14
International Guide 2013/2014
Living in a new city means getting used to the cost of living. An
example of accommodation costs is outlined below. These items are
intended as a guide only and this is not an exhaustive list.
Accommodation setup costs
Rental bond
$500
Rental fees in advance
$500
Phone/internet connection
$100
Utility connection
$100
Weekly ongoing living costs
Rent per week
$110
Utility bills
$25
Food and household items
$75
Public transport
$51
Incidental expenses
$40
Internet
$15
Mobile phone
$20
Cost of driving a car
Annual registration
$600
Annual insurance
$300-$1500
Petrol per litre
$1.35
Victorian driver’s licence (includes test)
$120
Bringing your family
The cost of bringing your family members to Australia can be
signifcant. In addition to the estimated increase in day-to-day
living expenses shown below, all children under the age of 18 are
required to be enrolled in school. These costs can be signifcant.
Spouse
Cost increase 30 per cent
Spouse, child
Cost increase 50 per cent
Spouse, children
Cost increase 80 per cent
Overseas Student Health Cover
(OSHC)
It is a requirement of your student visa that you purchase visa-
length health cover. Provided you have done this and you do not
intend to extend your visa, you will not incur additional overseas
health cover premium costs. However, if you wish to change your
policy from a single to a family policy, you will be required to pay an
extra premium.
Chisholm’s OSHC provider has a list of clinics on its website that you
can search to fnd a local doctor who has direct billing. Direct billing
is useful as it means the doctor bills your OSHC provider directly and
you do not have to pay and then claim the money back later. Not
all medical services can be direct billed, so check with your OSHC
provider for the details of your cover.
Tuition fees and fees related
to study
It is important to plan ahead so you can pay your tuition fees on
time. Student fee notices are sent to your mailing address, listing
all current and future fees due. These notices help you plan to pay
your fees on time. You may like to send a copy of the fees notice to
you family so they can prepare bank drafts or telegraphic transfers
by the fee due dates. The due dates of your fees are also listed on
your Letter of Offer.
Standard due dates for tuition fees:
Semester 1
15 February
15 April
Semester 2
15 July
15 August
You may be required to purchase books and other equipment. Your
teachers will let you know of these requirements on your enrolment
day. You should plan to have around $200 set aside for course-
related incidental purchases.
Living in Melbourne