Cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia for IT, business, and nursing is one of those searches I did repeatedly. These are popular fields, and I needed to know what was actually affordable. The information online was scattered and often didn’t compare these specific fields. I needed real numbers, broken down by field, so I could compare my options.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose degrees in these fields, and I’ve seen how costs vary. Some found affordable options and saved money. Others chose expensive options and struggled financially. The difference was research and knowing where to look.
So here’s everything I know about the cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia for IT, business, and nursing, with real numbers and honest advice.
IT Degrees: What You Can Expect to Pay
Let me start with IT, because it’s a popular field and costs vary a lot.
At Group of Eight universities, IT bachelor degrees usually cost $35,000 to $45,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $105,000 to $135,000 for course fees alone.
At smaller universities, IT bachelor degrees usually cost $22,000 to $30,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $66,000 to $90,000 for course fees.
At regional universities, IT bachelor degrees usually cost $20,000 to $26,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $60,000 to $78,000 for course fees.
Living costs add another $20,000 to $25,000 per year in capital cities, or $15,000 to $18,000 in regional areas.
So a three year IT degree in Melbourne might cost $165,000 to $210,000 total. The same degree in a regional city might cost $105,000 to $132,000 total. That’s a $60,000 to $78,000 difference.
But here’s what I’ve learned: IT job outcomes are usually good regardless of where you study. Employers care more about your skills and portfolio than which university you went to. So cheaper options can still lead to good jobs.
I’ve written about bachelor of IT in Australia if you want more detail on IT degrees.
Business Degrees: The Range Is Wide
Business degrees vary a lot in cost, and here’s what you can expect.
At Group of Eight universities, business bachelor degrees usually cost $35,000 to $45,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $105,000 to $135,000 for course fees.
At smaller universities, business bachelor degrees usually cost $20,000 to $28,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $60,000 to $84,000 for course fees.
At regional universities, business bachelor degrees usually cost $18,000 to $24,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $54,000 to $72,000 for course fees.
Living costs are the same as for IT degrees.
So a three year business degree in Melbourne might cost $165,000 to $210,000 total. The same degree in a regional city might cost $99,000 to $126,000 total. That’s a $66,000 to $84,000 difference.
But here’s what to watch for: business degrees are competitive. There are many graduates, and job outcomes vary. A cheaper degree might still be good value if it leads to jobs, but make sure you’re comparing like with like.
I’ve written about bachelor of business vs commerce in Australia if you want more detail on business degrees.
Nursing Degrees: Usually More Affordable
Nursing degrees are often more affordable than IT or business, and here’s why.
At most universities, nursing bachelor degrees usually cost $25,000 to $35,000 per year. Over three years, that’s $75,000 to $105,000 for course fees.
Some universities offer nursing degrees for less, especially in regional areas. You might find degrees for $20,000 to $28,000 per year, which is $60,000 to $84,000 over three years.
Living costs are the same as for other degrees.
So a three year nursing degree might cost $135,000 to $180,000 total in a capital city, or $105,000 to $138,000 in a regional area.
But here’s what I’ve learned: nursing has excellent job outcomes. There’s high demand for nurses, and job prospects are usually good regardless of where you study. So nursing degrees are often good value, even if they’re not the cheapest.
I’ve written about bachelor of nursing in Australia if you want more detail on nursing degrees.
Comparing the Three Fields
This is useful, because it helps you see the differences.
IT degrees are usually mid range in cost. They’re not the cheapest, but they’re not the most expensive either. Job outcomes are usually good, which makes them good value.
Business degrees vary widely in cost. You can find cheap options, but you can also find expensive options. Job outcomes vary, so make sure you’re comparing value, not just cost.
Nursing degrees are usually more affordable. They’re often cheaper than IT or business, and job outcomes are excellent. This makes them good value.
But here’s what to watch for: don’t choose a field just because it’s cheaper. Choose based on your interests, abilities, and career goals. A cheaper degree in a field you hate isn’t good value.
Location Matters More Than Field
This is important, because location often affects cost more than field.
The same degree costs different amounts in different cities. A business degree might cost $60,000 in a regional city but $105,000 in Melbourne. That’s a $45,000 difference.
Living costs vary by location too. Living in Melbourne costs $20,000 to $25,000 per year. Living in a regional city costs $15,000 to $18,000 per year. That’s a $5,000 to $7,000 difference per year, or $15,000 to $21,000 over three years.
So location can make a $60,000 to $66,000 difference over three years. That’s massive, and it’s often more than the difference between fields.
But here’s the trade off: job opportunities are usually better in capital cities. If you need to work part time, capital cities usually have more opportunities. So you need to balance cost and opportunities.
I’ve written about cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia by state if you want more detail on location differences.
How to Actually Compare Costs
Don’t just compare course fees. Compare total costs: course fees plus living costs plus other expenses.
Use official websites to find exact course fees. Don’t trust third party websites, as fees change regularly.
Check living cost estimates, but add 20% to be safe. Universities often underestimate living costs.
Talk to current students about real costs. They’ll tell you what actually costs money that you might not expect.
Consider the full degree, not just one year. A $5,000 difference per year is $15,000 over three years. That’s significant.
Think about opportunity costs. If you choose a cheaper city but can’t find part time work, you might need more family support. If you choose an expensive city but get better job opportunities, it might be worth it.
I’ve written about how to compare course fees in Australia if you want more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which field is cheapest: IT, business, or nursing?
Nursing is usually cheapest, followed by business, then IT. But costs vary by university and location. Check specific universities for exact fees.
Are cheaper degrees worse quality?
Not necessarily. Some cheaper degrees have excellent teaching and good job outcomes. The price difference is often about location and overheads, not teaching quality. But do your research. Check graduate employment rates and talk to current students.
Should I choose based on cost alone?
Not necessarily. Choose based on your interests, abilities, and career goals. A cheaper degree in a field you hate isn’t good value. But cost is still a real factor, and you need to be realistic about what you can afford.
How much can I save by choosing a cheaper option?
It depends on the options you’re comparing. You might save $30,000 to $80,000 over three years by choosing a cheaper university or location. But remember to factor in job opportunities and whether you’ll enjoy living there.
Can I work part time to cover costs?
Yes, but be realistic. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester, which might earn you $20,800 to $31,200 per year depending on the job. That helps but won’t cover everything. You’ll still need savings or family support.
Are regional universities cheaper?
Usually yes, both for course fees and living costs. But job opportunities are more limited, especially for international students. If you can find part time work, regional universities can save you significant money.
Final Thoughts
Finding the cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia for IT, business, and nursing isn’t just about course fees. It’s about total costs: course fees, living costs, and other expenses. And it’s about value: whether the cheaper option will still help you achieve your goals.
Don’t choose based on cost alone. But don’t ignore cost either. Be realistic about what you can afford, and be honest about what trade offs you’re willing to make.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Do your research, compare total costs, and talk to real students. They’ll give you the real numbers that marketing materials won’t.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on how to choose the right Australian university and cheapest courses in Australia by city. And if you’re comparing specific degrees, use official websites for exact fees, but also talk to current students about real costs. They’ll tell you what actually costs money.