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Life in Melbourne

Vibrant, energetic and diverse, Melbourne is good place to live and study.

Melbourne is an exciting and interesting city, the capital of the State of Victoria, with 4 million people, it is Australia’s second largest and fastest growing city. It is one of the world’s most liveable cities – consistently chosen by a range of international authorities.

Melbourne’s people are culturally diverse, from over 200 countries, with nearly half either born overseas or with a parent from another country. The city has a strong culture of being multicultural, open and friendly towards all visitors and migrants. Up to 190,000 international students enrol in Victoria’s range of institutions from over 160 countries. A majority study in Melbourne.

We enjoy a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons.

Its people love enjoying cafes, restaurants and bistros as well as the outdoors. Known as the Australian capital of fashion and design, Melbourne is host to a variety of cultural events as well as sporting events. Rich in culture, Melbourne offers a wide range of interesting musicians meeting every taste from rock, jazz and blues to classical music.

An Australian education

Australia, an English-speaking country, has a high quality education and standard of living. Australian courses and qualifications are highly respected and recognised across the world.

  • The quality of Hales Institute qualifications is assured through the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).
  • All Hales Institute’s qualifications are recognised by other Australian Registered Training Organisations.

Cost of living

Whether you are an Australian student who is studying away from home, or you are from overseas, it is important to understand and budget your finances. For international students the Australian Government suggests approximately $18,000 per annum as a minimum to cover living expenses. For more information on this visit http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/572-2/financial.htm

Here are some estimated prices from the Victorian Government website http://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living_in_melbourne/money-and-finances

Weekly costs

Cost of living

Price breakdowns

  • 1 packet of noodles: $1.50
  • 1 kg rice: $3-$4
  • 1 kg fresh fruit: $3-$5
  • 1 litre of milk: $2.50
  • Pre-paid mobile phone contract: around $30 per month
  • Transport pass, weekly, zone 1: $29.40
  • Litre petrol: $1.20 – $1.50

Other costs

Student Health Insurance

For International students, who are studying on a student visa, as part of your visa conditions you need to have have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. This special type of student health insurance gives you access to in and out of hospital medical services to help you maintain your health. Worldcare is Hales Institute’s OSHC provider of choice. For more information about this health cover provider contact Hales Institute or visit www.oshcworldcare.com.au

Useful links

The Commonwealth Bank also has a useful Student Budget Calculator.