6 Cheapest Universities in Sydney for International Students

In Sydney, New South Wales, 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 Sydney, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 6 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Sydney, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Sydney, New South Wales?

Applying to cheap universities in Sydney 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!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Sydney?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Sydney. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Sydney 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).

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Australian Catholic University 23,400 AUD - 40,700 AUD 32%
Western Sydney University 26,300 AUD - 33,100 AUD 23%
Macquarie University 33,200 AUD - 42,000 AUD 3%
University of Technology Sydney 35,300 AUD - 47,200 AUD -3%
University of New South Wales 41,300 AUD - 49,600 AUD -21%
University of Sydney 45,000 AUD - 52,000 AUD -32%

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Syndey is a research-intensive institute of higher education. It is located in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Ultimo. Furthermore, it is recognized as the Land Down Under’s best young university.

5. University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales, also known as UNSW, has been a consistently top-performing institution in Australia. It belongs with other research-focused universities in the country in the so-called Group of Eight. Aside from this, the school’s excellent performance is also acknowledged globally. Students will surely get a top-notch quality of education with brilliant facilities and expert teachers.

6. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is one of the top universities in the world. It caters to around 73,000 students and offers degree programs in Arts, Sciences, Business, and Medicine. With more than 170 years in history, the university has built several campuses across Sydney and a research station to oversee the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.

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

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

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Western Sydney University 21,500 AUD - 38,400 AUD 32%
Australian Catholic University 23,400 AUD - 32,400 AUD 26%
Macquarie University 26,400 AUD - 53,600 AUD 16%
University of New South Wales 33,000 AUD - 48,300 AUD -5%
University of Sydney 41,000 AUD - 59,000 AUD -30%
University of Technology Sydney 43,000 AUD - 89,000 AUD -37%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 31,400 AUD for universities in sydney.

1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Western Sydney University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 21,420 AUD to 38,400 AUD annually for their master's degree.

2. Australian Catholic University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Australian Catholic University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Australian Catholic University is 23,400 AUD to 32,320 AUD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Macquarie University for incoming international master’s students is 26,400 AUD to 53,600 AUD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of New South Wales

Another affordable university to consider in Sydney is University of New South Wales.

The University of New South Wales, also known as UNSW, has been a consistently top-performing institution in Australia. It belongs with other research-focused universities in the country in the so-called Group of Eight. Aside from this, the school’s excellent performance is also acknowledged globally. Students will surely get a top-notch quality of education with brilliant facilities and expert teachers.

The tuition fee in University of New South Wales for master’s program for foreign students starts from 32,920 AUD.

5. University of Sydney

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Sydney 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 41,000 AUD yearly.

The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is one of the top universities in the world. It caters to around 73,000 students and offers degree programs in Arts, Sciences, Business, and Medicine. With more than 170 years in history, the university has built several campuses across Sydney and a research station to oversee the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.

6. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Syndey is a research-intensive institute of higher education. It is located in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Ultimo. Furthermore, it is recognized as the Land Down Under’s best young university.


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 Sydney, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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