Best Cheap Universities in Australia 2024: Universities, Scholarships and Eligibility

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Embarking on the journey of higher education is a profound undertaking, entailing intellectual and financial considerations.

Australia, with its diverse and inclusive academic landscape, presents a unique opportunity for students seeking quality education without exorbitant expenses.

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The significance of this choice is underscored by the fact that Australia consistently ranks among the top global destinations for international students, boasting a reputation for academic excellence.

The array of courses available in these budget-friendly institutions spans many disciplines, ranging from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to humanities and social sciences. The comprehensive curriculum ensures that students have the flexibility to pursue their passion and align their academic pursuits with their career goals.

One notable aspect is that these cheap universities in Australia actively promote inclusivity and diversity, fostering an environment where students from various cultural backgrounds can thrive. This enhances the learning experience and contributes to a broader global perspective, a valuable asset in today’s interconnected world.

Moreover, the financial feasibility of studying in Australia is not solely reliant on tuition fees. The cost of living, accommodation, and daily expenses are vital considerations. However, Australia offers relatively reasonable living costs compared to other international study destinations. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking academic excellence and a balance between education and cost-effectiveness.

Additionally, Australia is renowned for its scholarship programs, which further alleviate the financial burden on international students. These scholarships encompass a variety of fields, from merit-based awards to those specifically designed for students from developing countries.

The availability of such financial support ensures that deserving students can pursue their academic aspirations without being hindered by financial constraints.

Cheap Universities in Australia Offering Bachelor’s Degrees 

In Australia, many good universities offer bachelor’s degrees with a mix of interesting courses. Most bachelor’s programs last three years, but it might take four years if you’re interested in professional courses like engineering or architecture.

Some students can also do an extra year called Honours. The cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree is around 14 to 23 lakhs on average.

Courses available for international students include Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation Engineering, Bachelor of Cyber Security and Bachelor of Visual Arts.

A list of the cheap universities in Australia for Bachelor’s is given below:

  1. University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland started in 1967 and is famous for learning and research in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It provides over 700 special programs for degrees at different levels like bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. The university is organised into two big groups, each with six schools inside. These schools cover business, education, law, arts, health, engineering, sciences, and more. 

Key highlights:

Intake Fall and Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee13L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesBachelor of Aviation 
Bachelor of Engineering Technology 
Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) 
Bachelor of Media and Communication 
Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Public Relations 
Bachelor of Science (Environment and Sustainability) 
  1. Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University, or CSU, started in 1989 and is a public university in New South Wales, Australia. It has different campuses, and students can pick from lots of courses for both advanced and basic studies. The classrooms are modern and have everything students need. If someone can’t go to campus, they can also learn from home through online programs for bachelor’s and advanced studies.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall and Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee15L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesBachelor of Agriculture 
Bachelor of Animal Science 
Bachelor of Communications 
Bachelor of Creative Industries 
Bachelor of Environmental Science 
Bachelor of Medical Science 
Bachelor of Psychology 
Bachelor of Social Work
  1. Federation University Australia

Federation University Australia, or FedUni, has been around since 1870, making it the fourth oldest university in Australia. It’s well-known for its research and especially for Sports Science. It provides bachelor’s courses.

The university has campuses like Ballarat, Brisbane, Berwick, Wimmera, and Gippsland, where students can study and research.

Key highlights:

Intake Mid-year
Average Annual Tuition Fee13L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesBachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Security) 
Bachelor of Biomedical Science 
Bachelor of Education (Primary) 
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education 
Bachelor of Music (Performance) 
Bachelor of Visual Arts 
  1. University of Sunshine Coast 

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) started in 1994 and is a public university in Queensland, Australia. It has eight schools offering over 120 programs in different subjects like business, education, social science, and many more. You can study there for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in various fields.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall and Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee14L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesBachelor of Design (Game Design) 
Bachelor of Health Promotion 
Bachelor of Nutrition 
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) 
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) 
Bachelor of Business 
  1. Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a public university in Perth, Western Australia. It has eight schools that provide over 400 courses.

These schools cover many subjects, like business, arts, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, science, and performing arts.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall and Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee16L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesBachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Computer Science and IT 
Bachelor of Performing Arts

Cheap Universities in Australia Offering Master’s Degrees 

The affordable universities in Australia that offer master’s degrees are awesome because they focus on giving a good education that doesn’t cost a ton. They’re known for having lower fees, so more people can afford to study there. Some of these places even let you study part-time or online, making it easier if you have a busy schedule or like learning from home. Usually, it takes about one to two years to finish a master’s degree at these universities.

A list of the cheap universities in Australia for Master’s is given below:

  1. University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania is a school in Tasmania, Australia, where people study and do research. It is a public research university. It’s really good at researching and teaching things like marine studies, environmental science, and humanities. The school is all about bringing different subjects together for learning and research.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall and Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee15L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesMaster of Business Administration 
Master of Applied Science (Marine and Antarctic Science) 
Master of Information Technology 
Master of Health/nursing Master of Social Work 
  1. Melbourne Institute of Technology 

The Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) is a famous private college in Melbourne, Australia. It’s known for teaching practical and advanced skills in technology, business, and information technology. MIT is great at helping students get ready for good careers in different areas. They want to make sure students learn in a lively and diverse environment.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall, Spring & Winter
Average Annual Tuition Fee21L
Type of UniversityPrivate
Top CoursesMaster of Business Administration 
Master of Networking 
Master of Professional Accounting 
Master of Information Technology 
Master of ICT Research 
Master of Engineering (telecommunication)  
  1. Torrens University Australia  

Torrens University Australia is a private university that’s good at creating unique and industry-focused programs. They have campuses in big cities all over Australia and teach modernly, combining hands-on skills with what you learn in books. The university works closely with businesses, allowing students to meet and connect with important people in different industries.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall, Spring & Winter
Average Annual Tuition Fee16L
Type of UniversityPrivate
Top CoursesMaster of Business Administration 
Master of Global Project Management 
Master of Education 
Master of Public Health 
Master of International Hospitality Management 
  1. Engineering Institute of Technology

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) is a top place for learning about engineering and technology. They have programs that are all about giving you the skills you need for real jobs in engineering. People from all over the world know EIT because they’re good at offering quality education in engineering.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall, Spring & Winter
Average Annual Tuition Fee16L
Type of UniversityPrivate
Top CoursesMaster of Engineering (Industrial Automation) 
Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) 
Master of Engineering (Civil: Structural) 
Master of Engineering (Mechanical) 
Master of Engineering (Electrical) 
  1.  University of Canberra

The University of Canberra is a well-known public university in the Australian Capital Territory. It’s famous for teaching useful things in jobs, doing important research, and working closely with businesses. The university aims to make students explore new things by not just reading about them to prepare them for good careers when they finish the program.

Key highlights:

Intake Fall & Spring
Average Annual Tuition Fee11L
Type of UniversityPublic
Top CoursesMaster of Business Administration 
Master of Information Technology 
Master of Urban and Regional Planning 
Master of International Relations 
Master of Professional Accounting

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Eligibility Requirements to Study at Cheap Universities in Australia

To study at affordable universities in Australia, here’s what you need:

  1. School Qualifications:
    1. Finish your high school for bachelor’s programs.
    2. Have a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
  2. English Skills:
    1. If you’re from another country, show you can speak English well. You might need a test like IELTS or TOEFL.
  3. Visa Stuff:
    1. Get a student visa to study in Australia. Your chosen university will give you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this.
  4. Extra Program Stuff:
    1. Some programs might want more, like a portfolio, job experience, or specific subjects you’ve studied before.
  5. Past Learning Counts:
    1. Some universities might look at what you’ve learned or done before to decide if you can skip some parts of the program.
  6. Stay Healthy:
    1. If you’re coming from another country, you’ll need health insurance while you’re in Australia.
  7. Money Matters:
    1. Show you have enough money to pay for your studies and living in Australia.
  8. Apply the Right Way:
    1. Apply to the university online. Send all the papers they need and don’t miss any deadlines.
  9. Prove You’re Here to Study:
    1. Show that you really want to study in Australia and not just stay there forever.

Always check the specific eligibility criteria for the chosen university and program, as requirements may vary. Additionally, it’s advisable to refer to the latest information provided by the university’s official website or contact their admissions office for accurate and up-to-date details.

Scholarships for Cheap Universities in Australia

As an international student, you have access to various scholarships in Australia. The scholarships available for cheap universities in Australia provide full coverage of tuition fees, travel expenses, or a part of your monthly living costs as a part of benefits. 

  • Australia Awards: Scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian government cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of monthly living costs.
  • Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship Program: Financial support for female researchers from APEC economies planning research partnerships with Australian universities.
  • Destination Australia Program (DAP): A mobility program by the Australian government encouraging local and international students to enrol in academic institutions in regional areas with financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the top cheap universities in Australia?

A. Some of the cheap universities in Australia for international students at low tuition are:
1. University of the Sunshine Coast
2. University of Southern Queensland
3. University of Western Sydney
4. University of Wollongong.

Q. Which courses are available in the cheap universities in Australia?

A. Generally, humanities and education courses tend to have lower tuition fees compared to some science and engineering programs in Australia. However, specific fees can vary by institution and program.

Q. Is Australia a good place for higher studies?

A. Yes, Australia is a popular destination for higher studies, known for its high-quality education, diverse courses, research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international students.

Q. Are the cheap universities in Australia available?

A. Tuition fees in Australian universities vary, but some institutions offer more affordable options compared to counterparts in the United States or the United Kingdom. Additionally, the availability of scholarships and the potential to work part-time can contribute to a relatively affordable education in Australia.

Q. Is it difficult to get admission to Australian universities?

A. Admission difficulty varies based on factors like the chosen university, program, and individual qualifications. Generally, Australian universities have competitive but accessible admission processes. Meeting academic requirements, English language proficiency, and other specified criteria are crucial for successful admission.

Q. What are the minimum fees for international students in Australia?

A. Minimum tuition fees for international students in Australia vary by institution and program. On average, undergraduate programs can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, while postgraduate programs may range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year. Specific fees depend on the university and the chosen field of study.

Q. Which city is cheap for international students in Australia?

A. Cities like Adelaide and Hobart are often considered more affordable for international students in terms of living expenses than Sydney or Melbourne. However, affordability can vary based on personal lifestyle and choices.

Q. What is the cheap degree to study in Australia?

A. The cost of a degree in Australia varies, but humanities and education programs generally tend to have lower tuition fees than some science and engineering programs. It’s essential to check with specific universities for accurate and up-to-date information on program costs.

Q. Are there any scholarships available for students at cheaper universities in Australia?

A. Yes, some cheaper universities in Australia offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Eligibility criteria and the application process vary, so students should check with the specific university for available opportunities.

Q. What factors impact the overall cost of studying at a university in Australia?

A. The overall cost of studying in Australia is influenced by factors like tuition fees, living expenses, course duration, and location. Tuition fees vary by program and institution. Living costs depend on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. Longer courses cost more, and cities like Sydney and Melbourne have higher living expenses than regional areas. Considering these factors is essential for an accurate estimate of the total cost.

Q. Are degrees from cheaper universities in Australia recognised internationally?

A. Yes, degrees from cheaper universities in Australia are good worldwide. All Australian universities, even the affordable ones, have to meet strict standards so their degrees are respected everywhere.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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