Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its high-quality education, safe environment, and globally recognized degrees. However, many students, especially from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, worry that studying in Australia is expensive.
The good news is that you can study in Australia on a budget! There are many affordable universities in Australia for international students that offer top-quality programs, lower tuition fees, and scholarships.
This complete guide will help you understand everything from university lists and tuition fees to living costs, scholarships, and visa information.
Why Choose Australia for Higher Education?
Before checking the cheapest universities, let’s understand why Australia is one of the best study destinations for international students:
World-Class Education: Australia has some of the top universities in the world, known for their quality and innovation.
Globally Recognized Degrees: Australian qualifications are accepted worldwide.
Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates can stay and work in Australia for up to 2–4 years after completing their studies.
Safe & Multicultural Society: You’ll find students from over 190 countries studying there.
Scholarship Opportunities: Many universities offer partial or full scholarships for international students.
Work While You Study: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during classes.
Top Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students (2025 List)
Here’s a list of the most affordable and reputable universities for international students in 2025:
| University Name | Average Tuition Fee (AUD/year) | Popular Programs | Location |
| University of Sunshine Coast (USC) | 22,000 – 28,000 | Nursing, Business, IT | Queensland |
| Charles Darwin University (CDU) | 22,000 – 27,000 | Engineering, Education, Health Sciences | Northern Territory |
| University of Southern Queensland (USQ) | 23,000 – 29,000 | Agriculture, Engineering, Business | Toowoomba |
| Federation University Australia | 21,000 – 27,000 | Accounting, Nursing, IT | Victoria |
| University of New England (UNE) | 22,000 – 28,000 | Social Work, Agriculture, Business | New South Wales |
| Southern Cross University (SCU) | 23,000 – 30,000 | Business, Tourism, Environmental Science | NSW & Queensland |
| Victoria University (VU) | 25,000 – 31,000 | Engineering, Business, Law | Melbourne |
| University of Canberra (UC) | 26,000 – 32,000 | IT, Psychology, Communication | Canberra |
| Central Queensland University (CQU) | 24,000 – 30,000 | Health, Education, Engineering | Rockhampton |
| Australian Catholic University (ACU) | 26,000 – 33,000 | Nursing, Social Work, Education | Sydney, Melbourne |
Average Cost of Studying in Australia
1. Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s degree: AUD 20,000–35,000/year
- Master’s degree: AUD 22,000–38,000/year
- PhD programs: AUD 20,000–40,000/year
2. Living Expenses
According to the Australian Government, you’ll need around AUD 24,505 per year for living expenses.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (AUD) |
| Accommodation | 600–1,200 |
| Food & Groceries | 300–500 |
| Transportation | 100–150 |
| Internet & Utilities | 80–150 |
| Personal Expenses | 150–300 |
Total Average Monthly Cost: 1,200–2,000 AUD
That means living in Australia can be affordable if you choose budget-friendly cities like Adelaide, Hobart, or Brisbane instead of Sydney or Melbourne.
Scholarships for International Students in Australia
Many Australian universities offer scholarships to help reduce costs for international students. Here are some popular options:
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
- Funded by the Australian Government.
- Covers full tuition, living costs, and airfare.
2. Destination Australia Scholarship
- Offered by the Australian Government.
- Up to AUD 15,000/year for studying in regional areas.
3. University of Sydney International Scholarships
- Based on academic merit.
- Offers up to AUD 40,000 in tuition reduction.
4. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
- Covers 50% of tuition fees.
5. Monash International Merit Scholarship
- Awards up to AUD 10,000 per year.
Requirements to Study in Australia
To apply for admission and a student visa, international students must meet certain requirements:
1. Academic Requirements
- For Bachelor’s: 12 years of schooling (HSC/A Level).
- For Master’s: A recognized Bachelor’s degree.
2. English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
- PTE Academic: 50+
- TOEFL iBT: 60+
3. Financial Requirements
- Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Bank statements or sponsor evidence.
4. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
- A written statement explaining your study goals and future plans.
5. Health Insurance (OSHC)
- All international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover during their stay.
Australian Student Visa Information (Subclass 500)
To study in Australia, you must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Key Points:
- Application Fee: AUD 710 (approx. BDT 50,000)
- Processing Time: 3–8 weeks
- Work Rights: 48 hours per fortnight during classes; unlimited during breaks.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- GTE statement
- Financial proof
- English test results
- OSHC certificate
Most Affordable Cities in Australia for Students
Choosing the right city helps you save money on rent and daily expenses.
| City | Average Monthly Living Cost (AUD) | Why Choose |
| Adelaide | 1,300 | Affordable rent & calm lifestyle |
| Hobart | 1,200 | Beautiful environment, low cost |
| Brisbane | 1,400 | Job opportunities & student-friendly |
| Perth | 1,500 | Balanced cost & good education |
| Canberra | 1,450 | Safe and peaceful |
Popular Courses Among International Students
Business and Management
Information Technology
Engineering
Health and Nursing
Accounting and Finance
Environmental Science
Creative Arts and Design
These programs offer excellent job opportunities both in Australia and abroad after graduation.
BIIC Expert Tips for Bangladeshi Students
Choose universities in regional areas; tuition and living costs are lower.
Apply early to secure scholarships and housing.
Maintaining a strong GTE statement it’s vital for your visa approval.
Prepare your financial documents properly.
Work part-time to support your expenses.
If you need help with university selection, visa application, or scholarship guidance, BIIC Bangladesh provides full professional support to make your dream of studying in Australia come true.
FAQs
1. Can I study in Australia on a low budget?
Yes. You can study affordably at universities like Federation University, CDU, and University of Sunshine Coast with tuition fees starting around AUD 21,000/year.
2. Which is the cheapest university in Australia for international students?
Federation University and University of Southern Queensland are among the cheapest options.
3. Can Bangladeshi students work while studying in Australia?
Yes, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during holidays.
4. What is the average cost of living for students in Australia?
On average, you’ll need AUD 1,200–1,800 per month for accommodation, food, and other expenses.
5. Is IELTS mandatory for studying in Australia?
Yes, most universities require an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall.
6. Are scholarships available for Bangladeshi students?
Yes. Scholarships like Australia Awards and Destination Australia are open for Bangladeshi and other international students.
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