An Indian community group in Australia has issued a public advisory for prospective students planning to move to the country, citing high living expenses, a worsening rental crisis, and delays in finding part-time jobs.
In a Reddit post, the group ‘Indians in Australia’ said it has seen a sharp rise in messages from newly arrived students struggling to manage basic expenses. “This is not to discourage anyone,” the statement said, “but to help you plan realistically before making this big move.”
According to the group, students should budget at least AUD 2,000 per month — approximately ₹1 lakh — to cover essential living costs such as rent, food, transport, and utilities. While part-time jobs may provide some relief, they are unlikely to cover tuition fees.
A master’s degree in Australia can cost between ₹40–50 lakh, while undergraduate courses could run up to ₹70–80 lakh. Scholarships typically cover only 10–20% of total fees, forcing most students to rely on parental support or educational loans.
The group flagged a “severe rental crisis” in key cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Students often face high upfront payments for Airbnbs or shared accommodation. Affordable rental options are mostly located 30 to 45 minutes away from campuses.
The post also cautioned against switching to low-cost institutions to save money. “Changing institutions can affect your visa or lead to serious complications,” it noted, pointing to recent immigration policy changes that have closed loopholes used by students earlier.
The advisory said many students are waiting up to three months to land part-time jobs. Applicants have been advised to carry enough funds to support themselves for at least six months after arrival.
“It’s important to plan with eyes open,” the post read, adding that recent arrivals often underestimate the cost and overestimate job availability.