Study Abroad Year Long

A meal at an average restaurant in Sydney will generally cost between $20-$50, excluding drinks. Food on campus is usually more affordable than eating outside, with many options under $20. Sydney-siders typically spend $160 on groceries every week. An average 10-12-minute public transport journey costs around $5, with a 30% off-peak discount available. Rent averages around $550 a week for a one-bedroom apartment near the Kensington campus, though on-campus student accommodation can be a more affordable and convenient option as it is bill-included and some come with catering.

As an international student, you can work for up to 48 hours every fortnight. As of 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage is $24.95 per hour before tax. UNSW also offers career development resources and Work Integrated Learning programs to help you build employability skills from day one.

Sydney is ranked the #4 safest city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index (2021). At major events and in the busiest parts of the city, there are often police and security staff on-site and CCTV to keep people safe. At UNSW Sydney, security staff are on campus 24/7, and safety services such as night shuttle buses are available to escort students to nearby stations after dark.

Just by showing your UNSW student card, you can get discounts on a range of products and services. When you arrive, you can sign up for Arc membership at UNSW to unlock exclusive perks. You may also consider signing up for a program like Student Edge or UNiDAYS to access discount codes and deals from thousands of retailers. You can also score discounted tickets to sporting events, concerts, art shows and other activities, like going to the movies, visiting the zoo or taking a jet boat ride on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney has a rich cultural life with plenty to do regardless of budget or interests. You can explore famous beaches like Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach, which are reachable from campus in 30 minutes, or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Centennial Park, and Taronga Zoo. For food, there are dining precincts like Spice Alley in Chippendale, Barangaroo, and diverse cultural suburbs including Leichhardt for Italian, Strathfield for Korean, and Eastwood and Burwood for Chinese cuisine. Shopping highlights include Pitt Street Mall, Bondi Junction, Paddington for independent designer brands, and outdoor markets like Glebe Market.