Universities in Australia are the cheapest and the most popular destinations for international students. Close to 350,000 students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Australia to date, and given the country’s excellent academic system, high quality of living, and picturesque landscapes, the numbers are expected to further increase. But when it comes to the cheapest universities in Australia, the tuition fees vary slightly from course to course.
Just like other study destinations for international students, the cost of living in Australia is quite high, however, there are cheap universities all around Australia where you can study without breaking the bank. so the high cost of living should not be a barrier to your dreams of studying abroad.
To study in Australia, you need a high school certificate (for undergraduate studies) or a bachelor’s diploma (for master’s or PhD.) You also need to meet the set English proficiency score by your university of choice. Additionally, you need to provide proof that you have the financial capacity to study and stay in Australia throughout your schooling.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia.
Australia is home to many universities, the majority of which are regarded among the best in the world. On this list, you’ll find prestigious schools like Western Sydney University and Charles Darwin University, among others. Continue reading to see which Australian universities are most affordable for international students like you.
1. Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University, an Australian multi-campus university in Sydney’s Greater Western area, is one of the least expensive for international students. The most frequently mentioned aspect of studying at Western Sydney University by international students is how affordable it is.
Western Sydney University replaced the University of Western Sydney as the institution’s name in 2015 as a consequence of a rebranding. The university has campuses in Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta, and Penrith and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher research degrees.
2. Federation University of Australia
Federation University of Australia is also one of Australia’s most affordable universities for international students. It is headquartered in Ballarat, Victoria, and has campuses in Ararat, Horsham, Stawell, Churchill, Berwick, and Brisbane, as well as online technical and further education (TAFE) courses and Horsham’s Higher Education Nursing program.
The Federation University of Australia has the lowest tuition rates in Australia for international students, starting at USD 17,335 per year for undergraduate studies and AUD 23,000 (USD 16,500 per year) for graduate studies. FedUni offers degrees in the humanities, engineering, business, science, math, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, psychology, performing or visual arts, information technology, and nursing.
3. Victoria University
Victoria University, usually known as VU, is an Australian public educational institution located in Melbourne. It was founded in 1916 as the Footscray Technical School before receiving university status in 1990. VU, recognized as one of Australia’s best universities, has campuses in both the western area and Sydney. These branches collectively house 15,000 students, with international students accounting for 28% of the population.
International students at VU can major in Art & Education, Business, Engineering & Science, Health & Biomedicine, Law & Justice, or Sports & Exercise Science. It provides reasonable tuition prices for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with undergraduate tuition fees starting at AUD 30,000 (USD 21,500) per year and graduate tuition fees starting at AUD 31,000 (USD 22,300) per year.
4. Torrens University
Torrens University is another affordable institution of higher learning in Australia that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. With its Colleges of Business & Communication, Design, Business, Media Design, Hotel Management, and Hospitality Management,10,000 local and international students are currently enrolled at Torrens University’s several schools. The annual cost of undergraduate tuition is AUD 25,000 (USD 18,000), while graduate tuition fees begin at AUD 14,000 (USD 10,100). As one of Australia’s newest universities, the institution first began operations in 2013.
5. University of Canberra
The University of Canberra (UC) is a public research university that is considered to be cheap for international students. Its main campus is located in Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and the campus is within walking distance of Westfield Belconnen, and 8.7 km (5.4 mi) from Canberra’s Civic Centre. UC offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering five faculties: Health, Art and Design, Business, Government and Law, Education, and Science and Technology.
The University of Canberra College provides pathways into university for domestic and international students, and it has long-standing excellence in mission-oriented research that will be fostered and a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship woven inextricably into the University’s educational experience.
6. University of the Sunshine Coast
The University of the Sunshine Coast or USC is another cheap university that international students can attend. They started operation in the year 1996 with a measly enrollment rate of 624 students. USC has now grown into a big public university of 10,242 students, 18% of which are international learners. And has also progressed as one of the best universities in Australia despite its relatively young age.
This affordable university in Australia has its main campus at Sippy Downs and campuses at the Fraser Coast, Caboolture, and Gympie where, USC students can complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees in the fields of Business, Tourism & IT, Design & Communication, Creative Industry, Engineering & Science, Education, or Health & Sports Science. Undergraduate Tuition Fees: From AUD 25,000 (USD 18,000) Per Year and Graduate Tuition Fees: From AUD 14,000 (USD 10,100) Per Year
7. Charles Darwin University
Another cheap university that international students can attend is Charles Darwin University. it is also a public educational institution that opened in 2003 following the merger between 3 schools. While it is headquartered in Darwin, CDU also oversees 8 branches within the region.
CDU offers vocational and university courses in the areas of Business & Law, Education, Engineering & IT, Health & Human Science, Indigenous Society, and Nursing & Midwifery. their Undergraduate Tuition Fees start from AUD 25,000 (USD 18,000) Per Year and Graduate Tuition Fees starts From AUD 15,000 (USD 10,800) Per Year
The CDU, which is one of the most affordable universities in Australia, has an enrollment rate of only 6,200+ students. Although this is the case, it has a diverse population with 30% coming from outside Australia.
8. Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University is a multi-campus university on Australia’s east coast. It has a reputation as a progressive institution with branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Other campuses are located in southeast Queensland, New South Wales, and Coffs Harbour. This university also delivers degrees with collaborators in China and Papua New Guinea. Bachelor studies for international students cost 23,564 USD/year, and the Master’s (foreigners 24,129 USD/year.
9. The University of Southern Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland was founded in 1967 as the Darling Downs campus of the QIT. It is a medium-sized, regional university where International students can offer courses in law, health, engineering, science, and other related fields. This cheap university in Australia ranked top 86 young universities worldwide, and to create a positive influence on local communities around the world, this university offers cheap tuition for International students.
10. Australian Catholic University
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a top-rated public university in Queensland, Australia. It opened in 1991 following the amalgamation of 4 institutions some of which have been around since the 1800s. ACU offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its 4 faculties, namely Education & Arts, Health Sciences, Law & Business, and Theology & Philosophy.
The university also holds a satellite branch in Rome together with the Catholic University of America. Although the university is not geared towards research, ACU is aiming to increase such activity through its intensification program. The undergraduate tuition fees start from AUD 25,000 (USD 18,000) Per Year and the graduate tuition fees: From AUD 25,000 (USD 18,000) Per Year.
Conclusion
The average tuition for the universities on the above list is 15,000 USD; in comparison to the tuition for universities in other regions of the world, we consider this to be cheap. If you are unable to pay this price, you should think about applying for an international student scholarship in Australia. Considering that you won’t have to worry about additional costs, this is a safer choice. Additionally, you can enrol in any other affordable international institutions in other countries if you are unsure that you can go as far as studying in Australia.
If you are confident that you can comfortably handle all other expenses, including the flight ticket, visa application fee, lodging, meals, and transportation in Australia, you can apply to study at any of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students.