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49 Best & Cheapest Universities in Australia – Complete Details

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Fri, December 22, 2017 5:57 PM   Updated on Sat, July 15, 2023 9:14 PM   19 mins read

Source: International Universities

Australia is amongst one of the top destinations for studying abroad. As you might also know, studying abroad does not come cheap. However, there are some universities in Australia that can be affordable for international students planning to study in Australia.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia

These are the most affordable universities in Australia:

University of New England

The University of New England is located in the city of Amidala in northern central New South Wales. It is a public university in Australia. Each year, the University offers students more than $5 million in scholarships, prizes, and bursaries and more than $18 million for staff and students involved in the research. The university has approximately 22,500 students.

University fee of courses at University of New England:

The fees for various courses at the University of New England:

  1. Business degrees: $19,920
  2. Engineering/science: $25,560
  3. Arts and education: $21,800

Courses at the University of New England:

  1. Bachelor of Accounting
  2. Bachelor of Agriculture
  3. Bachelor of Arts
  4. Bachelor of Business
  5. Bachelor of Computer Science
  6. Bachelor of Economics
  7. Bachelor of Environmental Science
  8. Bachelor of Science

Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University was established in 2003, is an Australian public university. It has approximately a count of 22,083 students who pursue education through it. It is a member of the group of seven Innovative Research Universities in Australia.

The university offers a wide range of higher education degrees and vocational education and training courses with flexible study options, including part-time, external and online.

University fee of courses at Charles Darwin University

The fee for different courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$20,440
  2. Engineering/science:$26,000
  3. Arts and education:$18,520

Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is a popular university in its locality. It has its campuses at Lismore and Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales, and at the southern end of the Gold Coast in Queensland

This university is an Australian public university. The University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs and is organized into six schools and two colleges along leading research centers.

University fee of courses at Southern Cross University

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$20,560
  2. Engineering/science:$27,760
  3. Arts and education:$20,560

Courses at Southern Cross University

  1. Undergraduate Qualifying Program
  2. Career Start (Study Abroad)
  3. Diploma in Business
  4. Diploma in Science
  5. Associate Degree in Business

Read More:


Planning to Study in Australia get a shortlist of best universities according to your profile for studying in Australia
Planning to Study in Australia Get a shortlist of best universities according to your profile for studying in Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast is located at Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Australia. Having opened in 1996 as the Sunshine Coast University College with 524 students, it was renamed the University of the Sunshine Coast in 1999. 

The University of the Sunshine Coast is an Australian public university. It has seven major study areas: Business and Information Technology, Communication and Design, Education, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Law and Science and Engineering.

University fee of courses at University of the Sunshine Coast

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$20,600
  2. Arts and education:$20,600

Courses at the University of the Sunshine Coast

  1. Accounting, administration, economics, commerce
  2. Agriculture
  3. Allied health
  4. Behavioral science, social studies
  5. Clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual & performing arts
  6. Computing, built environment, other health
  7. Education
  8. Engineering, surveying
  9. Humanities
  10. Law
  11. Mathematics, statistics
  12. Medicine
  13. Nursing
  14. Science

University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland was established in 1967 and has its location in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.  The University of Southern Queensland has three university campus premises located at Toowoomba, Springfield, and Ipswich. It offers courses in law, health, engineering, the sciences, business, education, and the arts. 

The University of Southern Queensland is a medium-sized regional university in Australia. 

University fee of courses at University of Southern Queensland

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$22,300
  2. Engineering/science:$25,850
  3. Arts and education:$21,920

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University is located in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. The university is an Australian multi-campus public university. 

It offers various Distance Education programs at Bachelor and Postgraduate level as well as the Single Subject Study program. CSU also has various course delivery partnerships with several TAFE institutions across the country. 

University fee of courses at Charles Sturt University

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$22,800
  2. Arts and education:$18,400

Victoria University

Victoria University is located in Victoria, Australia. The University has several campuses in Melbourne Central Business District, Melbourne Western Region, and in Sydney, comprising six academic colleges, six research institutes, seven research centers, and VU’s Victoria.

It provides courses in both higher education and Technical and Further Education. VU in collaboration with its partner institutes throughout Asia, including in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam delivers its courses internationally.

University fee of courses at Victoria University

The fees of various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$23,600
  2. Engineering/science:$26,400
  3. Arts and education:$20,400

Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University is an Australian dual sector university located in Queensland. Its main campus is in Norman Gardens in Rockhampton. Its metropolitan campuses are in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane

Central Queensland University is alternatively known as CQ University. CQ University has six schools, each of which are managed by specialist Deans It has about 35,000 students

University fee of courses at Central Queensland University

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$23,760
  2. Engineering/science:$30,240
  3. Arts and education:$21,120

Australian Catholic University

This Australian university is publically funded. It has seven campuses across Australia. ACU was founded from Catholic tertiary institutions that had been training teachers and nurses since the mid-19th century.

It is now globally connected, with a relationship to more than 190 universities and educational institutions around the world as well as being part of a global network of Catholic universities. It has about 35,000 students.

University fee of courses at Australian Catholic University

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$23,800
  2. Arts and education:$21,000

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is a provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and higher research degrees. It is ranked among the top 400 universities in the world. It has its campuses in Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith. It is ranked 19th in Australia.

 In 2013 Western Sydney University was successful in obtaining over $5.8 million in grants from the prestigious Australian Research Council for 18 Discovery Projects, placing it 11th out of 40 universities in Australia. The fee for various courses are:

University fee of courses at Western Sydney University?

The fee for various courses are:

  1. Business degrees:$24,280
  2. Engineering/science:$28,520
  3. Arts and education:$22,680

The figures, however, may vary according to the courses and the time of application for the courses, these colleges will still offer a comparatively less expensive course than other universities in Australia.

Planning to Study in Australia get a shortlist of best universities according to your profile for studying in Australia
Planning to Study in Australia Get a shortlist of best universities according to your profile for studying in Australia

Cheap Universities in Australia – Complete List 

We have compiled a list of Cheap Universities in Australia below sorted based on average tuition fees.

List of Cheapest Universities in Australia are:

  1. Iibit
  2. Asia Pacific International University
  3. Oxford Education Group
  4. James Cook University
  5. Melbourne Institute Of Tech + Federation University
  6. Kaplan Business School
  7. Southern Cross University
  8. Atmc + Charles Darwin University
  9. University Of Southern Queensland
  10. Charles Darwin University
  11. Atmc + University Of Sunshine Coast
  12. University Of New England
  13. University Of Sunshine Coast
  14. Navitas+University of Western Sydney
  15. Central Queensland University
  16. University Of Western Sydney
  17. International College Of Management
  18. Queensland University Of Technology
  19. Atmc+Federation University
  20. Victoria University
  21. Iibit+Federation University
  22. Charles Sturt University
  23. Edith Cowan University
  24. University Of Canberra
  25. Griffith University
  26. Federation University
  27. Swinburne University Of Technology
  28. La Trobe University
  29. Deakin University
  30. University Of South Australia
  31. University Of Wollongong
  32. University Of Tasmania
  33. Murdoch University
  34. Le Cordon Bleu
  35. Flinders University
  36. Australian Catholic University
  37. Curtin University Of Technology
  38. Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology
  39. University Of Newcastle
  40. Monash University
  41. Macquarie University
  42. University Of Western Australia
  43. University Of New South Wales
  44. University Of Adelaide
  45. University Of Technology Sydney
  46. University Of Queensland
  47. University Of Melbourne
  48. Australian National University
  49. University Of Sydney

Cheap Universities in Australia for Bachelors

Australia is among the top destinations for studying bachelors. We have compiled today a list of Cheap universities in Australia for Bachelors. The list is sorted based on average UG Fees in AUD

List of cheap universities in Australia for Bachelor’s are:

  1. Iibit
  2. Oxford Education Group
  3. Southern Cross University
  4. Asia Pacific International University
  5. Melbourne Institute Of Tech + Federation University
  6. Atmc + Charles Darwin University
  7. University Of Southern Queensland
  8. James Cook University
  9. Kaplan Business School
  10. Atmc + University Of Sunshine Coast
  11. Charles Darwin University
  12. University Of New England
  13. Central Queensland University
  14. University Of Sunshine Coast
  15. Griffith University
  16. Atmc+Federation University
  17. Charles Sturt University
  18. University Of Western Sydney
  19. Navitas+University of Western Sydney


Cheapest Masters Degree In Australia

The cheapest universities in Australian cities are often suburban universities. Tuition fees are lower compared to inner-city. Below is the list of Cheap Universities in Australia for Master’s.

List of cheap universities in Australia for Master’s studies:

  1. Asia Pacific International University
  2. International College Of Management
  3. Queensland University Of Technology
  4. Charles Darwin University
  5. Navitas+University of Western Sydney
  6. Atmc + University Of Sunshine Coast
  7. University Of New England
  8. University Of Southern Queensland
  9. Melbourne Institute Of Tech + Federation University
  10. Central Queensland University
  11. Victoria University
  12. Atmc+Federation University
  13. Atmc + Charles Darwin University
  14. University Of Western Sydney
  15. Australian Catholic University
  16. La Trobe University
  17. Iibit+Federation University
  18. Charles Sturt University
  19. Federation University
  20. University Of Sunshine Coast

Cheapest Universities in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to one of the finest universities in Australia. Not only from an education viewpoint, but Melbourne is also home to some of the cheapest universities in Australia. We have compiled below a list of Cheap Universities in Melbourne.

List of cheap universities in Melbourne:

  1. Asia Pacific International University
  2. Oxford Education Group
  3. Melbourne Institute Of Tech + Federation University
  4. Atmc + Charles Darwin University
  5. Atmc + University Of Sunshine Coast
  6. Victoria University
  7. Swinburne University Of Technology
  8. Deakin University
  9. Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology
  10. Monash University
  11. University Of Melbourne

Check Out: Australia Universities Rankings – Updated 2020


Cheapest Universities in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in Australia also has 6 cheapest universities in Australia. We compiled below the list of Cheap Universities in Sydney.

List of cheap universities in Sydney:

  1. Navitas + University Of Western Sydney
  2. University Of Western Sydney
  3. International College Of Management
  4. University Of New South Wales
  5. University Of Technology Sydney
  6. University Of Sydney

Cheap Universities in Canberra

List of cheap universities in Canberra:

  1. University Of Canberra
  2. Australian National University

Cheap Universities in Brisbane

List of cheap universities in Brisbane:

  1. University Of Sunshine Coast
  2. Queensland University Of Technology
  3. University Of Queensland

Cheap Universities in Adelaide

List of cheap universities in Adelaide:

  1. Iibit
  2. Kaplan Business School
  3. Central Queensland University
  4. Iibit+Federation University
  5. University Of South Australia
  6. Flinders University
  7. University Of Adelaide

Cheap Universities in Australia For Arts

List of cheap universities in Australia for arts:

Cheap Universities in Australia For Management

List of cheap universities in Australia for Management:

Cheap Universities in Australia For Engineering

List of cheap universities in Australia for Engineering:

Cheap Universities in Australia for Science

List of cheap universities in Australia for Science:

  1. University of Sunshine Coast
  2. Federation University
  3. University of Southern Queensland
  4. Southern Cross University
  5. Murdoch University

Cheap Universities in Australia for Media Studies

List of cheap universities in Australia for Media Studies:

  1. Western Sydney University
  2. Southern Cross University
  3. Charles Sturt University
  4. University of Southern Queensland
  5. James Cook University

Also Read: Australia Student Visa Eligibility & Rules – Complete Details


Cheapest Universities in Australia under 2000 Dollars

While a budget of $2000 (INR 1,07,035) for studying in Australia is a stretch, it is not impossible. In Australia, the average monthly expenditure is $2900 (INR 1,55,142). Students, on the other hand, may easily live anywhere from $1800 to $2400 each month (INR 96,3381,28,393). Here are several options for studying in Australia for less than $2000. (INR 1,07,035).

  • In your university, look for a diploma or certification programme. A three-month certificate or certification might cost anything from $1500$2800. 80,277.511,49,851.36 INR
  • Almost every institution in Australia provides scholarships if you are certain you want to pursue a degree programme.
  • Every university has its unique set of scholarship requirements.
  • Participate in a paid internship or part-time position.
  • For lodging, consider shared rental stays, hostels, or on-campus hostels, which may cost between $50 and $100 per week (INR 2,6755,351)
  • Personal costs, entertainment, and dining out habits should all be kept to a minimum. Take public transportation and prepare or dine at the hostel.

Cheap courses in Australia

There are various courses offered which are cheap and some of them are for a short period. Below is the list of such Diploma programs:

  1. Diploma in Business
  2. Diploma in Marketing and communication
  3. Advance Diploma in Marketing and Communication
  4. Diploma in Accounting
  5. Diploma of Leadership and Management
  6. Diploma in Project Management
  7. Certificate courses in Fitness
  8. Diploma in Information Technology
  9. Advance Diploma of Business
  10. Diploma of Screen and Media

Planning your career within your budget is extremely important and many other factors are to be taken into consideration while choosing to study in Australia. Australia can provide you with a wide range of courses and specializations with even more variety of institutions to choose from. 

Read here about the scholarships available in Australia. Evaluate your Profile to get admission to the best universities abroad

Proper planning can help you save a lot of money since studying abroad demands a large amount of money. Right from choosing the college to your accommodation, everything can cost you a huge amount. Australia offers its international students to also have an experience of its quality education. Some of the cheapest universities in Australia are enlisted above. If you feel you can add something to the list, please feel free to do so in the comments. Also, we always welcome your suggestions and feedback, so please do share them too.

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FAQs

Are the mentioned tuition fees per term or per year or for the entire course?

Ans. The above-mentioned fees are for the first-year average. It does not include material charges or accommodation or any other such expenses. You may check with respective colleges for further details fees and charges.

Which is the cheapest option for Colleges to Study in Australia?

Ans. The cheapest Universities in Australia are as follows:
Australian Catholic University
University of Sunshine Coast
Edith Cowan University
South Cross University
University of Southern Queensland

Which are the best colleges for pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at a cheaper price?

Ans. Bachelors of Arts can be done at a cheaper price from the below colleges and Universities:
Western Sydney University
Southern Cross University
Australian Catholic University
Monash University
Victoria University

✅ Do cheap universities provide quality education?

Ans. In spite of providing education at lower tuition fees, these affordable universities provide quality education to its students. Most of these universities have a fairer ranking on the QS world university rankings.

What are the cheap courses available in Melbourne?

Ans. There are a lot of Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Certificate courses available in various streams. The tuition fees of the same are around 1200 to 2000 AUD per term. These short courses generally are of 1 to 2.5 years in duration.

Are the degrees from Cheap Universities accepted around the world?

Ans. As said earlier, these affordable universities provide quality education which is accepted globally. The turnout for international students is also good comparatively. Some of the universities are quite popular in Australia for master’s courses too.

What are the best cities to live in Australia?

Ans. Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane are the top three of the most affordable cities to live in. Most of the affordable universities are in the suburbs and so the cost of living is comparatively on the lower side than that of the capital cities.

Which are the best colleges for Engineering and IT at a cheaper price?

Ans. Engineering and It takes a toll on your finances. There are many colleges in Australia which provide quality education without burning a hole in your pocket.
The top 5 are:
Western Sydney University
The University of Western Australia
Edith Cowan University
Southern Cross University
Federation University Australia

Which are the best colleges for Media and Mass communication at a cheaper price?

Ans. Media and Mass communication have seen a lot of turnout of international students the top 5 colleges for Media and Mass communication are:
Western Sydney University
Southern Cross University
Charles Sturt University
University of Southern Queensland
James Cook University

Which are the best colleges for Pursuing Management course at a cheaper price?

There are a lot of options for management courses like Project, Business Finance, and Retail etc. The top 5 colleges for Management are:
University of Sunshine Coast
Edith Cowan University
Federation University Australia
Charles Sturt University
Australian Catholic University

Which are the best affordable colleges in Melbourne?

Ans. The top 5 of the best affordable colleges which have campuses in or around the suburbs in Melbourne are:
Australian Catholic University
Deakin University
Central Queensland University
Monash University
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

✅ Which are the best affordable colleges in Sydney?

Ans. The top 5 of the best affordable colleges which have campuses in or around the suburbs in Sydney are:
Australian Catholic University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
University of Notre Dame
University of New South Wales



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About the Author & Expert

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Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

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