15 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

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In Australia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Australia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Australia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 42 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Australia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Australia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Australia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Victoria University 9,537 AUD - 17,400 AUD 73%
University of Divinity 17,500 AUD 49%
Central Queensland University 19,000 AUD - 37,000 AUD 45%
University of the Sunshine Coast 24,400 AUD - 29,600 AUD 29%
University of Wollongong 24,500 AUD - 33,900 AUD 29%
Charles Sturt University 24,600 AUD - 72,100 AUD 28%
Murdoch University 25,700 AUD - 35,500 AUD 25%
Southern Cross University 26,000 AUD - 36,000 AUD 24%
University of Southern Queensland 26,400 AUD - 35,300 AUD 23%
Torrens University Australia 26,800 AUD - 26,800 AUD 22%
University of New England 26,900 AUD - 31,600 AUD 22%
University of South Australia 28,000 AUD - 35,900 AUD 18%
Australian Catholic University 28,700 AUD - 52,600 AUD 16%
Charles Darwin University 29,800 AUD - 39,400 AUD 13%
Western Sydney University 31,000 AUD - 39,000 AUD 10%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 34,100 AUD for universities in Australia.

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1. Victoria University

Victoria University is a public educational institute for students at the tertiary level. It is situated in the modernized city of Melbourne. Adding to this, VU is a multi-campus institution that is consistently included in various world university rankings, signifying its excellence in education and research.

2. University of Divinity

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the University of Divinity specializes in theology, spirituality, philosophy, and divinity. It comprises eleven colleges from different Christian denominations spread across the country. The institution is one of the oldest in Victoria and continues partnerships with around thirty churches.

3. Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University comprises 13 campuses and several study centers, making it one of Australia’s largest universities. It is also one of the country’s best, consistently part of the top-ranked universities worldwide. The university offers several courses through its seven schools and one college.

4. University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast has an impressive portfolio as one of Australia’s highly praised universities in providing exemplary teaching quality and satisfying students’ overall experience. As a regionally recognized school, this assures that the university prioritizes its higher education quality. With a yearly increase in local and international students, this young university has made its presence known in the regional and global community.

5. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a public institute of tertiary studies. It is located in the Illawarra region’s famous city of “The Gong.” Moreover, UOW is known not just in Australia, but worldwide, for being a top center of learning that utilizes modernized techniques in education and research.

6. Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University is a leading university in Australia and across the globe. Its primary goal is to equip students with adequate knowledge and necessary skills by providing cutting-edge programs lectured by qualified instructors and industry professionals. Because of this commitment, the institution has become one of the frontrunners in producing highly employable graduates.

7. Murdoch University

Murdoch University is a public institution in Perth, Australia. Besides the one in Perth, they also have Rockingham, Mandurah, Dubai, and Singapore campuses. The university, highly regarded based on student assessments, offers many courses that provide research and industry experience.

8. Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University has three total campuses and has a wide variety of different courses of study awaiting those who wish to attend. The University is located in the beautiful city of Sydney. With passion and dedication toward their students, Southern Cross University is determined to help its students become better and make the world a greater place.

9. University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland offers hundreds of courses. The institution welcomes more than 27,000 students every year through its four locations: Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich, and Hub@Stanthorpe. It is among the best universities for graduate studies, based on student satisfaction and graduate starting salary.

10. Torrens University Australia

Torrens University Australia is a private university that offers a wide range of study options. It began its operation in 2012 and is now regarded as the country’s fastest-growing university. Through excellent academic instruction, Torrens aims to develop highly employable graduates who are ready to work anywhere in the world.

11. University of New England

The University of New England, which you should not confuse with the one in the United States, started as a part of the University of Sydney. Since its independence in 1954, the institution has established itself to be a leading university. Hundreds of courses are being offered by its three faculties.

12. University of South Australia

The University of South Australia offers numerous diverse academic programs at all levels. Students have a wide array of options as its courses and programs are designed explicitly for industry-specific fields. In addition, the institution’s teaching approach relies on the traditional and modern ways of learning but has put more priority on providing online courses, making them readily available for students across the globe.

13. Australian Catholic University

Australia Catholic University is part of the top 2% of best universities in the world. It welcomes more than 33,000 students annually, including international students. The institution is composed of several campuses across Australia, plus one online and another one in Rome.

14. Charles Darwin University

One of the sought-after universities in Northern Australia is Charles Darwin University. It is a truly unique university as it offers educational degree programs and vocational education and training. And with several campuses across major cities in Australia, this innovative university has made it easier and more accessible for domestic and international students interested in pursuing an education in their institution.

15. Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University (WSU) is a reputable Australian public university. It is based in Sydney’s Greater Western region. Furthermore, it is known as a leading center of excellence in the country. Other than that, WSU is also popular worldwide as it is included in various global rankings’ top 400 higher education institutes.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Australia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Australia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Divinity 20,400 AUD 44%
Charles Sturt University 24,600 AUD - 39,700 AUD 33%
Western Sydney University 25,300 AUD - 45,300 AUD 31%
University of the Sunshine Coast 25,600 AUD - 30,500 AUD 30%
Southern Cross University 26,000 AUD - 36,000 AUD 29%
Central Queensland University 26,400 AUD - 42,200 AUD 27%
University of New England 26,900 AUD - 33,900 AUD 26%
University of Southern Queensland 26,900 AUD - 47,100 AUD 26%
Victoria University 27,000 AUD - 35,000 AUD 26%
Federation University Australia 29,500 AUD - 43,500 AUD 19%
University of Newcastle 30,000 AUD - 50,700 AUD 17%
University of South Australia 30,300 AUD - 36,900 AUD 17%
Torrens University Australia 30,400 AUD - 30,400 AUD 17%
University of Canberra 30,900 AUD - 41,500 AUD 15%
Australian National University 31,300 AUD 14%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 36,200 AUD for universities in Australia.

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1. University of Divinity

Based in Melbourne, Australia, the University of Divinity specializes in theology, spirituality, philosophy, and divinity. It comprises eleven colleges from different Christian denominations spread across the country. The institution is one of the oldest in Victoria and continues partnerships with around thirty churches.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Divinity should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 20,304 AUD annually for their master's degree.

2. Charles Sturt University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Charles Sturt University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Charles Sturt University is 24,560 AUD to 39,680 AUD.

Charles Sturt University is a leading university in Australia and across the globe. Its primary goal is to equip students with adequate knowledge and necessary skills by providing cutting-edge programs lectured by qualified instructors and industry professionals. Because of this commitment, the institution has become one of the frontrunners in producing highly employable graduates.

3. Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University (WSU) is a reputable Australian public university. It is based in Sydney’s Greater Western region. Furthermore, it is known as a leading center of excellence in the country. Other than that, WSU is also popular worldwide as it is included in various global rankings’ top 400 higher education institutes.

The tuition fee at Western Sydney University for incoming international master’s students is 25,266 AUD to 45,296 AUD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of the Sunshine Coast

Another affordable university to consider in Australia is University of the Sunshine Coast.

The University of the Sunshine Coast has an impressive portfolio as one of Australia’s highly praised universities in providing exemplary teaching quality and satisfying students’ overall experience. As a regionally recognized school, this assures that the university prioritizes its higher education quality. With a yearly increase in local and international students, this young university has made its presence known in the regional and global community.

The tuition fee in University of the Sunshine Coast for master’s program for foreign students starts from 25,600 AUD.

5. Southern Cross University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Southern Cross University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 26,000 AUD yearly.

Southern Cross University has three total campuses and has a wide variety of different courses of study awaiting those who wish to attend. The University is located in the beautiful city of Sydney. With passion and dedication toward their students, Southern Cross University is determined to help its students become better and make the world a greater place.

6. Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University comprises 13 campuses and several study centers, making it one of Australia’s largest universities. It is also one of the country’s best, consistently part of the top-ranked universities worldwide. The university offers several courses through its seven schools and one college.

7. University of New England

The University of New England, which you should not confuse with the one in the United States, started as a part of the University of Sydney. Since its independence in 1954, the institution has established itself to be a leading university. Hundreds of courses are being offered by its three faculties.

8. University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland offers hundreds of courses. The institution welcomes more than 27,000 students every year through its four locations: Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich, and Hub@Stanthorpe. It is among the best universities for graduate studies, based on student satisfaction and graduate starting salary.

9. Victoria University

Victoria University is a public educational institute for students at the tertiary level. It is situated in the modernized city of Melbourne. Adding to this, VU is a multi-campus institution that is consistently included in various world university rankings, signifying its excellence in education and research.

10. Federation University Australia

Federation University Australia is a public institution in Victoria that welcomes more than 20,000 students every year. Five campuses – Ballarat, Berwick, Brisbane, Gippsland, and the Wimmera – composed the university. Its nine schools offer a variety of courses, including degree and vocational.

11. University of Newcastle

Founded back in 1965, the University of Newcastle has always presented excellence in both fields of research and teaching ever since. The school focuses on coming up with solutions to problems internationally. Its diverse community works on achieving this along with the university’s partnerships all over the globe.

12. University of South Australia

The University of South Australia offers numerous diverse academic programs at all levels. Students have a wide array of options as its courses and programs are designed explicitly for industry-specific fields. In addition, the institution’s teaching approach relies on the traditional and modern ways of learning but has put more priority on providing online courses, making them readily available for students across the globe.

13. Torrens University Australia

Torrens University Australia is a private university that offers a wide range of study options. It began its operation in 2012 and is now regarded as the country’s fastest-growing university. Through excellent academic instruction, Torrens aims to develop highly employable graduates who are ready to work anywhere in the world.

14. University of Canberra

The University of Canberra is one of the highest-ranking public universities in Australia, frequently placing in the top 10. It offers industry-based education and places great significance on hands-on learning and work placements. Because of this, graduates of the university are equipped with a strong competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation.

15. Australian National University

A globally recognized institution, Australian National University takes pride in providing quality research and education. Since its establishment in 1946, they have received numerous achievements for its contribution to academic and research fields in Australia and globally. Today, both local and international students in the university are highly satisfied with the excellent educational services given to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Australia?

Applying to cheap universities in Australia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Australia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Australia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Australia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Australia is the Australian Catholic University, which offers Accounting and Finance, Applied Public Health, and Arts to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Australian National University offers Strategic Studies, Financial Management, and Public Administration.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Australia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Australia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Australia for international students was helpful!