Low cost Masters degrees in Australia under 25k per year is one of those searches that comes up a lot. Masters degrees are expensive, and students want to know if there are affordable options. The information online is often vague or doesn’t give specific numbers. I needed real data on which Masters degrees actually cost under 25k per year.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose Masters programs, and I’ve seen how costs vary. Some found affordable options under 25k per year. Others paid much more. The difference was research and knowing where to look.
So here’s everything I know about low cost Masters degrees in Australia under 25k per year, with real numbers and honest advice.
The Reality Check First
Let me start with this, because I wish someone had told me: Masters degrees under 25k per year exist, but they’re not common.
Most Masters degrees cost more than 25k per year. At top universities, you’re looking at $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Even at smaller universities, many Masters cost $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
But some Masters degrees do cost under 25k per year. They’re usually at smaller universities, in regional areas, or in less popular fields. They’re still legitimate and can lead to good outcomes.
The key is finding them and understanding what you’re getting. Cheaper doesn’t always mean worse, but you need to research what you’re getting for the price.
Where to Find Masters Under 25k Per Year
This is the key question, and here’s where to look.
Regional universities often have Masters under 25k per year. They’re in cheaper locations, so fees are lower. Examples include University of Tasmania, some regional campuses of larger universities, and smaller regional universities.
Smaller universities in capital cities sometimes have Masters under 25k per year. They’re not as prestigious as Group of Eight universities, but they can still offer good education. Examples include some newer universities or smaller established universities.
Some fields are cheaper than others. Arts, humanities, and some social sciences are often cheaper than business, IT, or engineering. If you’re flexible about your field, you might find cheaper options.
Online Masters can sometimes be cheaper. They don’t have the same overheads, so fees can be lower. But make sure they’re recognised and meet visa requirements.
But here’s what to watch for: cheaper Masters aren’t always better value. Consider what you’re getting for the price. A slightly more expensive Masters might be better value if it has better outcomes.
I’ve written about cheapest Masters degrees in Australia for international students if you want more detail.
Examples by Field
Let me give you some examples, because examples help more than abstract advice.
Arts and humanities Masters are often under 25k per year. At regional universities, you might find Masters for $20,000 to $24,000 per year. These are legitimate options, though job outcomes vary.
Education Masters are often affordable. At smaller universities, you might find Masters for $22,000 to $25,000 per year. Education has good job outcomes, so these can be good value.
Some business Masters are under 25k per year. At regional universities or smaller universities, you might find Masters for $23,000 to $25,000 per year. But most business Masters cost more.
Some IT Masters are under 25k per year. At regional universities, you might find Masters for $22,000 to $25,000 per year. But most IT Masters cost more, especially at top universities.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these are examples, not guarantees. Fees change regularly, and what’s available now might not be available next year. Check current fees on university websites.
Location Matters More Than Field
This is important, because location often affects cost more than field.
The same Masters degree costs different amounts in different cities. A business Masters might cost $23,000 per year in a regional city but $35,000 per year in Melbourne. That’s a $12,000 difference per year.
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.
So location can make a $17,000 to $19,000 difference per year. Over a two year Masters, that’s $34,000 to $38,000. That’s massive.
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 study in regional Australia to save money if you want more detail.
How to Actually Find These Courses
This is the practical part, and here’s how to do it.
Use university websites. Go directly to university websites and check their course fees. Don’t trust third party websites, as fees change regularly.
Compare multiple universities. Don’t just look at one university. Compare multiple universities to see what’s available.
Check regional universities. Regional universities often have lower fees. Don’t ignore them just because they’re not in capital cities.
Check smaller universities. Smaller universities in capital cities sometimes have lower fees than big universities. They might not have the same reputation, but they can still offer good education.
But here’s what to watch for: research takes time. Don’t rush. Take your time to research properly. It’s better to spend time researching than to waste money on an expensive course when a cheaper one would work.
I’ve written about how to compare course fees in Australia if you want more detail.
What You’re Getting for the Price
This is important, because cheaper doesn’t always mean worse.
Masters under 25k per year can still have: good teaching quality, recognised qualifications, good job outcomes, and proper support services. They’re cheaper because of location or overheads, not because they’re poor quality.
But here’s what to check: make sure the Masters is recognised, check graduate employment rates, talk to current students, and verify that it meets your needs. Don’t assume cheaper means worse, but don’t assume it means good either.
The key is researching what you’re getting for the price. A Masters that costs $24,000 per year but leads to good jobs might be better value than a Masters that costs $35,000 per year but doesn’t lead anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Masters under 25k per year good quality?
They can be. Quality depends on the specific university and program, not just the price. Some cheaper Masters are excellent. Others are not. Do your research. Check reviews and graduate outcomes.
Will employers care if I did a cheaper Masters?
Usually no. Most employers care more about your skills and experience than where you studied or how much you paid. A cheaper Masters from a good university can be just as valuable as an expensive Masters.
Can I get PR with a Masters under 25k per year?
Yes, if it meets the requirements. PR is based on points, not on how much you paid. A cheaper Masters can give you the same points as an expensive Masters if it’s the same level. Check the skilled migration requirements.
Should I choose a Masters under 25k per year?
It depends on your situation. If you’re on a tight budget and find a good Masters under 25k per year, it can be a good option. But don’t choose based on price alone. Consider what you’re getting for the price.
How much can I save by choosing a Masters under 25k per year?
It depends on what you’re comparing to. If you’re comparing to a Masters that costs $35,000 per year, you’ll save $10,000 per year, or $20,000 over two years. That’s significant, but remember to factor in living costs and job opportunities.
Are there many Masters under 25k per year?
Not many, but some exist. They’re usually at regional universities, smaller universities, or in less popular fields. You need to research to find them, but they do exist.
Final Thoughts
Finding low cost Masters degrees in Australia under 25k per year is possible, but it requires research. They’re not common, but they exist. They’re usually at regional universities, smaller universities, or in less popular fields.
Don’t choose based on price alone. But don’t ignore price either. Be realistic about what you can afford, and research what you’re getting for the price.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Research matters. Don’t assume all Masters cost the same. Research different universities and locations. You might find affordable options that work for you.
If you’re still planning your Masters journey, check out my guides on how to choose a Masters in Australia and cheapest Masters degrees in Australia. And if you’re looking for affordable options, check regional universities, smaller universities, and less popular fields. You might find options that work for your budget.