Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering world-class education, excellent job opportunities, and globally recognised degrees. However, many students worry about high tuition and living costs. The good news is that Australia also has several low-cost universities that provide quality education at affordable rates.
This guide covers the lowest-cost universities in Australia, including their fees, accommodation, scholarships, admission requirements, visa details, and part-time work opportunities.
Why Study in Australia?
Studying in Australia offers numerous benefits:
Globally recognised degrees
Australian degrees are accepted worldwide.
Affordable options available
Many public universities offer lower tuition fees.
Safe & multicultural environment
Over 700,000+ international students study in Australia.
Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)
Students can stay 2–4 years after graduation.
Part-time work allowed
20 hours/week during study → helps reduce living costs.
High employment outcomes
Australian graduates have great career opportunities globally.
Benefits of Studying at a Low-Cost University in Australia
1. Lower Tuition Fees
Some universities offer bachelor’s and master’s programs starting from AUD $16,000–$22,000 per year, much lower than major universities.
2. Affordable Accommodation
Budget-friendly hostels and shared apartments help reduce living costs.
3. Scholarships for International Students
Low-cost universities often offer:
- Merit scholarships
- Early-bird discounts
- International student bursaries
4. Cheaper Locations
Regional cities like Tasmania, Ballarat, and Lismore have lower living expenses.
5. More PR Pathways
Regional universities offer extra migration points for Permanent Residency.
Top 10 Lowest Cost Universities in Australia
Below is the updated list of the most affordable universities for international students.
1. University of Divinity (Cheapest in Australia)
Tuition Fees: AUD $15,000 – $17,000/year
Accommodation: $350–$500/month
Why It’s Cheap:
- Offers some of the lowest tuition programs in Australia
- Smaller campus, fewer facility costs
- Good option for humanities, counselling & theology students
2. University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
Tuition Fees: AUD $18,000 – $22,000/year
Accommodation: $400–$700/month
Popular Programs:
- IT
- Engineering
- Health & Nursing
- Business
Why It’s Affordable:
- Located in a cheap city
- Offers many international scholarships
3. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Tuition Fees: AUD $18,000 – $23,000/year
Accommodation: $450–$650/month
Why It’s Budget-Friendly:
- Regional location → lower living costs
- Strong focus on international students
- Extra PR benefits
4. University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Tuition Fees: AUD $19,000 – $25,000/year
Accommodation: $350–$600/month
Best Programs:
- Marine Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Health Sciences
5. Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Tuition Fees: AUD $18,000 – $21,000/year
Accommodation: $500–$800/month
Affordable social science, nursing, and education programs.
6. Federation University Australia
Tuition Fees: AUD $18,000 – $23,000/year
Accommodation: $450–$700/month
Best Courses:
- Engineering
- IT
- Business
Cheap regional campuses make living affordable.
7. Southern Cross University (SCU)
Tuition Fees: AUD $20,000 – $24,000/year
Accommodation: $450–$800/month
Famous for:
- Nursing
- Education
- Business
- Engineering
8. Central Queensland University (CQU)
Tuition Fees: AUD $20,000 – $25,000/year
Accommodation: $450–$700/month
Good PR pathways due to regional status.
9. Griffith University (Selected Programs)
Tuition Fees: AUD $22,000 – $26,000/year
Accommodation: $600–$900/month
Offers many scholarships for high-achieving international students.
10. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Tuition Fees: AUD $23,000 – $28,000/year
Accommodation: $550–$900/month
Known for strong teaching quality and budget-friendly tuition.
Admission Requirements for Low-Cost Universities in Australia
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s: Minimum 12 years of schooling
- Master’s: A recognised bachelor’s degree
English Requirements
Accepted tests:
- IELTS (6.0–6.5)
- PTE (50–58)
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for health sciences)
Some universities offer an English waiver based on the previous medium of instruction.
Documents Required
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- CV (for master’s programs)
- English test score
- Visa documents
Cost of Living in Australia
| Expense | Cost (per month) |
| Accommodation | $400–$900 |
| Food | $250–$350 |
| Transport | $80–$150 |
| Personal Expenses | $150–$250 |
| Internet/Phone | $50–$80 |
Total Average Monthly Cost: AUD $900–$1,500
Living in regional cities is significantly cheaper.
Part-Time Jobs for Students in Australia
Allowed Working Hours
- 24 hours/week during study (updated rule)
- Full-time during holidays
Average Earnings
- AUD $22–$28 per hour
Popular Student Jobs:
- Cafes & restaurants
- Retail shops
- Supermarkets
- Warehouse jobs
- Delivery services
- On-campus assistant roles
How to Apply to a Low-Cost University in Australia
Step 1 – Choose a University & Course
Select based on budget, PR opportunities, and career goals.
Step 2 – Prepare All Documents
Academic records, English proof, passport, SOP.
Step 3 – Submit Application
Apply through the university portal or BIIC.
Step 4 – Receive Offer Letter
Conditional or unconditional.
Step 5 – Pay Initial Tuition Fee
Usually AUD $5,000–$10,000.
Step 6 – Get CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
Step 7 – Apply for an Australian Student Visa
Scholarships for Low-Cost Universities
University Merit Scholarships
Regional Scholarships
Early-Bird Discounts
Need-Based Scholarships
Research Grants (for master’s/PhD)
Many students save 20–50% of their tuition by applying early.
Why Choose BIIC for Study in Australia?
Free Admission Counselling
BIIC helps you select the best affordable university based on your finances and academic profile.
High Visa Success Rate
Experienced visa experts prepare strong files.
Scholarship Assistance
BIIC helps you apply for available university scholarships.
Document & SOP Support
Professional guidance for SOP, CV, and application forms.
Fast Application Process
From application to CoE, everything was handled smoothly.
Accommodation & Pre-Departure Support
BIIC arranges affordable accommodation options.
FAQs – Lowest Cost University in Australia
1. Which is the lowest-cost university in Australia?
The University of Divinity is often considered the cheapest, with fees around AUD $15,000–$17,000/year.
2. Can international students study in Australia on a low budget?
Yes. Universities in regional areas offer very affordable programs.
3. What is the minimum cost to study in Australia?
Around AUD $20,000–$30,000 per year, including tuition + living.
4. Are low-cost universities good?
Yes. Australian public universities maintain high standards regardless of tuition fees.
5. Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes. Students can work 24 hours/week during their studies.
6. Do low-cost universities offer scholarships?
Many offer 20–50% scholarships for international students.
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