The table below shows the approximate costs per person in Sydney in 2023.
Movie ticket | A$20 |
Restaurant meal | A$25+ |
Takeaway meal | A$15-A$25 |
Lunch on campus | A$8-A$16 |
Lunch in a café | A$12-A$24 |
Cup of coffee | A$4-A$7 |
Child care
There are two UTS Child Care centres near the campus for children from 0 to 5 years of age. To learn about the cost of UTS Child Care, visit the enrolment and fees page.
Child care in NSW and Australia is expensive and there are often waiting lists for children of all ages.
School-aged children must attend school and fees apply. For more information go to NSW Department of Education and Communities (opens an external site).