Low Cost Universities in Australia
Discover the most affordable universities in Australia for international students. Compare tuition costs, programs, and study options across nursing, engineering, business, and more.
TCF SEO Searching for low-cost universities in Australia that deliver quality education at affordable fees? International students can explore a range of institutions with tuition fees well under AUD 30,000 per year. This guide features a list of public universities in Australia with affordable tuition, highlights some of the most affordable universities in Australia, and explains how to find low-cost study paths in popular fields such as nursing, engineering, business, and civil engineering.
Table of Content
Why Choose Affordable Universities in Australia?
Top Affordable Universities in Australia
Why These Universities Are Low Cost
Tips for International Students Choosing Affordable Universities
Why Choose Affordable Universities in Australia?
Choosing affordable universities in Australia for international students can significantly reduce your financial burden. Lower tuition combined with regional living costs makes these institutions attractive for students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees without compromising academic quality. Many of these universities also offer scholarships and strong student support networks.
Top Affordable Universities in Australia
The following are some of the most affordable public universities for international students:
|
University |
Approx. Annual Tuition (AUD) |
Popular Fields |
Highlights |
|
Federation University of Australia |
22,000–23,000 |
Nursing, Education, Engineering |
|
|
University of Southern Queensland |
20,000–24,000 |
Business, Nursing, Engineering |
Regional study, flexible delivery |
|
University of the Sunshine Coast |
~22,000–23,000 |
Health Sciences, IT, Business |
Regional campus near Brisbane |
|
Southern Cross University |
21,000–28,000 |
Education, Tourism, Marine Science |
Coastal campuses, affordable fees |
|
University of New England (UNE) |
21,000–25,000 |
Humanities, Agriculture, Education |
Rural setting, cost-effective programs |
|
Charles Darwin University (CDU) |
20,000–25,000 |
Engineering, Health, Arts |
Tropical study environment, low fees |
|
Edith Cowan University (ECU) |
23,000–26,000 |
Nursing, Cybersecurity, Health Science |
Western Australian location, strong mid-tier ranking |
|
Western Sydney University (WSU) |
26,000–30,000 |
Business, Health, Engineering |
Multi-campus, affordable Sydney options |
|
Victoria University (VU) |
25,000–27,000 |
BBA, Business, Sport Sciences |
Melbourne location with reasonable funding |
|
University of Wollongong (UOW) |
~14,000–35,000 depending on the program |
Engineering, Science, Business |
One of the lowest tuition averages |
Programs in Specific Fields
1. Civil Engineering
Federation University, USQ, and UNE offer affordable civil engineering pathways, with tuition often under AUD 25,000/year. These schools also include regional campuses with lower living costs.
2. BBA & Business
The University of the Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University, and Victoria University offer comprehensive BBA or business degrees, starting from around AUD 22,000 to AUD 26,000.
3. Nursing
ECU, Charles Darwin University, and Federation University offer nursing degrees at a cost of AUD 22,000–24,000 for international students.
4. MBA
USQ, Southern Cross University, and the University of New England offer MBA programs ranging from approximately AUD 23,000–26,000, which is considerably lower than those of top-tier institutions.
Why These Universities Are Low Cost
- Regional or suburban campuses often maintain lower tuition and living expenses.
- They focus on accessible education and flexible delivery options.
- Many offer online or blended study modes that reduce costs.
- Smaller institutions often have strong student support, counselling, and internship networks.
Tips for International Students Choosing Affordable Universities
- Compare tuition and living costs by city or campus.
- Check for scholarships, bursaries, or early application discounts.
- Utilize regional campuses to reduce accommodation and travel expenses.
- Look for universities offering online or hybrid programs.
- Confirm any additional costs, such as insurance, student services fees, textbooks, or field trips.
Conclusion
Choosing cheap universities in Australia for international students does not mean compromising quality. Regional institutions, such as Federation University, USQ, UNE, and ECU, offer cost-effective degrees, strong employment outcomes, and supportive learning environments.
Whether you're seeking the cheapest universities in Australia for bachelor’s or master’s degrees, or targeting fields like civil engineering, business, or nursing, the options listed here offer accessible pathways with global recognition and lower financial barriers.
FAQs
- Which university is very cheapest in Australia for international students?
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) are considered the cheapest universities in Australia, with tuition fees starting around AUD 20,000–22,000 per year.
- Which university in Australia has a 100% acceptance rate?
Australia does not have a university with a strict 100% acceptance rate, but universities like Central Queensland University (CQU) and University of Southern Queensland (USQ) are known for their flexible entry requirements and high acceptance rates for international students.
- Is Australia a cheap country to study?
While Australia offers world-class education, it is not generally considered cheap. However, by choosing regional and low-cost universities such as Federation University, UNE, and Southern Cross University, students can study at much lower tuition and living expenses.
- Are there any free universities in Australia?
No, Australia does not have free universities for international students. However, scholarships and bursaries offered by public universities can significantly reduce tuition costs, and in some cases, cover up to 100% of tuition.