30 Cheapest Universities in Australia for international students

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International students who wish to study in Australia without breaking the bank should consider applying and enrolling into the cheapest universities in Australia for international students listed in this article.

These universities offer affordable education without compromising their high quality of education.

Let’s get started.

Why Study in Australia?

Australian degrees and qualifications are internationally recognized, making them valuable assets for employment or education.

Australian living costs are relatively affordable compared to other countries, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

International students can work part-time or full-time during semester breaks, providing valuable work experience and financial support.

The Australian lifestyle, centered around outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, and hiking, provides a healthy and active lifestyle for students.

Most Australians are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for international students to settle in and make friends.

Universities in Australia provide a range of support services, including academic support, counseling, and career advice, ensuring students have the resources and support they need to succeed in their studies.

Below is a list of some of the most popular courses in Australia for international students:

  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Computer science
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Law
  • Health Sciences
  • Arts and humanities
  • Social sciences
  • Environmental science

List of the 30 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

Below is a list of the 30 cheapest universities in Australia for international students:

30 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

1. University of Divinity

  • Founded: 1970
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the University of Divinity is AUD 30,000 per year.
  • Ranking: The University of Divinity is ranked 1001+ in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
  • Accreditation: The University of Divinity is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered

  • Bachelor of Divinity
  • Master of Divinity
  • Doctor of Divinity
  • Master of Arts (Theology)
  • Master of Ministry
  • Master of Christian Studies
  • Graduate Diploma of Ministry
  • Graduate Certificate of Ministry

Financial aid: The University of Divinity offers a number of scholarships and financial aid options to students, including scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and Indigenous background.

2. University of Southern Queensland

USQ is a public university located in Queensland, Australia. It has two main campuses, one in Toowoomba and the other in Springfield

  • Founded: 1967
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for USQ is AUD 25,000 per year for international students. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some incidental costs.
  • Ranking: USQ is ranked 401-450 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: USQ is accredited by the Australian Government, which means that its courses meet the required standards of quality and education.

Courses offered: USQ offers a wide range of courses, including business, engineering, education, health, and law.

Financial aid: USQ offers a variety of financial aid options for students from low-income families, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. These options are available to both domestic and international students.

3. University of Queensland

UQ is a public research university in Queensland, Australia.

  • Founded: 1909,
  • Ranking: It is the highest-ranked university in Queensland and is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world.
  • Tuition fee: Tuition fees for international students is A$38,000 per year.
  • Accreditation: UQ is accredited by the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which are the world’s three major business school accreditation organizations.

Courses: UQ offers a wide range of courses across a variety of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, and science.

Financial aid: There are a number of financial aid options available for international students at UQ. These include scholarships, grants, and loans.

4. University of Sunshine Coast

The University of Sunshine Coast (USC) is a public university located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia.

  • Founded: 1996
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at USC is AUD 28,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some textbooks.
  • Ranking: USC is ranked 451-500 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: USC is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which is the national body responsible for quality assurance in higher education in Australia.

Courses offered: USC offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, health, science, and engineering.

Financial aid: USC offers a variety of financial aid options for students from low-income families.

5. University of Canberra

  • Founded: 1967
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at the University of Canberra is AUD 28,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, student services, and amenities.
  • World ranking: The University of Canberra is ranked 401-450 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: The University of Canberra is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: The University of Canberra offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, health, law, and the arts.

Financial aid: The University of Canberra offers a number of scholarships, loans, and bursaries to eligible students.

6. Charles Darwin University

  • Founded: 1989
  • Location: Located in Darwin, Australia
  • Tuition fees: AUD 26,000-40,000 per year (international students)
  • World ranking: CDU is ranked 501-600 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

Courses offered: CDU offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines. Some of the most popular courses include business, education, health, law, science, and technology.

Financial aid: CDU offers a variety of financial aid options for eligible students, including scholarships, loans, and grants. These options can help to make the cost of studying at CDU more affordable.

7. Southern Cross University

  • Founded: 1992
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at Southern Cross University is AUD 27,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, administration, and student services.
  • Ranking: Southern Cross University is ranked 461-480 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: Southern Cross University is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: Southern Cross University offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including business, law, education, health, science, and engineering.

Financial aid: Southern Cross University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

8. Australian Catholic University

  • Founded: 1991
  • Tuition fees: AUD 27,000-35,000 per year (domestic students); AUD 38,000-45,000 per year (international students)
  • World University Rankings: ACU is ranked 601-800 in the world university rankings by Times Higher Education.
  • Accreditation: Australian Catholic University is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: ACU offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, health, law, and social sciences.

Financial aid: ACU offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

9. Victoria University

Victoria University is a private university located in Toronto, Canada.

  • Founded: 1891.
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for domestic students at Victoria University is CAD 7,021 per year. The tuition fee for international students is CAD 18,251 per year.
  • Ranking: Victoria University is ranked 901-1000 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Canadian Association of University Business Schools and Programs (CAUSBP).

Courses offered: Victoria University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in business, arts, science, engineering, law, and health sciences.

Financial aid: Victoria University offers a variety of financial aid to students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans. The university also has a financial aid office that can help students apply for financial aid.

10. University of New England

The University of New England was founded in 1831 as a small liberal arts college. It has since grown into a large, comprehensive university with over 10,000 students.

  • Founded: 1831
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee at UNE is $43,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
  • Ranking: UNE is ranked in the top 100 universities in the United States by US News & World Report.
  • Accreditation: The University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Courses offered: UNE offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, nursing, education, and the arts.

Financial aid: A variety of scholarships, grants, and loans are available to students.

11. James Cook University

  • Founded: 1961
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at JCU is AUD $ 35,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services fees, and some other costs.
  • Ranking: JCU is ranked 301-350 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: JCU is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: JCU offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, health, science, and education.

Financial aid: JCU offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

12. Griffith University

Griffith University was founded in 1971 as a merger of two smaller universities, the Queensland Institute of Technology and the Colleges of Advanced Education at Southport and Mount Gravatt.

  • Founded: 1971
  • Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at Griffith University is AUD 28,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and health insurance.
  • World ranking: Griffith University is ranked 351-400 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: Griffith University is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: Griffith University offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, across a wide range of disciplines. Some of the most popular courses include business, law, engineering, health, education, and tourism.

Financial aid: Griffith University offers a variety of financial aid options for domestic and international students, including scholarships, loans, and grants. These options are available to help students cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other study-related costs.

13. Western Sydney University

  • Founded: 1989
  • Tuition fees: Tuition fees for international students at WSU are around AUD 28,400 per year.
  • World ranking: WSU is ranked 471-480 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: WSU is accredited by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: Over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, health, education, and arts

Financial aid: WSU offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

14. Charles Sturt University

CSU has four campuses located in New South Wales and one campus in Queensland.

  • Founded: 1989
  • Tuition fee: AUD 25,000 per year (international students)
  • Ranking: 401-450 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

Courses offered: CSU offers a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines, including Agriculture, business, education, engineering, health, and social sciences.

Financial aid: CSU offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

15. Queensland University of Technology

  • Founded: 1908
  • Tuition fee: AUD 29,000-37,000 per year for international students
  • Ranking: QUT is ranked among the top 150 universities in the world.
  • Accreditation: QUT is accredited by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered

  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Information technology
  • Health Sciences
  • Creative industries
  • Science
  • Education
  • Law
  • Built environment
  • Design

Financial aid: QUT offers a number of financial aid options for international students. These include scholarships, loans, and grants.

16. Edith Cowan University

ECU is a public university in Western Australia. The university has a strong focus on research, and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

  • Founded: 1991
  • Tuition fee: AUD 30,000 per year (international students)
  • Ranking: 101-150 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: ECU is accredited by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, which ensures that the university meets high standards of education and teaching.

Courses offered

ECU offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the popular courses include:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social Sciences

Financial aid: ECU offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

17. University of Adelaide

  • Founded: 1874
  • Tuition fees: The tuition fee for an Australian undergraduate student is A$10,580 per year, while the tuition fee for an international undergraduate student is A$36,000 per year.
  • Ranking: The University of Adelaide is ranked 101-150 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • Accreditation: The University of Adelaide is accredited by TAFE SA, the South Australian Department of Education and Training. It is also accredited by the Australian Government.

Courses Offered.

  • Arts and humanities
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Science

Financial aid: The University of Adelaide offers a variety of financial aid options to help students with the cost of tuition and living expenses. These options include scholarships, bursaries, and loans.

18. Rmit University

RMIT University is a public university located in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded in 1887 as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

  • Founded: 1887
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at RMIT University is AUD 28,000 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some incidental costs.
  • Ranking: RMIT University is ranked 101-150 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: RMIT University is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which is the Australian government agency responsible for quality assurance in higher education.

Courses offered: RMIT University offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, design, IT, health, and education.

Financial aid: RMIT University offers a variety of financial aid options for students from low-income families, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

19. Macquarie University

Macquarie University is a public university located in Sydney, Australia. It is a large university with over 40,000 students.

  • Founded: 1964
  • Tuition fee: AUD 37,034 per year
  • Ranking: 11th in Australia by Times Higher Education (THE)
  • Accreditation: Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)

Courses offered

  • Arts and humanities
  • Business and economics
  • Engineering and technology
  • Health Sciences
  • Human sciences
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Science

Financial aid: Macquarie University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and tuition waivers.

20. University of Newcastle

  • Founded: 1965
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at the University of Newcastle is AUD 33,360 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some incidental costs.
  • Ranking: The University of Newcastle is ranked 251-300 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: The University of Newcastle is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: The University of Newcastle offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, health, humanities, law, science, and social sciences.

Financial aid: The University of Newcastle offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and grants. These options are based on financial need and academic merit.

21. University of New South Wales

  • Founded: 1949
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at UNSW is AUD $37,700 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some textbooks.
  • Ranking: UNSW is ranked 45th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: UNSW is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) in Australia.

Courses offered: UNSW offers over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, science, and the arts.

Financial aid: UNSW offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

22. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is the oldest university in Victoria, Australia. It was founded by the colonial government of Victoria and is named after Queen Victoria.

  • Founded: 1853
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students is AUD 38,000 per year.
  • Ranking: The University of Melbourne is ranked 37th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: The University of Melbourne is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: The University of Melbourne offers over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines. Some of the most popular courses include business, law, medicine, engineering, and science.

Financial aid: The University of Melbourne offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries. Scholarships are available based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both.

23. Monash University

Monash University is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia.

  • Founded: 1958
  • Tuition fees: AUD 37,990 per year for international students.
  • World ranking: Monash University is ranked 74th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accredited by: Monash University is accredited by the Australian Government Department of Education, Training and Employment.

Courses offered: Monash University offers over 800 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These courses are offered in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, science, and arts.

Financial aid: Monash University offers a variety of financial aid options for both domestic and international students.

24. Curtin University

Curtin University is an Australian public research university based in Bentley, Perth, Western Australia.

  • Founded: 1966
  • Location: Perth, Western Australia
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at Curtin University is AUD 29,000 per year.
  • World ranking: 251-300 (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

Courses offered: Over 1000 courses in 12 faculties, including business, engineering, science, health, education, and arts

Financial aid: Curtin University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students. These include scholarships, loans, and grants.

25. Central Queensland University

CQUniversity is a public university located in Queensland, Australia. It has five campuses located in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Emerald, and Mackay.

  • Founded: 1967
  • Tuition fees: AUD 27,000 per year for international students
  • World ranking: CQUniversity is ranked 251-300 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accredited by: CQUniversity is accredited by the Australian Government Department of Education, Training and Employment.

Courses offered: CQUniversity offers over 350 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These courses are offered in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, education, health, law, and science.

Financial aid: CQUniversity offers a variety of financial aid options for both domestic and international students. These options include scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

26. University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast is a public university

  • Founded: 1996
  • Located: Queensland, Australia
  • Tuition fees: For international students, the tuition fees range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 35,000 per year.
  • World University Rankings: USC is ranked 801-1000 in the world university rankings by QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

Courses offered: USC offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some of the most popular courses include business, education, nursing, and engineering.

Financial aid: USC offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their studies. These options include scholarships, loans, and grants.

27. Federation University Australia

Federation University Australia is a public, multi-sector university based in Ballarat in Victoria, Australia.

  • Founded: 1993
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at Federation University Australia is AUD 28,864 per year. This fee covers tuition, compulsory student services, and some incidental costs.
  • Ranking: 451-500 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: The university is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered

Federation University Australia offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including:

  • Arts and humanities
  • Business and economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social sciences

Financial aid: The university offers a number of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and grants.

28. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong is an Australian public research university in the coastal city of Wollongong.

  • Founded: 1951
  • Located: Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
  • Tuition fees: The tuition fees for international students at the University of Wollongong are AUD $ 33,300 per year for undergraduate studies and AUD $ 37,800 per year for postgraduate studies.
  • Ranking: Ranked 270th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

Courses

The University of Wollongong offers over 350 courses across 10 faculties, including:

  • Arts
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Health
  • Law
  • Science
  • Social Sciences.

Financial aid: Available for eligible students, including scholarships, loans, and grants.

29. La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

  • Founded: 1967
  • Located: Melbourne, Australia
  • Tuition fees for international students: AUD$38,000 per year (undergraduate) and AUD$43,000 per year (postgraduate)
  • Ranking: 110th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2023
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
  • Financial aid: Financial aid is available for international students who need help with the cost of their studies. This includes scholarships, loans, and grants.

30. University of Sydney

University of Sydney is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia.

  • Founded: 1850
  • Tuition fee: The tuition fees for international students at the University of Sydney are AUD 47,000 per year for undergraduate studies and AUD 55,000 per year for postgraduate studies.
  • World ranking: The University of Sydney is ranked 44th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • Accredited by: The University of Sydney is accredited by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Courses offered: Over 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including arts, law, medicine, engineering, business, and science

Financial aid: The University of Sydney offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

FAQs on the Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

Are the cheapest universities in Australia compromising on quality?

Not necessarily. Many affordable universities maintain high educational standards and offer a wide range of programs for international students.

Are scholarships available for international students at these universities?

Yes, many universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help international students manage their expenses.

Can international students work while studying in Australia?

Yes, international students are usually allowed to work part-time during their studies. This can help offset their living expenses.

How can international students make the most of their experience at these universities?

Get involved in campus activities, utilize academic resources, explore the local culture, and connect with fellow students to enhance your overall experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australia is a good place to study due to several reasons such as affordability. As we said earlier, many affordable universities maintain high educational standards and offer a wide range of programs for international students.

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