Are you dreaming of studying in Australia but worried about the cost? You are not alone! Australia is renowned for its world-class education and vibrant student life, but tuition fees can be a barrier—especially for international students. Fortunately, several outstanding universities in Australia offer quality education at affordable prices.
This guide will take you through the cheapest universities in Australia and the most affordable degree programs including undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and engineering degrees. Whether you’re looking for programs that offer low tuition fees, high-quality education, or great value, we’ve rounded up the best options to fit your budget.
Read on to explore Australia’s budget-friendly universities and degree programs and get valuable tips to maximize your experience without overspending. With the right information and planning, you can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality with minimal spending!
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia
1. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Established in 1989, Charles Darwin University (CDU) is located in Darwin, Northern Territory, and is well known for its expertise in Aboriginal education and applied research. In recent global rankings, CDU has consistently ranked among the top 600 universities, highlighting its leadership in practical education and community engagement.
| Courses | Environmental Science, Education, Nursing, Business |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $20,000 - $26,000 |
2. University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Founded in 1996, the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is located in Queensland and is renowned for its small class sizes and supportive learning environment. USC is generally ranked among the top 700 universities in global rankings and is particularly known for its well-rounded programs in business, health, and social sciences.
| Courses | Business, Arts, Social Sciences, Health, Engineering |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $24,000 - $30,000 |
3. Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU), founded in 1994, has multiple campuses on the east coast of Australia in New South Wales, Southeast Queensland, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour. University programs are organized into six schools, two colleges and two research centers, including the School of Health and Human Sciences, School of Education, School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, School of Business and Tourism, School of Law and Justice, National Marine Science Centre, and Goniby College of Indigenous Australian Peoples.
| Courses | Marine Science, Music, Health, Education, Law |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | March, July, November |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $22,000 - $28,000 |
4. Federation University Australia
Federation University was established as a technical school in 1870 and became a public university in 1994. Located in Victoria, the university is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide and has earned its reputation for industry-based programs, particularly engineering and information technology.
| Courses | Engineering, Business, Information Technology, Nursing |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $22,000 - $28,000 |
5. Australian Catholic University (ACU)
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) was established in 1991 and has multiple campuses across Australia. It is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide and is known for its emphasis on health sciences, education, social justice, community engagement, and support services.
| Courses | Health Sciences, Arts, Social Work, Theology |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $24,000 - $30,000 |
6. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Established in 1991, Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a public university located in Perth, Western Australia. It offers more than 400 courses through its eight schools, including Business and Law, Arts and Humanities, Education, Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Science, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. ECU is known for practical and career-focused education and is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide with strong programs in nursing, psychology, and engineering.
| Courses | Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, Business |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $23,000 - $30,000 |
7. Central Queensland University (CQU)
Central Queensland University (CQU) was established in 1967 as the Queensland Institute of Technology in Rockhampton and received its current name in 1992. It is located in Queensland and offers research, postgraduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. CQU is ranked among the top 700 universities worldwide and is particularly known for its business, engineering, health, and flexible study programs.
| Courses | Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Health |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | March, July, November |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $22,000 - $30,000 |
8. Griffith University
Founded in 1971, Griffith University is located in Queensland and is ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide. The university is known for its research and innovative programs in various fields including music, education, and environmental sciences.
| Courses | Music, Environmental Science, Business, Law |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $27,000 - $33,000 |
9. University of New England (UNE)
Founded in 1938, the University of New England (UNE) is located in New South Wales. It is known for its agriculture program and supportive rural campus environment and is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide.
| Courses | Agriculture, Arts, Science, Health |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, June |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $25,000 - $30,000 |
10. Murdoch University
Murdoch University, established in 1973, is located in Perth, Western Australia. It is ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide and is particularly known for research in veterinary science, psychology, and law.
| Courses | Veterinary Science, Psychology, Law, Business, Arts |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-4 years (varies) |
| Intake | February, July |
| 1st Year Tuition Fees | AUD $25,000 - $30,000 |
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