As a guide, if you are living in shared accommodation off-campus you will pay:

• AUD$17,940 a year for rent, food and utilities
• AUD$3,130 for establishment costs
• AUD$5,950 for ongoing costs such as public transport, entertainment, telephone costs, textbooks, photocopying and clothing

View the Expenses guide to determine which costs you should consider.

Personal access to a computer and the Internet is recommended for all students and, in most programs, is required. While computers are available on campus, students are advised to bring a computer with them or to purchase or hire a computer in Australia.

For students who wish to purchase a car, costs can vary from AUD$5000 to AUD$25,000 or more and running costs after purchase price are about AUD$100 per week. UQ strongly recommends that you use public transport.

View transport and parking information.

The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides international students with basic cover for medical and hospital care costs while in Australia. OSHC is a compulsory requirement for a student visa and is available from any government-approved OSHC provider. Prices vary depending on your particular situation. 

Please note that for non-emergency hospital care, including maternity (pregnancy) services, access to some medical services in some public hospitals may be limited for international students. 

In these instances, you may be required to access medical services through a private hospital. Private hospital health care will typically incur some out of pocket costs that are not covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover policy and will be your responsibility.

For maternity (pregnancy) services, these out of pocket costs could range from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of maternity service/care provided.

If you are bringing a spouse and/or children to Australia, you will need to have enough money to support them before the Australian Government will issue a visa.

As a guide, if you are bringing children to Australia you will pay:

• AUD$8720 per year for school tuition fees (per child)
• AUD$1300 per year for additional school expenses
• AUD$13,000 per year for childcare (based on 3 days per week)

Can I work in Australia with a student visa?

International students and dependants in Australia on student dependant visas who are residing in Australia will automatically receive permission to work with their visa grant. Most student visa holders will no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work. Please note that a Tax File Number is required before undertaking work.

More information about applying for the student visa with permission to work, the Tax File Number, and obtaining part-time work while studying, will be given during Orientation week. Information about dependants working will be covered in the Families of International Students session during Orientation week.

How many hours a week can I work?

Holders of a student visa can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while their University program is in session, and full-time during University vacations. In general, students should not expect to cover tuition fees or living expenses from casual work. 

Whilst RHD applicants are entitled to work unlimited hours they must maintain full-time enrolment in their studies and progress to the satisfaction of the Dean, UQ Graduate School. This includes meeting milestones in the timeframes outlined in the policy 4.60.05 Research Higher Degree Candidature Progression and Development. Students holding a UQ scholarship will be entitled to undertake paid work as per the UQ Research Scholarship General Conditions. Students studying at UQ on an externally funded scholarship should contact their scholarship provider regarding the number of hours they are permitted to work each week.

What type of work am I likely  to find? 

Part-time work is not difficult to find, however, there is strong competition. An Employment Officer at UQ St Lucia can help students look for part-time work, most of which is non-professional, such as waiting on tables, cleaning or sales.

The University does not have a formal program of teaching assistantships or graduate assistantships. However, research higher degree students may possibly find employment as research or tutorial assistants. These positions are not guaranteed and interested students should contact relevant schools for details.