If you’re planning to study in Australia but are concerned about tuition costs, you’re not alone. Many international students look for affordable courses that offer quality education without breaking the bank. In 2025, Australia continues to provide a variety of budget-friendly study options across vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. Here’s a fresh, detailed overview of the cheapest courses available, where to find them, and what you can expect to pay.
Cheapest Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses
Vocational courses in Australia are designed to provide practical skills and job-ready training, often at significantly lower costs compared to university degrees. Many VET courses can be completed within six months to two years, making them an economical and efficient choice.
Some of the most affordable VET courses in 2025 include:
- Hospitality: Tuition fees range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 8,000
- Cyber Security: Approximately AUD 6,000 to AUD 10,000
- Nursing: Around AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000
- Trades (e.g., Carpentry, Plumbing): Between AUD 5,000 and AUD 12,000
- Business Administration: Roughly AUD 6,000 to AUD 10,000
These courses are offered by TAFE institutes and private providers across Australia, often with scholarship opportunities that can further reduce costs.
Cheapest Undergraduate Courses for International Students
If you’re looking for bachelor degrees, several universities offer affordable options, especially in regional areas:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education at University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
- Duration: 4 years
- Tuition: AUD 24,000 per year
- Bachelor of Business at Federation University Australia
- Duration: 3 years
- Tuition: AUD 22,800 per year
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at University of Wollongong
- Duration: 3 years
- Tuition: AUD 26,000 per year
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Charles Sturt University
- Duration: 3 years
- Tuition: AUD 25,500 per year
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at University of New England (UNE)
- Duration: 4 years
- Tuition: AUD 24,500 per year
Studying in regional universities often means lower tuition and living costs compared to metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Affordable Postgraduate Courses
For those pursuing higher education, some affordable master’s programs include:
- Master of Education (Leadership and Management) at University of the Sunshine Coast
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: AUD 22,000 per year
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Federation University Australia
- Duration: 1.5 years
- Tuition: AUD 25,000 per year
- Master of Public Health at Charles Sturt University
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: AUD 27,000 per year
- Master of Information Technology at University of Wollongong
- Duration: 1.5 years
- Tuition: AUD 28,000 per year
- Master of Science in Environmental Management at University of New England
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: AUD 26,500 per year
Cheapest Courses by City
Tuition fees can also vary depending on the city you choose to study in:
- Sydney: Leadership and Management diplomas are among the most affordable, with tuition around AUD 1,300 per term.
- Melbourne: Business diploma programs can be as low as AUD 1,500 for three months. Other affordable courses include Project Management, Commercial Cookery, and Information Technology.
- Perth: Business and Leadership courses cost about AUD 1,550 per three months.
- Brisbane: Project Management courses are roughly AUD 1,575 per three months.
- Gold Coast: Leadership and Management diplomas are popular and affordable, with other options like Commercial Cookery and Carpentry.
- Adelaide: Project Management courses cost about AUD 1,500 per three months, with other inexpensive options in Early Childhood Education and Community Services.
Summary
The cheapest courses in Australia for international students in 2025 are often found in vocational training and regional universities, with diploma and business-related programs leading the way in affordability. Costs can start as low as AUD 1,300 per term for diplomas, while bachelor degrees in regional areas range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 26,000 annually. Postgraduate courses also offer budget-friendly options, especially outside major cities.
Choosing the right course and location can significantly reduce your education expenses while still providing quality learning and career opportunities.