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Living in Australia

Discover Australia as an Ikon student

Australia is a popular study destination for international students and it’s easy to see why. Australia’s respected education system is well known for its quality, safety, friendliness, and diversity. As an international student in Australia, you will improve your English language skills, boost your career opportunities and enjoy the excitement of living independently in a new country.

Australia’s appeal is wide-ranging – from our pristine beaches and picturesque hikes, to the wild outback. Consistently ranking among the top five countries in the world for quality of life, education, healthcare, transport, and infrastructure, it’s no surprise that Australia attracts students worldwide. With so many affordable activities, including coastal walks, mountain hikes, art gallery visits, multicultural festivals, and beach surfing – there’s truly something for everyone!

Ikon is registered to deliver the following courses to international students in Australia

Obtaining a Student Visa

To study in Australia as an international student, you must have a valid student visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. To qualify for a student visa, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Have an acceptance letter from an educational institution in Australia, supported by a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  • Have Overseas Student Health Cover.

For more information including additional student visa requirements, visit the Home Affairs website.

Useful International Student Resources

Study Australia – This is the official Australia government website for advice on study in Australia for international students and their families.

Australian Department of Home Affairs – This website provides official government information about studying in Australia on a student visa including visa options and application procedures.

International Students Factsheet – This factsheet prepared by the Australian Department of Education contains important information about the rights and responsibilities of international students studying in Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students in Australia on a student visa must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entirety of their visa duration. OSHC covers medical and hospital expenses with limited benefits for pharmaceuticals and ambulance services. Health insurance must be valid from your arrival until your departure date, irrespective of your course’s start and end date.

Students from certain countries may have exceptions or special arrangements. To determine if you qualify for any exemptions, please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Australian insurance providers offering OSHC include Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance, and nib OSHC.

Cost Of Living

Understanding the average living expenses in Australia is an essential part of your financial planning when you are preparing to study in Australia. Below is an approximate estimate of some costs you may need to consider:

  • Rent: $185 to $440 per week
  • Groceries and Eating Out: $140 to $280 per week
  • Gas and Electricity: $10 to $20 per week
  • Phone and Internet: $15 to $30 per week
  • Public Transport: $30 to $60 per week

The Cost of Living Calculator is a great tool for budgeting your lifestyle in Australia. It allows you to compare costs for accommodation, transport, entertainment and much more.

Transport

Australia offers various transport options within the city centres of each state. Public transport costs usually range from $30-$60 per week, depending on the type and frequency of use.

For a detailed breakdown of transport options in each city, visit the Transport: Getting Around Your City page. For details on transport and parking around Ikon campuses, please visit the relevant Campus Location Page.

  • Adelaide campus
  • Brisbane campus
  • Melbourne campus
  • Sydney campus

Accommodation

Accommodation is a significant expense for international students in Australia, with several factors to consider. We recommend selecting your living location based on your chosen campus. Think about shared apartments or finding a roommate, particularly where utilities are part of the rent. For more information about accommodation options, visit the Insider Guide’s page Student Accommodation in Australia.

Top 10 Reasons Why International Students Love Australia!

Cultural Diversity

Australia’s vibrant multicultural environments offers you the chance to immerse yourself in new experiences and feel a strong sense of belonging

Vibrant City Life

Each Australian city offers a unique experience. From the laid-back beach vibes of Sydney to Melbourne’s eclectic shopping boutiques, there’s always something interesting for everyone and new experiences to discover.

The Great Outdoors

Australia is famous for its diverse landscapes. Beach lovers have thousands of kilometres of unspoiled coast to explore, and adventure seekers can venture into the outback. There are many vacation options right at your doorstep.

Global Recognition

Graduates from Australian institutions are in high demand worldwide due to the exceptional reputation of the Australian education system. This system is rigorously regulated by the government ensuring consistently high standards nationwide.

High Levels of Student Satisfaction

International students reported a satisfaction rate of 75.9% for their overall educational experience in Australia and 93.6% had an positive overall living experience, according to the 2022 International Student Experience survey conducted by the Australian Government.

Top-Ranked Student Cities

Sydney and Melbourne consistently rank among the top 5 student cities worldwide. These rankings consider factors such as student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity.

Affordable Living Costs

Despite having one of the highest living standards globally, the living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably lower than those in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Diverse Education Options

Australian educational institutions, including ALG, offer a wide range of courses. Students can easily find the field that matches their interests. Whatever your passion may be, there’s likely a course for you here.

Exceptional Work Opportunities

You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks and unlimited hours during breaks while you are studying in Australia. For certain international students, the Australia’s temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to stay and work after graduation.

Ease of Communication

English is the primary language in Australia, making it easier for most students to communicate effectively. While mastering the local slang might take a bit of time, Australians do have some unique interpretations on common phrases!