Australia is not just one of the most popular study-abroad destinations, it’s also home to some of the cheapest universities and colleges for international students.
Compared to the United States and the UK, Australian universities are affordable for both domestic students on a budget and international students.
The essence of this guide is to help you achieve your dream of studying in Australia by enrolling in any of the affordable colleges or universities for international students.
Read Also: 10 Cheap Universities in Canada to study almost for free
What do I need to study in Australia?
Just like in any other country, studying in any institution requires you to apply using certain requirements.
But on a general note, we bring a list of fundamental requirements to study in any of the cheapest colleges or universities in Australia as international or Australian students.
The requirements include;
- High school certificate (for undergraduate studies)
- Bachelor’s diploma (for Masters or Ph.D.)
- Proof of English language proficiency could be IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL depending on the university.
- Also, proof of financial capacity to study.
- Proof of residency in Australia throughout your schooling.
Why should one be encouraged to study in Australia?
Without mincing words, Australia is the 3rd most popular study-abroad destination in the world.
Besides that, it has an extremely high-quality education to offer.
Not only is its educational system catchy, but the standard of living is also a huge attraction.
Read Also: Best places to study abroad in Australia for International Students
List of Cheapest Universities in Australia for Postgraduate International Students and Their Tuition Fees
- Charles Sturt University
- Tuition Fee: $16,000 – $29,712
- Australian Catholic University
- Tuition Fee: $22,720 – $27,960
- Southern Cross University
- Tuition Fee: $25,200 – $30,800
- Federation University Australia
- Tuition Fee: $25,400 – $28,800
- University of New England
- Tuition Fee: $26,250 – $31,500
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Tuition Fee: $26,600 – $25,600
- Edith Cowan University
- Tuition Fee: $26,950 – $31,100
- CQUniversity
- Tuition Fee: $27,120 – $29,520
- University of Southern Queensland
- Tuition Fee: $27,680 – $31,920
- University of Wollongong
- Tuition Fee: $29,484 – $36,768
25 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students
Chances are that you have a low budget and you also don’t want to toss the “study in Australia dream” away.
At Stay Informed Group, we keep you informed with the latest information to have a good academic experience.
Here you will find the cheapest Australian Universities open for international students at different levels of studies.
#1. University of Sunshine Coast
- Location: Sunshine Coast
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $24,000, Graduate $27,000
Besides the cost of tuition being affordable, USC is known to be one of the best universities in Australia with an amazing student experience.
Students learn using state-of-the-art technology and virtual reality to interact with all kinds of complex data.
In addition to good study experience, students get hands-on training and internships.
#2. University of Southern Queensland
- Location: Darling Heights
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $17,500, Graduate $19,000
The University of Southern Queensland is Australia’s number one university for graduate employability.
Besides it being No. 1 in Australia, it is also No.1 in online and blended education.
Most international students heading to Australia often do so because of USQ.
For a school of such magnitude, the cost of tuition is incredibly low.
#3. Charles Sturt University
- Location: Sydney
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $17,600, Graduate $28,000
If you’re looking for a creative university in Australia, then Charles Sturt University is it.
Charles Sturt University is at the forefront of creating sustainable ecosystems for future generations.
Also, it has a very high graduate employment rate.
Its tuition is relatively affordable.
#4. Federation University Australia
- Location: Victoria
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $26,000, Graduate $28,400
Federation University Australia is known as an Art Academy even though it has slots for Information Forensics and Security.
In the list of Australian universities, it ranks 31.
Although there are a handful of international students, the university aims to attract more international students.
This is why their tuition fees are very affordable.
#5. Southern Cross University
- Location: Lismore
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $26,000, Graduate $32,000
Apart from affordable tuition, SCU boasts stunning visual arts studios, environmental laboratories as well as specialist teacher training facilities.
Although it also boasts as one of the universities with high academic standards, its tuition is affordable.
This is the reason it’s regarded as one of the cheapest colleges in Australia.
Read Also: 45 Affordable Online Masters Programs
#6. Charles Darwin University
- Location: Casuarina
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $27,000, Graduate $33,000
If you’re looking for one of the cheapest research Australian universities then Charles Darwin University is it.
In addition to that, it has high graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Another great feature of this college is that it has membership with Australia’s ‘Innovative Research Universities’.
#7. University of New England
- Location: Armidale
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $26,500, Graduate $28,000
UNE is a research university established outside of the state capital.
Because of their high research output, they are known for their work in animal genetics and livestock breeding.
There is plenty of room for research at this university.
Also, note that students at the University of New England have a $5 million offer in the form of scholarships and bursaries.
#8. Victoria University
- Location: Melbourne
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $29,000, Graduate $29,500
Victoria University is a high-ranking Australian university.
It ranks in the world’s top 2% of universities.
This institution is committed to the economic prosperity of Melbourne West and Australia at large.
With the low tuition cost, international students can have a chance to study in this affordable college.
#9. Griffith University
- Location: Brisbane
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $28,500, Graduate $31,500
Griffith University is one of Australia’s cheapest universities for international students.
It’s one of the Australian colleges that has a strong international outlook.
Besides that, it is deeply connected to the Asian region.
Its international research excellence makes it one of the top-rated.
#10. University of Newcastle
- Location: Newcastle
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $29,000, Graduate $36,000
Another university on our list of affordable universities in Australia is the University of Newcastle.
The University of Newcastle is a research-intensive university consistently ranking in the top 10 Australian universities.
Automation and Control Engineering offered by the University of Newcastle ranks 8 in the world ranking of universities.
This is above Harvard and Cambridge.
Read Also: Australia Scholarships
#11. Curtin University
- Location: Bentley
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $29,800, Graduate $41,600
Although Curtin University does not have strong international recognition, it has a population of approximately 25% international students.
This college has strong ties and partnerships with different industries.
A graduate degree from Curtin University could carve a path for you in the world’s top companies.
#12. University of Tasmania
- Location: Hobart
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $28,500, Graduate $32,500
If you want a good time while studying in Australia, then the University of Tasmania will offer a unique experience due to its island location.
In addition to that, students have a lot of research opportunities that allow them to understand some vital ecological challenges facing Australia.
Tuition is relatively low and it’s one of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students.
#13. James Cook University
- Location: Townsville
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $29,500, Graduate $36,000
Due to its high commitment to the United Nations’ goal of reducing inequality, it’s regarded as one of the best universities in Australia.
James Cook University prides itself in 38 areas of research including Fletcherview Research Station.
Surprisingly, it is one of the cheapest colleges in Australia for international students.
#14. University of Wollongong
- Location: Wollongong
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $30,000, Graduate $47,000
The University of Wollongong has a track record of producing top-quality graduates.
Besides that, it has a strong place in the world’s top 1% of universities.
Because of this, the University of Wollongong is one of the most expensive universities on this list.
#15. Flinders University
- Location: Adelaide
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $29,200, Graduate $34,000
Another affordable university in our list of cheap colleges and universities in Australia for international students is Flinders University.
Flinders University labels itself as a multicultural establishment due to its possession of some of the country’s best state-of-the-art facilities and industry-driven degrees.
Although it’s an institution of repute, its out-of-state tuition is quite affordable for international students.
Read Also: MBA in Australia for International Students – Scholarships, Cost, Requirement
#16. CQ University
- Location: Rockhampton
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $28,950, Graduate $30,480
CQ University is another institution ranked in the world’s top 2% that’s part of the affordable universities in Australia for international students.
This university is the only university that has a campus presence in all the mainland states, in Australia.
Another feature that makes it outstanding is the hands-on training and variety of workshops students undergo.
It’s one of the ideal affordable colleges for international students in Australia.
#17. Australian Catholic University
- Location: Brisbane
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $28,200, Graduate $31,000
For international students who are looking to study religion and divinity studies, the Australian Catholic University is a good place to start.
However, they offer other degree courses such as education and health.
It has a unique curriculum of study which makes them a good place to study.
#18. Western Sydney University
- Location: Sydney
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $26,800, Graduate $30,200
Western Sydney University is one of the highest-rated universities in Australia for employer satisfaction.
Its strongest majors are Nursing and Ecology.
At WSU, students have unlimited opportunities for learning with a chance to travel and work in over 400 destinations worldwide.
Employers of WSU graduates are 100% satisfied with the quality of education received.
#19. Edith Cowan University
- Location: Perth
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $30,000, Graduate $31,500
Edith Cowan University is one of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students.
Although it’s not globally recognized, it has trained millions of people who get the best student experience.
At Cowan University, there are a variety of degrees to choose from including a large practical component.
Read Also: How to apply for Scholarships in Australia
#20. University of Melbourne
- Location: Melbourne
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $40,200, Graduate $44,700
Melbourne University calls itself the No. 1 Australian university.
The world ranking of universities ranks it 32nd on the list.
Due to its high profile, its admission requirements are very stringent, if not the most difficult in Australia.
Besides that, the university has over 100 research centres and institutes each focusing on vital areas.
#21. Torrens University
- Location: Adelaide
- Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $18,917, Graduate $21,293
Torrens University is a private university in Australia whose cost is relatively low.
It’s one of the youngest and cheapest Australian universities.
Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through its Colleges of Business & Communication, Design, Business, Media Design, Hotel Management, and Hospitality Management.
List of the Cheapest Australian Universities for Undergraduate International Students
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Victoria University
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Darwin University
- University of Southern Queensland
- Charles Sturt University
- University of New England
- Western Sydney University
- Federation University Australia
- Southern Cross University
I Speak English, Can I Apply to the Cheapest Australian Universities for International Students?
Yes, you can.
English is the primary language used in Australian schools.
And same applies to many of the cheapest Australian universities.
Summary
Generally speaking, Australia is home to both expensive and low-cost institutions.
However, keep in mind that the cost of education does not determine the quality.
Also, be abreast of the fact that the living expenses are considerably lower than in the UK and the United States.
Good luck with your pick as you choose from the list of affordable or cheapest universities and colleges for international and Australian students in Australia.
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