International Student Accommodation – What to Check

Student accommodation can be in high demand, so start researching your options once your study location is confirmed. Look for accommodation that suits your needs and budget, and apply early where required.

Compare the total cost, location, transport and included services before making a decision. Your education provider may also offer accommodation or advice about finding somewhere to live near your campus.

What to consider when choosing accommodation

  • Total cost: Check the rent and any additional costs, such as a bond, electricity, gas, water and internet. A bond is a security payment you may need to make before moving in.
  • Location: Consider how far the accommodation is from your campus and how long the journey will take.
  • Transport: Check whether public transport is nearby and how much regular travel may cost.
  • Included services: Find out whether furniture, meals, cleaning, electricity, gas, water or internet are included.
  • Nearby services: Look for supermarkets, healthcare and other essential services.
  • Living preferences: Consider whether you want to live alone, with other students, with a family or in a student residence.
  • Availability: Apply early, particularly for accommodation managed by your education provider or designed specifically for students.
  • Safety and legitimacy: Check that the accommodation and the person or organisation offering it are genuine before signing an agreement or transferring money.

Compare international student accommodation options

Accommodation options, services and costs vary. Compare what each option includes and check availability before making a decision.

Many universities and some other education providers offer furnished rooms or apartments on or near campus. Living close to where you study can reduce travel time and make it easier to take part in campus life.

Meals, cleaning, electricity, gas, water or internet may be included, depending on the accommodation. Contact your education provider to check what is available, what is included and how to apply.

Places may be limited, and receiving an offer to study does not guarantee accommodation. Apply as early as possible.

Purpose-built student accommodation is housing designed specifically for students. It may be open to students from different education providers.

Options can include private studios, shared apartments and shared rooms. Residences often include communal facilities and may be located near campuses, public transport and city services.

Some costs, such as electricity and internet, may be included in the advertised price. Confirm the total cost, room type and included services before booking. 

Some properties take part in the Student Accommodation Association’s National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS). The scheme sets industry-led standards for student accommodation, with a focus on student safety and wellbeing. To find a list of accredited student accommodation, visit NPAS Accredited Properties.

You can rent a home by yourself or with other people. Rental properties may be managed by a real estate agent or rented directly from a property owner.

Before signing a rental agreement, sometimes called a lease, check the rent, bond, length of the agreement and any additional costs. Read the agreement carefully and make sure you understand what is included.

Private rental accommodation may give you more choice over your location, property type and who you live with. However, you may need to organise furniture, electricity, gas, water and internet unless your agreement says these are included.

Shared accommodation means living with other people in a rented home or apartment. Sharing may reduce some housing costs and give you the opportunity to live with other people.

Before moving in, agree on how rent, bills, cleaning and shared spaces will be managed. Check whether your name will be included in the rental agreement and understand your responsibilities before paying any money.

Your education provider may offer advice or services to help you find shared accommodation.

Homestay involves living with a local family in their home. Depending on the arrangement, homestay may provide a supportive home environment, opportunities to practise English and an introduction to everyday life in Australia.

Meals, cleaning and other services may be included. Check the household rules, travel time, included services and total cost before agreeing to a placement.

Homestay may be suitable for younger students. Additional accommodation and welfare requirements apply to students under 18.

Finding a homestay

Some independent businesses arrange homestay accommodation in Australia. Study Australia does not recommend one provider over another, so research each service carefully before making an arrangement or payment.

Before choosing a homestay service, check:

  • how homestay families are selected
  • what services and meals are included
  • how complaints or problems are managed
  • cancellation and refund conditions
  • whether recognised quality standards apply
  • any requirements set by your education provider.

When comparing homestay services, check whether the provider follows recognised homestay standards. Relevant quality frameworks include:

Your education provider may also have approved homestay services or specific requirements, particularly if you are under 18.

 

Short-term accommodation can give you somewhere to stay while you become familiar with your new location and look for a longer-term home.

Options may include hotels, hostels, serviced accommodation or temporary housing organised through your education provider.

Before booking, check the total cost, cancellation conditions and how long you can stay. Ask your education provider whether temporary accommodation or arrival support is available.

Renting student accommodation – checklist

If you rent a home or room, you will usually enter into a rental agreement and may need to pay a bond and rent in advance. Read the agreement carefully and keep copies of signed documents, payment records and communication with the property owner or real estate agent.

Rental laws differ between Australia's states and territories. Use official information for the location where you will live to understand the requirements that apply to you.

Before signing a rental agreement

  • Confirm the total rent and when it must be paid.
  • Check the bond and other upfront costs.
  • Understand the length and conditions of the agreement.
  • Confirm which bills and services are included.
  • Inspect the property, or ask someone you trust to inspect it, where possible.
  • Record the condition of the property before moving in.
  • Keep copies of signed documents and payment records.
  • Validate the property and the person offering it.
  • Seek advice before signing or paying if you are uncertain about the arrangement.


Accommodation for students under 18

If you are under 18 and studying in Australia without a parent, legal guardian or approved welfare arrangement, your education provider must approve accommodation and welfare arrangements that meet applicable requirements. Contact your education provider before making accommodation arrangements

Accommodation FAQs

Start once you know where you will study. Accommodation can be in high demand, so research your options and apply early.

No. Contact your education provider to check availability and how to apply. Accommodation managed by your education provider may be limited.

Check:

  • rent
  • the bond, which is a security payment you may need to make before moving in
  • rent in advance
  • electricity, gas and water
  • internet
  • furniture
  • meals
  • cleaning
  • booking or administration fees.

Ask for the total cost and details of what is included in writing before agreeing.

Your rights and responsibilities depend on the rental laws in the state or territory where you live and the conditions of your rental agreement.

Your responsibilities generally include:

  • paying your rent and other agreed accommodation costs on time
  • keeping the property reasonably clean
  • looking after the property, including any garden or pool where this forms part of your agreement
  • reporting damage or maintenance problems
  • meeting the conditions of your rental agreement.

Your rights generally include accommodation that is secure and reasonably maintained, with essential services, such as electricity and water and being treated fairly under the rental laws that apply where you live.

Read your rental agreement carefully and use the official government rental information for your state or territory.

For more information, read Accommodation: know your rights.

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the person or organisation responsible for your accommodation. This may be:

  • your real estate agent or property owner
  • your education provider
  • your student accommodation operator
  • your homestay provider.

Keep copies of relevant emails, messages, photographs, agreements and payment records.

If you cannot resolve the issue directly, contact the relevant rental, consumer affairs or tenant advice service for your state or territory.

Be cautious if someone pressures you to pay quickly, refuses to provide clear information or will not allow the property to be inspected.

Before transferring money:

  • check the identity of the person or organisation offering the accommodation
  • confirm the property address and accommodation details
  • read the agreement and understand what you are paying for
  • keep copies of advertisements, messages, documents and receipts
  • ask your education provider or an official consumer service for advice if you are uncertain.

Check out Scamwatch for more information and how to identify and report issues.

Footer content