Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students in 2025

 

Are you planning to pursue higher education in Australia at affordable rates? You don’t need to search any further! 

The following blog post lists Australian best affordable universities, where international students can continue their education on student visas without breaking the bank. 

 

Before planning your trip to Australia, you need to learn about the top, cheapest and most affordable universities in Australia. Having an understanding of the cheapest universities, their average tuition fee, scholarships and top courses offered by these universities will save you from a lot of trouble. Therefore, continue reading this blog post to learn about the best universities in Australia that are affordable and offer quality education.

 

Why Study in Australia?

Here is the list of reasons why you should choose Australia for getting higher education:

 

• Australian universities are known for advanced research opportunities and high-quality education. Their rankings in the worldwide universities are consistently high.
• Australia is an excellent choice for students with a variety of interests and professional goals because it provides a vast array of courses and degrees.
• International students studying in Australia are permitted to work full-time during their breaks and part-time throughout their studies. This allows them to earn useful job experience and help pay for living expenses.
• Through post-study work visas, overseas students can choose to temporarily stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.

 

 

Benefits of Studying in Australia

1. World class universities
2. Wide range of study options
3. Part-time job opportunities
4. Chance to get PR
5. Advanced education system
6. Quality lifestyle

 

List of Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students in 2025

Here is a list of top 10 cheapest universities in Australia for international students in 2024:

• University of Southern Queensland
• University of Sunshine Coast
• Griffith University
• University of Divinity
• Western Sydney University
• Charles Sturt University
• University of Queensland
• Edith Cowan University
• Federation University Australia
• University of Wollongong

 

Average Tuition Fee: The average tuition fees in these universities range from AUD 20000 – 45000 for undergraduate courses and AUD 22000 – 50000 for postgraduate courses.

Scholarships: These universities provide students with many scholarships options including Australia Awards Scholarship, Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships and Australia for ASEAN scholarships. 

Let’s have an in depth-analysis of these universities. So, just stay with me.

 

1. University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

 

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is one of the cheapest universities in Australia for international students. It was founded in 1967 and offers approximately 700 specialized programs covering a wide range of academic disciplines. The average tuition fee for an undergraduate is AUD 22,500 and for postgraduate it is AUD 24,300.

Top Courses Offered By University of Southern Queensland

There are two faculties at the University of Southern Queensland, each with six schools. Courses in a range of subjects, including engineering, science, communications, law, business, humanities, management, education, and the arts. The university provides a productive learning environment.

Have a look at the following table to know about the average tuition fee in University of Southern Queensland (USQ):

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Fall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 22,500 Masters Courses            = AUD 24,300 MBA                               = AUD 16,800

 

2. University of Sunshine Coast

 

Sunshine Coast University is one of the least expensive Australian universities for overseas students and is renowned for its unique method of educating. Situated on the Sunshine Coast, this university is among the most affordable in Australia. 

 

Top Courses Offered By University of Sunshine Coast

Overall, it is considered to be among the best universities in Australia. USC has more than 120 majors and 280 programs in seven major academic fields, including business, IT, tourism, creative industries, education, etc., for both undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Below is the table showing the average tuition fee for University of Sunshine Coast (USC):

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Fall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 24,300 Masters Courses            = AUD 22,500 MBA                               = AUD 26,200

 

3. Griffith University

 

Griffith University is one of the famous MBA universities in Australia that is famous for its research-based curricula. It is listed among the best and most affordable institutions in Australia. Griffith University is a popular pick for overseas students, seeking the most affordable MBA program in Australia. 

 

Top Courses Offered By Griffith University

Every year, the institution enrols more than 50,000 students in its more than 200 courses. This institution offers programs in architecture, business, criminology, and law. It is one of the most inexpensive universities in Australia with a strong return on investment and provides graduates with the opportunity to earn INR 64 lakhs annually.

 

The following table shows the average tuition fee of Griffith university in Australia:

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Fall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 35,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 29,000 MBA                               = AUD 40,200

 

4. Western Sydney University

 

Western Sydney University is among Australia’s least expensive universities for international students. The university is a multicultural establishment with approximately 45,000 students enrolled from more than 70 nationalities. The Australian suburb of Bankstown is home to Western Sydney University. 

 

Top Courses Offered By Sydney University

Specialized courses in social sciences, medicine, and law are available at Western Sydney. Despite having somewhat higher tuition than Western Sydney University, it is one of Australia’s most affordable colleges. Moreover, students can support themselves financially by working part-time jobs and applying for scholarships.

 

Have a look at the following table to know more about the Western Sydney University:

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Mid-year
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 21,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 56,000 MBA                               = AUD 33,000

 

5. University of Divinity

 

One of Australia’s most affordable universities is the University of Divinity in Melbourne. It was established in 1910, specializes in theology and theological studies, and has 11 universities. There is an amazing faculty-to-student ratio at the seminary. In addition, it is Victoria’s second-oldest university. 

 

Courses Offered By University of Divinity

The university provides advanced degrees, undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. This university has been voted Australia’s best university with a 92% alumni satisfaction rate. With some of the lowest tuition costs for a variety of majors, this university is the most affordable in Australia for overseas students in 2024.

 

Below is the table that provides a comprehensive overview of the average tuition fee for international students:

 

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Mid-year
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 15,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 17,000 MBA                               = AUD 14,000

 

6. University of Queensland

 

The University of Queensland is a top university attracting students from abroad, and its academics are well regarded for their research and instruction. More than 16,000 of the 58,000 students enrolled at the University of Queensland are international students. 

In addition to being one of the three Australian universities that is a part of International Universities 21, UQ was established as one of the Group of Eight (Go8) Universities. It is also the most affordable university in Australia for international students. 

 

Top Courses Offered By University of Queensland

Psychology, business, economics & law, engineering, architecture & information technology, health & behavioral sciences, humanities, arts & social Sciences  and medicine are the top courses offered by University of Queensland.

 

Look at the following table to learn more about the average tuition fee at University of Queensland:

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	February March
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 45,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 37,500 MBA                               = AUD 54,100

 

7. Edith Cowan University

 

For overseas students, Edith Cowan University is among the most inexpensive and accessible universities in Australia. ECU typically accepts 7,000 international students from more than 100 countries, making up one of Australia’s largest and most diverse student groups with over 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 

 

The university offers MS courses with a tuition fee of AUD 28,500, which makes it an excellent option for international students looking for the most affordable master’s program in Australia.

 

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Mid-year
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 25,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 28,500 MBA                               = AUD 26,000

 

8. Charles Sturt University

 

Founded in 1989 in New South Wales, Charles Sturt University is one of Australia’s public, low-cost, multi-campus schools. A wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs are available to students. For overseas students, it is among the least expensive universities in Australia, yet the quality of its instruction is excellent.

 

The university offers a range of postsecondary degree and career programs. Moreover,  it provides students with flexible on-campus and online learning opportunities.

 

The following table provides an overview of the average tuition fee at Charles Sturt University: 

 

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Mid-year
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 16,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 20,500 MBA                               = AUD 28,000

 

9. Federation University Australia

 

World-class professional education is provided by Federation University Australia, a progressive institution founded in 1870. This inexpensive Australian university enrolls students from a variety of nations to pursue higher education. 

 

The Australian Excellence in Research (ERA) ranking shows that Federation University has attained the best ranking available. The university is among the most economical in Australia for overseas students because of its reasonable tuition costs for Master’s degrees.

 

Have a look at the following table to learn more about the average tuition fees of Federation University Australia:

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Mid-year
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 21,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 30,000 MBA                               = AUD 22,000

 

10. University of Wollongong

 

Offering over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees, this public university is among the most affordable in Australia. Situated in the Greater Sydney area are three of Australia’s nine campuses: Loftus, Liverpool, and Sydney CBD. Practical learning is provided by the University of Wollongong. 

Top Courses Offered By University of Wollongong

This university is among the most affordable options in Australia for overseas learners, offering a diverse range of degrees in fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, health and medical, and the arts and humanities. For overseas students, this university in Australia is the least expensive because of its reasonable tuition costs, which are listed below:

 

Particulars	Details
Type of university	Public
Intakes	Fall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Courses = AUD 40,000 Masters Courses            = AUD 20,000 MBA                               = AUD 44,000

 

List of Cheap Australian Universities Offering Bachelor’s Degrees

Here is the list of top 10 cheapest universities in Australia that offers Bachelor’s degree:

• Charles Sturt University
• University of Southern Queensland
• Federation University Australia
• Victoria University
• Engineering Institute of Technology
• University of the Sunshine Coast
• Australian Catholic University
• Charles Darwin University
• Western Sydney University
• Murdoch University

 

List of Top Cheap Australian Universities Offering Master’s Degrees

Here is a list of the most affordable universities in Australia for master’s degree programs:

• University of Wollongong
• University of Tasmania
• Melbourne Institute of Technology
• Charles Sturt University
• Torrens University Australia
• Kaplan Business School
• Engineering Institute of Technology
• Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
• University of Canberra
• University of Southern Queensland

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it-a comprehensive guide to the top cheapest universities in Australia for international students. Choose a university that aligns with your interests and budget and apply for it.

However, if you have any confusions or concerns, you can contact us at The Migration. Moreover, if you are currently enrolled in an Australian university and want to change the course or education provider, we are providing free education consultation services. Therefore, schedule an online consultation now or visit our Sydney office if you are facing any trouble.

 

FAQs

Which Australian university has no application fee for international students?

Below are the top universities in Australia that don’t charge application fees:

• Australian National University.
• University of Sydney.
• University of New South Wales.
• The University of Queensland.
• University of Adelaide.
• University of Technology, Sydney.
• University of Wollongong.
• RMIT University.

 

What is the minimum annual tuition fees in Australia for international students?

On average, in Australia, a bachelor’s degree may cost between AUD 9,000 and AUD 50,000 per year and the master’s degree may cost between AUD 9,000 and AUD 54,000.

 

What are the cheapest undergraduate/bachelors courses for international students in Australia?

Here are the top cheap undergraduate courses for international students in Australia:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Information Technology

 

What are the cheapest postgraduate courses for international students in Australia?

These are the most affordable courses for Masters in Australia:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Nursing
• Master of Information Technology