In Reply to: Austudy eligibility posted by mark_d on Wednesday, 21. October 2009 at 14:05 Bali Time:
You would be better off getting a 60 day tourist visa (and then extending over there. This gives you 6 months in total)
You would need to do a visa run after 6 months.(Perth or Singapore)
Take into account that you would need an airline ticket that can have return date altered (before your initial return date is up) at no cost & is valid for a year eg Garuda.
You could also do this on a Social Visa (much the same but a sponsor required before you apply.)
As Austudy allowance is not a great amount? you may need to have money saved as backup.
eg you need initial cost of visa, renewal fees per month after the initial 2 months.
Airline ticket for your visa run.
Cost of new visa and visa fees again for 6 months.
Living quarters vary depending on what you want.
You could get a room in a cheap hotel for about 3million a month, a Local kost at 500000rp or so per month.
Factor in whether electricity is included.
Is there security, noise, privacy etc.
You have costs of transport (more if you buy a bike), food,petrol, toiletries, laundry, social outings, alcohol (if you drink).
If you rent a more upmarket place (small house, apartment)with perhaps phone line, internet etc you will pay more & probably upfront rent for 1 - 2 yrs.
Factor in medical insurance as well.
(Cheaper to get the yearly multi trip one)
My suggestion would be to decide first which area you want to live in.
Work out your budget & expenses to see if you can actually afford it.
Start researching accommodation options, actual cost of living, visa costs, etc.
If you do searches here & also expat sites like balipod, this should help a bit.
Some visa info:
http://micbali.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=infolink&action=display&thread=1156
Acommodation etc:
http://micbali.proboards.com/index.cgi
Re :
"and live in bali to take advantage of the low cost of living "
Cost of living in Bali not always as low as people often think.