Australia student accommodation costs: quick answer
Quick answer: In 2026, selected shared rooms can begin around AUD $200–$350 per week, private bedrooms and university rooms commonly fall around $350–$500, and studios or central PBSA frequently cost $500–$700 or more. Premium Sydney and Melbourne options can exceed $700.
Browse student accommodation in Australia and compare the correct city, contract and room type before booking.
How this Australia cost guide was researched
This guide uses official 2026 information from universities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Newcastle, plus current BookMyAcco property pages. All prices are in Australian dollars and were checked on 26 July 2026.
Australia student accommodation price bands
AUD $200–$350 per week
This band includes twin rooms, shared apartments and regional university residences. Current examples include University of Newcastle shared rooms from $249.45 and Brisbane shared PBSA guidance from $279.
AUD $350–$500 per week
Adelaide University Village costs $380 for a shared-bathroom room and $420 for a private-bathroom room. University of Melbourne self-catered accommodation starts around $430.
AUD $500–$700 per week
This range includes many central PBSA rooms and studios. Current examples include Iglu Melbourne City from $565 and Scape at University of Sydney from $569.
Above AUD $700 per week
Premium studios and catered colleges can exceed $700. University of Melbourne catered accommodation reaches $947 depending on residence.
Student accommodation costs by Australian city
Sydney
The University of Sydney estimates monthly accommodation costs from $980 to $3,500 depending on arrangement. Current BookMyAcco examples include Scape at University of Sydney from $569 per week and Scape Quay from $649.
Melbourne
University of Melbourne self-catered accommodation ranges from $430 to $730. Catered options range from $738 to $947. BookMyAcco examples include Dwell Village Melbourne City from $364, Scape Berkeley 1 from $329 and Iglu Melbourne City from $565.
Brisbane
UQ guidance places shared PBSA from $279, entire PBSA apartments from $489, UQ RES from $374–$401 and catered colleges from $598–$915.
Adelaide
Adelaide University Village costs $380 per week for a shared-bathroom room and $420 for a private-bathroom room, with utilities and internet included.
Newcastle, Australia
The University of Newcastle lists shared rooms from $249.45 and selected studios around $376.44 per week.
Australian properties to compare on BookMyAcco
- Scape at University of Sydney — from $569 per week.
- Scape Quay — from $649 per week.
- Dwell Village Melbourne City — from $364 per week.
- Iglu Melbourne City — from $565 per week.
- Scape Berkeley 1 — current twin option from $329 per week.
- Student One Wharf Street — current 52-week shared-apartment option at $399.
- UniLodge Herston — selected shared options from approximately $199.
Australia prices by room type
Twin or shared room: usually the lowest-cost option, often around $199–$350.
Private room in a shared apartment: commonly around $280–$500.
En-suite room: commonly around $400–$650.
Studio: often $500–$800 or more in central Sydney and Melbourne.
Catered college: around $600–$950, but meals and academic support may be included.
Bills, bonds and upfront payments
Many university residences and PBSA properties include electricity, water and internet. Students should still check air-conditioning limits, laundry, meals, cleaning and parking.
Current examples include a $500 refundable security deposit at Adelaide University Village, a four-week bond at Scape at University of Sydney, and six weeks upfront at Iglu Melbourne City under current BookMyAcco terms.
Weekly rent vs annual accommodation cost
Total cost = weekly rent × contract weeks + bond + excluded bills + laundry + transport + setup costs.
A $569 room over 52 weeks totals $29,588. A $649 room over 52 weeks totals $33,748. Students should compare annual cost rather than weekly price alone.
Australia accommodation booking checklist
- Confirm the city and university campus.
- Choose shared room, private room, en-suite or studio.
- Set weekly and annual budgets.
- Check included bills and meals.
- Review contract dates.
- Confirm the bond and upfront rent.
- Read cancellation and visa-delay terms.
- Calculate transport costs.
- Pay only through a verified provider channel.
BookMyAcco expert recommendation
Students seeking the lowest cost should start with shared rooms, regional university residences and private bedrooms in shared apartments. A practical starting budget is around $250–$450 outside the most expensive central locations. Students wanting a private bathroom or kitchen should plan around $450–$700, with premium Sydney and Melbourne options exceeding that range.