- Australia's official Study Australia portal lists university-managed housing, purpose-built managed student accommodation, private rentals and homestay as the main options
- From 10 May 2024, a single student visa applicant must show at least AUD 29,710 for annual living costs
- Most students book only short-term accommodation before flying and secure a permanent home after arriving so they can inspect it in person.
One of the first decisions international students face is whether to lock in a permanent home from India or wait until they land. Both approaches work, but they carry different risks and costs. This guide explains what to arrange before you fly, what to leave until you arrive, the accommodation types available, and typical 2026 weekly costs across Australian cities.
Should You Book Accommodation Before or After Arriving in Australia?
Most students book only temporary accommodation before flying, then choose a permanent home after arriving so they can inspect it in person and avoid rental scams. Booking purpose-built student housing or a university residence in advance is safe because these are managed operators with verified listings and fixed contracts.
Booking before you arrive removes the stress of house-hunting in your first jet-lagged week and guarantees a room during peak intake periods. Booking after you arrive lets you view rooms, meet housemates and check the commute before committing. The safest middle path is to reserve managed or university accommodation in advance, or book a hostel for the first two weeks and search for a private rental once you are on the ground.
What Are the Main Types of Student Accommodation in Australia?
Study Australia lists four main options: university-managed accommodation and residential colleges on campus; purpose-built managed student accommodation from operators like UniLodge, Scape and Iglu; private rentals or share houses leased through agents or landlords; and homestay, where you live with a local family who often provide meals and utilities.
- University-managed accommodation and residential colleges: fully furnished rooms on or near campus, with bills and student support included, and many colleges catered with up to three meals a day.
- Managed (purpose-built) student accommodation: private studios or shared apartments from operators such as UniLodge, Scape, Iglu and Urbanest, usually with gyms, study rooms and social spaces.
- Private rental or share house: lease a property alone or with friends through a real estate agent or directly from a landlord; sharing keeps costs lower.
- Homestay: live with a local family, a good option for younger students, often with meals and cleaning provided.
- Short-term options: hostels, budget hotels and serviced apartments for your first days while you search.
How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Australia in 2026?
Weekly costs vary by city and type. Homestay typically runs about AUD 250 to 450 per week including meals, on-campus rooms around AUD 200 to 600, purpose-built studios AUD 300 to 550, and a room in a share house AUD 200 to 450 plus bills. Sydney and Melbourne sit at the higher end.
| Accommodation Type 2026 | Typical Weekly Cost (AUD) | What Is Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay | 250-450 | Private furnished room, meals, utilities, internet |
| University-managed room or college | 200-600 | Furnished room, bills, campus support; colleges may include meals |
| Purpose-built student accommodation | 300-550 | Furnished studio or shared flat, bills, gym and study spaces |
| Private rental or share house (room) | 200-450 plus bills | Room only; add food, electricity, gas and internet |
These figures are living costs on top of tuition. As a benchmark, the University of New South Wales estimates a student living modestly in on-campus housing spends from roughly AUD 28,860 a year, while an independent apartment with an active social life can exceed AUD 40,000. From 10 May 2024, the Department of Home Affairs requires a single student to show at least AUD 29,710 for a year of living costs when applying for a visa.
Cost of studying and living in AustraliaRead →Where Can You Stay Temporarily When You First Arrive?
For your first days or weeks, book short-term accommodation such as a hostel, budget hotel, serviced apartment or an Airbnb near your campus. Many universities also offer temporary arrival accommodation and airport pickup for new international students. This gives you a base to inspect long-term rentals in person before committing to a lease.
Aim to book at least one to two weeks of temporary accommodation before you fly, ideally close to your university or the suburbs where you plan to live. Use this time to open a bank account, get a local SIM, register with your institution and attend inspections. Reserving temporary housing in advance is low-risk because stays are short and you are not committing a large bond.
How Do You Find and Secure Accommodation Safely?
Start with your university's accommodation office and the official Study Australia portal, then use trusted operator sites and moderated platforms. Never pay a deposit or bond before you or someone you trust has inspected the property and verified the landlord. Get every agreement in writing and pay through traceable bank transfers, not cash or gift cards.
- Contact your university's accommodation service first; most reserve rooms for incoming international students.
- Browse managed operators (UniLodge, Scape, Iglu, Urbanest) and the Study Australia accommodation pages for verified listings.
- For share houses, use moderated platforms and arrange an in-person or video inspection before paying anything.
- Verify the landlord or agent, and confirm the property exists at the stated address.
- Sign a written agreement, pay by traceable bank transfer, and keep every receipt and email.
What Should You Check Before Signing a Lease or Booking?
Confirm the weekly rent, bond amount, what bills are included, the minimum contract length and the notice period for leaving early. Check the commute to campus, nearby transport and safety. For rentals, complete a condition report at move-in so your bond is protected. Keep copies of every receipt, contract and email you exchange.
- Weekly rent and total bond or deposit, plus whether electricity, gas, water and internet are included.
- Minimum contract length and the notice period required to move out early.
- Distance and public-transport time to your campus, and the safety of the area.
- A written condition report at move-in, with photos, to protect your bond.
- Refund and cancellation terms if your course start date or plans change.