Australia is well known as a world-class study destination, but it’s no secret that the cost of tuition can be steep, especially for full-fee paying international students.
Studying in Australia can cost upwards of $35,000 per year at some of the more prestigious universities. If that number had your heart skyrocketing, don’t panic! There are a number of more affordable universities that still offer excellent education, strong graduate outcomes and a wonderful community for considerably less cost.
You might be wondering why these universities are cheaper and if that means they’re not as good as some of the more expensive options. The answer is no, not at all.
There are lots of reasons why a university might offer cheaper tuition:
- The age of the institution: Newer universities don’t have the same level of global ranking as those that have been around a long time, so they offer lower tuition to help with competition.
- Location: Regional universities are often cheaper. Lower cost of living in the area means they can afford to offer cheaper study, and it helps bring people to the region.
- Government funding: Some universities receive additional funding to help support equitable access to higher education.
Here are some of the most affordable universities in Australia for international students:
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
Location: Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich – Queensland
Estimated annual tuition: $25,000–$30,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Regional campuses and a strong online delivery component
Why you should consider it: UniSQ has won awards for teaching excellence and is a national leader in flexible learning. It’s particularly well-regarded for engineering degrees.
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Location: Darwin – Northern Territory
Estimated annual tuition: $24,000–$31,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Regional campuses
Why you should consider it: CDU is ranked in the top 100 young universities globally (universities that are younger than 50 years). It’s especially strong in nursing and teacher training for rural and remote contexts.
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
Location: Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast – South East Queensland
Estimated annual tuition: $25,000–$30,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Located in more regional areas of Queensland
Why you should consider it: With its beautiful campuses and commitment to sustainability, UniSC is popular with students interested in environmental sciences. They offer strong support services for international students.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Location: Lismore, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour – NSW and Queensland
Estimated annual tuition: $26,000–$32,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Regional campuses and a strong online delivery component
Why you should consider it: SCU is known for its practical and industry-connected programs. It offers unique degrees (such as regenerative agriculture) and is one of the few Australian universities to offer osteopathy.
Federation University Australia
Location: Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland – Victoria
Estimated annual tuition: $24,000–$28,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Regional campuses and scholarship options
Why you should consider it: Federation Uni ranks highly for graduate employability. It offers small class sizes and personalised learning and support services.
Central Queensland University (CQU)
Location: Rockhampton – Queensland
Estimated annual tuition: $26,000–$32,000 (AUD)
Why it’s affordable: Regional campuses and strong online delivery component
Why you should consider it: CQU is a leader in online and distance education, with a commitment to accessible and flexible education. They’re a great option for students who want to study while working.
What else affects the overall cost of studying in Australia?
Finding an affordable university is only one of the things you need to consider when moving to Australia for study. There are other factors you need to keep in mind:
- Cost of living: Regional cities like Toowoomba, Ballarat or Rockhampton are significantly cheaper to live in than the larger and trendier cities, like Sydney or Melbourne. Make sure you look into the cost of housing, groceries and transport as these can all vary considerably across the country.
- Scholarship opportunities: Some universities offer specific scholarships or bursaries for international students which can help with the financial load. It’s always worth looking into whether your chosen university offers one of these.
- Support services: Smaller universities often provide more personalised student support and access to heavily discounted services, such as mental health support, gyms and training clubs and academic assistance/career planning. These are all services that cost considerably more to pay for independently so definitely check what your university offers.
If you’re looking to study in Australia on a budget, considering one of these universities could be a smart step toward achieving your education goals without breaking the bank.
