Affordable Universities in Melbourne for International Students 2025

Besides their easy affordability, Melbourne universities are also renowned for offering innovative research facilities and access to top-class faculty from around the world. Here are some other reasons why universities in Melbourne are a top choice among international students:

• Access to innovation and research: While there are affordable universities in Melbourne, they are equally renowned for providing access to the latest innovative research methods and technologies with practical applications in the real world. Students learn the finest research tools and techniques to excel in real-world environments.

• Improved safety: Melbourne is considered one of the safest and most liveable cities in the world, offering high standards of safety for residents, a high quality of life, and a remarkable public transportation system.

• Wider networking opportunities: The low-cost universities in Melbourne are renowned for providing graduates with ample scope to network with alumni, industry experts, and mentors. This further opens up more rewarding career opportunities for the students completing studies at Melbourne universities.

The University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University are some of the best affordable universities in Melbourne, where you can access top-notch education without burning a hole in your pocket. Below is a list of top universities in Melbourne for international students that you can consider:

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=au}

The approximate Bachelors program fees at the University of Melbourne are estimated at AUD 51,744 for the academic year 2026. Students aspiring to pursue a postgraduate program at a university in Melbourne may need to pay Masters program fees at the University of Melbourne in the range of AUD 188,644 - AUD 226,572 (approximately). 

Please note that different universities in Melbourne may have varying fee structures for each program offered. The average fees at a Melbourne university are also likely to vary depending on the level of study, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. 

Disclaimer: The fee is indicative and may vary between different university programs in Melbourne.

_{Related Source:  https://study.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/462949/2026-International-Fee-Tables.pdf}

Completing a class 12 qualification or an overseas equivalent is the first prerequisite to applying for a study program at a university in Melbourne. Additionally, all institutions would require proof of English proficiency from international students at the time of application. Every university in Melbourne is likely to have a different set of admission criteria for students aspiring to study in those institutions. For general reference, we list below some of the top Melbourne universities’ admission criteria for international students:

• Completion of CBSE AISSC or CISCE certification from India or an overseas equivalent to be eligible to apply to an undergraduate program at a Melbourne university

• At least 6.5 overall in the IELTS test score as proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band

• Any other specific requirements as defined by individual Melbourne universities that you choose to apply to

_{Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/undergraduate-study/international-applications/entry-requirements#navigation-course-eligibility}

The average cost of studying in Melbourne is estimated to be between AUD 51,744 and AUD 120,704. While each university in the city may have its own fee structure, the figures are provided for reference purposes. Also note that this is the approximate cost of studying undergraduate programs at the university; the fees for Masters degrees are likely to be different.   

_{Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/462949/2026-International-Fee-Tables.pdf} 

Some of the top in-demand job roles for students graduating with a degree from one of Melbourne's universities include Cybersecurity Analyst, Healthcare Administrator, and Mechanical Engineer. These graduates are highly likely to find numerous rewarding work opportunities in Australia and other parts of the world. 

These jobs in Australia are open to students with the desired knowledge and skill sets, enabling them to contribute to the country’s economy and potentially pave the way for pathways to permanent residency in Australia.

The table below lists some of the highly sought-after jobs available to international students who have studied at universities in Melbourne. Note that IDP Education assists Australian graduates in finding suitable and lucrative career prospects within the country and globally.  

_{Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/cybersecurity-analyst/salaries}

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1. How to find budget universities in Melbourne in 2025?

The city has many affordable universities that offer low-cost education without compromising on the quality of learning imparted. IDP Education consultants for Australia can help you choose the best university in Melbourne that fits your budget and meets your academic goals.

2. Which courses are the cheapest in Melbourne in 2025?

Some of the most affordable study programs offered at Melbourne universities include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration

• Master of Education

• Masters in Computer Science

3. How to apply to affordable universities in Melbourne?

IDP Education consultants can help you identify the top affordable universities in Melbourne and the eligibility criteria for each. Start by checking whether you meet the eligibility requirements of the universities. Gather the required documents, and our experts will help put forward the application at the university of your choice before the specified deadline.

4. Are scholarships available at universities in Melbourne?

Absolutely! Several universities in Melbourne offer scholarship options to international students, allowing them to pursue their studies in Australia. Some of the top scholarships include:

• University of Melbourne Scholarships

• Victoria University Scholarships

• Melbourne Business School Scholarships

5. How to save money while studying in Melbourne?

You can work part-time alongside your studies. The Australian government permits international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the study term. Additionally, availing student discounts, using public transportation in the city, and living in affordable housing are some ways to save money.

6. How to apply for a student visa in Melbourne?

You would first need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the Australian university you have applied to. Once you receive the letter, study abroad consultants like IDP Education can assist you in applying for a study visa for Australia by gathering and submitting the required documents in the correct order.

7. Can I pay university fees in installments in Melbourne?

This requirement may vary for different universities; hence, it’s best to check with the specific university at the time of application. If the university allows for installment payments, you may go ahead with the arrangement.