Warning for Indian Students Moving to Australia

An Indian community organisation in Australia has released a significant alert for potential students intending to relocate, highlighting escalating living costs, a serious rental crisis, and difficulties in securing part-time employment.

In a recent Reddit post, the “Indians in Australia” group mentioned an increase in inquiries from newly arrived students facing financial difficulties. “This is not to deter anyone,” the group explained in a statement, “but to assist you in planning realistically before making such a substantial move.”

Students should brace themselves for a monthly expense of at least AUD 2,000 — approximately Rs 1 lakh — covering essential living costs such as rent, food, and utilities. While part-time employment may alleviate some of these costs, it often falls short of addressing steep tuition fees.

Master’s programmes generally cost between Rs 40-50 lakh, while bachelor’s degrees can reach Rs 70-80 lakh. Even though scholarships are available, they typically only cover 10-20% of the total fees, which means that assistance from parents or bank loans is likely necessary.

Serious Rental Crisis

The advisory highlighted a “serious rental crisis” in Australian cities, particularly in student hotspots like Melbourne and Sydney. Many students encounter high upfront costs for Airbnbs or shared accommodations, with more affordable options often situated 30 to 45 minutes away from university campuses.

The group also advised caution when considering transitions to lower-cost colleges as a cost-cutting measure. “Changing schools can impact your visa status or lead to significant complications,” it stated, referencing recent policy changes that have eliminated many loopholes.

Job Hunting Takes Time

Contrary to popular belief, part-time positions are not readily available for many newcomers. “Numerous students are taking as long as three months to secure their first job,” the administrators observed, urging prospective applicants to prepare for at least six months of living expenses prior to arriving.

Essential Recommendations

Potential students are strongly encouraged to:

• Thoroughly investigate the total cost of their degree
• Maintain a financial cushion for a minimum of six months of living expenses
• Be mentally prepared to live on a budget, share living spaces, and remain persistent in their job search

This advisory arrives as Australia continues to be a favoured study destination for Indian students, despite the increasing costs and stricter visa regulations.