Living in Australia

Living in Australia offers international students a unique blend of vibrant city life, diverse cultures, and high-quality education.

Sydney

The CHS Sydney campus is situated in Sydney’s new business and education hub Parramatta. Parramatta is a wonderfully eclectic mix of cultures, people and past times. You will never be short of places to explore and things to do in Sydney and Parramatta. Sydney is the financial capital of Australia with the Australian Stock Exchange located just a train ride away from the campus along with many of Australia’s largest business district. Our Parramatta campus is conveniently located in Central Business District (CBD) on Fitzwilliam Street. We are very well connected by the bus, train and light rail.

Brisbane

The CHS Brisbane campus is located in the central location of Fortitude Valley. Our Brisbane campus is within short walking distance of the fantastic parklands, river views, exquisite restaurants and entertainment facilities. Our campus is easily accessible and close to public transport as well as the city’s major shopping district.

For reliable, up-to-date information on studying and living in Australia, visit Study Australia Website . This official government site covers everything from accommodation and healthcare to work rights and transport in cities such as Melbourne.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a compulsory health insurance policy designed to provide affordable access to medical and hospital treatment for students or their family dependents while studying in Australia. OSHC also contributes to the cost of most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.

International students are required to take out OSHC for the duration of their stay. Please contact us or visit the Department of Health website for full information about registered OSHC providers, what is covered, and eligibility details.

You can also find information and guidance on OSHC on the CHS Student Hub – OSHC page.

The cost of living in Australia can vary widely depending on your lifestyle, location, and personal choices. It’s essential to plan for a range of ongoing expenses as part of your study journey.

Common living costs may include:

• Accommodation: options such as shared apartments, student housing, or homestays.

• Food and groceries: whether preparing meals at home or dining out occasionally.

• Utilities: including electricity, internet, water, and gas.

• Transport: using public transport or managing personal travel.

• Personal and study expenses: such as clothing, phone plans, and study materials.

Students should also factor in initial setup costs, including rental bonds, basic furnishings, and other essential items.

For more detailed insights into life in Australia, visit Study Australia.

To help plan your budget use the official cost of living calculator.

Arranging suitable accommodation is a vital step in preparing to live and study in Australia. CHS provides a range of resources to help you explore accommodation options that align with your preferences and budget.

Visit our CHS Student Hub Accommodation Page for detailed information on:

• Homestay
  Live with an Australian family in a furnished home, typically including meals and utility bills.

• Short-term Stay
  Ideal for new arrivals. Options include hostels, serviced apartments, or temporary rentals.

• Shared Rental
  Rent a room in a shared house or apartment with other students or young professionals.

• Private Rental
  Lease an apartment or studio independently for maximum privacy and flexibility.

The Student Hub also provides links to trusted accommodation platforms and offers guidance on tenancy rights and responsibilities to support your decision-making process.

We strongly recommend reviewing this information and securing your accommodation before arriving in Australia to help ensure a smooth and comfortable transition.

Immigration regulations in Australia allow you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight on a casual basis during course time, and full-time during vacation periods.

Legal Aid provides free and confidential consultation to students at:

Sydney Central Legal Aid Office
323 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
P: 02 9219 5000

Brisbane Legal Aid Office
44 Herschel Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
P: 1300 651 188