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*
University of Tasmania 12,000 AUD - 38,000 AUD 61%
University of Divinity 14,200 AUD - 16,700 AUD 55%
Federation University Australia 18,000 AUD - 32,700 AUD 42%
Central Queensland University 19,000 AUD - 37,000 AUD 39%
Charles Sturt University 20,800 AUD - 32,200 AUD 33%
Australian Catholic University 23,400 AUD - 40,700 AUD 24%
University of the Sunshine Coast 24,400 AUD - 29,600 AUD 21%
Torrens University Australia 25,200 AUD - 30,900 AUD 19%
Charles Darwin University 25,400 AUD - 32,400 AUD 18%
Avondale University 26,100 AUD - 34,800 AUD 16%
Western Sydney University 26,300 AUD - 33,100 AUD 15%
University of Southern Queensland 26,400 AUD - 35,300 AUD 15%
University of Wollongong 26,600 AUD - 37,400 AUD 14%
University of New England 26,900 AUD - 31,600 AUD 13%
Murdoch University 27,200 AUD - 32,900 AUD 12%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 30,800 AUD for universities in Australia.

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1. University of Tasmania

As one of Australia’s oldest institutions, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) acknowledges and takes pride in its rich history, even promoting indigenous culture and life on campus. UTAS offers many outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs that can surely engage students’ minds and broaden their learning experience.

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Avondale University

Associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Avondale University offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. They have highly accredited programs and innovative educational facilities on the campus. Since they are a part of a Seventh-day educational system, they aim to foster their students’ spiritual and psychological growth while building their professions.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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 16,400 AUD - 18,400 AUD 46%
Charles Sturt University 20,800 AUD - 33,300 AUD 32%
University of Queensland 21,300 AUD - 62,900 AUD 30%
Western Sydney University 21,500 AUD - 38,400 AUD 30%
Griffith University 22,500 AUD - 45,500 AUD 26%
Federation University Australia 22,700 AUD - 31,100 AUD 25%
Torrens University Australia 22,800 AUD - 34,500 AUD 25%
University of Western Australia 23,300 AUD - 50,800 AUD 23%
Australian Catholic University 23,400 AUD - 32,400 AUD 23%
University of the Sunshine Coast 26,000 AUD - 29,800 AUD 14%
Avondale University 26,100 AUD - 78,200 AUD 14%
Central Queensland University 26,400 AUD - 35,600 AUD 13%
Macquarie University 26,400 AUD - 53,600 AUD 13%
University of New England 26,900 AUD - 33,900 AUD 11%
University of Southern Queensland 26,900 AUD - 47,100 AUD 11%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 30,200 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 16,392 AUD to 18,384 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 20,800 AUD to 33,216 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. University of Queensland

One of the most prestigious universities in Australia is the University of Queensland. This internationally recognized institution started its humble beginnings in 1909. And at present, it enjoys its position as one of the leading and top-ranked universities globally. It has been providing top-quality teaching and research in higher education and has generated outstanding graduates that have been successful in different industry sectors.

The tuition fee at University of Queensland for incoming international master’s students is 21,288 AUD to 62,880 AUD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Western Sydney University

Another affordable university to consider in Australia is 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 in Western Sydney University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 21,420 AUD.

5. Griffith University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Griffith 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 22,500 AUD yearly.

Griffith University is a top-ranked public institution in Brisbane, Australia. It is part of the world’s top 2% universities, a testament to its academic and research excellence. Its six campuses – Digital, Gold Coast, Logan, Mount Gravatt, Nathan, and South Bank – welcome around 50,000 students.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a public educational institution. Its main campus is situated in the vibrant city of Perth. While it was founded in 1911, it officially opened its doors to students in 1913. Today, it is known as one of Australia’s highly distinguished centers of learning known for its impactful research and high-quality education.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Avondale University

Associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Avondale University offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. They have highly accredited programs and innovative educational facilities on the campus. Since they are a part of a Seventh-day educational system, they aim to foster their students’ spiritual and psychological growth while building their professions.

12. 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.

13. Macquarie University

Known to be one of the best higher education institutions in Australia, Macquarie University also belongs to the top 1% of universities all across the globe based on the major World University Rankings. It excels in both research and specialized teaching for the different subject areas it offers. With superb facilities and exceptional opportunities, the students will definitely have a great study experience at this university.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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 Catholic University offers Health Professional Education, Teaching, and Business Administration (Executive).

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!