Cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia by state was one of those searches I did over and over before coming here. I needed real numbers, not marketing fluff. I needed to know what was actually affordable, not what universities claimed was affordable. And I needed it broken down by state, because location affects everything.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose universities based on cost, and I’ve seen how those choices worked out. Some found great deals and saved money. Some found that “cheap” universities had hidden costs. Some realised that the cheapest option wasn’t always the best value.
So here’s everything I know about finding the cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia, broken down by state, with real numbers and honest advice.
The Reality Check First
Let me start with this, because I wish someone had told me: there’s no such thing as a truly cheap bachelor degree in Australia for international students.
The cheapest options are still expensive. You’re looking at $60,000 to $120,000 total for a three year degree, plus living costs. That’s a lot of money, no matter how you slice it.
But some options are cheaper than others. Some states are cheaper than others. Some universities are cheaper than others. And those differences can save you $20,000 to $50,000 over the course of your degree.
The key is finding the right balance between cost and value. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. But the most expensive option isn’t always the best value either.
New South Wales: Sydney and Beyond
Sydney is expensive. There’s no way around it. But there are still cheaper options if you know where to look.
The cheapest bachelor degrees in NSW are usually at smaller universities or in regional areas. Think Western Sydney University, University of Newcastle, or University of Wollongong. Course fees are typically $22,000 to $28,000 per year, so $66,000 to $84,000 for a three year degree.
Group of Eight universities like University of Sydney or UNSW charge $35,000 to $45,000 per year, so $105,000 to $135,000 for three years. That’s a $39,000 to $51,000 difference.
But remember, living costs in Sydney are high. Rent is expensive, transport costs add up, and everything costs more. So even if you save on course fees, you might spend more on living costs.
Regional options like University of Newcastle or University of Wollongong are cheaper for both course fees and living costs. But job opportunities are more limited, especially for international students who can only work part time.
Victoria: Melbourne and Regional
Melbourne is similar to Sydney: expensive, but with cheaper options if you look beyond the big names.
The cheapest bachelor degrees in Victoria are usually at smaller universities or in regional areas. Think Deakin University, La Trobe University, or Victoria University. Course fees are typically $22,000 to $28,000 per year, so $66,000 to $84,000 for three years.
University of Melbourne, as a Group of Eight university, charges $35,000 to $45,000 per year, so $105,000 to $135,000 for three years. That’s the same $39,000 to $51,000 difference as Sydney.
Living costs in Melbourne are high, similar to Sydney. But regional options like Deakin’s Geelong campus or La Trobe’s regional campuses are cheaper for both course fees and living costs.
I chose Melbourne because I wanted the city experience, but I know students who chose regional Victoria and saved significant money. The trade off is fewer job opportunities and a quieter lifestyle.
Queensland: Brisbane and Beyond
Queensland is generally cheaper than NSW and Victoria, both for course fees and living costs.
The cheapest bachelor degrees in Queensland are usually at smaller universities or in regional areas. Think Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, or University of Southern Queensland. Course fees are typically $20,000 to $26,000 per year, so $60,000 to $78,000 for three years.
University of Queensland, as a Group of Eight university, charges $32,000 to $40,000 per year, so $96,000 to $120,000 for three years. Still expensive, but slightly cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney.
Living costs in Brisbane are lower than Melbourne or Sydney. Rent is cheaper, transport is cheaper, and groceries are cheaper. So even if course fees are similar, total costs are lower.
Regional Queensland is even cheaper. But job opportunities are very limited, especially for international students. I know students who chose regional Queensland and struggled to find part time work.
South Australia: Adelaide
Adelaide is one of the cheapest capital cities for both course fees and living costs.
The cheapest bachelor degrees in South Australia are usually at smaller universities. Think University of South Australia or Flinders University. Course fees are typically $20,000 to $25,000 per year, so $60,000 to $75,000 for three years.
University of Adelaide, as a Group of Eight university, charges $30,000 to $38,000 per year, so $90,000 to $114,000 for three years. Still cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney.
Living costs in Adelaide are significantly lower than Melbourne or Sydney. Rent is much cheaper, transport is cheaper, and everything costs less. So total costs are much lower.
The trade off? Fewer job opportunities, especially for international students. Adelaide is a smaller city with a smaller job market. But if you can find work, you’ll save a lot of money.
Western Australia: Perth
Perth is similar to Adelaide: cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney, but with a smaller job market.
The cheapest bachelor degrees in Western Australia are usually at smaller universities. Think Curtin University or Edith Cowan University. Course fees are typically $20,000 to $26,000 per year, so $60,000 to $78,000 for three years.
University of Western Australia, as a Group of Eight university, charges $30,000 to $38,000 per year, so $90,000 to $114,000 for three years.
Living costs in Perth are lower than Melbourne or Sydney, similar to Adelaide. But Perth is isolated, which means flights to other cities are expensive, and you might feel cut off from the rest of Australia.
Job opportunities vary by industry. Mining and resources are strong, but other industries are smaller. For international students, part time job opportunities can be limited.
Tasmania: Hobart
Tasmania is the cheapest state for both course fees and living costs, but it’s also the most isolated.
The University of Tasmania is the main option. Course fees are typically $18,000 to $24,000 per year, so $54,000 to $72,000 for three years. That’s significantly cheaper than other states.
Living costs in Hobart are the lowest of any capital city. Rent is very cheap, transport is cheap, and everything costs less. So total costs are much lower.
The trade offs? Very limited job opportunities, especially for international students. Hobart is a small city with a small job market. And it’s isolated, which means flights are expensive and you might feel far from everything.
I know students who chose Tasmania and loved the lifestyle and low costs. I also know students who chose Tasmania and struggled with isolation and lack of job opportunities.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Course fees aren’t the only cost. Here’s what else adds up:
Textbooks can cost $500 to $1,500 per year. Some courses require expensive software or equipment. Some courses have field trips or practical components that cost extra.
Student services and amenities fees are usually $300 to $500 per year. These are mandatory fees that cover things like student unions, sports facilities, and support services.
Living costs vary massively by location. Rent in Sydney or Melbourne can be $15,000 to $20,000 per year. In Adelaide or Hobart, it might be $8,000 to $12,000. That’s a $7,000 to $12,000 difference per year.
Transport costs add up. In cities with good public transport, you might spend $1,500 to $2,500 per year. In cities where you need a car, it’s much more.
Health insurance (OSHC) is mandatory and costs $500 to $700 per year. This is the same regardless of which university you choose.
How to Actually Compare Costs
Don’t just compare course fees. Compare total costs: course fees plus living costs plus other expenses.
Use university 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 university but can’t find part time work, you might need more family support. If you choose an expensive university but get better job outcomes, it might be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheaper universities worse quality?
Not necessarily. Some cheaper universities have excellent teaching and good job outcomes. The price difference is often about research output and reputation, not teaching quality. That said, do your research. Check graduate employment rates, talk to current students, and make sure the course is right for you.
Can I get scholarships to reduce costs?
Yes, but don’t count on it. Scholarships are competitive, and most are partial, not full. Some universities offer more scholarships than others. I’ve written about scholarships for international students if you want more detail.
Should I choose the cheapest option?
Not necessarily. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider job outcomes, course quality, location, and whether the degree will help you achieve your goals. But if you’re on a tight budget, cheaper options can still give you a good education.
How much can I save by choosing a cheaper university?
It depends on the universities you’re comparing. You might save $20,000 to $50,000 over a three year degree by choosing a cheaper university. But remember to factor in living costs, as these vary by location too.
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.
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 $800 to $1,200 per fortnight depending on the job. That’s $20,800 to $31,200 per year, which helps but won’t cover everything. You’ll still need savings or family support.
Final Thoughts
Finding the cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia by state 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 compare course fees and understanding the real cost of studying in Australia. And if you’re comparing specific universities, use their official websites for exact fees, but also talk to current students about real living costs. They’ll tell you what actually costs money.
