Top Affordable Universities in Australia 2024: Fees, Eligibility & Scholarships

Share this post

Many students dream about studying in Australia to build a remarkable career. Between January and September 2023, more than 1.22 lakh Indian students moved to Australia to fulfil their dreams. 

There are many top affordable universities in Australia for Indian students, providing them with a top-notch education without breaking the bank. The country also ranks 8th out of 48 countries in the global measure for higher education. 

The country also houses top universities like Charles Sturt University, Edith Cowan University and Western Sydney University, which are well-known for their academic excellence and affordability. 

So, are you ready to find your perfect spot without worrying about the finances? Let’s begin. 

Leap Advantage Virtual Spot Offer Event on May 10th 2024
study in canada

Last call to secure your spot for Masters in US for Fall ’24 Intake

Register for the Event

Leap Advantage Virtual Spot Offer Event on May 10th 2024

Last call to secure your spot for Masters in US for Fall ’24 Intake

LA Banner Web

Why Study in Australia?

Choosing Australia as your destination is one of the best decisions you can make. The country is well known for its high-quality education system and practical learning methods. In addition to this, the country is also rich with diverse cultures, as people from all over the world stay in Australia for job or educational reasons.  

Here are some of the critical pointers which make Australia one of the best study destinations for International students: 

  • High-class Education: Australia is well known for its world-class education. The country hosts six of the 100 best universities globally recognised for their academic excellence and research opportunities. 
  • Diverse Culture: The country has citizens from all over the world, making it a cultural mix destination where citizens worldwide can live harmoniously. 
  • Job Opportunities: Australia has one of the strongest economies, with many MNCs in its cities. These companies also provide excellent job opportunities for international students. 
  • Scholarships: Australia provides more than 3,000 scholarship options for international students. The government has also invested 300 million dollars in ASD to make their studies more affordable. 

In addition to the factors mentioned above, Australia is highly ranked for safety and stability. Its multicultural environment helps to promote tolerance and respect for each other’s cultures. These qualities, when combined, make Australia the best choice for international students. 

Top 10 Affordable Universities in Australia

Many affordable universities in Australia are well known for their academic excellence and affordability. These universities provide over 2,200 courses in various disciplines, such as medicine, engineering and technology, arts and humanities, life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. 

Below, we have listed some of the best universities that can be a good choice for International students. 

Top 10 Affordable Universities in Australia For International Students:

University Name Average Annual Fees (INR)
University of Southern Queensland16 – 20 Lakhs
University of the Sunshine Coast12 – 20 Lakhs 
Charles Sturt University15 – 20 Lakhs 
Charles Darwin University14 – 18 Lakhs
Southern Cross University12 – 20 Lakhs
Griffith University14 – 20 Lakhs 
Edith Cowan University13 – 16 Lakhs  
Federation University Australia 12 – 18 Lakhs
Western Sydney University12 – 19 Lakhs 
University of Wollongong15 – 20 Lakhs

Now, explore these affordable universities in Australia and learn about their courses and fees. 

Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the Australia

Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!

Top Affordable Universities in Australia 2024: Fees, Eligibility & Scholarships
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the Australia
study in canada

Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!

Check your Admit Eligibility Now

1. University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland is among the top-rated affordable universities in Australia. It offers courses in various disciplines, such as science, healthcare, engineering, business, education, and the arts.

The university has three campuses: Toowoomba (the main campus), Springfield, and Ipswich. 

Overview: 

Founded1967
IntakesFall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees (UG) First YearINR 12 – 20 Lakhs 
Average Tuition Fees (PG) First YearINR 17 – 30 Lakhs
Scholarship OptionsInternational Student Support Scholarship – 2024
Top Courses-B.E./B.Tech
-MS
-Mechanical Engineering
-MBA
-MIM
-BBA
-BS

2. University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of Sunshine Coast is a public university launched in 1994. It is one of the best low-fee universities in Australia and has received high ranks for its quality education for the last 15 years by the Good Universities Guide.

The Australian Universities Quality Agency has also awarded UniSC for its learning and teaching excellence. 

Overview: 

Founded1994
IntakesFall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees (UG) First YearINR 12 – 16 Lakhs
Average Tuition Fees (PG) First YearINR 15 – 20 Lakhs
Scholarship Options-UniSc International Student Scholarship
-English Excellence Scholarship
Top Courses-MS
-BS
-B.E./B.Tech
-BBA
-MBA
-MA
-LLB
-B.com
-B.Ed.

3. Charles Sturt University

Established in 1989, Charles Sturt University is a public university in New South Wales. It was formed by merging with many existing colleges, including Albury-Wodonga’s Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education, Wagga Wagga’s Riverina College of Advanced Education, and Bathurst’s Mitchell College of Advanced Education in Bathurst.

The university also offers online courses to help students learn without relocating to its campuses, making it among the top cheap universities in Australia for international students. 

Overview: 

Founded1989
IntakesFall and Spring
Average Tuition Fees (UG) First YearINR 14 – 17 Lakhs
Average Tuition Fees (PG) First YearINR 18 – 20 Lakhs
Scholarship Options-International Student Support Scholarship
-Bathurst Campus International Accommodation Scholarship
-International Joint Cooperation Program Scholarship.
Important Courses-BBA
-MBA
-BA, MA
-B.S.
-B.Pharma
-B.Agriculture
-M. Agriculture
-B.Ed
-MIM. 

4. Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University is a prestigious institution in Joondalup, Australia. It was launched in 1991 and has offered courses in various fields since then.

It has provided 400 courses across various disciplines, including computer science, healthcare, biomedicine, sports science, psychology, law, education, engineering, psychology, aeronautics, and the performing arts. The university also offers Ph.D. courses in science, commerce, and arts. 

Overview: 

Founded1991
IntakesFall and Spring 
Average Tuition Fees (UG) First YearINR 12 – 16 Lakhs
Average Tuition Fees (PG) First YearINR 14 – 20 Lakhs
Scholarship OptionsECU International Scholarships
Top Courses-B.E./B.Tech
-BA
-BS
-B.Ed.
-MS
-MBA 
-MIM
-LLM

5. Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University is a public university located in Darwin, Australia. It is one of the best affordable universities in Australia for master’s. The university excels in engineering, humanities and social sciences, law and paralegal studies, psychology and social work.

It has evolved by merging with various institutions, including Darwin Community College, Menzies School of Health Research, University College of the Northern Territory, and the Centralian College. 

Overview: 

Founded2003
IntakesSpring and Fall
Average Tuition Fees (UG) First YearINR 15 – 18 Lakhs
Average Tuition Fees (PG) First YearINR 16 – 20 Lakhs
Scholarship Options-Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achiever Scholarship
-CDU Global Merit Scholarship 2023-2024
-2024 CDU International College Pathway Scholarship
Top Courses-B.Sc 
-B.E./B.Tech
-MA
-MBA/PGDM
-BBA
-MIM
-BJMC
-LLB
-B.Pharma

These affordable universities in Australia pay equal attention to practical learning and course content. They conduct sessions to let the students learn and experience the world around them.

In addition, the universities have collaborated with many companies to provide internship and training opportunities to the students. 

Eligibility Criteria for Affordable Universities in Australia in 2024

If you want to study at the affordable universities in Australia, then these are the eligibility criteria that you should meet: 

Academic Requirements:

  • To Be Admitted to a bachelor’s course, you should have completed your higher secondary education.
  • For Taking Admission to a Master’s Course, you should have completed your bachelor’s course. 
  • For the Ph.D. Course: You should have completed the master’s course in the related field. 

Note: The marking criteria vary from university to university, but you should have a minimum score of 60% in the previous examinations. 

Language Requirements:

Affordable Universities in Australia will ask for your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores to assess your language proficiency.

Visa Requirements:

It would be best if you opted for an Australian Student Visa to enrol in the whole time courses in Australian universities.

Scholarships for Studying in Affordable Universities in Australia

Government and private entities provide many scholarship opportunities in Australia. So, if you are planning to study at affordable universities in Australia, then you can take advantage of these opportunities that are available to international students.

Here are some of the best scholarship opportunities for admission to affordable universities in Australia.

Scholarship Program NameCourses CoveredEligibility Criteria 
Australia Awards ScholarshipsUG, PG Courses-English Language Proficiency (IELTS)
-Qualified for the Desired Course 
Destination Australia ProgramUG, PG, and Doctoral Courses 
-Enrolled For Full-Time Courses 
-Demonstrate English Language Ability 
Australian Government Research Training ProgramPG Research Degree-Strong Academic Records 
-Enrolled in PG Research Course
Australian Government Research Training ProgramResearch Doctorate and Research Master Degrees-Undertaking a Higher Degree at Eligible Universities 

By applying to these scholarships, you can cover your education expenses fully or partially. 

Highest Paying Jobs in Australia

Australia is a one-destination country that offers quality education and job opportunities. Whether you are a graduate, post-graduate or research pass-out, you will have access to lots of job opportunities, which are created every year by lots of companies located in Australia. 

Here are some of the highest-paying jobs to which you can apply after completing your academics:

Top Paying JobsSalary (in INR) 
Surgeon2.25 Cr – 2.50 Cr
Anaesthetist2 Cr – 2.25 Cr
Cardiologist 1.8 Cr – 2.15 Cr
Project Manager 1.90 Cr. – 2.25 Cr
Internal Medicine Specialist1.60 Cr – 2.10 Cr
Financial Analysts 1.50 Cr – 1.75 Cr
Portfolio Manager1.40 Cr – 1.75 Cr
Psychiatrist1. 25 Cr – 1.50 Cr
Legal Professionals 1.10 Cr – 1.25 Cr
Mining Engineer 1.05 Cr – 1.20 Cr
Information Technology Manager / Executive95 Lakhs – 1.10 Cr 
The mentioned salary has been extracted from the public data. The conversion rate followed  1 AUD = INR 54.4. 

Conclusion

Australia is the third-most popular destination for International students. What separates it from the top two destinations is that it is the most affordable after the US and the UK. So, if you are planning to start your study abroad journey, Australia is the best destination for education and affordability.

If you want to know more about this, you can talk to our consultants, who will guide you in studying in Australia. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Which courses are affordable in Australia? 

    A. Many courses are available to students who wish to study in Australia. The most popular ones in our list include the BBA, B.Tech, BA, and Diploma Courses in Management, Technology, and Hospitality. The most affordable colleges in Australia provide all these courses.

  • Q. Is Australia cheap for international students to study in?

    A. Many cheap colleges in Australia offer a wide range of courses for International students. So whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or research studies, you will find many options. There are so many variable factors like city, courses, and fees that you can consider when choosing the right institutions that meet your educational goals.

  • Q. Where is the affordable university in Australia? 

    A. The cheapest universities in Australia are spread across different regions all across the country. We have the University of Sunshine Coast (located in the Sunshine Coast), Western Sydney University University (located in Penrith), the University of Southern Queensland (located in Queensland), and many more.

  • Q. Which is the cheapest university in Melbourne?

    A. The University of Divinity is the cheapest in Melbourne, Australia. It offers 11 undergraduate and 21 postgraduate courses in different fields such as life sciences and medicals, arts, social sciences, management, spirituality, philosophical, and theological studies. 

  • Q. Which university has the lowest fees in Australia?

    A. The Western Sydney University has the lowest fees in Australia. The fee ranges from INR 12 – 19 Lakhs, depending on your course type (bachelor’s, master’s, research) and field of study (science, engineering, management, etc). The university accepts admission twice a year, one in the Autumn season, which starts from Feb/March, and the other in the spring season, which begins from July/August.

  • Q. Is university education cheaper in the UK or Australia?

    A. The cost of education in Australia is lower than that of the UK. The cost of living and travelling in Australia is also more affordable than in the UK. This makes Australia one of the best options for students who want to study abroad and are looking for the best countries which provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost.

  • Q. Which city is the cheapest for international students in Australia?

    A. Adelaide is the cheapest and most affordable option for international students in Australia. Many prestigious universities, such as the University of South Australia and Flinders University, are in the city. It is also the hub of healthcare, medical science, manufacturing, and retail.

  • Q. Do affordable universities in Australia provide master’s programs?

    A. Many affordable universities in Australia offer master’s courses. The University of Southern Queensland, Charles Darwin University, University of Western Australia, and Victoria University are the most prominent and affordable universities for international students pursuing master’s degrees.

  • Q. Which city in Australia is best for Indian students?

    A. Sydney is the best place for Indian students to study. Every year, thousands of Indian students flock around the city to pursue their higher education. It has many affordable universities in Australia, like the University of Sydney, the International College of Management, and the University of Technology.

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

    A. There is a wide range of affordable courses available for International students. The minimum fee, on average, is around INR 10 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per year, but it varies from different universities and courses. For example, the average fee for pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast is 13 Lakhs, whereas at Charles Sturt University, it is 15 Lakhs.

  • Q. What is the most affordable degree to study in Australia?

    A. The diploma and bachelor’s degree in business, management, and administration are the most affordable courses in Australia. They cost around INR 8 – 12 Lakhs per year to pursue. However, this is an average estimation, and the fees may be higher or lower than that, depending on the university.

  • Q. What are the required admission documents to get admitted into top affordable universities in Australia?

    A. If you wish to study at affordable universities in Australia, you should keep some documents handy to get admission to your dream colleges. These documents include the passing certificate for previous academics, such as Class 12th and 10th, an English Proficiency Scorecard, such as IELTS, a National Identity Card, a Passport, and a Student Visa.


Popular Universities for Study Abroad
30+ Universities for Study Abroad
ls counsellor renu a
Renu A

With over a decade of expertise in the study abroad domain, Renu is a true visionary. Her unwavering commitment lies in guiding students to their dream universities and empowering them to conquer their academic goals.

Articles: 32