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Australia is home to 37 top universities in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2024, with six of them making it into the top 100. Over 1.4 million local and international students choose to study in Australia's universities each year, underscoring its global appeal. Affordable universities in Australia offer international students the opportunity to access high-quality education without the excessive financial burden, making it a viable option for those seeking both excellence and affordability.
Choosing affordable universities in Australia for international students is crucial to managing expenses without compromising educational quality. The average annual tuition fee for international students ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000, making it essential to find more affordable options.
This guide highlights why Australia is a preferred choice and introduces a list of low cost universities in Australia for international students. Here are the top affordable universities:
- Charles Darwin University (CDU)
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Southern Cross University (SCU)
- University of Wollongong (UOW)
- Federation University Australia
- Griffith University
- Central Queensland University (CQU)
- Torrens University
- University of Canberra
- Victoria University
Top 10 Affordable Universities in Australia
1. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
CDU, located in Darwin, is known for its strong focus on Indigenous education and research and its commitment to sustainability and environmental studies. It is a low cost university in Australia offering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
Key Programmes
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Environmental Sciences
- Education
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Health Sciences
- Business: Management, Accounting, Indigenous Governance
- Law
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,071,000 |
28,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,147,500 |
30,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,032,750 |
27,000 |
2. Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU offers affordable programmes that strongly emphasise ethics, social justice, and community engagement, spread across multiple campuses in Australia. ACU is recognised as a low cost university in Australia.
Key Programmes
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy
- Education
- Theology and Philosophy
- Business: Ethics and Social Justice
- Law
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,107,750 |
29,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,184,500 |
31,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,070,250 |
28,000 |
3. Southern Cross University (SCU)
SCU, with campuses in New South Wales and Queensland, is renowned for its research excellence and innovative teaching methods. It stands out as one of the most affordable universities in Australia.
Key Programmes
- Environmental Science
- Marine Science
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy
- Business: Tourism, Hospitality Management
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,071,000 |
28,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,147,500 |
30,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,032,750 |
27,000 |
4. University of Wollongong (UOW)
UOW, located in New South Wales, is known for its strong research output and industry connections. It offers affordable programs and is considered one of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students.
Key Programmes
- Engineering: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology: Cyber Security, Software Engineering
- Business: Accounting, Finance, Marketing
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Exercise Science
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,224,250 |
32,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,300,750 |
34,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,185,750 |
31,000 |
5. Federation University Australia
Located in Ballarat, Federation University offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on practical experience and research. It ranks as one of the low cost universities in Australia for international students.
Key Programmes
- Health Sciences: Nursing
- Education: Early Childhood Education
- Business: Accounting
- Information Technology
- Engineering: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,032,750 |
27,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,109,250 |
29,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
994,500 |
26,000 |
6. Griffith University
Griffith University, with campuses in Queensland, is known for its innovative research and strong emphasis on sustainability and social justice. It offers a range of affordable programs and is one of the most affordable universities in Australia.
Key Programmes
- Health Sciences: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Business: International Business, Marketing, Hospitality Management
- Law
- Criminology
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,185,750 |
31,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,261,500 |
33,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,148,500 |
30,000 |
7. Central Queensland University (CQU)
Located across various campuses in Queensland, Central Queensland University (CQU) offers a range of affordable programs with a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry connections. CQU is known for its flexible learning options, including online and part-time courses, making it accessible to a diverse student population.
Key Programmes:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Information Systems
- Bachelor of Engineering
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
March, July, November |
1,100,000 |
30,000 |
|
PG |
March, July, November |
1,180,000 |
32,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,050,000 |
29,000 |
8. Torrens University
Torrens University, present in major cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offers innovative and industry-focused programs. It is known for its personalised approach to education and strong emphasis on employability.
Key Programmes:
- Bachelor of Business Information Systems
- Master of Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Digital Media
University Type: Private
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
January, May, September |
1,200,000 |
33,000 |
|
PG |
January, May, September |
1,250,000 |
34,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,150,000 |
31,500 |
9. University of Canberra
The University of Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is known for its strong focus on work-integrated learning and high graduate employment rates. It offers a variety of programmes with a practical approach to education.
Key Programmes:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Data Science
- Bachelor of Software Engineering
University Type: Public
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intakes |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,150,000 |
31,000 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,200,000 |
32,500 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,100,000 |
30,000 |
10. Victoria University
Victoria University located in Melbourne offers a wide range of programs with a focus on practical learning and strong industry partnerships. It is known for its innovative teaching methods and flexible learning options.
Key Programmes:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Cyber Security
Average Cost to Study:
|
Program |
Intake |
Cost (PHP/year) |
Cost (AUD/year) |
|
UG |
February, July |
1,050,000 |
28,500 |
|
PG |
February, July |
1,100,000 |
30,000 |
|
Research |
Throughout the year |
1,000,000 |
27,500 |
Pro Tip: Universities employ over 130,000 people in academic and professional roles. In regional areas, universities are major employers and support over 14,000 jobs.
Affordability in higher education is crucial for students to achieve their academic goals without financial strain. The affordable universities in Australia listed in this guide provide quality education at lower costs, making them excellent choices for international students.
As you plan your studies, consider your overall budget, including living expenses and potential scholarships. Australia offers both high-quality education and economic viability, making it a top destination for students worldwide.
For personalised advice and to explore your best options, contact AECC counsellors for a free consultation. They can help you navigate the application process and find the perfect fit for your educational journey in Australia.
