Affordable universities in Australia: Complete Guide 2025

Australia is one of the top study destinations for international students because of its high-quality education, safe environment, and globally recognised degrees. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be expensive for many families. Choosing affordable universities in Australia enables students to reduce their overall costs while still gaining access to excellent academic programs, modern facilities, and strong career opportunities.

These budget-friendly options make studying in Australia more accessible by offering lower tuition, reasonable living expenses in regional cities, and scholarship support for deserving students.

Top 5 Affordable Universities in Australia

Australia has several universities that provide high-quality education at a fraction of the Cost of the big metropolitan schools. Below is a detailed look at the 10 most affordable universities in Australia, including the types of courses you can study.

1. University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

USQ is a regional university in Queensland offering affordable programs in IT, engineering, business, education, and nursing. Known for small class sizes and strong industry links, it provides a supportive learning environment. Its regional location also means lower living costs and extra PR points.

Location: Toowoomba, Springfield & Ipswich (Queensland)
Average Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: AUD 24,000 – 28,000 per year
• Postgraduate: AUD 26,000 – 30,000 per year

Popular Courses Offered:

• Bachelor's & Master's in information technology
• Bachelor & Master of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor's & Master of Business and Commerce
• Master of Education
• Master of Data Science

Highlights:
USQ is known for its practical, career-focused programs and smaller class sizes, which give students more personalised attention. Its Toowoomba campus is regional, helping reduce living costs and providing extra PR (Permanent Residency) points.

Scholarships: International Student Support Scholarship (up to 25% tuition reduction).

2. Charles Darwin University (CDU)

Located in Darwin, CDU is one of Australia's most affordable universities, offering programs in nursing, IT, business, public health, and education. It has a strong focus on practical learning and multicultural support. Students benefit from regional migration advantages and generous scholarships.

Location: Darwin (Northern Territory)
Average Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: AUD 23,000 – 28,000 per year
• Postgraduate: AUD 25,000 – 30,000 per year

Popular Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor's & Master's in information technology
• Bachelor's & Master's in Business
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Public Health
• Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)

Highlights:
CDU is one of Australia's most affordable and multicultural universities, with strong community support and access to regional migration benefits.

Scholarships: Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship (up to 50% off tuition fees).

3. Federation University Australia

Based in Ballarat and Berwick, Federation University combines low tuition fees with high graduate employability. It's well-regarded for IT, engineering, mining, and business courses. Students enjoy close industry connections and affordable living in regional Victoria.

Location: Ballarat, Berwick & Brisbane (Victoria & Queensland)
Average Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: AUD 22,000 – 27,000 per year
• Postgraduate: AUD 24,000 – 30,000 per year

Popular Courses Offered:

• Bachelor's & Master's in Information Technology
• Bachelor & Master of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Mining)
• Bachelor's & Master's in Business
• Master of Technology (Enterprise Systems, Cloud & Cyber Security)
• Bachelor of Nursing

Highlights:
Federation University is recognised for its excellent graduate employability and strong industry connections, particularly in the fields of IT, mining, and engineering. Its Ballarat campus offers lower living costs.

Scholarships: Global Innovator Scholarship (25% off tuition).

4. University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

USC offers modern, student-focused teaching in scenic Queensland locations, such as the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. It offers affordable degrees in business, health sciences, tourism, creative industries, and cybersecurity. The relaxed coastal lifestyle further enhances its appeal to international students.

Location: Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Moreton Bay (Queensland)
Average Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: AUD 24,000 – 28,000 per year
• Postgraduate: AUD 26,000 – 30,000 per year

Popular Courses Offered:

• Bachelor's & Master's in Business
• Bachelor of Tourism, Leisure & Event Management
• Bachelor's & Master's of Health Sciences (including Nutrition, Public Health)
• Bachelor of Creative Industries
• Master of Cyber Security

Highlights:
USC is praised for modern facilities, practical learning, and student-focused teaching. Its coastal location offers a relaxed lifestyle with lower costs compared to big cities.

Scholarships: International Student Scholarship (15% off tuition fees).

5. Southern Cross University (SCU)

SCU is renowned for its flexible learning and affordable tuition

across its campuses in the Gold Coast, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour. Popular fields include tourism, environmental science, business, nursing, and IT. Its regional settings help students save on living expenses and gain migration points.

Location: Lismore, Coffs Harbour & Gold Coast (NSW & Queensland)
Average Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: AUD 23,000 – 27,000 per year
• Postgraduate: AUD 25,000 – 30,000 per year

Popular Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management
• Bachelor's & Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science
• Master of Engineering Management
• Bachelor's & Master of Nursing
• Master of IT & Data Science

Highlights:
SCU is popular among students seeking flexible learning options, affordable tuition, and campuses located in scenic regional areas, such as the Gold Coast and Lismore.

Scholarships: Vice Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship (up to 50% tuition reduction).

Why Choose an Affordable University in Australia?

Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students, but the high Cost of education can feel overwhelming. Choosing affordable universities in Australia can make this dream achievable without compromising on quality.

1. Lower Tuition Fees

Affordable universities charge significantly less compared to top-ranked metropolitan institutions. This helps students reduce their student loan burden and manage expenses more easily.

2. High Return on Investment (ROI)

Even budget-friendly universities in Australia offer globally recognised degrees and strong career outcomes. Graduates from these institutions often land jobs in IT, healthcare, engineering, business, and other high-demand industries.

3. Work While You Study

International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during breaks. This allows you to cover part of your living costs while gaining practical experience.

4. Post-Study Work Opportunities

Students from affordable universities are still eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2–4 years after graduation, providing a great pathway to build your career or apply for permanent residency.

5. Lower Living Costs in Regional Areas

Many affordable universities are in regional cities, where rent, transportation, and daily expenses are significantly cheaper compared to Sydney or Melbourne. These locations also offer extra migration points for permanent residency.

6. Balanced Lifestyle & Multicultural Environment

Affordable doesn't mean less vibrant. These universities offer a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere with modern facilities, comprehensive student support, and numerous opportunities to experience Australia's outdoors and diverse culture.

Understanding the Cost of Studying in Australia

Before shortlisting affordable universities in Australia, it's important to understand the different expenses you will face. Your total study cost isn't just about tuition; it also includes living expenses, visa and health cover charges, and day-to-day needs. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you plan realistically.

Tuition Fees (By Level)

Tuition is typically the largest component of your education budget, and its Cost varies depending on the level of study and the type of program.

• For undergraduates, tuition fees typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, depending on the course and university.

• For postgraduate studies, tuition fees may cost around AUD 22,000–37,000 per year and can vary depending on the program and institution.

• For research and PhD tuition fees, the Cost may range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 per year; however, many students receive scholarships or stipends that help reduce the Cost.

Living Expenses

The Cost of living in Australia depends heavily on where you study and the lifestyle you maintain. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, while regional areas such as Toowoomba, Ballarat, Hobart, or Darwin are more affordable.

Other Costs

Apart from tuition and living expenses, there are several mandatory costs to budget for:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500):
  The application fee is AUD 710 (for the main applicant). You may also need to show proof of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
  Mandatory for all international students. Costs range between AUD 450 and AUD 700 per year, depending on your provider and length of stay.
• Application Fees:
  Many universities charge AUD 50 – AUD 150 per application, although some waive this for direct online applications or during promotional periods.
• Textbooks & Study Materials:
  Around AUD 500 – AUD 1,000 per year, but you can save by buying second-hand or using university libraries.
• Initial Set-Up Costs:
  Budget approximately AUD 1,000 – AUD 1,500 for essentials such as a security deposit for accommodation, basic furniture, kitchen supplies, or a laptop if you don't already own one.

Affordable Universities in Australia by Program Type

While some universities are generally low-cost, others are particularly affordable in specific areas of study. If you know the field you want to pursue, choosing a university that specialises in that program can save you money while ensuring good academic quality.

1. Cheapest for Business & Management

Australia has a strong reputation for business and management education; however, tuition fees vary significantly across institutions. If you want to study Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or Management without paying premium Go8 prices (like the University of Melbourne or UNSW), these universities are excellent value:

• Federation University Australia (Ballarat, Berwick, Brisbane)
  Offers Bachelor of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Technology (Enterprise Systems & Cloud Computing). Tuition starts around AUD 22,000 – 28,000/year.
• Victoria University (Melbourne)
  Known for its block model learning and strong industry links. Offers BBA, MBA, and specialisations like Supply Chain Management and International Business at AUD 26,000 – 32,000/year.
• Southern Cross University (Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour)
  Flexible business and MBA programs, with tuition starting at AUD 23,000/year. Regional location helps keep living costs low.

Why choose: Affordable tuition, practical curriculum, and strong ties with local and international businesses.

2. Cheapest for IT & Computer Science

Information Technology and Computer Science are in high demand in Australia, but you don't need to pay top dollar to study them.

• University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
  Offers Bachelor of Information Technology, Master of IT, and Master of Data Science for AUD 24,000 – 30,000/year.
  Ideal for students seeking hands-on learning and regional PR opportunities.
• Edith Cowan University (Perth)
  Highly ranked for Cyber Security and IT programs. Tuition is approximately AUD 27,000 – 31,000/year, which is lower than most metro-based tech universities.
• Federation University Australia
  Offers affordable Bachelor's and Master's of IT degrees with strong employability outcomes at AUD 22,000 – 28,000/year.

Why choose: Affordable tuition plus strong graduate employability in tech, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

3. Cheapest for Engineering

Engineering degrees are usually expensive in Australia, but some universities make them more accessible.

• University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
  Offers affordable civil, mechanical, electrical, and mechatronics engineering degrees at AUD 26,000 – 30,000/year.
• Federation University Australia
  Known for mining, civil, and mechanical engineering programs with tuition starting around AUD 24,000 – 28,000/year.
• University of Tasmania (UTAS)
  Offers engineering programs in civil, maritime, and environmental engineering for AUD 25,000 – 31,000/year.

Why choose: Lower tuition than Group of Eight schools, but with solid industry ties and good pathways to PR.

4. Cheapest for Nursing & Healthcare

Nursing and health sciences are popular among international students due to high job demand and PR opportunities.

• Charles Darwin University (CDU)
  Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing Practice costs approximately AUD 23,000 – 28,000/year, with strong clinical placements in the Northern Territory.
• Edith Cowan University (ECU)
  ECU's nursing program is well-regarded, with tuition of AUD 27,000/year and excellent graduate employability.
• Australian Catholic University (ACU)
  Offers affordable nursing, allied health, and public health degrees for around AUD 25,000 – 31,000/year, with multiple campus options.

Why choose: Strong clinical training, regional PR points (for CDU), and high employability in healthcare roles.

5. Cheapest for Arts & Humanities

If you're passionate about the arts, social sciences, education, or humanities, these universities offer cost-effective options:

• Southern Cross University (SCU)
  Degrees in education, creative writing, and social sciences from AUD 23,000 – 27,000/year.
• University of Sunshine Coast (USC)
  Creative Industries, Journalism, Social Work, and Arts programs for AUD 24,000 – 28,000/year.
• University of Tasmania (UTAS)
  Affordable degrees in arts, humanities, education, and social sciences from AUD 25,000/year.

Why choose: Lower fees, personalised support, and strong links to community and regional development projects.

Regional Universities in Australia

When students consider studying in Australia, major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane typically come to mind. However, regional universities in Australia are becoming increasingly popular among international students who want quality education without the high price tag.

Here's why you can choose a regional university in Australia:

• Lower Living Costs: Rent, transportation, and daily expenses are generally more affordable in regional towns than in big cities.

• Affordable Tuition: Regional universities often charge 10–20% less for popular courses, such as IT, business, and nursing.

• PR & Migration Benefits: Studying in regional areas can earn extra migration points and provide longer post-study work visas.

• Destination Australia Scholarships: Up to AUD 15,000/year for eligible students, reducing overall study costs.

• Smaller Campuses: More personalised attention, friendly communities, and supportive staff.

• Balanced Lifestyle: Scenic, peaceful locations with beaches, mountains, and less stressful living.

Scholarships & Financial Aid Options for International Students in Australia

Studying abroad can be expensive, but Australia offers generous scholarships and financial aid programs that help reduce tuition and living costs. Whether you are enrolling in a big metropolitan campus or one of the affordable universities in Australia, scholarships can make a big difference to your total expenses.

1. Government Scholarships

The Australian Government funds several prestigious scholarships for international students. These are highly competitive but can cover a significant portion of your costs:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS):
• Full tuition fee coverage, return air travel, living allowance, and health insurance.
• Available to students from Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and other developing regions.
• Ideal for high-achieving students planning to return home and contribute to their community's development.
• Destination Australia Scholarships:
• Offers up to AUD 15,000 per year to students studying at regional campuses.
• Encourages students to choose regional and affordable universities in Australia.
• Can be combined with lower tuition fees and living costs for maximum savings.
• Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships:
• Designed for PhD and research master's students.
• Covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses.
• Great for those interested in research-focused careers.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many of the most affordable universities in Australia offer their own scholarships to attract international students. These are often easier to get than government awards and can cover 15%–50% of tuition fees.

Examples include:

• USQ International Student Support Scholarship – Up to 25% off tuition for good academic performance.
• Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship – Up to 50% tuition reduction.
• Federation University Global Innovator Scholarship – 25% tuition discount for international students.
• Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship – Up to 50% tuition waived.
• Edith Cowan University International Master's Scholarship – 20% tuition reduction.
• Victoria University Future Leaders Scholarship – 20% tuition discount.
• University of Tasmania International Scholarship – 25% tuition reduction.

How to Choose the Right Affordable University?

Selecting the right university involves more than just considering tuition fees. Here's what you should consider while exploring affordable universities in Australia:

1. Course Quality vs Cost

• Check if the program is accredited and well-regarded in your field.
• Look for updated curriculum, practical training, and modern facilities.

2. Graduate Outcomes & Employability

• Research graduate employment rates and industry partnerships.
• Universities like USQ, Federation, and ECU are known for strong connections with employers.

3. Location & Living Expenses

• Regional areas (Darwin, Hobart, Ballarat) often mean cheaper rent and food, but fewer part-time job options compared to big cities.
• Determine whether you prefer city life or a quieter, more affordable regional setting.

4. Campus Facilities & Support Services

• Look for student support offices, academic programs, mentoring, assistance, and cultural services programs.
• Smaller, affordable universities often offer more personalised support.

5. Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Check if the university offers scholarships that reduce tuition by 15–50%.
• Regional scholarships, such as Destination Australia, can significantly reduce total costs.

6. PR & Visa Benefits

• If long-term migration is part of your considerations, prefer regional universities that offer additional extra points for PR and longer post-study visas.

Admission Process for Affordable Universities in Australia

Applying to an affordable university in Australia is straightforward, but it requires careful planning to meet the entry and visa requirements.

• Check Eligibility: UG requires a Class 12 with 60–70%; PG requires a recognised bachelor's degree with a 55–65% GPA (some courses require work experience).

• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5, PTE 50–58, or TOEFL iBT 60–90; some universities waive the requirement if you studied in English.

• Application Timeline: Main intakes are in February and July (with some additional intakes in November and rolling admissions); apply 8–12 months in advance for scholarships & visas.

• Offer Letters: Usually arrive within 4–8 weeks after application submission.

• Documents: Academic transcripts, English test scores, SOP, LORs (for PG), CV/Resume, passport copy, work experience letters, application fee.

• Accept Offer: Pay deposit, arrange OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500) with proof of funds.

Tips to Reduce Study Costs in Australia

Choosing an affordable university in Australia is a great first step, but you can save even more by planning smartly. Here's how to make your education budget go further:

1. Apply Early for Scholarships & Bursaries

• Scholarship funding is limited and often given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Applying early improves your chances of receiving financial aid and partial tuition waivers.

2. Choose Regional Cities & Universities

• Regional areas such as Toowoomba, Darwin, Ballarat, and Hobart offer lower living expenses, more affordable rent, and government migration benefits.
• Many regional universities also provide additional scholarships and longer post-study work visas.

3. Work Part-Time in High-Demand Jobs

• International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks.
• Popular part-time jobs include hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery driving, and IT support, with hourly wages ranging from AUD 23 to AUD 30 per hour.

4. Go for Shared Housing or Student Accommodation

• Sharing apartments or houses with other students is often more affordable than renting alone.
• Look for on-campus housing deals or websites like Flatmates and Gumtree for affordable rooms.

5. Use Student Discounts Everywhere

• Australia offers student discounts on public transport, movie tickets, gym memberships, and even shopping.
• Always carry your student ID card to access deals.

6. Cook Your Own Meals

• Eating out regularly can be expensive. Cooking at home saves $50–$ 100 per week and allows you to eat healthier.

7. Buy or Borrow Second-Hand Textbooks

• University bookstores, Facebook groups, and libraries offer used textbooks at a fraction of the Cost.
• Digital e-books are often cheaper than printed versions.

8. Take Advantage of Internships

• Many degrees include paid internships or work placements.
• This helps you earn money, gain practical experience, and improve your employability while studying.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia doesn't have to be expensive. By choosing affordable universities in Australia, you can earn a globally recognised degree, enjoy quality education, and access great career opportunities without heavy financial stress. With smart planning, scholarships, and part-time work, these budget-friendly universities make studying abroad both achievable and rewarding for international students.