Cheapest Universities in Australia - Guide for Nepali Students

Typical Tuition Ranges by Degrees

• Bachelor’s degrees: AUD 20,000 – 35,000 per year (approx. NPR 18.5 – 32.4 lakhs)

• Master’s degrees: AUD 22,000 – 40,000 per year (approx. NPR 20.4 – 37 lakh)

Some regional and public universities offer programs starting from AUD 18,000/year, making them attractive to budget-conscious students.

Average Living Costs

Choosing a university in a regional city can save you thousands of dollars annually and give you extra years on your post-study work visa.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

Finding the right university in Australia that fits your budget is a crucial step for students planning to study abroad. Several public and regional Australian universities are offering internationally recognized degrees at affordable tuition fees, while maintaining excellent teaching quality and strong career outcomes.

Below is a carefully curated list of the Top 10 cheapest universities in Australia for Nepali students, including their locations, popular courses, average tuition fees, and the key reasons why they stand out.

1. University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)

Locations: 

• Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Caboolture — Queensland

• Adelaide - South Australia

Popular Programs: Business, Nursing, IT, Education, Environmental Science

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 24,000/year

• Master: AUD 26,000/year

Reasons to Choose UniSC:

• Regional campus benefits with lower living costs

• Modern facilities and a strong focus on student experience

• Excellent graduate satisfaction rates

• Strong industry partnerships for internships and placements

• Flexible entry pathways for international learners

2. University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

Location: Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich — Queensland

Popular Programs: Engineering, Aviation, Business, Health Sciences, IT

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 22,000/year

• Master: AUD 24,000/year

Reasons to Choose UniSQ:

• One of Australia’s lowest tuition fee structures for international students

• Regional city with significantly cheaper living expenses

• Renowned for high student support and online learning options

• Strong employability outcomes and industry collaborations

• Excellent pathway for regional migration and post-study work benefits

• Diverse student community with a growing number of Nepali students

3. Charles Darwin University (CDU)

Location: Darwin, Alice Springs — Northern Territory

Popular Programs: Nursing, IT, Environmental Science, Education, Business

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 22,000/year

• Master: AUD 25,000/year

Reasons to Choose CDU:

• Strategic regional location offering extended post-study work rights

• Affordable tuition with good scholarship availability

• Multicultural campus with a strong Nepali student presence

• Research-led programs with industry relevance

• High visa acceptance rate for Nepali students

• Excellent student-to-staff ratio ensuring personalized support

4. Federation University Australia

Location: Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland (Victoria), and Brisbane (QLD)

Popular Programs: IT, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Social Work

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 21,800/year

• Master: AUD 25,000/year

Reasons to Choose Federation University:

• Consistently ranked among Australia’s most affordable universities

• Regional campus incentives and lower living costs

• Excellent student support services and flexible entry options

• High graduate employability rates in regional areas

• Focus on practical learning and internships

• Diverse program offerings with growing demand in Australia

5. Southern Cross University (SCU)

Location: Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour — New South Wales & Queensland

Popular Programs: Tourism, Education, IT, Environmental Science, Nursing

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 24,000/year

• Master: AUD 26,000/year

Reasons to Choose SCU:    

• Beautiful regional campuses with lower living costs

• Generous scholarships for international students

• Small class sizes for personalized attention

• High student satisfaction ratings

• Work-integrated learning opportunities across multiple sectors

• Strategic regional locations for migration and visa advantages

6. University of New England (UNE)

Location: Armidale — New South Wales

Popular Programs: Agriculture, Education, Business, IT, Arts

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 21,500/year

• Master: AUD 24,000/year

Reasons to Choose UNE:

• One of the most affordable regional universities in Australia

• Low cost of living compared to metropolitan cities

• Renowned for distance and blended learning flexibility

• Strong academic reputation and teaching quality

• Excellent support for international students

• Ideal for students seeking longer post-study work rights

7. Central Queensland University (CQU)

Location: Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Popular Programs: Engineering, Health, Business, IT, Trade courses

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 23,000/year

• Master: AUD 26,000/year

Reasons to Choose CQU:

• Recognized as one of Australia’s most affordable public universities

• Multiple campus locations, including regional and metro options

• Strong industry connections for internships and jobs

• Flexible programs with entry pathways for Nepali students

• Regional campuses offer visa and cost benefits

• High focus on employability and skill-based education

8. Victoria University (VU)

Location: Melbourne + Regional campuses in Victoria

Popular Programs: Business, IT, Engineering, Health, Hospitality

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 25,000/year

• Master: AUD 28,000/year

Reasons to Choose VU:

• Offers Block Model Learning — unique and flexible

• Lower tuition fees compared to other Melbourne universities

• Strong industry engagement and internship opportunities

• Access to a metropolitan lifestyle at an affordable rate

• Supportive of international and first-year students

• Recognized qualifications with global career relevance

9. Griffith University

Location: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan — Queensland

Popular Programs: Hospitality, IT, Business, Health Sciences, Creative Arts

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 27,000/year

• Master: AUD 30,000/year

Reasons to Choose Griffith:

• Offers excellent scholarships for high-achieving Nepali students

• Regional campuses (e.g., Logan) with lower living expenses

• Strong global rankings and research excellence

• Diverse program portfolio with practical industry exposure

• Excellent student experience and support services

• High employability with internship-integrated programs

10. University of Canberra (UC)

Locations: 

• Canberra - Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• St Leonard’s and Castle Hill - New South Wales (NSW)

Popular Programs: Public Policy, Business, IT, Education, Health

Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor: AUD 26,000/year

• Master: AUD 29,000/year

Reasons to Choose UC:

• Affordable tuition compared to other capital city universities

• Located in Australia’s capital — excellent policy, business & government exposure

• Strong employability focus with internships in the public sector

• Recognized for practical, career-oriented programs

• Good scholarship opportunities for international students

• High graduate success rates in competitive fields

Cheapest Cities to Study in Australia for International Students

Choosing the right city to study in Australia can have as much impact on your overall budget as selecting an affordable university. While big cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer vibrant lifestyles, they also come with high living expenses. Fortunately, Australia has several regional and mid-sized cities that provide quality education, lower rent, affordable transport, and excellent post-study work benefits, making them ideal for international students from Nepal.

These budget-friendly cities offer annual living costs that are up to 30–40% lower than those in major metropolitan hubs, while still providing students with access to reputable universities, part-time job opportunities, and safe, welcoming communities.

Below are some of the best and cheapest cities in Australia for international students in 2026, along with their living costs and unique advantages:

1. Adelaide, South Australia

Known as one of Australia’s most student-friendly and affordable cities, Adelaide combines a high standard of living with low housing and transport costs. It’s home to respected institutions like the University of Adelaide, UniSA, and Flinders University.

Average Living Costs: AUD 18,000 – 22,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Significantly lower rent than Sydney/Melbourne

• An efficient and cheap public transport system

• Regional classification for post-study work benefits

• Safe, multicultural environment with a growing Nepali community

• Easy access to internships and jobs in health, education, and hospitality

2. Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart offers an excellent balance between affordability, quality of life, and academic reputation. The University of Tasmania is renowned for its research excellence and relatively low tuition fees compared to mainland institutions.

Average Living Costs: AUD 17,000 – 21,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Lowest rent and food costs among capital cities

• Regional city benefits for migration and visa extension

• Close-knit student community with supportive services

• Surrounded by natural beauty, ideal for a peaceful lifestyle

• Access to scholarships and Destination Australia grants

3. Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane is a major city with lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne, making it a great choice for students seeking urban opportunities on a budget. It hosts top universities like the University of Queensland and Griffith University.

Average Living Costs: AUD 20,000 – 24,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Cheaper accommodation compared to Sydney

• Warm weather year-round — lower heating costs

• Strong job market in hospitality, education, and tech

• Access to multiple universities and TAFEs

• Well-developed transport system and student discounts

4. Gold Coast, Queensland

Famous for its beaches and lifestyle, the Gold Coast is also one of Australia’s most affordable coastal cities for international students, with growing educational infrastructure (e.g., Southern Cross University, Griffith University).

Average Living Costs: AUD 18,000 – 22,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Lower rent than Brisbane and Sydney

• Regional city classification for extended post-study work rights

• Ideal for tourism, hospitality, and event management jobs

• Student-friendly public transport and lifestyle perks

• Active international student networks, including Nepali communities

5. Toowoomba, Queensland

A peaceful regional city just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toowoomba is home to the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and is increasingly popular among Nepali students for its very low cost of living and migration benefits.

Average Living Costs: AUD 16,000 – 20,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper rent and daily expenses than in metro cities

• Access to Destination Australia Scholarships

• Longer post-study work visa due to regional status

• Strong community support for international students

• Ideal for those seeking a quiet, affordable study environment

6. Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin is one of Australia’s most affordable and migration-friendly cities, home to Charles Darwin University (CDU). It has a tropical climate, a diverse population, and growing job opportunities.

Average Living Costs: AUD 18,000 – 22,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Low living costs compared to other capitals

• High demand for skilled workers — strong employability

• Extended post-study work rights for graduates

• Multicultural environment with growing Nepali presence

• Government support for international students

7. Ballarat, Victoria

A regional city near Melbourne, Ballarat is home to Federation University and offers affordable living, a calm environment, and quick access to Melbourne when needed.

Average Living Costs: AUD 17,000 – 21,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Lower accommodation costs than Melbourne

• Regional benefits for migration and visa extensions

• Short train ride to Melbourne’s job market

• Tight-knit student community and safe neighborhoods

• Excellent choice for budget-conscious students wanting proximity to a big city

8. Armidale, New South Wales

Armidale is a classic regional student city, home to the University of New England (UNE). It’s well-known for very low living costs, a peaceful lifestyle, and high-quality education.

Average Living Costs: AUD 15,000 – 19,000/year

Additional Advantages:

• Among the lowest living costs in Australia

• Strong academic reputation of UNE

• Regional location = longer post-study work visa

• Affordable student accommodation options

• Ideal for students focused on studies and savings

Scholarships & Fee-Reduction Options in Australia for Nepali Students

Studying in Australia can be made significantly more affordable through various scholarships, bursaries, and fee-waiver opportunities offered by universities, the Australian Government, and external organizations. For many Nepali students, these scholarships not only reduce tuition fees but also provide financial relief for living costs, making higher education in Australia more attainable. Scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit, English proficiency, community involvement, or specific fields of study, and some are even tailored exclusively for students from South Asia or Nepal.

University Scholarships

Most Australian universities offer a range of in-house scholarships specifically for international students. These typically cover 10% to 50% of tuition fees, with some high-achieving students eligible for full tuition waivers.

Common types include:

• Merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic results.
  
  

• Regional campus scholarships encourage students to study in affordable regional cities.
  
  

• International student bursaries are automatically applied during admission.
  
  

• Vice-Chancellor’s or Dean’s Excellence Awards for top performers.
  
  

• Faculty-specific scholarships for fields like IT, nursing, engineering, and business.

Example: The University of Southern Queensland offers up to 25% tuition reduction for eligible international students, while Charles Darwin University provides up to 50% scholarships through its Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Award.

Government & External Scholarships

In addition to university funding, Nepali students can also explore Australian Government scholarships and third-party programs, which can fully or partially cover tuition, living allowances, health insurance, and even travel costs.

Notable programs include:

• Australia Awards Scholarships – fully funded, prestigious awards focusing on leadership and development for students from Nepal and other partner countries.
  
  

• Destination Australia Scholarships – offered to students choosing to study in regional Australia, providing up to AUD 15,000 per year.
  
  

• External scholarships & NGO funding – opportunities from international organizations, Nepali foundations, and professional associations.

Pro Tip: Start your scholarship search early—many awards have strict deadlines and require strong academic records, personal statements, and recommendation letters.

How to Choose an Affordable University Without Compromising Outcomes

Choosing an affordable university in Australia doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice education quality or career opportunities. The key is to focus on value — not just price. Look for institutions that combine low tuition fees, strong graduate outcomes, and recognized accreditations.

• Graduate employability: Check universities with strong industry partnerships and high employment rates for international graduates.

• Accredited programs: Ensure the courses are recognized by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and relevant professional bodies.

• Post-study work rights: Regional universities often offer extended Post-Study Work Visas, giving you more time to gain experience.

• Internships & work-integrated learning: Prioritize universities that offer practical placements and career support.

• Global recognition: Even affordable universities in Australia maintain strong academic standards and are respected worldwide.

Don’t just compare tuition fees; factor in living costs, scholarship options, and long-term ROI when making your decision.

Key Takeaways

• Australia offers affordable study options for Nepali students through low-cost universities, regional campuses, and generous scholarships.
  
  

• Tuition fees and living costs vary widely by degree level and location—regional cities are generally cheaper than major metros like Sydney and Melbourne.
  
  

• Top affordable universities provide globally recognized degrees, practical learning opportunities, and strong graduate outcomes.
  
  

• Scholarships and government funding can significantly reduce overall expenses, especially for academically strong students.
  
  

• Choosing the right university involves balancing affordability, program quality, employment outcomes, and post-study visa opportunities.

With smart planning and the right guidance, studying in Australia can be both affordable and rewarding for Nepali students.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia doesn’t have to be expensive — with the right planning, university selection, and scholarship opportunities, Nepali students can access world-class education at an affordable cost. From low-tuition universities and budget-friendly cities to generous financial aid programs, there are plenty of smart ways to make your Australian study dream a reality.

Whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, choosing the right university is the first step toward building a successful global career. But navigating application procedures, scholarships, and visa processes can be challenging without expert help.

Maple International Education is here to guide you through every step — from shortlisting the cheapest universities in Australia to helping you secure scholarships and prepare for your visa.

Contact us today for a free consultation and turn your Australian study goals into reality.

FAQs - Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students

1. Are there any free universities in Australia?

No, Australia doesn’t have fully free universities for international students. However, scholarships, bursaries, and government programs like Australia Awards and Destination Australia can cover partial or full tuition, making education highly affordable.

2. Which course is the cheapest in Australia?

Generally, Humanities, Education, and Arts programs have lower tuition fees compared to Medicine, Engineering, or Business. Diploma and TAFE courses are also cheaper alternatives, often costing between AUD 9,000–15,000 per year, depending on the institution.

3. How much does it cost to study in Australia as an international student?

On average, international students spend:

• Bachelor’s degree: AUD 20,000–35,000 per year

• Master’s degree: AUD 22,000–38,000 per year

• Living costs: AUD 15,000–22,000 per year, depending on the city

Studying in regional cities and applying for scholarships can significantly reduce overall costs.

4. Which university in Australia has a 100% acceptance rate?

While no university officially has a 100% acceptance rate, regional and public universities such as the University of Southern Queensland and Charles Sturt University are known for their high acceptance rates and flexible entry pathways for international students.

5. Which university gives admission easily in Australia?

Universities with flexible admission criteria, lower minimum academic scores, and strong support for international students tend to have easier admission processes. Examples include:

• Charles Darwin University

• University of New England

• Federation University Australia

These institutions focus on inclusivity while maintaining academic quality.

6. What is the easiest university in Australia to get into?

The easiest universities are typically regional or public institutions with lower competition and more entry pathway programs (e.g., foundation or diploma-to-degree). Federation University and Charles Sturt University are popular among Nepali students for their affordable fees and straightforward admission processes.

Also Read:

Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal in 2025: A Guide

Scholarships in Australia for Nepalese Students

Part-Time Jobs in Australia for Nepali Students in 2026

Best Cities in Australia for International Students