Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking higher education. To date, there are almost 1.6 million enrolled in higher education institutions. The numbers are expected to increase further, given the country’s excellent academic system, high quality of living, and picturesque landscapes.
Although the cost of living in Australia can be pretty high, it shouldn’t hinder your dreams of studying abroad. After all, there are cheap universities in Australia where you can study without breaking the bank.
Affordable Schools in Australia for International Students
1. Federation University of Australia
The Federation University or FedUni is a public university based in Ballarat – with branches in Churchill, Horsham, and Berwick. Founded in 1870, it is the fourth-oldest higher education institution in Australia. With the tuition fee starting from AUD 22000 per year, the Federation University of Australia is the cheapest in Australia for international students.
FedUni offers programs in the areas of Humanities, Engineering, Business, Science, Math, Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedicine, Psychology, Performing or Visual Arts, Information Technology, Occupational Health, and Physical Education.
As one of the top universities in Australia, FedUni is home to 14,500+ local enrollees and almost 9,000 foreign students.
2. Victoria University
Victoria University, also known as VU or VicUni, is a public educational institution in Melbourne, Australia. It opened in 1916 as the Footscray Technical School before it was awarded university status in 1990.
VU, regarded as one of the best universities in Australia, has campuses in the western region as well as Sydney. These branches altogether house 15,000 students – with 28% of the population coming from international backgrounds.
At VU, students can enroll in either the College of Art & Education, Business, Engineering & Science, Health & Biomedicine, Law & Justice, and Sports & Exercise Science.
3. Torrens University
Torrens University is a cheap private university in Australia. It opened in 2013, making it one of the youngest universities in Australia.
Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through its Colleges of Business and Communication, Design, Business, Media Design, Hotel Management, and Hospitality Management.
As of date, Torrens University has 10,000 local and foreign students enrolled in its various schools.
4. Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University is a public educational institution that opened in 2003 following the merger between 3 schools. While it is headquartered in Darwin, CDU also oversees 8 branches within the region.
As a dual-sector university, CDU offers vocational and university courses in the areas of Business & Law, Education, Engineering & IT, Health & Human Science, Indigenous Society, and Nursing & Midwifery.
CDU, one of the most affordable universities in Australia, has an enrollment rate of only 6,200 plus students. Although this is the case, it has a diverse population with 30% coming from outside Australia.
5. Australian Catholic University
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a top-rated public university in Queensland, Australia. It opened in 1991 following the amalgamation of 4 institutions – some of which have been around since the 1800s.
ACU offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its 4 faculties, namely Education & Arts, Health Sciences, Law & Business, and Theology & Philosophy.
To date, ACU has 24,000+ students – 13% foreign – dispersed throughout ACU’s 7 local branches.
The university also holds a satellite branch in Rome together with the Catholic University of America. Although the university is not geared towards research, ACU is aiming to increase such activity through its intensification program.
6. University of the Sunshine Coast
The University of the Sunshine Coast or USC first opened its doors in 1996. From a measly enrollment rate of 624 students, USC has grown into a big public university of 10,242 students – 18% of which are international learners. It has also progressed as one of the best universities in Australia despite being relatively young.
This cheap university in Australia has the main campus at Sippy Downs and branches at the Fraser Coast, Caboolture, and Gympie. At these schools, USC students can complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees in Business, Tourism & IT, Design & Communication, Creative Industry, Engineering & Science, Education, or Health & Sports Science.
7. Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University (WSU) is a public university that first operated in 1989. True to its name, it serves Western Sydney – although it also has campuses in Perth, Parramatta, Blacktown, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, and Hawkesbury.
Like other Australian universities before it, WSU was established following the merger of 2 colleges. This has given the university a wide array of Schools, including Business, Computing, Education, Law, Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Social Science & Psychology, Science & Health, and Humanities.
WSU has a relatively high foreign enrollment rate, with 20% of its 34,750 students coming from different countries outside Australia.
8. University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong, one of the cheapest universities in Australia for international students, is a public research institution based in New South Wales. Formerly the New South Wales University of Technology, it has become an independent entity with campuses in Shoalhaven, Sydney, Batemans Bay, Bega, and Moss Vale.
UOW offers multiple programs in the fields of Business, Engineering & Information Science, Law & Humanities, Science & Medicine, and Social Science.
As a highly globalized university, 29% of UOW’s 18,500+ students come from over 134 countries.
9. Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a multi-campus public university with branches in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and Gold Coast. It is one of the world’s best young universities, having only opened in 1994.
The university’s undergraduate and graduate programs are delivered through the Schools of Art & Social Science, Business & Tourism, Education, Environment & Technology, Health & Human Science, and Law & Justice. SCU also houses a College of the Australian Indigenous Peoples.
As with most universities, SCU has a high foreign studentship, with 32% of its 10,000+ students coming from outside Australia.
10. University of New England
The University of New England (UNE) – not to be confused with the one in the USA – is a public institution in Armidale, New South Wales. It opened in 1938 as the New England College of the University of Sydney. But in 1994, it merged with the Northern Rivers College to form the present-day UNE.
This cheap university in Australia is divided into the Faculties of Humanities, which oversees two schools; Science, which governs four schools; and Medicine & Health, which has three departments.
Currently, UNE hosts over 14,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students from Australia and the rest of the world. Most of them are housed in the university’s 7 colleges, making UNE one of the biggest residential institutions in the country.
FAQS About Studying in Australia
What Are the Requirements for Studying in Australia?
To study in Australia, you need a high school certificate (for undergraduate studies) or a bachelor’s diploma (for Masters or Ph.D.) You also need to meet the set English proficiency score such as IELTS or TOEFL by your university of choice.
Additionally, you need to provide proof that you have the financial capacity to study and stay in Australia throughout your schooling.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
Can You Study Using English at Australian Universities?
Yes, English is the primary language used in Australia. To get into the University of Sydney, for example, you need to have English as your first language. If not, you must take the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE test. The same requirements apply at the University of Melbourne, though the cut-off scores generally differ from school to school.
You can study in Australia at a price that won’t break the bank and at the same time acquire quality higher education and enjoy stunning landscapes. Without compromising or sacrificing quality, take the next step and discover programs that best suit you.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Australia for international students was helpful. Also, check out the Study in Australia guide and Available Programs for International Students page to learn more!
