Cheap Universities in Australia

Public universities offer more affordable tuition fees compared to private institutions, especially for domestic students.
The most affordable tuition fees for international students should cost less than 24,000 Australian dollars per year.
Numerous scholarships and financial aid options are available to help manage tuition and living expenses for both domestic and international students.

Australia is a highly sought-after destination for international students due to its excellent education system, diverse range of programs, and high standard of living. However, living costs in Australia can be relatively high, averaging around AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,500 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. Students often find part-time work to support themselves.

But the question is: can you study a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Australia without breaking the bank? The answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. Out of all degree options in Oceania, Australian universities simply aren't as affordable as most European countries, for example.

On our portals, you can explore around 5,000 Bachelor's degrees and more than 3,000 Master's degrees in Australia, offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.

Cheapest Universities in Australia

Most affordable universities in Australia, according to our data:

Here's a list of the universities in Australia that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available Bachelor's and Master's degrees for both international and domestic students:

Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is Australia's leading public research university, located in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Known for its excellence in research and strong programs in law, medicine, engineering, and the arts, it consistently ranks among the top universities globally. The university offers competitive tuition fees with various scholarships and financial aid options available. Student life is dynamic and enriched by Melbourne's diverse cultural scene, numerous cafes, art galleries, and sports events, providing a well-rounded experience.

2. Curtin University, Perth

Curtin University, located in Perth, is a prominent public university known for its strong emphasis on technology, science, engineering, and business programs. Curtin is highly regarded for its research output and industry partnerships. The university offers relatively affordable tuition fees with various scholarships and financial aid options available. Student life at Curtin is vibrant, with a modern campus, active student clubs, and the beautiful city of Perth offering a range of cultural and outdoor activities.

3. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT), based in Brisbane, is known for its focus on real-world education and strong programs in engineering, business, and creative industries. As a public university, QUT provides competitive tuition fees and a variety of scholarships. The student experience at QUT is lively, with a bustling campus, numerous student organizations, and the energetic urban environment of Brisbane enhancing both academic and social life.

4. University of Canberra, Canberra

The University of Canberra, located in Australia’s capital city, is a public university renowned for its strong focus on professional education and research. It offers excellent programs in health, education, and public administration. The university provides affordable tuition fees and various scholarships and financial aid options. Student life is engaging, with a supportive campus community, modern facilities, and the rich cultural and political environment of Canberra providing ample opportunities for growth and development.

5. Western Sydney University, Sydney

Western Sydney University is a public institution with multiple campuses across Sydney. It is known for its diverse academic offerings, particularly in business, health sciences, and social sciences. The university offers competitive tuition fees and numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Student life is vibrant, supported by a multicultural campus community, a range of student organizations, and Sydney’s dynamic cultural and recreational activities.

Cheapest Universities in Australia

6. La Trobe University, Melbourne

La Trobe University, located in Melbourne, is a public university known for its strong research focus and programs in health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university offers competitive tuition fees with various scholarships and financial aid options available. La Trobe provides a lively student experience, with an active campus life, modern facilities, and Melbourne’s diverse cultural and social scene enhancing student life.

7. Victoria University, Melbourne

Victoria University, based in Melbourne, is a public institution recognized for its practical and career-focused education. It offers strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. The university provides affordable tuition fees and various scholarships and financial aid options. Student life at Victoria University is dynamic, with a supportive campus community, numerous student organizations, and the vibrant city of Melbourne offering a wide range of cultural and social activities.

8. Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has campuses across New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It is known for its strong programs in agriculture, health sciences, and education. As a public university, CSU offers competitive tuition fees and a variety of scholarships and financial aid options. Student life at CSU is enriched by a strong sense of community, modern facilities, and a focus on practical and professional education.

9. Swinburne Online

Swinburne Online is the digital arm of Swinburne University of Technology, offering flexible and accessible online education. It is known for its strong programs in business, information technology, and communication. Tuition fees are competitive, and various financial aid options are available. Swinburne Online provides a supportive online learning environment with resources and services designed to help students succeed while balancing other commitments.

10. Kaplan Business School

Kaplan Business School, with campuses in major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, is a private institution known for its business and management programs. While tuition fees are higher compared to public universities, Kaplan offers various scholarships and payment plans to assist students. The school provides a supportive learning environment with a strong focus on employability and career readiness, along with a range of student services and activities.

11. Stanley College, Perth

Stanley College, located in Perth, is a private institution offering vocational and higher education programs in business, health, and hospitality. Tuition fees are higher than public universities, but the college provides various scholarships and flexible payment options. Stanley College offers a supportive and practical learning environment, with a focus on industry connections and real-world skills. Student life is active, with modern facilities and Perth’s vibrant cultural and recreational activities enhancing the overall experience.

Additional Tips for Finding Affordable Education in Australia

Scholarships and financial aid options: Scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Australia. Explore the scholarship search on Mastersportal, where you can find numerous scholarships available in Australia. These scholarships, offered by universities, government bodies, and private organisations, cater to various fields of study and student profiles, making education more accessible and affordable.
Part-time work opportunities for students: As an international student in Australia, you can work part-time while studying. The student visa typically allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. This not only helps cover living expenses but also provides valuable work experience. Many students find jobs in retail, hospitality, and administrative roles, which are flexible and easy to manage alongside studies.

Living expenses and how to manage them effectively: Living expenses in Australia can be high, but with careful planning, you can manage them effectively. Consider shared accommodation to cut down on rent, cook at home to save on food costs, and use public transportation or a bicycle for commuting. Budgeting apps can help track your expenses, and student discounts on various services and products can further reduce costs. By being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

What are the most affordable tuition fees for students in Australia

Australia offers a diverse landscape for higher education with significant variations in tuition fees between public and private institutions. Public universities provide more affordable options, especially for domestic students, but tuition can still be high for international students. Private universities generally charge higher tuition fees but often offer specialised programs and smaller class sizes.

Free tuition in Australia

Free tuition programs in Australia are rare. However, the government provides significant subsidies for domestic students, which can reduce the overall cost of higher education. Some universities offer scholarships and financial aid to further assist students in managing their tuition fees.

Affordable fees for domestic Bachelor’s in Australia

For domestic students in Australia, tuition fees are relatively high compared to other countries, such as Canada, the UK, and Ireland. According to data from Studyportals:
The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees cost between AUD 0 and AUD 5,000 yearly, for domestic students.
Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for domestic students in Australia cost less than AUD 6,000.

Affordable fees for domestic Master’s in Australia

The cheapest Master’s programs for domestic students in Australia cost between AUD 8,000 and AUD 17,000.
Tuition fees between AUD 17,000 and AUD 21,000 can be considered moderately affordable for local students in Australia.

Affordable fees for international Bachelor’s in Australia

The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees for international students cost between AUD 10,000 and AUD 22,000 per year.
International Bachelor’s with tuition fees between AUD 22,000 and AUD 25,000 can also be considered moderately affordable.

Affordable fees for international Master’s in Australia

The cheapest Master’s programs for international students in Australia start at AUD 12,000 and reach up to AUD 24,000 per year.
Half of the MA degrees for international students in Australia cost less than AUD 28,000.

NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals at the date of publishing this article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australia remains a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and diverse academic programs. Although living costs can be high, numerous universities offer affordable tuition fees, especially for domestic students. Public universities generally provide more economical options compared to private institutions, and various scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available to help offset costs. With its vibrant student life and excellent academic reputation, Australia offers a compelling option for students seeking a rewarding educational experience.

Methodology

We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and yearly tuition fees for affordable degrees.
All tuition fees mentioned in this article are for 1 year of study.
We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in this country that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other university degrees listed on our website.
Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than half of the university degrees, but more expensive than the lowest 25% of degrees listed on our website
For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Other resources:

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are there tuition-free options available in Australia for international students?

Free tuition programs are rare in Australia. However, various scholarships and financial aid options are available to help manage tuition costs for both domestic and international students.

2. How much are the living costs for students in Australia?

The cost of living in Australia averages around AUD 1,700 to AUD 2,500 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.

3. Do public universities in Australia charge tuition fees?

Yes, public universities in Australia charge tuition fees, but they are generally more affordable than private universities. Domestic students often benefit from government subsidies, which reduce the overall cost.

4. Can international students get financial aid in Australia?

Yes, many Australian universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students to help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.

5. Which are some of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students?

Some of the most affordable universities for international students in Australia include the University of Melbourne, Curtin University, and Queensland University of Technology. Tuition fees for bachelor's degrees range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 22,000.

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