Are cheaper Australian universities lower quality?

No. All Australian universities offering courses to international students are registered with CRICOS and regulated by TEQSA (the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). This means every institution meets national quality standards regardless of fee level. Tuition fees are set by each institution and vary based on factors like location, institution type, and course delivery — not quality.

Do tuition fees include living costs?

No. The fees shown on this page are tuition fees only. Living costs (accommodation, food, transport, health insurance) are additional. The Department of Home Affairs requires student visa applicants to demonstrate access to at least AUD $24,505 per year for living costs (as of 2026). Living costs are generally lower in regional areas.

Can I get a scholarship to reduce fees?

Many Australian universities offer scholarships for international students, ranging from partial tuition waivers to full-fee scholarships. Eligibility criteria vary by institution and scholarship. Visit our Scholarships page for a list of available opportunities.

Do fees change each year?

Yes. Universities typically adjust tuition fees annually. The fees shown on this page are based on current CRICOS data and may change. Always confirm the current fee with the university directly before making any decisions.

Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students

Australia is home to world-class universities at a range of price points. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly bachelor's degree or an affordable postgraduate program, there are CRICOS-registered institutions across the country offering quality education at competitive tuition fees. This page compares the lowest-fee universities based on current CRICOS data.

How University Fees Work in Australia

All institutions that enrol international students in Australia must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Tuition fees are set by each institution and vary depending on the course, level of study, and delivery mode. Fees are typically quoted per year of full-time study. Unlike domestic students, international students pay full tuition fees — there is no government subsidy. However, the quality of education is regulated by TEQSA, meaning all providers meet the same national standards regardless of fee level.

Lowest Tuition Fees by University

The following table shows the 20 universities with the lowest starting tuition fees for international students, based on current CRICOS data. Fees shown are annual tuition only and do not include living costs, OSHC, or other fees.

#	University	Lowest Fee	Highest Fee	Courses
1	Monash University	$1	$572,729	521
2	Swinburne University of Technology	$2,000	$307,580	369
3	Excelsia University College	$9,000	$74,677	44
4	University of Divinity	$9,804	$67,488	14
5	Australian University College of Divinity	$10,440	$72,960	34
6	Alphacrucis College	$10,725	$111,200	61
7	Victoria University	$10,880	$100,200	28
8	SAE University College	$12,000	$83,880	42
9	Charles Sturt University	$12,280	$432,480	62
10	Australian College of Applied Professions, ACAP University College	$12,375	$116,704	23
11	University of Tasmania (UTas)	$12,975	$455,588	203
12	Adelaide University	$13,000	$590,400	470
13	Southern Cross University	$13,000	$136,000	116
14	Central Queensland University	$13,344	$214,671	83
15	University of the Sunshine Coast	$13,900	$167,500	128
16	Torrens University Australia; Torrens University Language Centre; Chifley Business School at Torrens University Australia CBS at Torrens University Australia Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia BMIHMS at To	$14,050	$129,000	127
17	Federation University Australia	$14,700	$158,000	176
18	Charles Darwin University	$14,760	$204,070	140
19	University of Wollongong	$14,880	$310,128	337
20	Flinders University	$15,000	$411,000	429

Source: CRICOS data. Fees are indicative and may change. Always confirm current fees directly with the university. Last updated March 2026.

What “Affordable” Means in Australia

In Australia, all higher education providers are regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). This means a degree from a lower-fee university carries the same national recognition as one from a higher-fee institution. Employers and professional bodies assess qualifications based on accreditation, not tuition cost. Lower fees often reflect an institution's location (regional areas tend to have lower costs), its funding model (public vs private), or its size. Choosing an affordable university does not mean compromising on quality — it means being strategic about where and what you study. Many affordable universities also offer smaller class sizes, stronger community connections, and access to regional employment markets.

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