​If you are over 18 and want to study at the Tasmanian Polytechnic, you can choose the type of accommodation that will suit you best. There is also plenty of help available to find the right accommodation for you.

GETI Tasmania recommends that every student start their time in Tasmania with a homestay, for at least six weeks. It is the best way to settle into a new country, learn about Tasmania, and to start studying and practicing your English. You can then change to private rental, or try one of the student residences later, if you want.

Homestay with the Tasmanian Polytechnic

The Tasmanian Polytechnic offers a very flexible homestay program. Costs will vary according to the facilities in each house and what homestay hosts are expected to provide. Students are encouraged to negotiate the kind of arrangement they want with their homestay host, including laundry and meals.

For example:

• Full board – access to food for three meals per day, from AU$180-AU$200 per week
• Room only – students supply own food and share household chores, from AU$110-AU$130 per week

 Homestay can only start up to one week before your course start date.

Student residences

Student residences are located on Tasmanian Polytechnic campuses in both Hobart and Launceston. These are fully furnished units for up to four people. Each person has their own private study/bedroom and a shared lounge room with TV, bathroom (shower only), toilet and kitchen with a refrigerator and small stove. Other facilities include a coin-operated laundry, a games room with billiard and table tennis tables, wifi and a general student lounge.

These residences are not exclusive to international students. Many local Tasmanian students also rent these facilities.

Both residences are serviced by public transport and are approximately 20 minutes from each CBD, although bus services are limited of an evening and on weekends.

If you want accomodation

Accomodation through the Tasmanian Polytechnic's homestay program or student residences can only be arranged once tuition fees have been paid. Make sure you submit an Accomodation Form with your payment.

Backpacker accommodation

Many short term students prefer to stay in backpacker accommodation. These are usually very central and close to the city campuses of the Tasmanian Polytechnic. They have the benefit of being cheap and you will have the chance to meet people from all over the world, but they may not be an appropriate environment for studying.

GETI does not operate these facilities and is not responsible for them. These are private businesses and their prices, availability and facilities vary. GETI staff can provide advice where necessary.

All backpacker accommodation options can be found online.

Private rental

Private rental in a flat or house can only be arranged after you have arrived in Tasmania. Most students first register with a real estate agency, then apply for a property they are interested in after an inspection. The rental market in Tasmania can be quite limited and competitive, particularly at the start of the year, so it may take a few weeks to find a home. 

If your rental application is successful, you will need to sign a lease and pay rent in advance, usually every two weeks. Most owners will ask for a bond, usually equal to one month of rent. At the end of the lease, the bond will be returned to you if you have left the flat in good condition and paid all your rent.

Properties can be rented either unfurnished or partly furnished, which will be more expensive. Nearly all homes will come with an oven, but may not have a refrigerator or a washing machine. Electricity and phone charges are not included with a rental agreement and must be applied for separately. GETI can provide advice and assistance where needed.

Students can also enter into private rental agreements directly with a landlord. These arrangements are covered under the same laws as rental agreements through real estate agents.

You are strongly advised to contact the Tenants Union of Tasmania to find out more about renting a property, what questions to ask the real estate agents and what your rights are as a tenant. 

Click here for information on costs of living.