Cost of living In Newcastle Australia: Student Guide 2024 – UniAcco

Introduction

Newcastle is a vibrant coastal city in New South Wales, Australia, with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is home to the University of Newcastle, one of the world’s leading universities, and attracts many students from around the world. Newcastle is also a safe and affordable place to live, with a lower cost of living than other major Australian cities. In this blog post, we will explore the average cost of living in Newcastle, Australia for students, including accommodation, transportation, entertainment, food and groceries. We will also give you a list of the best universities to study and live in Newcastle, and some tips on finding part-time job opportunities as a student. 

What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Newcastle Australia?

The average monthly cost of living in Newcastle, Australia ranges around AU$ 1,671 per month for off-campus, while on-campus accommodation is approximately AU$ 1,634. 

When considering “Newcastle Australia’s cost of living,” these figures play a crucial role in decision-making. Following is the breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Newcastle Australia.

Student Accommodation In Newcastle Australia

One of the best student accommodations in Newcastle is Belong Newcastle. A student looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Newcastle can check out Belong Newcastle, a modern student accommodation that offers en-suite rooms in shared apartments and studios. Students can enjoy free wifi, a kitchenette, a study area, a wardrobe, a lounge area, a gaming room, a community area, and more. Belong Newcastle is located close to the University of Newcastle City Campus and other attractions. The average rent starts from AU$ 830 per week.

Best Places To Stay

1. Callaghan: Home to the University of Newcastle, Callaghan is a student’s paradise. Affordable housing options, proximity to campus, and a vibrant campus community make it the top choice.
2. Jesmond: Just a stone’s throw away from Callaghan, Jesmond offers a range of student-friendly accommodations, numerous dining options, and easy access to public transport.
3. Hamilton: Known for its lively atmosphere and understanding of the cost of living in Newcastle, Australia, Hamilton is popular among students for its nightlife, restaurants, and proximity to the city’s attractions.
4. Mayfield: A budget-friendly option, Mayfield provides affordable housing while still offering convenient access to the university and the city centre.
5. Waratah: With a relaxed vibe and excellent transport links, Waratah is a great choice for students seeking a quieter neighbourhood near campus.

UniAcco‘s global network of 10,000+ students and receive expert guidance to make your study abroad experience in Newcastle exceptional. With UniAcco’s assistance, choose the best student accommodation in Newcastle and make your time abroad unforgettable.

Cost Of Studying In Newcastle

Before planning your study abroad journey to Newcastle, Australia, it’s essential to factor in the cost of living. The average tuition fees for domestic students in Newcastle are around AU$ 33,322 per year, while international students can expect to pay anything between AU$ 30,925 and AU$ 69,583 per year. This understanding of the cost of living in Newcastle, Australia, will help you make informed decisions about your educational expenses and lifestyle.

Popular Colleges In Newcastle 

The University of Newcastle is the main university in the city, offering over 130 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate programs in various fields of study. 

• The University of Newcastle College of International Education, which is the official on-campus pathway college to the University of Newcastle, provides entry to its degree program.
• Alesco Senior College is a secondary school that offers an alternative education model for young people who want to complete their Higher School Certificate.
• Hunter TAFE is a vocational education and training provider that offers courses in areas such as business, hospitality, health, engineering, and arts.

Scholarships Options

Some of the scholarship options while studying in Newcastle, Australia are

• The University of Newcastle Scholarships for international students, offer up to AUD$60,000 depending on the degree and duration of the study.
• The South Asia Excellence Scholarships for students from South Asian countries, provide a 25% tuition fee waiver for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, as per the study of the scholarship guider.
• The Fully Funded Scholarships for graduate researchers cover the full tuition fees and a living allowance of AUD 28,597 per year.
• The Faculty and School Scholarships, are awarded by different faculties and schools within the University of Newcastle based on academic merit, equity, or other criteria.

Food Cost

One of the expenses that students need to consider when studying in Newcastle, Australia is the food cost. The average monthly food cost for a student is around AU$ 780. This includes groceries, meals at restaurants, and takeaways.

The cost of food can vary depending on the type and quality of food, the location, and the preferences of the student. However, some of the common prices of food items in Newcastle are:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about AU$ 20.
• A combo meal at McDonalds or a similar fast-food chain costs about AU$ 13.
• A gallon of regular milk costs about AU$ 7.51.
• A loaf of fresh white bread weighs about 1 lb and costs about AU$ 3.13.
• A pound of white rice costs about AU$ 1.
• A dozen of regular eggs cost about AU$ 6.23.
• A pound of local cheese costs about AU$ 5.70.

Transportation For Students

Students in Newcastle have various options for transportation, depending on their budget, convenience, and preference. Some of the modes of transportation available for students in Newcastle are:

Students who need to travel frequently by bus in Newcastle, Australia, can get discounted bus passes from Stagecoach, a leading bus operator. They offer various types of student tickets, such as uni rider, mega rider, day rider, and flexi rider, that give unlimited or flexible travel in selected areas for a fixed price, helping you manage your expenses and navigate the cost of living in Newcastle, Australia.

• Metro: The metro is a light rail system that connects Newcastle with other parts of the region, such as Sunderland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside. It is fast, frequent, and reliable, and operates from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Students can use their Nexus travel permit or buy single, return, or season tickets from the station machines or online.
• Bike: Biking is a cheap, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around Newcastle. The city has many cycle lanes, paths, and routes that make it easy and safe for cyclists. Students can bring their bikes or rent one from various bike shops or schemes in the city. 
• Walk: Walking is another option for students who live close to their campus or want to enjoy the scenery and culture of Newcastle. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, shops, cafes, and parks within walking distance. 

Following is the breakdown of average fares to the modes of transportation available in Newcastle for students:

Healthcare Facilities

Students in Newcastle have access to various healthcare facilities, both on-campus and off-campus. The University of Newcastle offers a Health Service at the Newcastle campus at Callaghan, where students can get medical consultations, prescriptions, referrals, and vaccinations. The university also provides online counselling and well-being support for students who need mental health assistance. In case of emergencies, students can go to one of the nearby hospitals, such as John Hunter Hospital or Newcastle Mater Hospital.

Part-time Job Opportunities For Students

As you embark on your academic journey in Newcastle, Australia, consider exploring various job opportunities to enhance your experience and finances, which can be especially helpful in managing the cost of living in Newcastle, Australia:

• Home-based data entry workers, with an average salary of AU$ 20 per hour.
• Campus jobs, such as event management, healthcare, retail, or catering, with an average salary of AU$ 25 per hour.
• Hospitality jobs, such as bar staff, waiters, or hotel receptionists, with an average salary of AU$ 22 per hour.
• Retail jobs, such as sales assistants, cashiers, or stock replenishers, with an average salary of AU$ 21 per hour.
• Tutoring jobs, such as online tutors, homework helpers, or language teachers, with an average salary of AU$ 30 per hour.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Newcastle, Australia is relatively affordable for a student. Students can enjoy the city’s cultural, natural, and recreational attractions, such as museums, beaches, parks, and festivals. Newcastle is also a safe and friendly city, with a low crime rate and a diverse community. Studying in Newcastle can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for students who want to live in a vibrant and dynamic city

FAQs

Q1. Is Newcastle an expensive city to live in?

Ans: No, Newcastle is generally more affordable than major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, offering a lower cost of living.

Q2. How much is the average living cost in Newcastle Australia?

Ans: The average monthly cost of living in Newcastle, Australia ranges around AU$ 1,671 per month.

Q3. Are transportation costs high in Newcastle?

Ans: Newcastle has an efficient public transport system, with monthly transportation passes costing around AUD 120 to AUD 160, making it relatively affordable.

Q4. What about healthcare expenses in Newcastle?

Ans: Healthcare costs in Australia are partly covered by Medicare, and residents can also choose private health insurance for additional coverage.

Q5. Do I need to budget for recreational activities in Newcastle?

Ans: Newcastle has plenty of free or low-cost recreational opportunities, including parks, beaches, and community events, making it easy to enjoy leisure time without breaking the bank.

Thank you for reading about the “Cost Of Living In Newcastle Australia.” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:

• Cost of Living in Australia
• Study in Australia
• University Grading System in Australia