Summary Table
The information in this section outlines the estimated cost of living for a student at the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, according to the type of accommodation chosen.
The costs for students studying at other campuses of the University will be similar, though rental or residential college costs are likely to be lower. However, annual transport costs will generally be higher.
Tuition fees and HECS payments are not included in estimates.
| Type of accommodation | Total weeks | Weekly Rent/Board Range | Estimated total annual living costs (rent or board and other expenses) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharing Rented Premises (with 2 others) | Close to Parkville campus | 52 | $200 - $250 | $22000 - $30000 |
| Within 6km of Melbourne CBD | 52 | $165 -$195 | $20000 - $27000 | |
| Rural area | 52 | $90 - $110 | $16000 - $23000 | |
| Student Apartments | Two bedroom | 52 | $225 - $270 | $23000 - $31000 |
| Single | 52 | $315 - $380 | $28000 - $37000 | |
| Hostel | One bedroom - shared bathroom/kitchen | varies | $195 - $235 | $22100 - $28200 |
| Residential Colleges (near or on campus) | First year undergraduate fee | varies | $575 - $752 | $21984 - $26680 |
| Homestay | Full board, living with a local family | varies | $250 - $280 | $16000 - $20700 |
The estimated total annual living costs include the following expenses:
| Items | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly Cost (other than Rent) | |
| Food and groceries | $80-$150 |
| Bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $40-$50 |
| Phone | $15-$20 |
| Public transport fares | $40 |
| Spending money (entertainment, clothing, gym) | $50-$80 |
| Annual Cost | |
| General course costs (not including tuition fees) | $500-$750 |
| Establishment costs | |
| Bond (usually 1 month's rent) | $4.333 x weekly rent |
| Telephone/utilities connection | $150-$200 |
| General furniture items (excluding whitegoods) | $450-$800 |
Tuition fees are not included in estimates and will need to be factored in to provide your true cost of living and studying
Health insurance is not included – add if applicable
Rental property prices vary from suburb to suburb. Check real estate websites to compare rental costs. Use online maps to check distances
For costs related to food and grocery expenses, check online supermarket sites and compare your current weekly shopping list to the prices quoted on the sites
The annual inflation rate in Australia is about 4%. We recommend that you add this to the above estimates when budgeting for future years
For additional information regarding the cost of living in Melbourne, visit www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.
