Living costs

As a UNE international student, your living costs will depend on whether you are in Australia on your own, or with your family.

Under Australia's migration regulations, you must show that you can afford to live and study in Australia. This rule helps you prepare for your study, and ensures that you will have a safe and enjoyable experience here.

While you can earn extra money through part-time work, the 'living costs' rule exists, so you don't have to rely on work in Australia to meet your expenses.

From 23 October 2019, the basic rate of living costs under the migration regulations increased. Under these regulations, prospective student visa applicants and their family members must have access to the following funds:

  • A$21,041 a year

If you are living with your family, you also need:

  • A$7,362 a year for your partner
  • A$3,152 a year for each child.

You must prove that the funds you are relying on to meet study costs in Australia will be genuinely available during your stay.

For more information on student visas and this requirement, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Cost of living in Armidale

Mandatory living costs are indicative only. Actual costs vary depending on your lifestyle. You should prepare in case you need more money to uphold your lifestyle.

To help you estimate what you need, we provide approximate costs for everyday items and services. Prices are accurate as of 2 June 2023.

Food and groceries
  • Coffee $5.00 (small), $5.50 (medium), $6.00 (large)
  • Takeaway meal $25 - $35 per person
  • Restaurant meal $45 - $55 per person
  • 1 litre of milk $1.60 - $3.10 (Woolworths), $1.60 - $3.10 (Coles)
  • 1 loaf of fresh bread $2.70 - $4.50 (Woolworths), $2.70 - $4.50 (Coles)
  • 1kg of rice $1.40 - $7 (Woolworths), $1.40 - $7 (Coles)
  • A dozen regular eggs $4.80 - $10 (Woolworths), $4.50 - $10 (Coles)
  • 1 kg of apples $5.50 - $8 (Woolworths), $5.50 - $8 (Coles)
  • 1kg of potatoes $3.80 - $6 (Woolworths), $3.80 - $6 (Coles)
  • 1 kg of chicken breast $11 - $17 (Woolworths), $13 - $20.50 (Coles)
Transport
  • One-way local train or bus ticket $3
  • Around campus Free (on the UNE campus bus)
  • UNE annual parking permit $97
  • Casual parking for up to 8 hours per day $1 per hour
  • Petrol per litre E10: $1.88, Unleaded 91: $1.84, Premium 98: $2.08, Premium Diesel: $1.91
  • Armidale Taxi fares and charges:
    • 6am – 10pm Monday to Saturday: $2.26/km for the first 12km, then $3.13/km thereafter
    • 10pm – 6am Monday to Saturday, and all day Sunday and public holidays: $2.71/km for the first 12km, then $3.75/km thereafter (as well as 6am to 10pm on Sundays and Public Holidays)

The cost of buying, registering and insuring a vehicle varies depending on the type of vehicle and level of insurance.

Entertainment
  • Bowling 1 game $14 (adults), $12 (junior/student) / 2 games $20.00
  • General roller skating sessions $8 entry and $4 skate hire.
  • Cinema ticket (student) $13.50- $17.50
  • Swimming pool admission $5
    • Family day pass $16.50
    • Children 2 and under Free
    • 10 visit pass $46.00
Utilities
  • Mobile (unlimited) 3GB data with rollover $20 per month to $35 per month for 18GB
  • Internet (unlimited) $80 per month
  • Electricity, gas and water $374.50 per quarter for two people in a small (privately-rented) apartment

There are necessary costs that aren't covered here. Get an idea of your:

Cost of living in Sydney

For those international students who choose to study at UNE Sydney, cost of living in the big city will be a little higher. The Cost of Living Calculator will assist you to estimate how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. Also, see our accommodation guide.

It is important to note that the Calculator provides approximations only, intended as a guide for students keen to estimate their costs in Australia.