Most Affordable Universities in Australia 2026: Courses, Fees & Duration
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Studying abroad is expensive, and Australia is also not very cheap. But if you have decided to study in Australian universities from India, then you must consider some of the most affordable or cheapest universities in Australia for studying. Here is everything that you must know before applying.
The cheapest universities in Australia also offer high-quality education to international students. Studying in these universities helps students pursue their preferred courses at a lower cost. Western Sydney University and the University of Southern Queensland are some top affordable universities in Australia for higher studies.
It is known to all that the cost of studying in Australia for Indian students is more expensive than in India. The cheapest university in Australia for international students is one such area where applicants would be able to make a decision based on their choice of course and university. In this blog, we will help you to know about the cheapest universities in Australia for Indian students.
Even though Australia is expensive to study and live in for international students, there are many affordable universities. If you are also looking for cheaper Australian universities, you can consider those in the regional areas. Apart from these, there are many others on the mainland. Check out the article to know the cheapest universities in Australia.
- List of Cheapest Universities in Australia
- Cheapest University in Australia 2026 (Fees-wise)
- Other Cheaper Colleges in Australia for International Students
- Benefits of Studying at Affordable Universities in Australia from India
- Most Affordable Student Cities in Australia for Indian Students
- How to Choose Affordable Universities in Australia in 2026-27?
- Most Affordable Universities in Australia for Indians FAQs
List of Cheapest Universities in Australia
The living expenses in Australia would be directly proportionate to your location of residence and your lifestyle preferences and choices. Candidates should note that paying lower university fees does not necessarily mean you would be compromising the quality of education being directed towards you. Multiple affordable universities in Australia offer high-quality education at low tuition fees.
Given below are some of the popular cheap universities in Australia that have a low fee structure.
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Southern Queensland
- Charles Sturt University
- Federation University Australia
- Southern Cross University
- Australian Catholic University
- Edith Cowan University
- Central Queensland University (CQU)
Based on the list of affordable universities, let us discuss some key takeaways for studying there.
Cheapest University in Australia 2026 (Fees-wise)
There are plenty of affordable and cheap university options in Australia for international students. These are not tier 2 or 3 colleges but also some of the most popular ones. Below is a list of universities in Australia offering low tuition fees.
University of the Sunshine Coast
The cheapest university in Australia for international students is the University of the Sunshine Coast. This university is a public university, which was founded in 1994 for learning and research in Queensland. University of the Sunshine Coast has eight schools which offer over 120 programs in various areas of study, such as business, education, social science, tourism, humanities, law, communication, design, health, creative industries, science, and technology. Check out some of the cheapest courses of study in below.
| Institution / Expense Category |
Western Sydney University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$28,928 – $40,320 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$29,456 – $43,568 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$29,710 (government minimum) |
University of Southern Queensland
The next most affordable university for international students is the University of Southern Queensland. This university was established in 1967 in the city of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia and offers over 700 degree programs at all levels of study. University of Southern Queensland offers education through its six schools. Some of the popularly opted courses include - business, management, education, law, arts, commerce, humanities, health and nursing, engineering, sciences, communication, and creative arts.
| Institution / Expense Category |
University of Southern Queensland (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$27,400 – $37,110 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$27,400 – $49,470 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$29,710 (government minimum) |
Charles Sturt University
Established in 1989, Charles Sturt University, also known as CSU, is another cheap Australian university. This public research university has multiple campuses in New South Wales. Students can choose from a range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses, where they will have the opportunity to study in modern classrooms equipped with all the necessary resources and study materials required to succeed. The university also offers distance education programs that permit students to choose courses at bachelor's and postgraduate levels of education. Based on fee, know how Charles Sturt University is the most affordable university in Australia:
| Institution / Expense Category |
Charles Sturt University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$27,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$29,000 – $44,000 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$29,710 (government minimum) |
Federation University Australia
The origin of Federation University Australia (FedUni) can be traced back to 1870, making it the fourth oldest tertiary education institution in the country. The university is renowned for its research and Sports Science and has campuses in Ballarat, Brisbane, Berwick, Wimmera, and Gippsland. Federation University is one of the cheapest universities in Australia, check out the fee structure:
| Institution / Expense Category |
Federation University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$24,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $45,000 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$21,000 – $29,710 |
Southern Cross University
Another very affordable university in Australia is Southern Cross University. This university's main campus is located on the east coast of Australia. Other campuses are located in New South Wales, as well as in southeast Queensland, at Lismore and Coffs Harbour. Programs at this university are offered by six schools, two colleges, and two research centres. Also, this university offers affordable courses at various levels, check out the fee structure below:
| Institution / Expense Category |
Southern Cross University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $37,110 (often capped at $26,000 for 2026) |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $43,568 (often capped at $26,000 for 2026) |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$20,000 – $30,000 (varies by campus/lifestyle) |
Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University is a public university that was established in January 1991 in eastern Australia, where four tertiary Catholic institutions had come together to form the Australian Catholic University. All the institutes and centres taken together can be categorised under four faculties. They are health sciences, theology and philosophy, education and arts, and law and business. Check out the fee structure of the most affordable Australian university below:
| Institution / Expense Category |
Australian Catholic University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $40,000 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $44,000 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$21,000 – $29,710 |
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University is an Australian public university situated in Perth, Western Australia. Edith Cowan University offers more than 400 courses through its eight schools, which are Business and Law School, Arts and Humanities School, Education School, Engineering School, Medical and Health Sciences School, Nursing and Midwifery School, Science School, and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. More fee related details are as follows:
| Institution / Expense Category |
Edith Cowan University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,500 – $44,000 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$25,000 – $45,300 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$29,710 (government minimum) |
Central Queensland University (CQU)
Established in 1967 in Rockhampton as the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) Capricornia, Central Queensland University got its current name only in 1992. The university provides research, postgraduate and undergraduate degrees, and short-term and certificate programs. Study subjects offered at the university include education and humanities, accounting and law, community services, apprenticeships, trades and training, psychology, health, performing and visual arts, social work, IT and digital media, science, and environment.
| Institution / Expense Category |
Central Queensland University (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees |
$28,000 – $41,760 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees |
$28,800 – $45,000 |
| Living Expenses (per person) |
$18,000 – $25,000 |
The tuition fee data has been sourced from Shiksha Study Abroad. The numbers could vary, subject to the current economy and revaluation from the respective Universities.
Other Cheaper Colleges in Australia for International Students
You have checked the list of affordable universities in Australia above. The universities mentioned above are some of the famous universities in Australia that charge low (cheap) tuition fees. Now, check some of the cheapest colleges in Australia for International students:
- University of New England
- University of Wollongong
- La Trobe University
- James Cook University
Also, some of the TAFE or vocational colleges in Australia are affordable and cheap study options for international students. So check before applying.
Benefits of Studying at Affordable Universities in Australia from India
There are various benefits of studying at cheap universities in Australia as an international student, and some of them are as follows:
-
Higher education in Australia is expensive. But with low-cost programs and universities, the overall financial burden is reduced.
-
Affordable university education doesn't mean compromising on education quality, because these universities are CRICOS-registered.
-
Even with lower tuition costs, students have the choice to pursue their preferred courses and specialisations in line with interests and career goals.
- International students on a Subclass 500 visa are permitted to work part-time while studying, even if they are enrolled in a cheap Australian university. This further cuts down living expenses.
- Most low-cost Australian universities are based in regional areas where the cost of living (rent, food, transport) is much lower than in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
- Also, students can avail of a post-study work permit in Australia after graduation. This will help them gain some full-time work experience.
Candidates should understand that studying abroad is an investment worth making, as the returns are high in the long run.
Most Affordable Student Cities in Australia for Indian Students
If you’re planning to study in Australia on a tighter budget, the trick is to avoid ultra-expensive cities like Sydney and central Melbourne. Many Indian students now prefer Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Canberra and regional student cities because rent, transport and even groceries are comparatively manageable. Adelaide and Hobart are often considered the most affordable choices for international students.
| Cheaper Australian Cities |
Avg Monthly Cost of Living (AUD) |
Home to Which Affordable Australian Universities? |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide |
AUD 1,400–2,100 |
University of South Australia, Flinders University, Torrens University Australia |
| Hobart |
AUD 1,300–2,000 |
University of Tasmania |
| Perth |
AUD 1,500–2,200 |
Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University |
| Brisbane |
AUD 1,600–2,300 |
Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University |
| Gold Coast |
AUD 1,400–2,100 |
Bond University, Southern Cross University |
| Canberra |
AUD 1,700–2,400 |
University of Canberra, Charles Sturt University |
| Newcastle |
AUD 1,400–2,100 |
University of Newcastle |
| Darwin |
AUD 1,400–2,000 |
Charles Darwin University |
What most Indian students now prefer in 2026:
-
Adelaide is currently the safest “budget + career opportunities” balance.
-
Hobart is the cheapest overall, but part-time jobs are comparatively fewer.
-
Perth is becoming popular because of better PR pathways and jobs.
-
Regional cities may also give additional post-study work visa benefits.
-
Sydney and Melbourne are still top choices academically, but expenses can easily cross AUD 2,500–4,000 per month.
How to Choose Affordable Universities in Australia in 2026-27?
For those who plan to study at affordable universities in Australia, they will have to research and research hard. Multiple factors make universities in Australia cheaper. Either by cutting down the cost of living in Australia or its education costs. Here are some tips on how to choose affordable universities in Australia for studying:
- Look for public universities in Australia with competitive international rates, such as the University of Southern Queensland (approx. AUD 20,000–25,000/year), University of the Sunshine Coast (approx. AUD 20,000–25,000/year), and Charles Sturt University (approx. AUD 18,000–24,000/year).
- Australian universities in regional areas like Charles Darwin University (Darwin) and Federation University (Ballarat) often have lower tuition and living costs. Studying here can also offer extended post-study work rights in Australia.
- Look for universities that offer fully funded scholarships in Australia like the Destination Australia Program, which provides up to AUD 15,000 per year for students at eligible regional campuses. Many universities offer automatic merit bursaries of 15% to 30% based on your GPA.
- Opt for cities like Adelaide or Hobart, which are widely recognised as the most affordable student cities in 2026. Monthly living costs in Adelaide (AUD 1,200–1,600) are significantly lower than in Sydney (AUD 2,200–2,800).
-
Universities outside major hubs (e.g., Victoria University in Melbourne or universities in Darwin/Ballarat) offer lower rent and tuition fee options for international students.
- Finally, students can opt for non-technical courses like Arts, Education, some Business programs, Psychology, Social Science or Humanities courses that are usually lower in overall cost.
Ensure you can prove the mandatory minimum of AUD 29,710 in annual living funds required by the Department of Home Affairs for the Subclass 500 visa. While studying in Australia can be lower in cost, living expenses are higher. Also, the Subclass 50 student visa fee has increased, which is also a part of the overall cost breakdown you calculate. Aiming for affordable and cheap universities in Australia is always better on the pocket. So, whenever possible, aim for top-ranking universities that are not just affordable but also give opportunities to international students for jobs and exchange programs. Also, if they offer scholarships, then it's a cherry on top!
Candidates confused about studying abroad are welcome to write their queries in the comments below. Also, prospective applicants can apply for free counselling to study in Australia by signing up at Shiksha Abroad Counselling.
Most Affordable Universities in Australia for Indians FAQs
Commonly asked questions
The Charles Darwin University and University of Sunshine Coast are among most affordable universities in Australia with lower first year tuition fees. Some other universities with low tuition fee requirements are mentioned below-
| University Name | 1st-year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Charles Darwin University | INR 5 L - 28 L |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | INR 8 L - 22 L |
| The University of Adelaide | INR 8 L - 68 L |
| La Trobe University | INR 11 L - 55 L |
The University of Western Australia and University offers an MS in Business Analytics course at an affordable cost to international students.
Both universities rank among the top business universities in Australia. Applicants can check the table below to check which is better to pursue an MS in Business Analytics:
| Universities | First Year Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Deakin University MS in Business Analytics | INR 31 L | 91 |
| University of Western Australia MS in Business Analytics | INR 30 L | 77 |
Both the universities looks good in terms of their tuitoon fees and ranking in the world. Therefore, it's your choice where you wish to study MS in Business Analytics course.
The University of Western Australia is rank among the top MBA universities in the world and also rank under top 10 MBA universities in Australia. The university offers MBA courses in over 10 multiple specializations at an affordable cost.
The University of Western Australia MBA fees bvary from INR 20.48 L to INR 38.17 L for first-year. Therefore, UWA is worth doing an MBA in Australia.
Check the University of Western Australia ranking
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Aishwarya Bhatnagar is a specialised content curator with 8+ years of experience in EdTech content, particularly in studying abroad. She is a Study Abroad Expert at Shiksha.com (InfoEdge India Ltd) si
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