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Cheapest Universities in Sydney 2024: Tuition Fees, Admission, Top Colleges

Cheapest Universities in Sydney 2024: Tuition Fees, Admission, Top Colleges

Edited By Sareena Kaur Sethi | Updated on Jul 08, 2024 09:34 AM IST

International students from across the world are selecting Australia to acquire globally renowned degrees from the cheapest university in Sydney. In Australia, Sydney is the second most desirable city for international students.

There are 4 Sydney universities placed in the top universities in the world as per QS 2024 rankings. However, Sydney is the most expensive city for students as well.

Several cheap universities in Sydney 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, average fees, saving costs while studying in Sydney, etc.

Cheapest Universities in Sydney 2024

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 college in Sydney for international student is mentioned below.

Cheap Universities in Sydney for International Students

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

University of New South Wales

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 University of New South Wales is considered to be one of the cheapest university in Sydney for 2024. University of New South Wales is one of the top choices for international students as a prestigious university in Australia.

Around 64,000 students from 130 countries across the world are enrolled at UNSW. University of New South Wales is the only Australian university that is a member of Global Alliance of Technology.

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.

University of Sydney

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. There are five Nobel Laureates associated with the University of Sydney.

Scholarships worth AUD 40,000 are offered at this 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 amazing student life in Australia.

University of Technology Sydney

University of Technology Sydney is among the top 3 universities in Australia. It is known to be a cheap university in Sydney. 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.

To save students from additional expenses, meritorious international students are eligible for full tuition fee scholarships provided by University of Technology Sydney. International acceptance rate of University of Technology Sydney is only 19% implying a highly competitive admission policy.

Macquarie University

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

Western Sydney University is one of the most affordable universities in Sydney for International Students 2024. 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, Australia 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 375 in QS 2024 rankings. International students are required to fulfil IELTS requirements of 6.5 (overall) for studying at this cheapest university in Australia for Masters.

Australian Catholic University

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 ranks. There are around 110 degrees to choose from at various levels of study at Australian Catholic University which is among the cheapest university in Sydney for 2024 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.

How to save costs while studying in Sydney

The following tips help students save their costs while studying in Sydney.

  1. Find accommodation farther from the main city of Sydney. Student apartments in Sydney tend to be costly. On the other hand, Western Sydney suburbs are more affordable.

  2. Live in a shared accommodation in Australia as much as possible.

  3. Buy groceries on weekdays rather than on weekends, as groceries on weekends tend to be costly. Prepare a checklist before buying groceries.

  4. 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 on spending during the stay in Sydney.

Also check -

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Which are the affordable colleges in Sydney for international students?

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. 

2. How much does it cost to study at the university of 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.

3. What is the cheapest university to study in Australia?

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.

4. Is it worth going to the University of Sydney?

University of Sydney has delivered five Nobel Laureates, 110 Rhodes Scholars and 19 Gates Scholars so far. It is global number 19 in QS 2024. So studying at University of Sydney is definitely a top choice.

5. What are the tuition fees at University of Sydney?

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.

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hi there,

Hope you are doing fine.

Yes it is possible to pursue a Masters in Education (M.Ed) in Australia with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E). Australian universities have flexible entry requirements and value diverse academic backgrounds. However you will need to meet specific admission criteria set by the universities you are interested in.

To enhance your application you can highlight any relevant experience you have in teaching, training or educational projects. Some universities might also require you to submit a statement of purpose explaining your interest in transitioning to education and how your background in engineering could contribute to your study and future career in education.

You should review the specific requirements for each university and program by reaching out to the admissions offices of the universities you are interested in to confirm their acceptance criteria and discuss your unique background.

Hope this resolves your query.

A B.Ed. from IGNOU may be recognized but requires additional assessments in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • UK : Assessment by UK ENIC and possibly additional qualifications like a PGCE.
  • Australia : Evaluation by AITSL and meeting state-specific criteria.
  • New Zealand : Assessment by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, including possible English proficiency and practical teaching requirements.

Further qualifications or training might be necessary in each country.


For migrating to Australia with a high visa success rate, both commerce and medical fields offer strong opportunities, but they differ significantly:

  1. Medical Field :

    • High Demand : Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health) are in high demand.
    • Visa Success : Higher chances due to skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Clear pathways for permanent residency.
    • Career Options : Wide range of opportunities with good pay.
  2. Commerce Field :

    • Opportunities : Demand for accountants, finance professionals, and business analysts.
    • Visa Success : Good, but dependent on specific roles and skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Viable but might require additional qualifications or experience.
    • Career Options : Diverse opportunities in finance, business, and management.

Choose based on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.

hope this helps you!!

Hy,

Studying veterinary courses in Australia and securing a scholarship can be an excellent opportunity. Here’s a guide on how to pursue veterinary studies in Sydney and find scholarships:

Choosing a Veterinary Program in Sydney

Several universities in Sydney offer veterinary programs, including:

  • University of Sydney : Offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) : Offers related programs but does not have a veterinary program. Check for related courses or alternative pathways.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

Applying to Universities

  • Research Programs : Visit the websites of these universities to understand their veterinary programs, entry requirements, and application deadlines.
  • Meet Entry Requirements : Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the veterinary programs. This usually includes high school qualifications, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and sometimes an interview or entrance test.

Scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

  • University of Sydney : Offers scholarships for international students, such as the Sydney Scholars Program. Check their scholarships page for specific awards related to veterinary science.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers various scholarships for international students, including those for specific programs or merit-based scholarships.

External Scholarships

  • Australian Government Scholarships : Look for scholarships offered by the Australian government, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses.
  • Private and Non-Governmental Organizations : Various organizations offer scholarships for international students. Websites like Scholarship Portal, Study in Australia, and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) often list opportunities.

Applying for Scholarships

  • Identify Opportunities : Start by identifying scholarships that you are eligible for. This can include university-specific scholarships, government scholarships, and private scholarships.
  • Prepare Documents : Common requirements include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
  • Submit Applications : Follow the application process outlined by the scholarship provider. Be mindful of deadlines and ensure all required documents are submitted accurately.

Additional Tips

  • Contact University Admissions : Reach out to the admissions office of the universities you are interested in for guidance on scholarships and the application process.
  • Stay Organized : Keep track of scholarship deadlines and requirements to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
  • Prepare Financially : Even with a scholarship, you may need to cover some expenses. Plan your budget accordingly.

Useful Resources

  • University Websites : For specific scholarship information and application procedures.
  • Study in Australia Website : For comprehensive information about studying in Australia, including scholarships.
  • Scholarship Portals : Websites like Scholarship Portal and Studyportals for finding scholarships and financial aid.

By carefully researching programs, preparing your application materials, and applying for scholarships, you can enhance your chances of securing funding for your veterinary studies in Sydney.

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.

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