Australia is a wonderful country with great weather, beautiful landscapes and one of the best educational systems in the world. Living in Australia will be a new experience and we will be here to make your adjustment to life in Australia easier.
First, we would like to know what you need.
1. I’m in Australia and I need support
I have just arrived. What should I do next?
You can book a WELCOME CHAT in your language (Portuguese, Spanish or English) so we can help you with everything you need. We’ll speak your language to answer all your questions. And it will be a great opportunity to make friends.
If you did not come to Australia with Stay Global or our partnership, don’t worry! You are always welcome at Stay Global. We will give you all the support you need.
What do I need?
There are 5 main things you need. We’ll discuss this at the WELCOME CHAT and we will help you throughout the processes.
- Australian phone number: There are many companies here from which you can buy a mobile SIM card: Vodafone, Optus, Lebara, Telstra, among others. It will cost you around AUD 2.00 for the SIM card + AUD 30.00 for the first recharge.
- Open a Bank Account: We advise you to open a Smart and Saver account. In the WELCOME CHAT, we will help you to open your accounts and we also go with you to the bank to finalise the process.
- Apply for your TFN: The Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and super systems. If you intend to work in Australia you will need this number. In the WELCOME CHAT we will also explain what an ABN is and in which cases you should apply for it.
- USI Number: A USI – Unique Student Identifier is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia. You will be requested to present this number on your first day at school. In the welcome chat, we will help you to apply for the USI.
- OSHC: You got your health cover when you applied for your visa, but maybe it needs to be activated when you arrive. We will help with this as well and explain to you how your OSHC works.
I need to find accommodation
If you are looking for a share house we can help you. Stay Global have a partnership that has more than 40 apartments around Sydney, and we have some partnerships in Melbourne and Brisbane as well. You can check all the details at ACCOMMODATION or go to a Stay Global office to find out more.
In general, there are a few different types of accommodation you can find in Australia, and the cost and availability of accommodation depends on the type you choose. Here are a few examples:
- Single room: Many students prefer to have their privacy and a more suitable space to study.
- Cost: a single room in a shared house can cost between AUD 250 and AUD400 per week. Obviously, it depends on the location. Typically, you will need to pay two weeks’ rent in advance.
- Bills: electricity, gas, and water bills are usually included. Most of the time, the Internet is also included.
- Shared room: This is the most popular option among international students, mainly because it is the most affordable as well as a great opportunity to make friends and learn more about life in Australia. Often, it is one of your flatmates who will refer you to a job and/or help you with information about where to look.
- Cost: – A twin-room can cost between AUD180 and AUD250 per week, while a room for 4 people costs around AUD150 to AUD195. Once again, it depends on the location. You will usually need to pay two week’s rent in advance.
- Bills: electricity, gas, and water bills are usually included. Most of the time, the Internet is also included.
- Bond: a security payment required in the case of damaged goods; in case there is no damage, you get reimbursed once the lease contract ends. They usually correspond to 2 or 4 weeks’ rent, which you will need to pay in advance.
- Homestay: Homestay accommodation gives international students the option of living with an Australian family in their home. Single or shared rooms are available, and costs vary according to the type of room (usually around AUD$235 to $325 per week). Meals are usually included.
- Hostels and guesthouses: Many students use hostels and guesthouses as temporary accommodation. This type of accommodation usually costs between AUD$200 and $325 per week.
- Rent an apartment: some people prefer to rent a property by themselves or share the cost of a rental property with housemates. Rental agreements usually require payment of rent in advance, as well as a security payment called a bond (usually corresponding to one month’s rent) that is paid up front. You will also need to pay electricity, gas and water bills. On average, rental accommodation costs between AUD $400 and $800 per week, depending on location and number of bedrooms. It will also require you to provide some documents, such as :
- Reference letters
- Proof of income (recent payslips, bank statements, tax return)
- Letter of employment (if you’re starting a new job)
- Valid ID (passport, driver’s licence)
- Summary of your rental/employment history
- Deposit/rental ledger (summary of your rental payment history)
- Cover letter
- Completed application form.
Important advice: before you get any accommodation in Australia, book an inspection. It is a visit to the property/room you are interested in, to make sure that what is being offered is exactly what you will get.
BOOK an inspection to learn more about our accommodation option.
I need help to find a JOB
2. I want to know more about living in Australia
If you are thinking of living in Australia, there is a lot to decide. But don’t worry, we are here to help you.
First of all, follow us on Instagram, there you have a lot of inspiration about this beautiful country and the lifestyle. Why choose to live in Australia? For tree reasons:
Why Australia?
We will give you three good reasons to choose Australia:
Study at highly ranked institutions
Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, such as English courses, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Higher Education (TAFE), as well as undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) and postgraduate programs. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredits the courses. AQF is a national policy that shows how qualifications relate to each other at each level of education. It will certainly be a distinctive feature to have an international course from a highly ranked school in your resume.
Study and work
When you have a student visa, you are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (fortnight means 14 days starting on a Monday) and over 40 hours while you are on holiday. Most students pay their expenses (accommodation and food) with the money they make working here. Often, they even make extra money to travel around Asia and Australia. Australia is full of job opportunities in several areas.
Amazing experience
How about living in a place with a multicultural lifestyle, beautiful climate and wonderful landscapes? This is how you live in Australia. You will also study hard, work hard, but make friends for life. At first it may not be easy, but in the end you will discover yourself as a new, stronger and freer person. You will have time for yourself, to explore beautiful beaches and places, travel more, and go to many parties and barbecues at the same time that you will be studying, improving your knowledge and developing your career.
3. Where to live in Australia?
Choosing where to live when moving to a new country is an important decision. There are some factors that you need to take into account, such as: schools, types of courses, how easy is it to find jobs and lifestyle. We have compiled some information about some of the best places to live in Australia to help you make an informed decision.
Sydney
- State: New South Wales
- Weather: 24°C
- Population: 5.23 million
- Average living costs: AUD 400-500 per week
- Employability: High
- The number of schools: many possibilities and good prices
- Variety of courses: high
- Lifestyle: multicultural, stunning landscape, active cultural life, haute cuisine, several options of pubs, and restaurants.
Melbourne
- State: Victoria
- Weather: 21°C
- Population: 4.936 million
- Average living costs: AUD 400-550 per week
- Employability: high
- The number of schools: many possibilities and good prices
- Variety of courses: high
- Lifestyle: stunning landscape, active cultural life, haute cuisine, several options of pubs and restaurants.
Brisbane
- State: Queensland
- Weather: 23°C
- Population: 2.28 million
- Average living costs: AUD 300-450 per week
- Employability: high
- The number of schools: many possibilities and good prices
- Variety of courses: medium
- Lifestyle: active cultural life, haute cuisine, several options of pubs, and restaurants. It is close to Gold Coast the Surfers Paradise.
Gold Coast
- State: Queensland
- Weather: 24°C
- Population: 687,460
- Average living costs: AUD 350-450 per week
- Employability: medium
- The number of schools: few schools
- Variety of courses: limited variety
- Lifestyle: many options of bars and restaurants, beautiful beaches, considered a paradise for surfers.
4. What is the cost of living?
As a general guideline, the international student will spend an average of AUD $ 1,753 per month (approximately AUD $ 404 per week) on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, and telephone. The accommodation will be the main cost to live in here. There are a few types of accommodation you can find in Australia, and the cost and availability of accommodation depends on the type you choose: single rooms, shared room, homestay, hostels and guesthouses or rent an apartment.
