See also
International mini guide
(PDF, 479kb)
Living costs
Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, you should budget about AUD$465 per week. Please note that this does not include tuition fees, textbooks, running a car, or holiday travel.
Example Living Costs:
- Rent - 160AUD -AUD$200/ week
- Transport - AUD$30/week
- Utilities (i.e. Electricity and Gas) - AUD$30/week
- Laundry - AUD$15/week
- Food & Beverages- AUD$130/week
- Telephone - AUD$15/week
- Medical - AUD$10/week
- Other - AUD$75/week
You should also budget on AUD$400 per semester for books and stationery, although purchasing second-hand books may save you some money.
If you bring your spouse / children with you to Australia, you will need to allocate a significantly larger amount per week and you should consider additional expenses such as schooling of dependents and childcare costs (if applicable).
On Campus Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is provided in self-catered apartments on all campuses. The student villages cater for a total of 723 students and provide a modern, friendly environment with the majority of apartments supporting a six-bedroom configuration with shared kitchen, living facilities and 1-2 bathrooms. Additional to the convenience of living on-campus, all villages are located within close proximity to local shops, sport and recreation facilities and are easily accessible by public transport.
The new village on our Mount Lawley Campus has 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 bedroom apartments and is located just minutes from ECU's main facilities. The new apartments are modern, fully furnished, with private bedrooms, large kitchens and spacious lounge areas, so you have plenty of space to hang out with friends and flatmates.
The new onsite facilities include a pool, cafe/convenience store, sound lounge, e-library, study zones and shared laundry. With Resident Assistants on hand to organise events and activities, there is plenty to do and lots of ways to meet new people.
Current Prices (Australian Dollars - AUD - per week):
- Single room – AUD$244.50
- Multi Bed Apartment (6 Bedrooms) – AUD$169.50
Our on-campus apartment-style accommodation is in high demand, so we recommend that you apply early if you are interested in a place; visit ECU Village to complete your online application.
Rental Accommodation
Some students choose to share an apartment, townhouse, or house on their own or with fellow students. Houses are usually more expensive than apartments and the rent varies depending on the size, condition, and location. Private accommodation is either rented furnished or unfurnished. A general guide to rentals in Perth per week is listed below:
(All prices are in AUD):
- Unfurnished 1 bedroom from AUD$120 - $180
- Furnished 1 bedroom from AUD$160 - $220
- Unfurnished 2 bedroom from AUD$220 - $300
- Furnished 2 bedroom from $260 - $320
- Unfurnished 3 bedroom from AUD$320 - $450
Homestay
You can also choose to live in a private home with an Australian family. The chance to be involved in the daily life, the learning of our culture and customs plus the added advantage of having the company of other people are just some of the reasons Homestay is popular. The prices for Homestay are currently:
Placement Fee
$230 administration fee for placement in a Homestay home.
Room Only (Very limited availability)
$155 per week - No meals provided: you have full use of household facilities including kitchen.
Room and Dinner
$225 per week - Dinner only: you have full use of household facilities including kitchen.
Standard Service
$250 per week - Two meals per day during the week and three meals per day on the weekends.
Full Service
$280 per week - Three meals per day, every day.
These prices may vary depending on individual arrangements. Please note that a placement fee may apply. You can request a homestay placement before leaving your country of residence and you will be notified of your family details so that you can go straight to your homestay family from the airport.
Please visit the Australian Homestay Network for more information.