Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students (2025)

When it comes to pursuing higher studies in a country like Australia, you must factor in the overall fees and cost of study. Most of the universities in Australia are expensive, and thus, they can upset your overall budget. Certain low-cost universities in Australia can help you cut down on costs. These low-cost universities in Australia for international students offer quality and exposure at an affordable cost.

It is easy for the majority of foreign students to study in Australia and to obtain a study permit. You can receive a high-quality education at a low cost from some of the universities in Australia. What's more, affordable universities in Australia are not difficult to obtain, since the majority of Australian universities are publicly funded.

Why Choose Australia for Higher Education?

Australia has consistently ranked among the most popular study-abroad destinations for students worldwide. From top-tier academics to excellent career opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle, it offers a complete package. Some of the most compelling reasons to study in Australia include:

1. Top-Class Education and Global Recognition

Australian universities are known for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching methods. Many consistently rank among the world’s Top 100, ensuring that an Australian degree is highly respected in the global job market.

2. Wide Range of Courses

Whether you’re passionate about STEM, business, healthcare, creative arts, or social sciences, Australian universities offer diverse programs tailored to meet different career goals. This variety makes it easier for students to align education with their aspirations.

3. Work Opportunities During Study

International students in Australia can work part-time for up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during breaks. This not only helps with living expenses but also provides valuable work experience and employability skills.

4. Post-Study Work Visa Options

Graduates can extend their stay through post-study work visas, which allow them to transition into the workforce, gain international experience, and build professional networks in Australia.

5. Multicultural Environment and Lifestyle

Australia is safe, welcoming, and culturally diverse. Students benefit from vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and a healthy balance of academics and lifestyle, making study abroad a more enriching experience.

6. Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Numerous scholarships offered by universities, the Australian government, and private organizations make studying more affordable. Students can explore platforms like Scholarshiplit.com to find suitable funding options tailored to their needs.

Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students (2025)

Below is a list of universities that are widely considered affordable, along with their tuition fees and key details:

1. University of Divinity (Melbourne, Victoria)

Founded in 1910, this is one of the oldest and most affordable universities in Australia, specializing in theology and divinity studies. With excellent faculty-to-student ratios, it is also ranked highly for student satisfaction (92%).

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 14,939
5. Masters – AUD 16,806
6. PhD – AUD 14,000
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.0–7.5, TOEFL 79+, PTE 59

2. University of Southern Queensland (Queensland)

Established in 1967, USQ offers over 700 programs across fields such as engineering, law, business, arts, and science. It is known for affordability and a strong teaching environment.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 22,409
5. Masters – AUD 24,276
6. MBA – AUD 16,806
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.0–7.5, TOEFL 80–100, PTE 50

3. University of the Sunshine Coast (Queensland)

Founded in 1994, USC emphasizes modern teaching and offers more than 120 degree programs. It is popular for business, IT, creative industries, and education.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Diploma, Masters, MBA
3. Annual Fees:
4. Bachelor’s – AUD 24,276
5. Masters – AUD 22,409
6. MBA – AUD 26,144
7. Diploma – AUD 18,674
8. English Requirements: IELTS 6.0–7.5, TOEFL 80–100, PTE 50

4. University of Queensland (Brisbane, Queensland)

Although fees are on the higher end, UQ is one of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities and is globally recognized for research excellence.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
3. Annual Fees:
4. Bachelor’s – AUD 44,818
5. Masters – AUD 37,348
6. PhD – AUD 54,155
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.5–7.5, TOEFL 87, PTE 50

5. Griffith University (Queensland)

Founded in 1971, Griffith is known for its strong programs in medical sciences, business, and innovative research such as malaria vaccine development.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA, PGDM
3. Annual Fees:
4. Bachelor’s – AUD 35,000
5. Masters – AUD 29,214
6. MBA – AUD 40,169
7. PGDM – AUD 36,517
8. English Requirements: IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL 95

6. Western Sydney University (Sydney, New South Wales)

Founded in 1989, WSU is among the most affordable universities in Sydney, focusing on career-oriented programs in arts, medicine, and business.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA, PhD
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 21,000
5. Masters – AUD 56,821
6. MBA – AUD 32,993
7. PhD – AUD 2,870 per credit
8. English Requirements: IELTS 6.5–7.5, TOEFL 94, PTE 69+

7. Charles Sturt University (New South Wales)

Established in 1989, CSU is known for affordability and flexible learning options, especially appealing to students seeking distance education.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 16,000
5. Masters – AUD 20,000
6. MBA – AUD 28,011
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.5–7.5, TOEFL 94, PTE 69+

8. Edith Cowan University (Perth, Western Australia)

Founded in 1991, ECU stands out as the only Australian university named after a woman. It has a diverse international student community and affordable tuition.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 24,276
5. Masters – AUD 28,011
6. MBA – AUD 26,000
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.0–7.5, TOEFL 94–110, PTE 69+

9. Federation University Australia (Victoria)

Founded in 1870, FedUni is one of Australia’s oldest regional universities. It is particularly strong in applied mathematics, nursing, and environmental sciences.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 20,541
5. Masters – AUD 29,878
6. MBA – AUD 22,409
7. English Requirements: IELTS 6.0–7.5, TOEFL 94–110, PTE 69+

10. University of Wollongong (New South Wales)

Established in 1951, UOW has multiple campuses and ranks among the Top 200 globally. It is known for industry-focused programs and strong employability outcomes.

1. Type: Public
2. Programs: Bachelors, Masters, MBA, PhD
3. Annual Fees:
4. Undergraduate – AUD 40,325
5. Masters – AUD 20,000
6. MBA – AUD 43,991
7. PhD – AUD 2,870 per credit
8. English Requirements: IELTS 6.5–7.5

Tuition Fees in Australia (2025)

Domestic Students (Australian citizens and permanent residents)

1. Bachelor’s Degrees: Subsidized under Commonwealth-supported places (CSP). Contribution ranges from AUD 0 to AUD 8,800 per year, depending on discipline.
2. Master’s Degrees: Generally full-fee, though some financial aid and FEE-HELP loans are available.

International Students

1. Bachelor’s Degrees: Tuition ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 40,000 per year. Average cost: ~AUD 34,000 annually.
2. Master’s Degrees: Typically between AUD 22,000 and AUD 45,000 per year.
3. Specialized/Professional Programs (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Law): AUD 47,000–58,000 per year in 2025 at top universities.

Key Insights:

1. Domestic students benefit greatly from subsidies, paying far less than the real cost.
2. International students face higher tuition but can still find affordable programs starting around AUD 20,000 annually.
3. Professional programs and Go8 universities charge premium fees, often exceeding AUD 50,000 per year.
4. Tuition is increasing, with some universities raising fees by up to 7% in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Australia is an excellent destination for higher education, offering globally recognized degrees, diverse courses, and a welcoming environment. While tuition fees can be high, many universities provide affordable pathways for international students without compromising quality. By choosing from the institutions listed above and exploring available scholarships, you can achieve your academic goals in Australia at a manageable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cheapest university in Australia for international students?

The University of Divinity is one of the most affordable, with undergraduate tuition starting at AUD 14,939 per year. Other budget-friendly options include Charles Sturt University and Federation University Australia.

2. Can international students work while studying in Australia?

Yes. International students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and full-time during semester breaks. This helps cover living expenses and provides valuable work experience.

3. Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?

Absolutely. Scholarships are offered by universities, the Australian government, and private organizations. They may cover partial tuition, living costs, or both. Platforms like Scholarshiplit.com make it easier to discover available scholarships.

4. Is studying in Australia cheaper than in the UK or USA?

Generally, yes. While tuition in Australia can still be expensive, it is often lower than in the USA and comparable to or slightly more affordable than in the UK. Plus, Australia’s post-study work visa makes it a financially rewarding choice in the long term.

5. What is the average cost of studying in Australia in 2025?

On average, international students pay around AUD 20,000–45,000 per year for tuition, depending on the program and university. Professional courses such as medicine and engineering are higher, often reaching AUD 50,000+ annually.