Cheapest Universities in Australia

Studying in Australia can be affordable, with international tuition fees at some universities generally starting between AUD 22,000-38,000 (approximately 15.08L-26.05L) per year. Options such as the University of Southern Queensland, Federation University Australia, and the University of the Sunshine Coast are among the cheapest universities in Australia for international students.

Selecting the cheapest university in Australia can help international students manage their study expenses while finding a course that matches their academic goals. However, tuition fees, living costs, course options, and the location of the university should also be considered.

In this article, you will explore affordable universities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses, along with their rankings. You will also learn about additional expenses, scholarships, affordable cities, and the key factors to consider when choosing a university that fits your budget and study goals.

Affordable Universities in Australia for Undergraduate Courses

For students planning to pursue a bachelors degree in Australia, comparing the fees of a course can help in determining the most suitable options according to their financial capabilities. These courses are available in diverse fields of study including business, technology, health, engineering, and science.

The table below shows the undergraduate tuition fees and some popular bachelor's degrees offered by the cheapest universities in Australia:

University	Approximate Undergraduate Annual Tuition Fee (AUD/approximately in INR)	Popular Undergraduate Courses
Federation University Australia	AUD 22,000-30,000 (INR 15.08L-20.57L)	• Bachelor of Business • Bachelor of Information Technology • Bachelor of Nursing • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Charles Darwin University	AUD 25,000-32,000 (INR 17.14L-21.94L)	• Bachelor of Business • Bachelor of Accounting • Bachelor of Computer Science • Bachelor of Health Science
University of Southern Queensland	AUD 28,800-37,840 (INR 19.74L-25.94L)	• Bachelor of Accounting • Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences • Bachelor of Agricultural Technology • Bachelor of Aviation
University of the Sunshine Coast	AUD 28,500-33,500 (INR 19.54L-22.96L)	• Bachelor of Primary Education • Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology • Bachelor of Commerce • Bachelor of Nursing Science
Southern Cross University	AUD 26,000 (INR 17.82L)	• Bachelor of Information Technology • Bachelor of Business and Enterprise • Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management • Bachelor of Environmental Science

Note: These are approximate tuition fees and may vary based on the course and other university-specific conditions.

Affordable Universities in Australia for Postgraduate Courses

If you are considering getting a masters degree in Australia and you are concerned about having to pay for the cost of your studies, do not worry because there are several affordable universities which offer postgraduate courses in business, technology, education, health and engineering.

The table shown below gives an estimate of tuition fees and popular course options offered by the cheapest universities in Australia for postgraduate international students:

University	Approximate Postgraduate Tuition Fee (AUD/approximately in INR)	Popular Postgraduate Courses
Federation University Australia	AUD 24,000-32,000 (INR 16.45L-21.94L)	• Master of Business Administration • Master of Information Technology • Master of Professional Accounting • Master of Engineering Technology
Southern Cross University	AUD 26,000-32,000 (INR 17.82L-21.94L)	• Master of Business Administration • Master of Information Technology • Master of Teaching • Master of Health and Human Services
Charles Sturt University	AUD 26,000-34,000 (INR 17.82L-23.31L)	• Master of Business Administration • Master of Information Systems • Master of Professional Accounting • Master of Education
Central Queensland University	AUD 28,000-36,000 (INR 19.19L-24.68L)	• Master of Business Administration • Master of Information Technology • Master of Public Health • Master of Engineering
University of Southern Queensland	AUD 30,000-38,000 (INR 20.57L-26.05L)	• Master of Business Administration • Master of Information Technology • Master of Engineering Science • Master of Professional Psychology

Note: Tuition fees may vary by course, specialization, and academic year.

Affordable Universities in Australia for PhD Courses

The costs for a PhD in Australian universities can differ significantly based on the university and the field of study. By comparing the costs of different educational organizations, students will be able to choose the most affordable option in the country that suits their goals and budget.

The table below outlines approximate tuition costs and major areas of study:

University	Approximate PhD Tuition Fee (AUD/approximately in INR)	Popular PhD Courses
Federation University Australia	AUD 29,000-33,000 (INR 19.87L-22.62L)	• Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) • Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) • Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences) • Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
University of Southern Queensland	AUD 32,000-38,000 (INR 21.94L-26.05L)	• Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) • Doctor of Philosophy (Business and Management) • Doctor of Philosophy (Sciences) • Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
University of New England	AUD 33,800-36,300 (INR 23.17L-24.88L)	• Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture) • Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science) • Doctor of Philosophy (Education) • Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
Southern Cross University	AUD 35,000 (INR 23.99L)	• Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science) • Doctor of Philosophy (Marine Science) • Doctor of Philosophy (Business) • Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
University of the Sunshine Coast	AUD 32,500 (INR 22.28L)	• Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science) • Doctor of Philosophy (Health and Wellbeing) • Doctor of Philosophy (Education) • Doctor of Philosophy (Sustainability)

Note: Actual PhD costs may vary depending on the research area, program duration, and university fee updates. 

Rankings of Affordable Universities in Australia

Tuition fees are not the only consideration when selecting which university to attend. Rankings can also aid students in the task of comparing reputation and standing worldwide while searching for an affordable university in Australia. 

The table below displays the locations and global rankings of the universities discussed:

University	Location	QS World University Rankings 2027
University of Southern Queensland	Toowoomba, Queensland	#411 (tie)
Central Queensland University	Rockhampton, Queensland	#436 (tie)
Charles Darwin University	Darwin, Northern Territory	#551 (tie)
Southern Cross University	Lismore, New South Wales	#634 (tie)
University of the Sunshine Coast	Sunshine Coast, Queensland	#851-900
Charles Sturt University	Bathurst, New South Wales	#951-1000
University of New England	Armidale, New South Wales	#1201-1400
Federation University Australia	Ballarat, Victoria	Not listed

Additional Costs to Consider When Studying in Australia

In addition to tuition fees, there are some expenses that international students must budget for while planning to study in Australia. It is important to keep these in mind even when choosing an affordable university so that one can stay on budget and minimize any surprise costs incurred while studying.

1. Application Fees

Application costs for universities in Australia range from AUD 50-150 (approximately INR 3,430 to 10,280) per application. However, some universities may waive the application fee for international students or applications submitted through approved education agents.

2. Student Visa Fees

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). The base visa application fee is AUD 2,500 (approximately INR 1.71L) for the primary applicant.

3. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It’s usually costs around AUD 620-850 (approximately INR 42,500-58,270) per year for one person and it varies according to the provider and the duration of cover. 

4. Books and Study Materials

Textbooks, software, digital subscriptions, stationery, and course-related materials can cost around AUD 500-1,500 (approximately INR 34,280-1.02L) per year, depending on your program.

5. Accommodation

These can be one of the biggest expenses while studying in Australia. International students can expect to spend approximately AUD 1,700-2,700 (approximately INR 1.6L-1.85L) per month, depending on the accommodation type and the area.

6. Food and Transportation

Monthly expenses for groceries, dining out, and public transport usually range between AUD 400-800 (approximately INR 27,420-54,840) per month, depending on lifestyle and location.

7. Other Student Expenses

Additional costs such as mobile phone plans, home internet, personal expenses, entertainment, and leisure activities may require AUD 200-600 (approximately INR 13,710-41,130) per month.

Note: Actual expenses may vary depending on location, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.

Suggested Read: Cost of Living in Australia

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Australia

International students who want to cut costs on their higher education expenses can benefit from scholarships. To lower the tuition fee, along with choosing the cheapest university in Australia, one should apply for appropriate scholarships.

University Scholarships

Universities in Australia offer several scholarships for international students, including Indian students. These awards may reduce tuition fees and are usually based on academic performance.

Here are two university scholarship options to consider:

International Student Scholarship

• What it covers: Selected universities may offer tuition fee discounts of around 10% to 20%. 
• Who can apply: International students which can include Indian students are encouraged to apply if they meet the academic standards of the university.

Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship

• What it covers: Scholarships may be offered either partially or fully depending on the university. 
• Who can apply: International students with excellent academic records and other strong achievements. 

Australian Government Scholarships

Government-supported funding is mainly useful for students who meet specific eligibility requirements. Indian students should carefully check whether a scholarship is open to them.

Here are two options to consider:

Research Training Program (RTP)

• What it covers: Eligible research masters and PhD students may receive a tuition fee offset and a living stipend. The minimum full-time stipend rate is AUD 34,315 (approximately INR 23.52L) per year. 
• Who can apply: Open to eligible international students pursuing a masters by Research or PhD in participating universities in Australia. 

Destination Australia Scholarship

• What it covers: Scholarship amounts vary by participating education provider and funding arrangements. 
• Who can apply: International applicants who are studying at a recognized regional campus in Australia are accepted.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Such scholarships are designed to reward achievements of applicants in academic performance as well as other accomplishments. Australian universities offer a wide variety of merit-based scholarships to international students who meet specific criteria.

Here are two merit-based scholarship options:

Academic Excellence Scholarship

• What it covers: Depending on the university, students may receive a tuition fee discount or a fixed scholarship amount. Some awards can range from AUD 4,000-10,000 (approximately INR 2.74L-6.86L). 
• Who can apply: International students with excellent academic marks, often based on their previous school or university results. 

Sports and Leadership Scholarship

• What it covers: The scholarship amount varies and may provide financial support towards tuition or other approved study expenses. 
• Who can apply: Eligible candidates include students with accomplishments in fields such as sports, leadership, community service, or other activities outside of the school curriculum.

Note: Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements vary by university and may change by intake. 

Suggested Read: Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia

Affordable Cities in Australia for International Students

Students considering budget-friendly universities in Australia will also want to take a look at the costs of the surrounding area to make sure they can afford to live there on a monthly basis.

Below is a table indicating the average living costs for international students studying in the highlighted Australian cities:

City	Approximately Monthly Living Cost (AUD/approximately in INR)
Hobart	AUD 1,700-2,400 (INR 1.17L-1.64L)
Wollongong	AUD 1,900-2,700 (INR 1.30L-1.85L)
Adelaide	AUD 2,200-3,000 (INR 1.51L-2.06L)
Perth	AUD 2,300-3,100 (INR 1.58L-2.12L)
Brisbane	AUD 2,400-3,200 (INR 1.65L-2.19L)

Note: Actual monthly expenses can vary depending on rent, food, transport, lifestyle, and personal spending.

How to Choose Affordable Universities in Australia?

When choosing a university, the focus should not solely be on the amount of tuition. The total cost of the program, accommodation, scholarships, and return of investment on the degree should all be taken into consideration when searching for affordable universities in Australia. 

1. Total Tuition Fee

The total costs for the whole course must be considered and not just the tuition costs for the first year. A university that charges a lower tuition fee for a single year may be more expensive if its course lasts a longer period. 

2. Course and Program Duration

The course duration is important to note when considering the affordability of a course. The longer the course, the more expensive it is likely to be. Therefore, a one-year masters degree program will be cheaper than its two-year counterpart.

3. Living Costs

Apart from the tuition fees, one has to consider the cost of living. This includes accommodation and other daily expenses such as groceries, transport, bills, and more. Therefore, it might be cheaper to study in a regional city or share housing accommodation to reduce the overall cost of living.

4. Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers

It is necessary to find out if the university provides scholarships for international students. Scholarship or waiver from tuition will help reduce amounts for funding the studies. 

5. Application Fees

Some universities charge application fees while others do not. Therefore, when comparing the cost between different universities, it is essential to consider the application costs, particularly if one intends to apply to several institutions.

6. Course Quality and University Reputation

Even though inexpensive courses are appealing, assessing the quality of the course and status of the university is important when determining the overall value of any course. So, detailed research on the course and the university is needed. 

7. Overall Return on Investment (ROI)

Finally, another step to take in the assessment is to make ROI analysis. Compare the expenses and revenues of the course ensuring that job safety and conditions are included in the analysis, as well as salary, work experience, and importance of degrees obtained in the chosen field.

Conclusion

Australia offers a variety of courses ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate studies and even PhD programs. The costs of these programs differ depending on the institution and the specific course selected. However, enrolling in a program in smaller cities and towns can help you save a significant amount of money.

Various scholarships, awards, and research funding opportunities are available to international students at most institutions. Therefore, considering such factors as total tuition fees, course duration, housing, scholarships, and employment opportunities is essential when selecting an university.

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