Learn more about
Life In Australia
Information on
Living in Australia
As one of the best countries to live in, Australia is as broad and diverse as the country’s landscape. With a multicultural society, breathtaking places to visit, exciting events, and unique heritage that are all enveloped in a vast country also known as “The Land Down Under”.
Being an international student in Australia means that you can rely on receiving world-class education, as Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for students from all over the globe. Many graduates express their wonderful experience that they had during their stay and some have in fact chose to settle here or are still regularly visiting Australia for business or leisure.
For more information about living in Australia, visit Study in Australia or read more about International related blogs in our Articles & Events page.
Culture
Cities
Adelaide is a coastal city and is the capital of the state of South Australia (SA). It is home to more than 1.35 million people and is ranked as the fifth most populous city in the continent. and is composed of a diverse mix of immigrants from Europe and Asia. Adelaide is also known to give that Mediterranean vibe as it follows the same climate – long, very hot summers and then cold, snowless winters.
Adelaide is a major destination hub for over 35,000 international students. It is a perfect city for learners from abroad as the cost of living here is very affordable. Not to mention that its education system is one of the best in Australia with numerous world-class colleges and universities alongside many research institutes. One of those colleges is Queensford College in King William Street here in Adelaide.
South Australian Government provides transport concessions for international students on presentation of their formal student identification card. There are also two free services that serve the city and North Adelaide, which are Free City Connector and Free Tram. For more information: Transport
Brisbane is the third largest and third most populous city in Australia. It is also the capital of the state of Queensland (QLD) and is almost five times the size of Japan. Brisbane has a subtropical climate which makes it the perfect place for many outdoor activities like kayaking up the Brisbane River, camping and hiking in one of the national parks, snorkelling around one of the Moreton Bay islands, and a whole lot more.
Over 75,000 international students are calling Brisbane their second home. They all have access to a wide range of study choices whether vocational training or higher learning. Brisbane also offers a long list of credible educational institutions like Queensford College.
Students studying at Queensland education institutions are eligible for concessions on public transport, a GO card. Modes of transport includes buses, trains, and ferries. Students are allowed to apply for the tertiary concession fares. A free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services are available within the Brisbane CBD. For more information: Visit Translink
Parramatta is a suburb in Sydney, in New South Wales (NSW) and the state’s second largest commercial business district. Established in 1788 by the British, Parramatta is a historic area teeming with many historic places to visit like the Old Government House, the Hambledon Cottage, and the Parramatta Park. Aside from the rich history, Parramatta is undeniably lively and exciting as it offers unlimited options for leisure, travel, and recreation.
New South Wales government is seeing the steady influx of international students in Parramatta with the additional funding for the construction of more school communities and infrastructure that will help students learn, live, and travel with ease. Parramatta will open its doors to Queensford College, a forward thinking education provider.
Some tertiary institutions are now able to offer international student student concession Opal card, allowing students to save on the cost of travel on buses, trains, light rail and most ferries throughout Greater Sydney. For more information: Transport
Living Costs
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your preparation for living and studying in Australia. The costs below are an approximate guide only, and you should be aware that these costs may vary depending on your study location in Australia.
The ‘Insider Guides Cost of Living Calculator’ is also a useful tool to help estimate your cost of living in Australia.
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 (after purchase) -$150 to $260 per week
- Entertainment -$80 to $150 per week
Accommodation
One of the first things international students will have to determine when preparing to study in Australia is where to live. The majority of Australian students live off-campus, through homestay programs, hostels, or rental properties.
Queensford College does not provide accommodation facilities however, college representatives can guide students to accommodation providers (including Homestay and student accommodation facilities). The accommodation placement fee is AUD$200. Please provide the college with at least 14 days’ notice if you require our staff to arrange accommodation for you.
| Accommodation Types | Cost | Type | Location | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 per week | Hotels and discounted hotels | Usually in the city centre | Short |
| Homestay | $235 to $325 per week | House | Usually in the city centre | Short |
| Rentals | $85 to $440 per week | Apartments, Units or Houses | Mostly not in the city centre | Long |
| On Campus | $90 to $280 per week | Apartments or bedroom units | Usually in the university campus | Medium |
Support Services in Australia
Australia is generally a very safe and welcoming place to live and study, but it is still important to understand your new environment to ensure you have a safe and happy stay.
EMERGENCY – Dial 000
For emergency services requiring ambulance, fire brigade and/or police dial Triple Zero (000). In events of life threatening situations, such as a car crash or a fire. If you require a translator then tell the operator your language and they will connect you with one.
| Support Service | How They Can Help You | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Consumer Law | Understand your legal rghts to regards to shopping or purchasing services | consumerlaw.gov.au |
| Australian Human Rights Commission | If you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your race, descent, colour or ethnic/national origin then make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. | humanrights.gov.au/race-discrimination |
| Australian Taxation Office | Contact them to arrange a Tax File Number or learn more about payments made to you while you’re here. | ato.gov.au |
| Beyond Blue | A free counselling service that you can contact if you are feeling depressed or anxious. | 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au |
| Lifeline | If you need someone to talk to about your mental health, this resource is a crisis support hotline. | 131 114 lifeline.org.au |
| Brisbane Student Hub | Provides information, advice and refer- rals on healthcare, employment, budget management, accommodation and legal services, as well as connecting students to local events and activities. | mdaltd.org.au/brisbane- studenthub |
| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (For Embassies) | If you require help from your country’s embassy within Australia. | dfat.gov.au |
| Department of Home Affairs | This government department handles visa enquiries and issues. | homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Commomwealth Ombudsman | This ombudsman can help you in dealing with problems with private insti- tutions and education provide | ombudsman.gov.au ombudsman.qld.gov.au |
| Tuition Protection Service | It is a government initiative if your insti- tution could not deliver your course of study,then government either help you in completing course elsewhere or help you in getting refund of uncompleted studies. | tps.gov.au |
| Fair Work Ombudsman | If you require assistance understanding your workplace rights and responsi- bilities | 13 13 94 fairwork.gov.au |
| Council of International Students Australia | The peak body for the interests and needs of international students, they always require volunteers. | cisa.edu.au |
| Residential Tenancies Authority | If you have any issues with accommodation, or would like to know what your rights are. | rta.qld.gov.au/renting/before-you-rent/students tenants.org.au sa.gov.au |
| Road Transport Authority | If you plan to drive in Brisbane then find out about the road rules and what you need to get yourself into a car. | transport.qld.gov.au |
| Translink (QLD) | To find out about trains, buses and ferries, including ticketing information, timetables and more in Queensland. | 13 12 30 translink.com.au |
| Transport for NSW | To find out about trains, buses and ferries, including ticketing information, timetables and more in New South Wales. | 131 500 transportnsw.info opal.com.au |
| Adelaide Metro (SA) | To find out about trains, buses and, in- cluding ticketing information, timetables and more in South Australia | 1300 311 108 adelaidemetro.com.au |
| Study Brisbane | For information on living and studying in Brisbane. They also host events for international students throughout the year. | studybrisbane.com |
| Study Adelaide | For information on living and studying in Adelaide. They also host events for inter- national students throughout the year. | studyadelaide.com |
| National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service | If you’ve been sexually assaulted and re- quire information and support services that are available. | 1800 737 732 1800respect.org.au |
| Alcohol and Drug Information | 24/7 support for people in Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns. | 1800 177 833 adis.health.qld.gov.au |
| Community Legal Centres | Community legal centres provide free information, legal assistance and referral, representation and casework, community education and advocacy for vulnerable clients and communities facing legal problems. | Brisbane: (07) 3392 0092 communitylegalqld.org.au/contactAdelaide: 1800 615 677 unitingcommunities.orgSydney: (02) 9212 7333 https://www.clcnsw. org.au |
| Children’s Services | To provide support and a range of ser- vices to children, young people, families and carers to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing and to prevent children from being harmed. | 1300 682 254 csyw.qld.gov.au |
| Kids Helpline | Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. | 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au |
| Poison Information Centre | If you require up-to-date advice to assist in the management of poisonings. | 13 11 26 health.qld.gov.au |
| Suport Service | How They Can Help You | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Blacktown Hospital | (02) 9881 8000 Blacktown-Mount-Druitt-Hos-pital | |
| Macquarie University Hospital | (02) 9812 3000 https://muh.org.au |
| Suport Service | How They Can Help You | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Adelaide Hospital | 08 7074 0000 https://www.rah.sa.gov.au | |
| The Queen Elizabeth Hospital | (08) 8222 6000 https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au |
| Suport Service | How They Can Help You | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Mater Hospital | (07) 3840 8111 mater.org.au | |
| Prince Charles Hospital | (07) 3350 8111 metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/tpch | |
| Princes Alexandra Hospital | (07) 3240 2111 metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/princess-alexandra-hospital | |
| Royal Brisbane Hospital | (07) 3253 8111M metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh/ | |
| QE II Hospital | (07) 3275 6111 metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/qeii-jubilee-hospital | |
| Wesley Hospital | (07) 3232 7000 wesley.com.au | |
| Logan Hospital | (07) 3299 8899 metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/logan-hospital | |
| Gold Coast Hospital | 1300 744 284 goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/hospitals-and-centres/gold-coast-university-hospital |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides students with medical care and hospital cover and is available for up to five years for monthly payments from a number of different providers.
To find further information about OSHC.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
International students studying in Australia requires a unique student identifier (USI). International students cannot apply for a USI whilst they are still overseas. International students will only be able to apply for a USI once you have entered Australia using your non-Australian passport and Australian visa.
A USI is required for students undertaking nationally recognised training (qualifications, accredited courses, skill sets and units of competency) unless exempt. If you do not have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment.
Create your own USI. Student Services staff at your campus will also be able to assist you to create a USI.
Student Visa Requirements
If you are studying at Queensford College on a Student Visa, you are required to obey the following visa conditions of student visa subclass 500.
General information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website, but ensure that you are familiar with the requirements on your grant notice.