Cost of Living in Canberra for Students

Canberra is Australia’s capital and is considered one of the world’s most livable cities.

Students can find programs in various disciplines at the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Being one of the best study destinations globally, Canberra offers quality education.

Is Canberra safe and affordable for students?

Canberra is a friendly and safe city with excellent healthcare facilities. It is home to many important government institutions, national monuments, and museums.

It is one of the most affordable places in Australia for students. It means students get to live a better quality of life.

The cost of living in Canberra is A$2,300 – A$3,500 /month excluding tuition fees. Please bear in mind that the expenses will depend on your lifestyle.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Canberra, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	A$25,000 – A$50,000 / Year
Accommodation	A$1,100 – A$2,800 / Month
Transportation	A$220 / Month

Costs of Tuition Fees

Canberra is home to many universities. The cost of your fee will depend upon the types of courses and universities you choose to study in the city.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
A$25,000 – A$40,000 / Year	A$30,000 – A$50,000 / Year

Student Accommodation Costs

Canberra offers three types of student accommodation which are listed below. Their cost will depend on the type you choose to stay, location, and facilities. We have given brief information on each of the accommodations so you can understand their features and decide wisely on choosing the right place to stay.

1. Student Housing

Student housing is a type of accommodation that offers students the best and most affordable rooms in Canberra. They are new buildings, fully furnished, and provide modern amenities.

Most of the student accommodations in Canberra are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	A$1,100 – A$1,450 / Month

2. Private Apartment

Private apartments are designed for students who want to rent the whole space all to themselves or share it with their peers. This accommodation is located close to the university campus and gives students freedom and independence too. It’s a spacious apartment with a shared kitchen, living space, amenities, etc.

Apartment	Price
Private	A$2,250 – A$2,800 / Month

3. University Halls

University Hall is a university building where students live. It has rooms where students share or pay a premium for a private room. There’s a shared kitchen and bathroom with a big living space too. It is allowed only for students studying at a particular university.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	A$500 – A$1,200 / Month

Food

Though Canberra is affordable, the meal prices can vary depending on what you eat and where you eat! The average cost of food per day in Canberra will be A$20–A$40. The cost of a meal will be A$15-A$30 a pint of beer for A$8.

Utility Bills

The utility bills are usually covered by student housing (PBSA) and private apartments. As for university halls, it depends upon their policies. Some include utility bills, while some do not include the bills. It’s advisable to check on this before you decide to move into any of the accommodations.

Transportation

Getting around Canberra can be done on foot or by bike to nearby places. If you want to travel farther, buses and light rails are available to help you travel within the city. If you purchase MyWay, a smart prepaid card, it will be convenient, and you can also get a discount on your travel.