How To Find Accommodation In Australia For International Students (2026 Guide)

Finding The Right Place To Live While You Study In Australia

The first big decision of international students is the choice of residential place during your study in Australia. The knowledge of how to find accommodation in Australia as an international student early is going to allow you to set a realistic budget, are going to make sure that you are not being scammed and are going to settle within a short period of time.

In Australia student accommodation comprises on-campus, off-campus shared apartments, homestays and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) accommodation. The difference between each option is on cost, privacy, commute time, and support hence identify the option that fits your lifestyle and study time.

Australia receives hundreds of thousands of international students annually and there has been demand for safe, affordable and convenient housing particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. You should begin the research process at least 6-8 weeks prior to the semester to discover good options and just in terms of leasing as you study in Australia.

Key Considerations Before You Start Your Accommodation Search

• Budget realistically: Add weekly rent, utilities, internet, transportation in the city, groceries, phone program and 10-15 margin in case of developing contingencies.
• Location first: give priority to suburbs that are well connected to trains/tram/bus and take less than 45 minutes of commute.
• Housing type and lifestyle: Choose on-campus, PBSA, homestay, share house, or private rental options in relation to independence, privacy and support requirements.
• Duration of lease: 6 or 12 months are typical; first-years might want to receive shorter leases to be more flexible.
• Furnished or unfurnished: It is more expensive, yet furnished will save time of setting up and initial costs.
• Safety and facilities: Survey of night-time safety, street lighting, supermarket and library accessibility.
• Red flags in scams: Cash requests, not showing the property (in person or live video), prices that are highly understated, the insistence of immediate action.

When To Start Looking For Student Housing In 2026

• PBSA and on-campus: Begin 8-12 weeks before (launch affiliates and open new intake:oct/Nov-feb/mar;apr/may-jul).
• Share houses/ private rentals Start 6-8 weeks ago; arrange inspections 2-3 weeks before arrival.
• Peak pressure cities: City of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane observe the tight availability at the beginning of semester, book 1-2 weeks of temporary residence to perform inspection in person.
• When your visa is pending: Several providers offer conditional booking with written visa-refusal tax refunds which allows confirmation of this before payment of any deposit.

Types Of Student Accommodation In Australia (2026 Overview)

On Campus Housing

The utilities, internet and even food are usually included in university managed dorms or college style apartments. They also walk to classes and provide systematic support and social activities. You should anticipate reduced privacy and increased regulations and reserve early so as to make peak intakes.

Average price: AUD 250-400 a week based on the campus and the type of room. Perfectity in the case of first year students wishing to have a straightforward beginning of their study adventure in Australia.

Off Campus Shared Apartments

Off campus halls can be more expensive than shared apartments (share houses) which are much more independent. You share houses with others and divide rent/utilities and even common spaces. The quality depends on the landlord and the condition of the property, and bills, cleaning and house regulations are going to be handled by you.

Mean price: AUD 200-350 per week in a personal room, based on urban location, and a campus distance. Most suitable to students who share the same value of independence and flexibility in living as they study in Australia.

Homestay Options For International Students

Staying with an Australian host family means cultural experience, language use, and an estimate of how much one will spend weekly (not always, including meals).

Flexibility can be curtailed by the household rules and there are homes that are further away to the campus. Median cost: AUD 250-350 a week and meals. An excellent choice when dealing with young or first-year international students and require assistance within the first months in Australia.

Purpose Built Student Apartments (Pbsa)

UniLodge, Scape and Urbanest etc are providers of PBSA, which include furnished rooms, own bathrooms, study areas, gymnasiums, events and 24/7 security in student exclusive buildings. The rates are more during weekends and the period before semesters therefore reserve.

Average price: AUD 350-600 a week based on the city and the type of a room. Perfect with the students who apply safety, convenience and student-oriented environment.

Short-Term And Temporary Accommodation Options (Hostels, Airbnb, Motels)

Hostels AUD 30-70/night (dorm), Airbnb AUD 90180/night, motels/serviced apartments AUD 120-250/night. Book refund 7-14 nights to view and make safe.

Student-Focused Housing Vs. Private Rentals: Pros And Cons

Student dorms = comfort, furnishings, care, however are more expensive and rigid. P.R.s = greater autonomy and reduced rental, with increased management and fluctuation.

Step By Step: How To Find Accommodation In Australia

Step 1 – Research City And Neighborhood Safety

Find student friendly suburbs with good transport systems and supermarkets and low crime rates. Get suburb tips and security tips in resources such as StudyAustralia.gov.au and your state tenancy authority. Shortlist 5-7 suburbs that have a commute of less than 45 minutes and check ranges, safety at night and proximity to campus.

Step 2 – Compare Prices Using Student Housing Websites (Uniacco, Amberstudent, Flatmates.Com.Au)

Compare rent rates, inclusions and availability across various platforms:

• UniAcco.com for verified PBSA and student apartments.
• AmberStudent.com of rooms close to your university with adaptable lease arrangement.
• Shared accommodation and prospective flatmates Flatmates.com.au.
• Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au also have rentals listed by the agents. 

Filter – weekly budget, furnished or unfurnished, utilities included, length of lease, and close to campus. Read the reviews and make sure to check the cancellation and refund policies.

Step 3 – Contact Property Managers Or Agents

When shortlisting properties, call the agent or property manager to ensure that the property is available, the weekly rental, bond amount, minimum period of lease, date of move in and what the property includes in terms of utilities and furniture. Ask to conduct an in-person tour or a verified live video tour. Get ready some documents: passport, visa, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of funds, and references.

Step 4 – Sign Rental Contract And Pay Bond (Read Terms Carefully)

Check all the provisions of the lease. Make sure that it specifies rent per week, payment term, term of the lease, increase of the rent, responsibility to go to repair, rules of entry notice, responsibility termination.

Bond is four weeks formal rent and must be submitted at your local bond officials (e.g. RTBA Victoria, NSW Fair Trading, RTA Queensland, CBS SA, BondOnline WA).

Retain bond lodgment receipt. Record the break lease fee and the notice period (14-28 days). Take pictures of the house at insourcing.

Step 5 – Inspect The Property In Person Or Via Virtual Tour

Water pressure, locks, smoke detectors, mould, vermin, NBN, noises, appliances. Virtual, ask to walk through including frontage on the street and cupboards, receive the condition report.

Step 6 – Set Up Utilities, Internet, And Move-In Arrangements

Electricity/gas 3-5 business days before; do not pick any lock-in plans. NBN/5G AUD 60-85/month. Concur bill-splitting written. Sign the entry condition report using the time-stamped photos.

Costs And Budget Planning For Students

Understanding the cost of living in Australia is key before choosing your housing.

Expense	Average Weekly Cost (AUD)	Notes
Rent (Shared Apartment)	200-350	Depends on city
Utilities & Internet	25-40	Split among housemates
Groceries	80-120	Cheaper when cooked at home
Transport	30-60	Student concession cards available
Phone & Miscellaneous	20-40	Prepaid SIM recommended

You can control spending and study in Australia by matching your suburb selection with transit lines, comparing NBN packages in terms of speed and flexibility of contracts, purchasing secondhand necessities, and moving when cheaper in off-peak months.

Average Weekly Rent In Major Australian Cities

Approx sharing in private rooms or studio near uni: Sydney 320-450 inner, 250-360 middle; Melbourne 280-420, 230-340; Brisbane 250-380, 210-320; Perth 240-360, 200-300; Adelaide 220-340, 190-280; Canberra 280-420, PBSA is often 15-35% higher.

Upfront Costs: Bond, Advance Rent, And Application Fees

Bond until 4 weeks rent (deposited with authority) + 1-2 weeks beforehand. Other PBSA include application/booking fees and key/fob deposits. Take into account contents insurance.

Hidden Costs: Utilities, Internet, Transport, And Furniture

Count on AUD 25-40/week on utilities divided, AUD 15-25/week internet average each, potential water/parking charges, and AUD 300-900 to furnish unfurnished (cut through Marketplace/Gumtree).

Budgeting Tips For International Students On A Student Visa

Track spending, bulk purchases, furnished room, comparison between energy/NBN plan, home cooked meals, time to orientation (lease), 4-6 weeks rent, 4-6 weeks rent buffer.

Legal Rights & Safety Tips For Tenants

Reading Your Tenancy Agreement

Find out your rights and duties regarding rent increases, repairs and maintenance, privacy and entry notices and the termination of lease. External resources State tenant agencies (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, RTA QLD) also give official advice and sample contracts. Have a copy of your signed lease as well as all emails with your agent or landlord.

Getting Your Bond Back

Upon termination of your tenancy, ensure that you clean up, move unfixed damages caused by tenants, fill exit condition form and file a bond refund application with the applicable state agency. Photos moved in and moved out have time stamps, which solve conflicts. Take no informal returns on cash bonds.

What To Do If There’s A Rental Scam

Never pay rent or bond before you check out the property and the individual you do business with. You can visit to check or check by live video, make sure of the ownership or agency representation, and utilize recognized websites. In case, something seems to be hurried or incompatible, then back out and compare the details to the actual contact information in the agency.

Your Rights As A Tenant In Different Australian States And Territories

Check NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, RTA QLD, CBS SA, DMIRS WA, Access Canberra, TAS Residential Tenancy Commissioner, and NT Consumer Affairs on state information and standards set.

Where To Get Help: Tenancy Unions, Ombudsman, And Student Services

Free advice and dispute assistance is offered by the tenants union (NSW, VIC, QLD/QSTARS, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT), state consumer agencies and your legal/student services at the university.

Safety Tips For House Inspections And Meeting Potential Flatmates

Meeting during the day, telling a friend, checking IDs/address, carrying no cash, securing documents, and leaving behind pressured payment instructions are all good tips. Negotiate on the house rules and guarantee names on the lease.

The Pte Magic Has Advantages And Benefits To Assist Students In Settling In Australia

The process of moving to the country is not only the finding of a home, but also communication, confidence, and community. It is at this point that PTE MAGIC steps in.

Established in 2016, PTE MAGIC is a Pearson approved PTE Academic and PTE Core training program, which has assisted thousands of international students to enhance their knowledge of the English language prior to relocating to Australia.

Pre-Arrival Guidance & English Training For Communication

PTE MAGIC is a Pearson authorized training application that teaches PTE Academic and PTE Core through the practice in real life usage of English to make contact with agents and to go to the inspection as well as bargain terms of the lease and to comprehend the tenancy papers. It is easier because of this communication support, to get accommodation and fit into the real life as you study in Australia.

Facebook & Community Groups For Housing Connections

Housing leads, money-saving ideas, scam warnings, and suburb knowledge are shared on the PTE MAGIC communities on Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube (Moni PTE MAGIC Channel).

Early engagement assists you to locate prospective flatmates, contrast rent, suburb by suburb and obtain real time suggestions as to finding accommodation in Australia as an international student.

Student Success Network – Real Experience Sharing

The alumni of thousands of PTE MAGIC who currently study in Australia provide experience on the usefulness of student accommodation Australia, the advantages and disadvantages of PBSA, bond reimbursement, and break-lease. Their case studies/ checklists save your long learning curve and expensive errors.

Accommodation Checklists And Webinars For First-Time Renters

Checklists (documents, inspections, bond, condition reports), downloadable and webinars on comparing options and avoiding scams in intake.

FAQ

Q1: At what time should I book accommodation in Australia?

• A: Preferably, 6-8 weeks prior to semester commencement; at Sydney and Melbourne, prior to semester commencement.

Q2: I am able to modify accommodation once there?

• A: Yes, and notice periods and break charges are read in the lease.

Question 3: Which is the cheapest place to stay a student in Australia?

• A: Brisbane and Adelaide are usually cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne.

Q4: Is PTE MAGIC accommodative to students?

• A: Yes. PTE MAGIC gives much attention to English training and community networking, but not to real estate services.

Q5: Is it safe to sign a lease from overseas?

• A: Only in case you check the agency, have a live video tour, get the necessary info sheet of the agencies and place a bond with the power. The short-term stay should be used otherwise.

Q6: How long should I book temporary accommodation when I first arrive?

• A: 7- 14 nights with a closer bearing to 14 so as to inspect and apply calmly.

Q7: Can I live off campus in a shared house as a first-year international student?

• A: Yes. Make sure that your name is signed on the lease or written co-tenancy agreement and fill in the entry report.

Q8: What documents do I need to rent a place in Australia?

• A: Passport, visa/visa application evidence, CoE/ offer, bank statements, references, and local contacts.

Q9: Can I book accommodation in Australia before my visa is granted?

• A: Yes, though, providing that the provider has express terms of cancellation/deferral visas. Choose flexible and refundable reservations.

Conclusion

The way to learn how to find accommodation in Australia and be a foreign student is a matter of safety, budget, commuting and comfort. These are tips to study in Australia; be early, find out the various types of housing, check the listings, and apply legal procedures regarding leases and bonds. Enhance your communication abilities, trusted platforms, and access through student communities, and use those communities to find a home place that will support your academic and daily endeavors.