Study Abroad

Moving to a new country to study is both exciting and challenging. Western Sydney University has everything in place to help you adjust to your new life. Please see your Student Advisors as soon as you start your plan to study abroad.

Cost of living

 As a student visa holder, you will be required to have approximately AUD$21,041 per person per year for living expenses, as advised by the Australian Government. However, the actual cost depends on your individual lifestyle, whether you have a part-time job, share an apartment with your friends, and whether you can cook for yourself. Remember, your living expenses are separate from your tuition fees 

Accommodation 

Make sure you find the right home for you! 

Western Sydney University offers a wide range of on-campus accommodation (Western Sydney Village), providing you with high-quality, affordable accommodation that gives a rich and balanced living and learning environment. 

All of our villages are self-catered and fully furnished with a great range of accommodation options and 24-hour support. No matter which campus you choose, you will find an exciting community of residents with plenty of events to help you live, learn and grow!

If you are interested in living close to the campus, but not on campus, check out popular real estate listing websites in Australia, including https://www.domain.com.au  and http://realestate.com.au/buy . These sites are not run by the University but you will be supported by us as well as ISB students currently studying at Western Sydney. 

Homestay accommodation 

Homestay is a single or shared room in a private home, usually ‘full board’, which means that all meals are provided. The minimum stay is four weeks. This is a great opportunity to live and interact with an Australian family or to give you enough time to settle and find your own way in a new environment. Prices for Homestay accommodation vary, however a typical homestay will be around AUD$300 per week. 

Student visa application: 

If you intend to study in Australia, you will need to apply for a student visa ( subclass 500 ). The officer assessing the visa will consider whether the individual circumstances of the student indicate that their intention is for a temporary stay in Australia.You must satisfy them that you have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily. 

In addition, you must provide sufficient funds to cover your travel costs and 12 months of living and tuition fees for you and your accompanying family members. You will also need to present evidence of your English language proficiency regardless of your EAP certificates or Western Sydney English Placement test results. The minimum English language test score required is as below: 

It is important that you maintain your student visa conditions while studying on a student visa in Australia. Currently enrolled international students are expected to complete their study within the timeframe stated on their CoE ( Confirmation of Enrolment ) 

If you have completed two year degree level qualification, you may be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa (subclass 485). 

Working in Australia 

International students will be able to work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has commenced and during any period in which your course is in session. You will be able to work unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break. 

Adjusting to a new country and culture 

The process of adjusting to a new country and culture is called ‘culture shock’. Culture shock occurs gradually and takes time and effort to process and overcome.

Understanding Australia’s culture, people and law can go a long way to helping you adjust. You can learn about these topics on the Australian Government’s Living in Australia website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ 

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