A complete list of the best Australian universities that are easy on your pocket too!

Study in Australia is one of the top choices among several international students for higher education. Considering the excessive demand for courses at Australian universities, most study institutions offer programs at easily affordable fee structures for students. This article contains a complete list of some of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students.  

Why Study at Australian Universities?

Many students worldwide prefer to pursue higher education in Australia. The country’s universities are highly popular for some of the following reasons:

  • Australian universities offer a diverse range of courses and study programs to appeal to varied student interests and career aspirations.

  • Students are offered the opportunity to work in Australia after completing their graduation. 

  • Universities in Australia are well-equipped with the latest infrastructure and technological innovations in tune with the times.

  • Studying in Australian universities for Masters courses is relatively more affordable than in any other study-abroad destination.  

List of the Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students

If you are on a defined budget and looking for the most affordable universities in Australia, the table below highlights the top 10 budget-friendly study institutions in the country. These universities are ranked as per QS World University Rankings 2025:

Name of the University

QS World University Rankings 2025

University of Wollongong

167

Western Sydney University

=385

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

=396

Edith Cowan University

516

Central Queensland University 

=495

Charles Darwin University

621-630

Southern Cross University

576

Charles Sturt University

851-900

Australian Catholic University

901-950

University of the Sunshine Coast

1001-1200

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?page=1&countries=au&sort_by=rank&order_by=asc

Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Australia

Different Australian universities are likely to have different sets of admission criteria for international students. For a general reference, however, listed below are some of the most commonly acceptable eligibility criteria for Australian universities:

  • An aggregate score of at least 60% in class 12 is a prerequisite for most diploma study programs in Australia.

  • Undergraduate courses require students to have a minimum of 65% or more.

  • International students must be able to demonstrate sufficient evidence of English language proficiency, such as the IELTS Test Report Form, with the desired score as required by the applied university.

Cost of Studying in Australia’s Affordable Universities for International Students

Australia has several universities that offer pocket-friendly courses to students worldwide. The actual fee for each university is likely to differ from the other. The average fees for international students at affordable Australian universities are estimated to be in the range of AUD 13,200 and AUD 34,480 per annum.

Disclaimer: The figures are indicative only and meant to be used as a reference. The actual cost of a course at various affordable universities in Australia is likely to vary.   

Jobs and Career Prospects for Students after Studying in Australian Universities

Students graduating with a degree in a study program of their choice from a recognised Australian university are likely to find employment in one of the following job roles:

Expected Job Role

Avg Annual Salary

Library Assistant

AUD 51,529

Office Assistant

AUD 58,987

Allied Health Assistant

AUD 54,819

Software Developer

AUD 102,845

Personal Trainer

AUD 81,489

Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/library-assistant/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/office-assistant/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/veterinary-assistant/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/software-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/personal-trainer/salaries

FAQs on Affordable Universities in Australia

1. Which is the most affordable university in Australia?

Some of the most affordable universities in Australia are:

  • University of Wollongong

  • Western Sydney University

  • University of Southern Queensland

2. Which course has the lowest fees in Australia?

Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) is one of the most affordable study programs in Australia. Its annual fee is approximately AUD 37,744.

3. Which city in Australia is the most affordable for international students?

Adelaide is regarded as one of the most affordable cities in Australia, highly preferred by most international students for pocket-friendly and quality courses.

4. How can I be admitted to Australian universities?

To secure a seat at an Australian university of your choice, you must be able to meet certain common admission criteria, such as:

  • A minimum of 60% for diploma courses and at least 65% for Bachelor’s degrees

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS Test Report Form

5. Why study in the most affordable colleges in Australia for higher education?

The most affordable Australian universities do not compromise the quality of education imparted to international students. These universities are equipped with the latest infrastructure and technology, offering the best amenities at budget-friendly costs to the students.

Updated on 24 January, 2025