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Cheap Universities in Sydney for International Students: International students from across the world are selecting Australia to acquire globally renowned degrees from the cheapest universities in Sydney, Australia. In Australia, Sydney is the second most desirable city for international students. There are 6 Sydney universities placed in the top universities in the world as per QS 2025 rankings. However, Sydney is the most expensive city for students as well. Also, it is the 6th best student city in Australia for international students. Students often consider Sydney while looking for affordable universities in Australia for international students. Several cheap universities in Sydney 2025 can help you achieve your goal of studying in Australia. There are several methods to save money while studying in Australia, making education even more inexpensive. Read this article to learn about the cheapest university in Sydney for international students, average fees, saving costs while studying in Sydney, etc.
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Following are some important points to keep in mind while selecting an Australian university in Sydney.
The average tuition fees for top universities in Australia are AUD 30,000 per year. Based on that, students can refer to the tuition fees of the following universities to get an estimate.
In addition, a single student requires AUD 30,000 to AUD 34,000 towards various living expenses. Aspiring students can also check the cheapest universities in Australia. A list of the cheapest colleges in Sydney for international students 2025 is mentioned below.
Also Check: Admission in Australia 2025
Cheapest Universities in Sydney for International Students 2025
University Name | QS 2025 Ranking | Tuition Fees per Annum |
University of Sydney | 18 | AUD 15,732 – AUD 147,852 |
University of New South Wales | 19 | AUD 29,565 – AUD 88,500 |
University of Technology Sydney | 88 | AUD 12,171 – AUD 68,040 |
Macquarie University | =133 | AUD 16,400 – AUD 76,800 |
Western Sydney University | 384 | AUD 8,400 – AUD 40,320 |
Australian Catholic University | 901-950 | AUD 24,104 – AUD 40,656 |
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Ranked number 1 in Sydney for international students, studying at the University of New South Wales is approximately 48% cheaper than the Australian average. So the University of New South Wales is considered to be one of the cheapest universities in Sydney, Australia, for 2025. The University of New South Wales is one of the top choices for international students as a prestigious university in Australia.
Eligible international students are offered Scholarships in Australia that cover full tuition fees or grant up to 20,000 AUD per annum for the entire program duration at this cheap university in Sydney. The university exhibits an acceptance rate of 30% among cheap universities in Australia, Sydney.
Around 64,000 students from 130 countries across the world are enrolled at UNSW. The University of New South Wales is the only Australian university that is a member of the Global Alliance of Technology and is considered to be one of the top cheapest colleges in Sydney 2025 for master's degrees.
This is considered to be among the cheapest universities in Sydney for international students 2025. As one of the oldest universities in Australia, founded in 1850, University of Sydney was the first to admit female students in Australia on the same basis as that of men.
This public university is a low-cost university in Sydney for its tuition fees, which are just 1.45% cheaper than the national average on the lower side, making it one of the affordable universities in Sydney for master's degrees. There are five Nobel Laureates associated with the University of Sydney.
Scholarships worth AUD 40,000 are offered at the cheapest university in Sydney for international students. The average return on investment after graduating from University of Sydney is AUD 76,000 per Annum. The additional perks of student societies, sports clubs and outdoor activities offer an amazing student life in Australia.
University of Technology Sydney is among the top 3 universities in Australia. It is known to be among the cheap universities in Sydney for international students 2025. Students will be paying 59.43% less fees compared to Australia's national average. Living expenses might require up to 1.20 Lakh per month without earning through part-time jobs. Minimum wages in Australia per hour are AUD 15.86 (Rs. 853.8), giving out a total of AUD 1523 per month. It is impressively among the affordable universities in Australia 2025.
To save students from additional expenses, meritorious international students are eligible for full tuition fee scholarships provided by University of Technology Sydney. The international acceptance rate of University of Technology Sydney is only 19%, implying a highly competitive admission policy.
Macquarie University is a public research university of international renown that has been serving students from across the world since 1964. Every year, 10,000 degrees are awarded to students at various levels of study at Macquarie University.
One of the benefits of studying in Australia at Macquarie University is high employment prospects. The university is surrounded by around 300 leading companies, including Commonwealth Bank, Deloitte, and Microsoft.
The lowest tuition fees at Macquarie University are 45.34% cheaper than the national average, making it one of the cheapest universities in Sydney, Australia, for international students. Admissions at Macquarie University are accepted in three intakes: March, August, and December. Macquarie University offers scholarship awards to international students ranging from AUD 10,000- 15,000 per year or more.
Western Sydney University is one of the most affordable universities in Sydney for international students 2025. The tuition fees at WSU are marginally 72% lower than that of Australia national average ranging from AUD 8,400 – AUD 40,320. It is among the top cheapest universities in Sydney for international students, with a range of tuition fees from the lowest to the highest. I
Incoming students must also calculate living expenses in Australia, Australian student visa fees, initial settling costs, etc., to arrive at a real cost of studying at Western Sydney University. There are 6000 international students enrolled at Western University Sydney, coming from over 170 countries.
It is a global university ranked 384 in QS 2025 rankings. International students are required to fulfil IELTS requirements of 6.5 (overall) for studying at the cheapest university in Australia for a master's degree.
ACU or Australian Catholic University is a public institution of higher education in Sydney that accepts international students. With one campus in Rome. It has seven campuses across Australia. It is among the top 2% of universities globally in terms of rank. There are around 110 degrees to choose from at various levels of study at Australian Catholic University, which is among the cheapest universities in Sydney for the 2025 edition.
Top subjects to study at ACU are Nursing, Psychology, Law and Education. The university has a graduate employability rate of 91%. With 4,601 international students enrolled at Australia Catholic University, international students are awarded from AUD 2000 onwards. Being one of the prestigious affordable universities in Sydney for international students, it is highly popular and competitive to get in.
NOTE: Some of the above-mentioned educational institutions are among the cheap universities in Sydney for undergraduate and graduate courses. Students can explore requirements and application deadlines after selecting one of the universities on the official website of the college.
Now that we have explored some of the cheap universities in Sydney, Australia, for international students, students must be aware of some of the tips to save costs while studying there. The following tips and tricks help students save costs while studying in Sydney.
Find accommodation further from the main city of Sydney. Student apartments in Sydney tend to be costly. On the other hand, Western Sydney suburbs are more affordable.
Live in a shared accommodation in Australia as much as possible.
Buy groceries on weekdays rather than on weekends, as groceries on weekends tend to be costly. Prepare a checklist before buying groceries.
Public transportation and walking are the cheapest ways of transportation. If these are not possible, going in a shared taxi is the next best option.
Find a part time job in Australia in Sydney to earn and minimise spending during the stay in Sydney. Also, these affordable universities in Sydney for international students also offer tons of scholarships and financial aid to international students as well.
The most reliable source to get information on tuition fees of specific courses and scholarships and other financial aid are the official website of the universities you are applying to. You will get these information by navigating to their "Future Students," "International Students," or "Fees and Scholarships" sections. You can also contact their admissions or international student offices directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
University of Sydney has delivered five Nobel Laureates, 110 Rhodes Scholars and 19 Gates Scholars so far. It is global number 18 in QS 2025. So studying at University of Sydney is definitely a top choice.
Most of the top universities in Sydney are also the cheapest universities in Australia. The cheapest university in Sydney for international students is Western Sydney University. WSU's tuition fees are lower than the national average, with undergraduate fees ranging from AUD 8,400 to AUD 40,320 per year. WSU is an excellent, affordable university in Sydney for overseas students looking for top-notch education in Australia. Other Sydney cheapest university is Charles Sturt University. Macquarie University and University of Technology, Sydney are also among the cheap universities in Sydney.
For international students, Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia. Tuition fees for Indian students in Sydney vary based on their educational institution and level of study. In addition to tuition fees, students also need to consider the cost of living in Sydney. This covers lodging, food, transportation, and other costs. An international student's annual living expenses in Sydney are around AUD 24,505.
The most affordable university in Australia for overseas students varies based on the degree and location of the university. However, some of Australia's most cheap universities for international applicants include: University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, University of Southern Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University, Charles Darwin University, Australia Catholic University, Macquarie University are the cheapest universities in Australia.
Tuition fees at University of Sydney are AUD 29,565 – AUD 88,500 per annum. They are only 1.45% cheaper than the average tuition fees in Australia, that is AUD 30,000.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.
Thank you for your question!
Hello!
So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:
1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.
2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams
First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.
3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.
4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.
6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.
Yes, you can get admission in some Australian universities with 59% in 12th grade.Many university offer diploma or foundation courses first. IELTS or PTE is also needed. Choose the right course and apply early. Each university has different rules and regulations,so check before applying.
Yes, after LLB from India, you may apply for the 491 Subclass Visa if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and you meet other eligibility criteria like skills assessment, points test, and regional nomination.
Hi!
DASA eligibility for IIIT Hyderabad requires completion of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry at the senior secondary level outside India. If your NSW HSC curriculum lacks Chemistry, you need to meet that requirement separately.
Now, NIOS is an Indian board. Even though you’re abroad, if you take NIOS Chemistry, it technically counts as an Indian qualification, which might not satisfy the "outside India" clause in DASA rules. In many cases, DASA strictly requires all three subjects to be part of your recognised foreign school-leaving certificate.
Best approach you can confirm directly with DASA/IIITH admissions via email.
Consider taking Chemistry through an Australian-recognised pathway (e.g., Open High School or TAFE NSW) instead of NIOS.
Visit here for more information: https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/iiit-hyderabad-btech-admission
Thank you!
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