Are you among those who are dreaming of studying at one of the world’s largest universities in Australia in 2025, yet are on a tight budget? Don’t worry; I’ve also been there.
Studying in Australia can be quite challenging and stressful for those not financially stable enough to afford the high university fees. But what if I tell you that there are courses that are affordable and offer a multitude of job opportunities and hands-on experience?
Thus, it is important for you to understand the cheapest courses for international students in Australia so that you can get a quality education on a limited budget. Read on this blog to discover more about the cheapest courses that you can pursue on a student visa in Australia.
Cheapest Courses for International Students in Australia in 2025
Here is a list of top cheapest courses for international students in Australia in 2025:
- Leadership and Management
- Business & Digital Analytics
- Project Management
- Marketing Communications
- Commercial Cookery Courses
Here is the category based division of cheap courses:
- Cheapest Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses
- Cheapest Undergraduate Courses
- Cheapest Postgraduate Courses
- Overview of Cheapest Courses Based on Cities
Let’s explore each category one by one.
1. Cheapest Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses in Australia
Vocational Education and Training system in Australia is designed to provide the students with practical knowledge and at significantly lower costs. The practical skills learned in these courses make students get job-ready in between six months to two years. Numerous scholarship options are available for students and they can save thousands of dollars as compared to other degrees.
Have a look at the top cheapest VET courses in Australia in 2025:
- Hospitality: $4,000-AUD 8,000
- Cyber Security: $6,000-AUD 10,000
- Nursing: $8,000-AUD 15,000
- Trades: $5,000-AUD 12,000
- Business Administration: $6,000-AUD 10,000
2. Cheapest Undergraduate Courses in Australia for International Students
Below is the list of top 5 Bachelors/ Undergraduate courses for International students who want to study in Australia at affordable rates.
1. Bachelor of Arts in Education
This course is affordable and focuses on employability and practical skills. It offers a wide range of study options, and a lively campus community in Toowoomba.
- Duration: Four Years
- Tuition Fees: AUD 24,000/year
- University: University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
2. Bachelor of Business
This is one of the cheapest courses that offers industry-focused curriculum and solid career opportunities. Studying this course in regional Australia is very economical.
- Duration: 3 Years
- Tuition Fees: AUD 22,800/year
- University Name: Federation University Australia
3. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
This course aims to provide students with a wide range of internship opportunities and practical skills. University of Wollongong offers this course at affordable rates as compared to metropolitan universities.
- Duration: 3 Years
- Tuition Fees: AUD 26,000/year
- University Name: University of Wollongong
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing focuses on providing the students with flexible learning and employment opportunities. The average salary in this profession is very high.
- Duration: 3 Years
- Tuition Fees: AUD 25,500/year
- University Name: Charles Sturt University
5. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
This is one of the cheapest courses and targets the regional development in Australia by providing practical experience to the international students.
- Duration: 4 Years
- Tuition Fees: AUD 24,500/year
- University Name: University of New England (UNE)
3. Cheapest Postgraduate Courses in Australia
If you are interested in pursuing higher education in Australia, you need to know about the most affordable courses. Below is the list of top 5 cheapest postgraduate courses in Australia in 2025:
1. Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
This program in University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) provides you with flexible online and on-campus choices. It focuses on developing leadership skills and has strong career opportunities.
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition fee: AUD 22,000/year
- University: University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Business Administration prioritizes industry-focused curriculum and strong alumni network.
- Duration: 1.5 years
- Tuition fee: AUD 25,000/year
- University: Federation University Australia
3. Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health at Charles Sturt University provides versatile learning options and focuses on global health challenges. Moreover, you can explore a variety of regional campus sites.
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition fee: AUD 27,000/year
- University: Charles Sturt University
4. Master of Information Technology
In this course, students will learn advanced and emerging technologies and their practical applications. This course at University of Wollongong is affordable as compared to other metropolitan universities.
- Duration: 1.5 years
- Tuition fee: AUD 28,000/year
- University: University of Wollongong
5. Master of Science in Environmental Management
This course focuses on sustainability and conservation and applies practical learning through research projects.
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition fee: AUD 26,500/year
- University: University of New England (UNE)
4. Cheapest Courses for Students Based on Different Cities
If you are interested in studying in a certain location, and don’t know which course is cheapest in that city, continue reading. Here, I’ve carefully listed the top cities of Australia with the cheapest courses they offer to international students.
1. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Sydney
Sydney is famous for its recreational activities available to those international students who choose to study there. It is one of the world’s biggest cities, known for its advanced education system.
Leadership and Management Diploma is the most affordable course for overseas students to pursue in Sydney in 2025. It is also one of the most well-liked courses due to its flexible schedule and extremely adaptable, industry-related applications. The cost of tuition is 1,300 eV.
Here is the list of other cheapest courses in Sydney for international students on a student visa:
- HR Management
- Business
- Information Technology
- Hospitality
- Fitness
- Yoga Teaching
- Mental Health
2. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its distinct culture, which is centered around the arts, fashion, food, sports, entertainment, shopping, history, and good living. Melbourne is known for its amazing hospitality and friendly community. Undoubtedly, it’s the dream place for many international students.
The Business Diploma program in Melbourne is the cheapest course to study in Australia, costing $1,500 for three months. In Melbourne, the average weekly cost for an international student is between A$300 and A$600.
Have a look at the list of Melbourne’s most affordable study options:
- Project Management
- Business
- Work Health and Safety
- Information Technology
- Carpentry
- Commercial Cookery
- Yoga Teaching
- Mental Health
3. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Perth
Perth is a modern, energetic, and multicultural city that makes it a great place to study. It is also well-known for its endless sunny days, crystal-clear blue skies, stunning white beaches, and hospitable community.
In Perth, studying business or leadership and management is the most economical choice. Program lengths range from one to two years, with a tuition charge of approximately $1,550 per three months.
- Business
- Marketing and Communication
- Information Technology
- Graphic Design
- Commercial Cookery
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Fitness
4. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Brisbane
Study in Brisbane provides international students with a multicultural center of innovation and creativity. This vibrant city offers students access to top-notch research facilities, advanced educational providers, and a subtropical environment.
Project Management is the most affordable study course available in Brisbane, costing $1,575 for three months. Other affordable courses include the following:
- Project Management
- Leadership and Management
- Information Technology
- Telecommunication Network Engineering
- Commercial Cookery
- Fitness
- Counseling
5. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Gold Coast
Gold Coast is the second-biggest city in Queensland and is famous for its theme parks, beautiful natural countryside, and popular beaches. The Gold Coast has a wide array of education options, such as courses in business, management, graphic design, childcare, commercial cooking, carpentry, and other trades.
The Gold Coast has emerged as Australia’s most popular regional study destination due to housing and tuition costs that are typically lower than those of other major cities.
Leadership and Management Diploma is the most affordable study course in Gold Coast. Other affordable courses include the following:
- Business
- Leadership and Management
- Graphic Design
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Commercial Cookery
- Carpentry
- Painting and Decorating
- Wall and Ceiling Lining
- Bricklaying / Blocklaying
- Wall and Floor Tiling
6. Cheapest Courses for International Students in Adelaide
Adelaide is popular as a center of education excellence. It offers numerous benefits to international students who choose to study, live or work in the city. Adelaide is one of the cheapest cities to live in Australia.
To top off the affordability in Adelaide, Project Management course is the best study option, costing $1,500 for three months. The most affordable courses offered in Adelaide include the following:
- Project Management
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Aging Support
- Disability
- Community Services
- Commercial Cookery
Final Thoughts
So, by now you must have understood the cheapest courses in Australia in 2025. This is the golden opportunity for you to get admission in world’s top class universities at affordable rates. Understand these courses carefully and choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
Moreover, if you are still confused and have any queries, schedule an online appointment now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is cheapest for international students in Australia?
Adelaide is one of the cheapest cities in Australia that has the lowest cost of living among major cities of Australia. The average cost of living for international students in Adelaide is AUD 2,100 per month (including the rent).
What are the cheapest universities for international students in Australia?
Here is a list of top 10 cheapest universities in Australia in 2024:
- University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
- Charles Darwin University (CDU)
- Federation University Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
- Southern Cross University
- Central Queensland University (CQU)
- University of Wollongong
- Western Sydney University
- Edith Cowan University (ECU)
- La Trobe University
What are the popular scholarships for international students in Australia?
Popular scholarship opportunities for International Students in Australia include:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Destination Australia Scholarships
- Endeavour Scholarships
- Monash University International Scholarships
- University of Sydney International Scholarships
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.