Australia is one of the top destinations for Indian students who wish to study abroad. Its culture, universities, language, and student policies have allowed Indians to settle there and build careers. Fun Fact: In order to study in Australia, students must have $24,505 (₹13 lakhs) in savings to apply for a student visa. This tells us that studying in Australia is not cheap, but by planning, budgeting and finding the most affordable universities in Australia, you can make your dreams a reality.
However, the costs of pursuing higher education in Australia can be a major concern and barrier for many students. Let’s utilize this blog and discuss the process, exams, universities, and living costs that every student should know about before planning to go abroad!
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia
1. University of the Sunshine Coast
Located in Queensland, the University of the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its affordable education and commitment to providing high-quality facilities. The university places a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry engagement.
They offer a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like business, science, education, and health. The annual tuition fee for international students is approximately A$22,000, making it one of the most affordable options available.
Moreover, the cost of living in this area is lower than in other Australian cities, further easing the financial burden on students.
2. Charles Sturt University
Situated in New South Wales, Charles Sturt University is celebrated for its exceptional teaching and research facilities.
With a strong focus on industry-relevant programs and practical learning experiences, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including business, education, and health-related disciplines.
The annual tuition fee for international students is around A$24,000, making it an attractive and affordable choice for higher education.
Additionally, the cost of living in this region is relatively low, providing students with a conducive and affordable living environment.
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3. Federation University Australia
Nestled in Victoria, Federation University Australia stands out as one of the most affordable universities in the country. The university is committed to providing quality education and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business, science, education, and health.
With an annual tuition fee of approximately A$25,000, international students can pursue their academic goals without breaking the bank.
Moreover, the cost of living in this region is relatively affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious students.
4. Southern Cross University
Situated in New South Wales, Southern Cross University is known for its excellent teaching and research facilities. The university prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its diverse student population.
Offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business, education, and health, the university provides an affordable avenue for international students to pursue higher education.
With an annual tuition fee of around A$26,000, students can access quality education without incurring excessive financial burdens.
Additionally, the cost of living in this region is relatively low compared to other cities, ensuring students can manage their expenses effectively.
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5. Victoria University
Based in Melbourne, Victoria University is recognized as one of the cheapest universities in Australia for international students.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, science, education, and health.
With a focus on industry connections and practical learning experiences, Victoria University provides students with valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers. The annual tuition fee for international students is around A$28,000, making it an affordable option.
Furthermore, the cost of living in Melbourne, while higher than in some other cities, can be managed with careful budgeting.
6. Torrens University
Situated in Adelaide, Torrens University is renowned for its excellent teaching and research facilities. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business, education, and health.
With a commitment to providing industry-relevant education, Torrens University equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen careers.
The annual tuition fee for international students is around A$29,000, making it an affordable option for pursuing higher education in Australia.
Additionally, the cost of living in Adelaide is relatively lower than in other cities, allowing students to allocate their resources effectively.
7. Australian Catholic University
Located in Sydney, the Australian Catholic University stands out as one of the cheapest universities in Australia for international students.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including business, science, education, and health.
With a focus on holistic education and fostering a strong sense of community, the Australian Catholic University provides an enriching learning experience. The annual tuition fee for international students is approximately A$29,000, offering an affordable pathway to higher education.
Although the cost of living in Sydney is higher than in some other cities, students can manage their expenses through careful budgeting and availing of available resources.
8. Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University, situated in Darwin, offers outstanding education and research facilities. The university provides a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in numerous fields, including business, education, and health.
With a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry engagement, Charles Darwin University prepares students for successful careers in their respective fields.
The tuition fee for international students is around A$30,000 per year, and the cost of living in Darwin is relatively lower compared to other Australian cities, allowing students to stretch their budget effectively.
9. James Cook University
Situated in Queensland, James Cook University is known for its affordability and commitment to international students.
With a strong focus on research and tropical expertise, the university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including business, science, education, and health.
The annual tuition fee for international students is around A$30,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable education.
Moreover, the cost of living in this region is notably lower than in other cities, allowing students to manage their finances efficiently.
10. Western Sydney University
Located in Sydney, Western Sydney University is recognized for its excellent teaching and research facilities. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including business, education, and health.
With a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections, Western Sydney University equips students with valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers.
The annual tuition fee for international students is around A$31,000, providing an affordable option for higher education. Furthermore, the cost of living in Western Sydney is relatively affordable, allowing students to make the most of their educational journey without compromising their financial stability.
While the expenses of higher education in Australia can be a concern for several students, the universities mentioned above are some of the cheapest options in Australia, providing a wide range of programs across various disciplines.
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Affordable Universities in Australia for Undergraduate Programs
By considering these options, students can choose affordable universities without compromising the quality of their education.
Here are some Australian universities known for being easier on the wallet (tuition fees mentioned are yearly estimates in Indian Rupees):
- University of Southern Queensland (USQ): USQ offers bachelor’s degrees starting around ₹3.3 Lakhs and postgraduate programs around ₹3.6 Lakhs.
- University of the Sunshine Coast: This university boasts bachelor’s programs starting at ₹18 Lakhs and Master’s programs at around ₹18 Lakhs.
- Edith Cowan University (ECU): ECU is known for its budget-friendly Master’s programs, some starting as low as ₹13.2 Lakhs.
- Charles Darwin University: Explore the unique landscape of Australia while studying at Charles Darwin, with undergraduate programs starting at ₹19 Lakhs.
- Charles Sturt University: This university offers a good range of affordable programs, with Bachelor’s degrees starting at ₹16.8 Lakhs.
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Beyond Tuition Fees: The Cost of Living in Australia
While tuition fees are a significant factor, remember to factor in living expenses:
- Accommodation: On-campus housing or shared apartments are budget-friendly options, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month.
- Food: Groceries and eating out can vary depending on your preferences. Expect to spend around ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month on food.
- Transport: Public transport can be expensive in major cities. Consider purchasing a student travel pass for concessions. Budget around ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per month.
- Visa and Overseas Health Cover (OHC): Factor in the cost of your student visa application (around ₹14,000) and Overseas Health Cover (mandatory for international students – costs vary depending on the provider).
Planning Makes Perfect!
Start researching scholarships and financial aid options well in advance to ease the financial burden. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships and work-study programs for international students.
Studying in Australia can be an enriching and life-changing experience. With careful planning and these tips on affordable universities, you can turn your dream into reality!
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FAQs
Which university has the lowest fee in Australia?
No specific university offers the lowest fees in Australia. However, you can find various courses that charge as low as ₹12 lakhs annually at some universities to study.
What are some of the affordable Australian universities for Indian students?
University of the Sunshine Coast (A$22,000), Charles Sturt University (A$24,000), Federation University Australia (A$25,000).
What’s the cost of studying at the University of Sunshine Coast, Australia?
The annual tuition fee for international students is approximately A$22,000, making it one of the most affordable options available.
Is studying in Australia affordable for international students?
Studying in Australia is cheaper than studying in USA or UK. However, its not without its budget constraints. Average fees for courses in Australia range between ₹12 to ₹20 lakhs, and students must have $24,505 (₹13 lakhs) in savings to apply for a student visa.