Australia is one of the most coveted destinations for international students to pursue their higher studies.

However, the tuition and living fees can sometimes be sky-high, creating a challenge to study there.

In this post, we take a look at the top 9 cheapest universities in Australia to study as a foreign student. It will help you learn about Australian universities that are affordable yet offer quality education.

So let’s start the ride across the universities.

Why Cheap Universities Apart from Expensive Ones?

To begin with, as an international student, why should you opt for cheaper universities rather than the more expensive, well-reputed ones?

Simply because you can afford them more and save money to spend elsewhere. For example, you can allocate more of your financials to better accommodation or higher-standard living.

Plus, affordable and cheaper universities can also provide quality education that would be just right for you.

For instance, a cheaper university might offer a particular course or program which you are interested in. and, the university might be a top-ranked institution for the particular course.

Also, you may choose a cheap university during your bachelor’s and a more expensive, well-established one for your Masters. Or, vice versa.

Take a look at this comparison chart to see why cheaper universities can be your choice:

So now that you have learned the comparison of cheap vs expensive universities, let's dive into the top 9 cheap universities in Australia for international, bachelor’s students:

9 Cheapest Australian Universities For Bachelor's Degree

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a young, dynamic, and innovative institution that, over nearly 50 years, has established itself as one of Australia's leading new-generation universities.

UOW holds a national rank of 2nd and a global rank of 16th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings.

In the 2024 edition of THE Impact Rankings, which measures universities' progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UOW was ranked 44th globally and 9th in Australia.

Additionally, UOW is recognised by the Federal Government as a leader in gender equality, earning the prestigious Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

University of Canberra

The University of Canberra (UC) has a deep connection with the city of Canberra, the Australian capital. Its location and close ties with neighbouring communities significantly influence its mission.

Whether fostering innovation, addressing healthcare needs, tackling environmental challenges, or preparing future leaders, UC reflects the unique character of the city.

UC emphasizes providing practical experiences to students so that they are well-prepared for the upcoming job life.

Currently, UC has a diverse community of over 17,500 students, including more than 11,700 undergraduates and 5,900 postgraduates, from across Australia and over 100 countries.

Griffith University

Since 1975, Griffith University's teaching and research have been dedicated to improving the society and environment of the time.

Social and environmental responsibility is at the core of the university's endeavours. From pioneering programs in modern Asian studies and environmental science to longstanding commitments to supporting First Peoples, it advocates for social justice, promoting sustainable practices.

Consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of universities worldwide, the university designs its degrees with a focus on industries, future readiness, and social impact.

The university community includes more than 45,000 students across five campuses in South East Queensland. It also has a Digital campus and is supported by a global alumni network of over 200,000 graduates.

Charles Sturt University

The Charles Sturt University as a brand proudly tells the story of an institution filled with passionate individuals who are committed to building a world worth living in.

Charles Sturt University aims to be a leader in education for Australia, powering communities with the resilience, determination, and mindset to make a positive impact on their world and beyond.

The university's story began in 1895 with the establishment of the Bathurst Experiment Farm, aimed at educating students and local farmers in agriculture. This marked the beginning of the university's mission to connect people, communities, and industry to drive real change.

Today, Charles Sturt University has over 180,000 professionals, creatives, business leaders, politicians, defence workers, scientists, and agricultural experts who are making meaningful contributions to their communities and society.

Swinburne University of Technology 

Swinburne University of Technology is a renowned university that creates social and economic impacts. Founded in 1908 by the Honourable George and Ethel Swinburne as the ‘Eastern Suburbs Technical College’, Swinburne gained university status in 1992.

Swinburne has three campuses located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne — at Hawthorn, Croydon, and Wantirna — offering tertiary education for higher education as well as Pathways and Vocational Education Training (VET).

It also has a fourth campus in Sarawak, Malaysia. The university offers a range of qualifications online through Swinburne Online and Open Universities Australia.

Swinburne researchers have a reputation for high-quality research with particular strengths in astronomy, physics, engineering, materials science, computer science and information technology, design and innovation, health sciences, neurosciences, and mental health.

James Cook University

As the only university in Australia established to address the challenges of Northern Australia and tropical regions globally, JCU is committed to bettering the tropical areas around the world.

It has 12 distinguished professorships, over 4000 employees, and over 20,000 enrolled students.

JCU has an academic division, including six Colleges, and service divisions for research, education, services and resources, and the Chancellery's functions.

Deakin University 

Founded in 1974, the university is the first Australian university to specialize in distance education.

Its world-class research and teaching has positioned it in the top 1% of universities globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It has 4 faculties:

• Arts and education, 
• Business and law
• Health 
• Science, engineering, and built environment

It has 4 local campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. It also has international campuses in Indonesia and India.

CQUniversity Australia

Originally established in Rockhampton in 1967 as the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) Capricornia, CQUniversity Australia gained full university status in 1992. Today, it serves over 30,000 students studying both online and on-campus across Australia.

CQUniversity has become one of the largest universities based in regional Australia, with campuses in Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, and Townsville.

The university offers over 250 education and training programs, ranging from short courses and certificates to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees.

University of the Sunshine Coast

UniSC is a young university driven by a strong belief that community and culture are as vital as providing a world-class education.

The university's first campus, located on the Sunshine Coast, opened in 1996. Today, UniSC has award-winning facilities across five campuses in South East Queensland.

UniSC is also the only university globally with campuses located on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage-listed K’gari.

University of South Australia

Starting operations as a university in 1992, the university fosters a culture of innovation anchored around global and national links to academic, research, and industry partners.

The graduates are the new urban professionals, global citizens at ease with the world and ready to create and respond to change.

With 240,000+ alumni worldwide, 2,800+ staff on 6 campuses, and 2,500+ partnerships with global universities, research bodies, businesses, and industries across the globe, the University of South Australia stands out as a top emerging university for international students.  It offers schools like Business, Allied Health, Justice, Society, Creative, Clinical & Health Sciences, Education, and STEM courses for international students to choose from. 

9 Cheapest Universities for Masters Degree

La Trobe University

La Trobe University's schools and departments are renowned for making a positive impact on the lives of students, partners, and communities.

The university offers courses that emphasize diversity, flexibility, equity, and accessibility.

It is named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, the first Superintendent of the Port Phillip District and the first Lieutenant-Governor of the colony of Victoria.

University’s values shape the institution today, as La Trobe prepares its students to make a global impact through their careers. The university ensures that students are taught by experts and offers high-quality education in a flexible format.

Since opening its doors in 1967, La Trobe has grown to accommodate thousands of students across campuses in Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton, and Sydney. Soon, these students will join over 200,000 alumni who are making significant contributions around the world.

Victoria University

Victoria University (VU) is recognized as the University of the West and as one of Australia’s 39 public universities. Its graduates can trust that their qualifications are based in a world-class education system.

The university emphasizes developing highly qualified STEM educators at all levels, with a particular focus on primary and early education.

In addition, VU ensures its programs meet industry needs, fostering an understanding of new job opportunities in data management and supporting entrepreneurs who can turn scientific knowledge into businesses that will create future jobs.

Federation University 

Federation University began operations as The School of Mines in Ballarat in 1870. Since then, the institution has grown and expanded, merging with other institutions. It also established local and global partnerships, producing over 123,000 graduates.

The university has campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera.

It is the no. 1 university in Australia for first-generation student enrolments and no.1 for in Victoria for undergraduate starting salary.

Murdoch University

From its early days as the first Australian university to have a flexible admissions system, Murdoch has evolved into a global hub for learning, teaching, research, and industry while staying true to its core purpose. Driven by a clear strategic plan and principle, the university continues to be a leader in providing education to all despite of religion or culture.

With a diverse community of over 25,000 students and 2,400 staff representing 90 different countries, the university is proud of its far-reaching impact on graduates, research, and innovations, both within Western Australia and on the global stage.

University of Tasmania

The story of this university began over 130 years ago in a sandstone building overlooking Hobart. From its beginnings with three lecturers teaching eleven students, its purpose has always been the same: to create a better world through academic excellence.

The connection to the environment is deeply rooted here, as the land shapes the university just as the elements shape the island.

The university welcomes all curious minds, inviting them to be part of a collaborative and inclusive community.

The institution has campuses in three regions of Tasmania: Hobart in the South, Launceston in the North, and Burnie in the North West. We also have a campus in Sydney.

Each campus is home to a thriving student community, with loads of events and social opportunities to engage with.

Torrens University Australia

Founded in partnership with the William Blue College of Hospitality Management, award-winning Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) and industry-leading Billy Blue College of Design, Torrens University delivers world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

At Torrens University Australia, students engage in hands-on learning with industry experts, using state-of-the-art facilities and the advanced online learning platform, MyLearn, all crafted to fast-track career success.

Whether studying part-time, full-time, online, or in-person, students have the flexibility to learn on their terms, whenever and however they choose.

Job world is a major focus of everything at Torrens University. Lecturers are experts in their fields, and the curriculum is co-designed with industry, ensuring it meets the standards of relevant professional bodies.

Edith Cowan University

Established in 1991, ECU has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognized research.

Research at ECU improves knowledge and the quality of life for Australians and people across the globe. Their research priorities focus on solving real-world problems across social, economic, physical, and environmental domains.

In regards to Times Higher Education World Rankings, ECU is 33 years old in 2024 and is again ranked in the top 100 with an improved position in 2023, as was the case in 2022.

Their schools include Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Education, Engineering, Business Law, Nursing, and Health Sciences.

Curtin University

In 1987 Curtin University of Technology became Western Australia’s third university and Australia’s first university of technology.

In 1999, Curtin’s international ambitions moved to the next level with the opening of its first offshore campus in Sarawak Malaysia. This would soon be followed by the opening of a campus in Singapore in 2008 and further offshore campuses in the decade ahead.

The university consists of a network of campuses across the Indian Ocean rim that teaches over 50,000 students and employs over 3,000 staff each year.

It has four faculties:

• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Science & Engineering

To Wrap Up

Australia is a great destination for higher studies. The universities listed above prove why you can avail of various types of quality education in Australia at affordable fees.

So, without further ado, start researching and preparing to study down under. The best might yet be waiting for you to grasp and fly high in your studies and career.