Almost every student must have made plans to study abroad for their higher education at least once. But a majority of them have no idea how they will survive after moving to Australia all by themselves.
If you are thinking that there will be ample opportunities with different part-time jobs, you are wrong; the harsh reality is that many, education consultants will not tell you until you ask them, it is not easy to get suitable in Australia, and hard work and financial discipline are the only key things. Unless you are super-lucky, you have to apply for many jobs, the majority of them will not respond and the ones that will do, will give you a job once they have complete satisfaction that you can do the job as per their expectations.
You might be thinking if life is so difficult as an international student in Australia, why are people dying to move there?
Well actually here is the catch, if you know, how to smartly manage your expenses and save the funds which you took to Australia to settle as an international student, then there is no better place for you than Australia.
Here are 8 Money-saving Tips, which will Help You to Live Your Student Life in Australia:
1) Apply for Scholarships
Many grants and scholarships are available for international students from various Australian universities, the government, and multiple international and non-profit organizations. You will either receive a full or partial scholarship depending on the type of scholarship you are eligible for.
2) Re-use Books or Gadgets
Do not hesitate to approach senior students for their used study materials like textbooks or gadgets. By following this tip, you will be able to save a substantial amount of money, since used books are usually available at a lower price or for free.
3) Find a Part-time Job
In your student years, you’ll have some time off during the week and on the weekends that you can spend as you wish. To save money while studying in a foreign country, consider taking a part-time job. Naturally, you can apply for part-time jobs both on and off campus to work on the weekends or in the late evenings without sacrificing your study time. With the money made from these jobs, you can manage your expenses and save a significant amount of money.
Several profitable part-time job opportunities for foreign students studying in Australia are listed below:
- Retail Stores/Shopping Centers – Sales, HR, Billing, Accounts, Bookkeeping, and Marketing Jobs.
- Administrative, personal, tutoring, and swimming instructor’s jobs on campus
- Managing cafes, waiting tables, accounts, and bookkeeping in restaurants.
- Paid Internships or freelancing jobs
4) Save on Accommodation
One of the main expenses that you cannot avoid in Australia is rent. Both on and off campus, international students have access to a variety of housing alternatives, such as shared bedrooms, dorms, student hostels, apartments, etc. Typically, on-campus housing is more expensive than off-campus housing. Compared to the cost of living on campus, traveling from off-campus will not be expensive because students receive significant discounts on the public transportation system.
A shared apartment will also reduce your rent by 50% and save you money.
5) Reduce Transportation and Commuter Costs
You might have to pay a daily commuting cost as an international student to reach your college.
Here are Some Tips for Reducing Transportation Costs:
- Use a Public Transportation System: Public transportation is relatively inexpensive in Australia, and student discounts are also available.
- Traveling on Foot: As long as the weather is nice and you live close enough to your university, walking to your university in Australia can be an affordable way to save money.
6) Make a Budget
When you travel abroad for education, expenses like exploring, food, accommodation, travel, etc. drain a substantial portion of your savings. Since the amount saved looks to be huge, the majority of us don’t hesitate to spend on minor items. And that’s when a lot of students make terrible mistakes. They don’t appropriately budget for their food, lodging, transport, and tours, and as a result, they wind up squandering money that should be set aside.
7) No Frequent Outside Meals
Make cooking your hobby. No matter where you live, eating out frequently is never a smart choice. Stock up on groceries and cook quick, filling, and healthy meals that are high in nutrition. But once a week, you can treat yourself to a takeout.
8) Health Insurance for International Students
The Australian healthcare system is excellent, but international students are required to pay for any treatment they receive. However, this varies from city to city. Unless your area offers public healthcare insurance to international students, you will need to obtain private health insurance for the duration of your study course. Although you cannot avoid this expense, you can choose health insurance companies that offer affordable premiums and good coverage.
All of these tips will be helpful to you once you move to Australia, but if you need expert guidance to reach Australia, Registered migration agents can assist you from beginning to end.