Studying in Australia has long been a dream for many Nepalese students. However, tuition fees, living costs, and relocation expenses often make it seem out of reach.
Fortunately, several Australian universities offer affordable education without compromising quality, especially for international students from Nepal. These universities are located in budget-friendly cities, offer generous scholarships, and provide flexible academic and career pathways.
Here, we have listed the 10 most affordable universities in Australia for Nepalese students, based on tuition fees, scholarships, regional campus options, and overall living expenses.
Table of Contents
10 Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
Best Affordable Courses to Study in Australia
Important Cost Considerations to Study in Australia
Final Thoughts
FAQs- Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
10 Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
1. CQUniversity Australia (CQUni)
CQUniversity is consistently highlighted for its relatively affordable tuition fees for international students, with quality education, affordability, and inclusivity being its major drivers. Its extensive network of campuses, particularly in regional Queensland, provides opportunities for lower living expenses as well.
CQUniversity's undergraduate courses are 6% cheaper and its graduate courses are 12% cheaper compared to the average fees at other Australian universities.
CQUni, the only Australian institution accredited as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus for its commitment to social innovation and impactful learning, also offers a 25% "International Student Scholarship" to eligible students.
Discover CQUniversity’s Fees & Scholarships for International Students
2. Federation University, Australia
Federation University is recognized for providing an accessible and diverse education. Its main campuses are situated in regional Victoria, which offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Melbourne.
The university actively supports international students with scholarships, including up to AUD 10,000.
Apart from affordability, Federation University is also recognised as the top 10% of universities for overall sustainable development by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. The university is known for its academic environment, gender equity, and inclusivity.
The university also places its strong emphasis on Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), internships, and remunerated placements, with tie-ups to prestigious organizations.
Discover Federation University’s Scholarship Programs
Explore the fees at Federation University
3. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Charles Darwin University is a student-oriented public institution offering affordable degrees, with its main campus in Casuarina and other campuses in affordable cities like Darwin and Palmerston.
CDU is grounded on its purpose of providing affordable yet high-quality education and offers significant scholarships (up to 30%) to international students. The college culture emphasises not stressing about expenses, creating a welcoming academic environment for students from Nepal.
Learn About the Fees in CDU for International Students
Discover the Scholarship Programs at CDU
4. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Situated in Perth, ECU delivers high-quality education in one of Australia’s most affordable capital cities. Perth’s lower living costs and high availability of part-time work opportunities make it a practical destination for Nepalese students.
ECU is ranked #1 in Australia for international student experience and offers various merit-based scholarships covering up to 20% of tuition fees.
The university also provides flexible entry pathways through its partnerships with colleges such as PIBT (Edith Cowan College), helping students who may not meet direct entry requirements.
ECU International Scholarships
5. La Trobe University
Though La Trobe is based in Melbourne, it has several regional campuses in Victoria, such as Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and Shepparton, where living expenses are considerably lower.
The university’s International Scholarship can reduce tuition by up to 25%, making it more attainable for Nepalese students. Its regional study options also offer smaller class sizes, affordable housing, and a supportive community environment.
Students can pursue foundational, undergraduate, or postgraduate programs, with tuition for regional campuses starting at approximately AUD 28,000 per year.
La Trobe Regional Fees & Scholarships
6. University of Canberra (Melbourne Campus)
Although based in Canberra, the university also delivers programs through its Melbourne campus in partnership with local institutes. While Melbourne has a higher cost of living, these partner programs often come with more moderate tuition rates.
UC promotes applied learning, internships, and practical qualifications. It offers International Course Merit Scholarships, which help reduce tuition costs by up to 20% based on academic achievement.
Nepalese students in Melbourne benefit from UC’s support network and opportunities to explore both urban and academic life.
7. Southern Cross University (SCU)
SCU has campuses in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast—cities where the cost of living is lower than the major metros. The university is popular among Nepalese students pursuing courses in health, business, and education.
SCU offers scholarships of up to 25% off tuition, and annual tuition fees often range between AUD 26,000 and AUD 30,000, depending on the course.
Its coastal locations also provide a better work-life balance and ample part-time job options, particularly in hospitality and services.
SCU International Student Scholarships & Fees
8. University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
UniSQ has campuses in Toowoomba, Springfield, and Ipswich - the regional centres that offer significantly cheaper housing and living costs. This makes it one of the most affordable options for international students in Australia.
Tuition fees start from AUD 24,000 annually, and the university provides various international scholarships, including a 25% fee reduction for eligible students.
UniSQ is also known for its strong online education infrastructure and small-campus support, allowing Nepalese students to adapt more comfortably.
UniSQ Fees & Scholarships – International Students
9. University of New England (UNE)
UNE, located in Armidale, New South Wales, is a standout for affordable tuition and low-cost student accommodation, particularly in its on-campus colleges.
UNE offers a 20% bursary to international students, and tuition ranges from AUD 26,000 to AUD 30,000 depending on the program.
The university is well-regarded for its programs in agriculture, education, and environmental science and is part of the Regional University Network.
UNE International Fees & Scholarships
10. Victoria University (VU)
Victoria University, located in Melbourne’s western suburbs, delivers competitively priced education with a focus on practical learning.
It offers up to 30% scholarships for high-achieving international students, and undergraduate fees typically range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 30,000 per year.
VU’s Block Model structure allows students to focus on one subject at a time, which has proven beneficial for international learners adjusting to a new education system.
Best Affordable Courses to Study in Australia
These are the most courses you can study in Australia with affordable tuition for both bachelor's and master's levels, ideal for international students willing to acquire quality education without high expenses.
For the affordability of these courses, consider:
Cheap location, major cities are more expensive than the others
Some universities are specifically known for less tution fees for certain study programs
Availability of attractive scholarships and financial aids for these high-demand courses
Top Affordable Courses in Australia for Bachelor’s
Most Affordable Courses in Australia for Master’s
Important Cost Considerations to Study in Australia
Exchange Rate: Converting to NPR (Nepalese Rupees) can be done using the current exchange rate (approximately 1 AUD = 88.5 NPR), but this rate fluctuates.
Fee Changes: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and can change. Always verify the latest fees on the official university websites for your specific program and intake year.
Total Cost: Remember to budget for living expenses (accommodation, food, transport, personal costs) in addition to tuition. Regional areas generally offer lower living costs than major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.
Learn the Total Cost of Studying in Australia from Nepal
Final Thoughts
Australia offers more than just academic excellence, it offers a chance to grow in a diverse, welcoming environment. For Nepalese students, studying in Australia can be affordable, practical, and genuinely life-changing. With the right university choice, scholarships, and city, your dream can begin on a realistic budget.
Not sure where to start? Let Maple International Education help you make confident decisions for your future.
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Book your free counselling session now and start planning your Australian education with clarity and confidence.
FAQs- Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
Which university is very cheapest in Australia for international students?
For 2024–25, University of Divinity and Charles Sturt University (CSU) are among the absolute cheapest, with annual undergraduate fees around AUD 15,000–19,000. CSU also delivers popular programs like agriculture, health, and IT in regional settings.
Which state in Australia is cheapest for international students?
Regional centres in states like Queensland (Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast), New South Wales (Armidale), and Western Australia (Perth) offer the most affordable living costs at about AUD 1,080–1,100/month . Perth is notably cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne.
Can I study in Australia for cheap?
Yes. Choosing affordable universities, regional campuses, and scholarship programs can reduce your total cost significantly. Tuition can start from AUD 15,000–20,000/year, and living expenses fall around AUD 12,000–15,000/year in regional areas.
How much does it cost to study in Australia from Nepal?
Nepalese students can expect to spend between AUD 25,000–35,000 per year, combining tuition (starting from AUD 15,000–25,000) and living costs (AUD 12,000–15,000), depending on the city and course.
Which university has the lowest tuition fee in Australia?
The University of Divinity leads with fees from ~AUD 15,000/year, followed by CSU (~AUD 16,000).
6. Which city is best for Nepalese students in Australia?
Top regional choices include:
Toowoomba (UniSQ) – low fees, lifestyle balance
Sunshine Coast (USC) – affordable living, coastal lifestyle
Armidale (UNE) – student-friendly and cost-effective
Perth (ECU) – big-city facilities with lower costs
These places offer lower rent, part-time job opportunities, and multicultural communities.
Is there a 100% scholarship in Australia?
Yes—Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the federal government, cover tuition, living allowance, and return airfare for students from select developing countries. Some universities also offer full tuition scholarships in specific fields or for high-achieving candidates.
What is the cheapest university in Sydney for international students?
Within Sydney, Western Sydney University and Australian Catholic University (ACU) are the most affordable. WSU offers degrees starting around AUD 21,000–25,000/year. ACU often sets fees near AUD 23,000 .
Which university in Australia has the lowest fees for international students?
Generally, the hierarchy is:
University of Divinity (from AUD 15k)
Charles Sturt University (~AUD 16k)
Federation Uni & UniSQ (~AUD 21–23k)
CDU, UNE, and USC (~AUD 22–26k
Which course has the lowest fees in Australia?
Most affordable undergraduate degrees typically include Education, Arts, Social Work, and Business, with annual fees around AUD 21,000–24,000 at regional universities .
What is the cheapest course for international students in Australia?
Short postgraduate certificates (e.g., Graduate Certificate in Education or Big Data) can start as low as AUD 14,700–17,500/year, such as at Western Sydney University
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