Most Affordable Australian Universities of 2021

Australia has emerged as a popular destination for international students.  According to a report released by the Department of Education of the Australian government, there are more than 650,000 international students enrolled in Australian universities in 2021. The wide choice of courses and the post-study work options offered to international students make it an attractive study abroad destination.

The other reasons why Australia is a popular study destination include:

• The country has a good higher education system
• It offers a safe environment
• Students have access to numerous scholarships
• Students have access to job opportunities after graduation

Here we list the most affordable universities in Australia for international students in 2021:

1. University of Southern Queensland

 University of Southern Queensland is a medium-sized university situated in the Australian city of Queensland. It offers courses in law, health, engineering, technology, business, education and the arts. It offers over 200 graduate and post-graduate programs for students. The university offers its students the flexibility to study offline, online or opt for an external study program. The average fees for courses range from 20,000 to 25,000 AUD in a year.

2. University of Sunshine Coast

For graduate and post-graduate programs in business, IT and tourism, communication education, this is one of the low-cost universities in Australia. This university provides hands-on training and practical education to its students. The average fees for courses range from 14,000 to 25,000 AUD in a year.

3. Southern Cross University (SCU)

Southern Cross University (SCU) is a public university in Australia which has campuses in New South Wales and at the end of the Gold Coast. This university is renowned for MBA programs and has been awarded 4 out of 5 stars by the Australian Graduate Management Association (GMAA). The average fees for courses range from 20,000 to 27,000 AUD in a year.

4. Charles Darwin University (CDU)

CDU is an Australian Public University that offers a broad range of campus and online higher degree and vocational programs and training courses. The university puts a lot of focus on research-based courses. The average fees for courses range from 16,000 to 26,000 AUD in a year.

5. University of New England (UNE)

University of New England is a public university located in New South Wales.  It offers more than 200 courses on all levels. Every year, this university gives new and continuing students $5 million in scholarships and grants. The average fees for courses range from 20,000 to 26,000 AUD in a year.

6. University of Queensland

This public research university is located in Brisbane. It is one of the leading universities and offers courses in agriculture, business, humanities, engineering etc.  The average fees for courses are around 26,000 AUD in a year.

7. University of Canberra

University of Canberra, located in Bruce, Canberra, is a public university. It offers graduate and masters programs in education, science and technology, health, art and design etc. for UG and PG courses. The average fees for courses are around 26,800 AUD in a year. 

8. Australian Catholic University (ACU)

ACU is an Australian public university with seven campuses in Australia. It is one of the cheap universities in Australia that provides masters, doctoral, and bachelor programs. It offers various scholarships and grants to students. The average fees for courses are around 28,000 AUD in a year.

9. James Cook University

 This is a public university located in Australia's North Queensland. It also has a Brisbane campus that offers affordable tuition fees for international students, mainly for research in the fields of biodiversity, marine sciences, tropical health care, genetics and genomics, engineering, and tourism. The average fees for courses are around 28,000 AUD in a year.

Variation in costs

International students will have to pay international tuition fees and the cost will depend on the course choice. The tuition fees will vary based on the subjects they choose in that particular year of the course.

Scholarship options

International students can avail of many scholarships and grants that give them some benefit and reduces their tuition costs. The Australian government, public and private organizations and the universities themselves provide these scholarships and grants.