7 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

Studying abroad gives many international students many opportunities to discover new cultures while attending an amazing university and meeting new people. And if you’re considering studying in Australia, you’re in for a treat!

However, for many international students, the cost of studying in Australia can be daunting. Despite this, Australia is one of the favorite destinations for international students who are eager to apply for Australian university and obtain an Australia study visa.

You may be surprised to know that despite the high cost of living, several Universities in Australia have low tuition fees. Choosing the right university as an international student can be a daunting task.

Here at Aspire Square, we have researched and brought you the cheapest with the lowest tuition fees list of universities for international students who Want to Study Abroad in 2023-2024. 

Let’s look straight into the cheapest universities to Study in Australia.

1) The University of Southern Queensland

Have you considered studying at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ)? Well, USQ is a medium-sized university that boasts high-quality education and research programs.

It’s one of the most affordable Universities in Australia for international students offering a diverse range of courses in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, technology, culture, and the arts. To apply for Australia Study Visa, you’ll need to submit either TOEFL or PEARSON test scores and meet the Australia student visa requirements, including obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

If you’re ready to apply for Australian university, consider the University of Southern Queensland as your top choice for a quality education and an unforgettable experience.

Location – Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

Intakes- February, July, and November

Average tuition fee – AUD 24,000 per year

Specialization- Agriculture and Environment, Business and Commerce, Creative Arts and Media, and more.

2) Griffith University

Planning to Study in Australia? Well, let me tell you, Griffith University could be the perfect choice for you. It’s a public research university in South East Queensland on Australia’s east coast, known for its higher education and research excellence across various disciplines.

Griffith University is particularly renowned for its MBA program and research-based courses. The university offers 200+ courses, with over 50,000 students enrolling annually. 

As an international student, if you’re interested in applying to Griffith, you’ll need to submit English language test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, as well as obtain an Australia Study Visa, a passport, proof of financial support, and health insurance.

If you’re looking to apply for Australian university and are interested in pursuing higher education and research excellence, Griffith University is the perfect choice for you.

Location – South East Queensland, Australia (with campuses in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Logan)

Intakes- February, June, and October 

Average tuition fee – AUD 31,596 per academic year

Specialization- Arts, Education and Law, Engineering and Built Environment, Health, Business and Government, Information Technology, Science and Environment

3) University of Queensland

Planning to apply for Australian university for higher education in Australia? Well, let me tell you about a fantastic option – the University of Queensland! It’s also one of the cheapest universities in the country, offering low tuition fees for all levels of study.

Now, before you apply for Australia Student Visa to study at UQ, there are a few things you need to know. 

• You must meet the minimum English language requirements to be eligible for most UQ programs. This means you must score an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and 6.0 in all sub-bands or equivalent scores in other English language tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic.
• As an international student, you must apply for an Australia Student Visa and obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before you arrive. 

You should thoroughly research these requirements before applying to study in Australia. So, if you’re ready to take the next step and apply to an Australian university, the University of Queensland is a great place to start.

Location – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Intakes- February and March 

Average tuition fee – Varies for each program

Specialization- Agriculture and Environment, Architecture and Planning, Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Medicine, Science

4) University of Divinity

Looking to study in Australia and wondering which university to choose? The University of Divinity might be the answer! 

Not only do they specialize in the fields you’re interested in, but they also make it easy for master’s degree students to manage their finances. This university is a great choice with a beautiful campus and friendly, knowledgeable professors. 

As an international student, you’ll need to meet the minimum language requirements of IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5), TOEFL 577 (TWE 5.0), or iBT 91 (Writing 25, Listening 22, Reading 22, Speaking 22). And if you’re worried about funding, plenty of scholarship opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students.

Just make sure to apply for an Australia Student Visa and meet the program’s minimum entry requirements to study at the University of Divinity.

Location – Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Intakes- February and July 

Average tuition fee – Varies for each program  

Specialization- Theology, philosophy, ministry, and counseling.

5) Charles Darwin University

Looking to apply for Australian university? Then be sure to consider Charles Darwin University (CDU). Not only does CDU offer a wide range of higher degree and vocational programs and training courses, but it also provides flexible study options both on-campus and online. 

Moreover, CDU is recognized as the cheapest university and has been identified by Times Higher Education as one of the ‘rising stars.’ To apply, you’ll need a minimum overall average of 60% in the best 4 academic subjects, including English, and an IELTS score of 6.0. 

As an international student, you’ll receive an Australia Student Visa for the duration of your course. CDU also produces highly employable graduates, making it an excellent choice for your educational journey in Australia!

Location – Arwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Intakes – February, July, and November

Average tuition fee – AUD 25,000 per year

Specialization- Business, education, law, arts, health, engineering, and science.

6) Edith Cowan University

If you’re planning to Study in Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) could be your perfect choice. Not only is it one of the most affordable universities for international students, but it’s also highly regarded for its teaching quality – it’s been awarded a five-star rating for 16 years straight! 

With over 250 courses, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and the content is always up-to-date, thanks to collaboration with professional partners. To Apply for Australian University of Edith Cowan, students need to meet English language requirements for IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.5), TOEFL (iBT) 84 (no score less than 17), PTE-A 64 (no communicative skill less than 58), or OET (minimum B in all components).

Just be sure to check that you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary documents before applying for an Australia Study Visa.

Location – Perth, Western Australia

Intakes – February, July, and October

Average tuition fee – Varies for each program

Specialization- Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Science, Teaching, and Education

7) University of the Sunshine Coast

Looking to Study in Australia? The University of the Sunshine Coast is a top-notch choice! This highly acclaimed university prides itself on providing excellent teaching quality and ensuring student satisfaction.

The university boasts a friendly and supportive environment that helps students feel right at home. To apply for an Australian student visa, international students must meet USC requires an academic IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each subtest), or TOEFL (PBT) 575 TWE 4, or TOEFL iBT 85 (minimum 21 in writing), or PTE 58 (no communicative score less than 50) for English proficiency. 

What’s more, USC offers some of the most affordable tuition fees for international students, making it a popular choice for an international student to apply for Australian University.

Location – Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Intakes- February, June, and October 

Average tuition fee – AUD 23,200 per year for bachelor’s programs 

Specialization – Business and Information Technology, Creative Industries, Education, Engineering and Science, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law and Criminology, Tourism, Sport and Events.

Taking Everything into Account

Every international student considers pursuing their studying in Australia at some point. However, the high cost of university and other expenses discourages students from pursuing their dreams and navies them to change their plans.

With your budget-savvy self and our list of cheapest universities, you are well on your way to organizing your dream study abroad adventure in Australia. So, don’t let financial concerns keep you from pursuing your academic goals. 

Take the leap and explore the various opportunities available to study in Australia. Good luck!