International students in Australia usually choose between six types of accommodation: short-term stays, private rentals or share houses, managed (purpose-built) student accommodation, university-managed housing, residential colleges, and homestays. Homestays and managed housing include most bills; private rentals are often cheaper but need a bond, furniture and more paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- Study Australia, the Australian Government’s official study website, lists six accommodation types: short-term, renting, managed student accommodation, university-managed accommodation, residential colleges and homestay.
- As of October 2026, the Australian Homestay Network lists a 2026 homestay fee in Melbourne of $410 per week for an over-18 private room with Traditional Homestay meals.
- A rental bond in Australia is typically four weeks’ rent, held by a state government department, and the first four weeks’ rent is usually paid in advance.
- The Department of Home Affairs sets the 12-month living-cost figure for Student visa (subclass 500) applicants at AUD29,710.
- Never pay a deposit for a room that you, or someone you trust, has not inspected; Scamwatch warns about fake rental listings.
Although beautiful landscapes come to mind when considering Australia as a getaway location, it’s actually also one of the most popular destinations for international students!
Accommodation In Australia for International Students
Each Australian city and university has its own strengths, and living costs, especially rent, vary considerably between cities, so it pays to compare accommodation options before you arrive.
If you do decide to study in Australia, it’s helpful to know about all of the potential accommodation options that you might have access to, so in this article we take a look at a few to help you better prepare for your time at an Australian university.
Choosing off-campus student housing
When you’re considering international student accommodation on the Gold Coast versus accommodation in Sydney, your options will obviously be quite different. Australian universities do offer on-campus options such as residential colleges and university-managed housing, but the number of places varies by university, so many international students need to arrange their own accommodation.
Off-campus, purpose-built student housing (which Study Australia calls managed student accommodation) is a common choice for international students; some residences have partnerships with particular universities and are located close to campus.
Living in off-campus student housing can also provide you with the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, particularly if you opt for shared living spaces. Shared lounges, kitchens and study rooms are common in this type of housing, which makes it easier to meet people and make friends.
This option also suits people who value security and privacy, because many purpose-built residences advertise on-site security and support staff; check exactly what a residence provides, and what the rent includes, before you sign.
Private options you might want to consider
If you’re looking to save a bit of money in your housing situation and are happy to live somewhere with other people you study with or even strangers, a private rental property might be a good way to go.
Unlike with off-campus student housing you’ll have to purchase things like whitegoods and furniture for your house if it isn’t pre-furnished which can very quickly add up, but if you find a good share house that is already well furnished, you might only need a bed.
Also, unlike off-campus student housing, the location of your rental property might be quite far away from the university, with the caveat being that it might be in an area that is a lot more fun to explore than the typical university areas.
Homestays are also a popular option for many international students, as it allows for an easy way to understand and learn more about the general Australian culture and lifestyle without being thrown into the deep end.
Choosing the options that suit
Although you might have an idea of where you want to stay and the kind of accommodation you want, there are still a few other considerations you might need to make.
These include selecting the ideal room for you (whether it be private or shared), if you prefer living with people you’re friends with (or want to become friends with) and how close you want to be to either the culture of the city you’re living in or the university itself (as they often aren’t as close as people prefer).
What Are the Main Types of Student Accommodation in Australia?
Study Australia, the Australian Government’s official website for international students, describes six accommodation types. Each section below can be read on its own.
Short-term accommodation
Short-term accommodation includes hotels, hostels and temporary stays. Study Australia suggests it as a base while students get to know their new city and meet potential housemates, before committing to a lease. A short-term furnished rental apartment is another way to bridge the first few weeks.
Renting a house or apartment
Renting means leasing a property alone or with friends, either through a real estate agent or directly from a landlord. According to Study Australia, it is common for international students to share with other students to make living costs more affordable. A security deposit (bond) is typically four weeks’ rent and is held by a state government department, and rent for the first four weeks is usually paid in advance.
Managed student accommodation
Managed student accommodation is purpose-built housing for students, ranging from private studio apartments to shared rooms with communal areas. Study Australia notes that bills such as electricity and internet are generally included in the advertised rent.
University-managed accommodation
University-managed accommodation is run by the university itself. Study Australia says it is usually fully furnished, with costs covering bills (electricity, gas, water and internet) and university-managed support services.
Residential colleges
Residential colleges are located on university campuses and are often fully catered, with up to three meals a day, according to Study Australia. They suit students who want a ready-made community, much like the hostel life many students remember fondly.
Homestay
A homestay means living with a local family in their home, often with meals and cleaning provided. Study Australia notes that homestays can suit younger students, and that the upfront price can seem higher because utilities and meals are covered.
How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Australia?
Accommodation costs in Australia depend on the city, the suburb, the room type and what is included. Study Australia’s free Cost of Living Calculator compares accommodation, transport and lifestyle costs; Study Australia states that its figures are an approximate guide and were last updated in November 2023, so check current listings as well.
Homestay is the one category with clearly published prices. The table below shows the Australian Homestay Network’s published 2026 weekly fees for students aged over 18, as of October 2026.
| Homestay package (over 18s, per week, 2026) | Melbourne, private room | Melbourne, shared room | Brisbane, private room | Brisbane, shared room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Homestay (3 meals, 7 days a week) | $440 | $410 | $410 | $380 |
| Traditional Homestay (2 meals Monday to Friday, 3 meals on weekends) | $410 | $380 | $380 | $350 |
| Dinner Only | $380 | $350 | $350 | $320 |
| No Meals | $340 | $310 | $310 | $280 |
The Australian Homestay Network also lists a one-off matching fee of $350 in 2026 ($370 in 2027) and an airport pickup fee of $190 in Melbourne and $170 in Brisbane for 2026. Its 2027 weekly fees are higher; for example, an over-18 private room with Traditional Homestay in Melbourne rises from $410 to $425. The network says fees may vary for some schools, so always check the written quote.
How Do Accommodation Types Compare?
| Type | Bills included? | Furnished? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term (hotel, hostel) | Yes | Yes | First weeks while you inspect places |
| Private rental or share house | Usually not; split with housemates | Sometimes | Lower cost and independence |
| Managed student accommodation | Generally electricity and internet | Usually | Convenience near campus |
| University-managed accommodation | Usually all bills | Usually fully | Support services on campus |
| Residential college | Usually; often fully catered | Yes | Community and meals included |
| Homestay | Yes, plus meals by package | Yes | Younger students and cultural immersion |
The table summarizes how Study Australia describes each type; individual properties differ, so confirm bills and furniture in writing.
How Much Money Do You Need Upfront?
For a private rental, plan for about eight weeks’ rent at move-in: Study Australia says a bond is typically four weeks’ rent, and the first four weeks’ rent is usually paid in advance. A room at $300 a week would therefore need around $2,400 before you move in, plus furniture if the room is unfurnished.
For the Student visa (subclass 500), the Department of Home Affairs lists 12-month living costs of AUD29,710 for a student, AUD10,394 for a partner and AUD4,449 for a child, on top of course fees and travel costs. The same visa lets students work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session (students in a master’s by research or doctoral degree have no work limit). A budget that actually works helps match rent to that income.
How Do You Find Accommodation Safely?
- Start with your university’s accommodation office, which can point you to on-campus places and other options.
- Book short-term accommodation for your first weeks rather than signing a lease sight unseen.
- Inspect the property in person, or ask someone you trust to; Scamwatch advises that a drive-by is not enough.
- Check who will hold the bond: Study Australia says bonds are held by state government departments.
- Keep copies of all messages, receipts and bank details, and avoid paying by money transfer.
Warning signs of a rental scam
Scamwatch, run by Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre, lists these red flags for fake rental listings:
- A price that seems too good to be true.
- Repeated excuses for why you cannot view the property, often that the owner is overseas.
- A request for an upfront fee by money transfer.
- Requests for personal information, sometimes disguised as a rental application.
Scamwatch warns that money sent by money transfer is rarely recovered, and that a property in a fake listing may genuinely exist but belong to someone else.
What Are Your Rights as a Student Tenant?
Tenants in Australia have legal obligations, chiefly to pay rent on time and look after the property, and legal rights, including feeling secure in the property and having well-maintained accommodation with working utilities. Study Australia recommends raising problems with the landlord first, then contacting your state’s tenants’ union or consumer advocate if the issue is not resolved. Tenancy rules are set by each state and territory, so details differ. If you are weighing longer-term options later, see renting versus owning a house.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Under 18: the Department of Home Affairs requires Student visa applicants under 18 to have adequate welfare arrangements in place, so younger students should plan accommodation that fits those arrangements, such as a homestay.
- Tight budget: a room in a shared private rental splits rent and bills, but budget for the bond, advance rent and furniture.
- Convenience: managed or university-managed accommodation bundles bills and support services.
- Cultural immersion: a homestay offers daily contact with an Australian household.
Students on placement-heavy courses should also check travel time to placements; see the benefits of studying nursing courses in Australia for one example, and the guide to visiting Australia for the first time for arrival tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest student accommodation in Australia?
A room in a shared private rental is often the cheapest weekly option, because rent and bills are split between housemates; Study Australia notes that students commonly share to make living costs more affordable. It needs more money upfront: typically a four-week bond plus four weeks’ rent in advance.
How much is a homestay in Australia per week?
As of October 2026, the Australian Homestay Network lists 2026 weekly fees for over-18 students from $280 (Brisbane, shared room, no meals) to $440 (Melbourne, private room, Complete Homestay with three meals a day), plus a one-off matching fee of $350.
Do Australian universities guarantee on-campus housing?
On-campus housing availability, and whether any place is guaranteed, depends on the individual university. Apply early through your university’s accommodation office and keep a short-term backup plan.
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa?
The Department of Home Affairs lists 12-month living costs of AUD29,710 for a Student visa (subclass 500) applicant, plus amounts for any partner or children, course fees and travel costs.
How can I avoid rental scams in Australia?
Scamwatch advises inspecting the property in person or through someone you trust, avoiding upfront payments by money transfer, and searching the advertiser’s name and email address online before paying anything.
