in your home country, taking into consideration the standard cost of living in that country. Prepaid boarding or homestay fees If you are boarding or have entered into homestay arrangements with your education provider and have prepaid your boarding or homestay fees, the amount you have prepaid can be deducted from the total amount of living costs you must demonstrate to the department. You will need to show evidence to the department of the boarding or homestay fees as separate from the tuition fees. Example: A contract or an authorised receipt of payment from your education provider. Note: Only formal boarding or homestay arrangements will be accepted by the department. Prepayment of private boarding or homestay arrangements or rent will not be deducted from the living cost requirement.