Many students dream of pursuing higher education in Australia as studying in Australia gives them exposure to global education. But the high cost of living and tuition fees keep many from achieving their dreams. However, there are the cheapest cities in Australia for international students with a low cost of living and affordable tuition, some of which are considered rural.
In addition, the Australian government allows international students to work up to 40 hours in two weeks at their minimum wage of A$19.49 per hour, so they can afford to afford it while studying. So don’t give up on this dream Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
There are many cheapest cities in Australia for international students like Darwin, Wollongong, the City of Adelaide, Canberra, etc.
Check out the 10 cheapest cities in Australia for international students below with estimated weekly living costs and recommended colleges!
1. Darwin, Australia Northern Territory
Average tuition: AUD$ 26,000 – 36,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $443
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$196
- Grocery: AUD$104
- Surcharge: AUD$49
- Free time: AUD$72
- Public transport: AUD$22
A vibrant city full of youthful energy, Darwin is classified as a rural area and has one of the highest employment rates in the country, making it an ideal city for students seeking employment.
Although not surrounded by skyscrapers, with plenty of activities during weekends and semester breaks, the city is perfect for students who prefer a relaxed and serene environment.
Considering the average tuition fee and cost of living it is one of the cheapest cities in Australia for international students.
Come face-to-face with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, swim in Waverley Lagoon, and visit the weekly market at Nightlife. You will never get bored!
Top Universities in Darwin, Australia Northern Territory
- Charles Darwin University
2. Wollongong
Average tuition: AUD$ 26,000 – 40,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $ 776
Wollongong is another popular and affordable city in Australia. It’s only 80km from the famous city of Sydney, making it popular with international students who can’t afford to live in Sydney.
However, while living in this city, students can easily visit Australia’s largest city and enjoy a short stay in Australia. It is also an ideal destination for international students due to its affordability and quality of education making it one of the cheapest cities in Australia for international students.
Top Universities in Wollongong
3. City of Adelaide, South Australia
Average tuition: AUD$ 28,000 – 40,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living; AUD $377
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$190
- Grocery: AUD$97
- Surcharge: AUD$50
- Free time: AUD$15
- Public transport: AUD$25
Adelaide is recognized as a city of festivals, so many festivals are held throughout the year so students can find a balance between their studies and their free time. The city is one of Australia’s regional cities, where living costs are 14% cheaper than other major cities in Australia making it one of the cheapest cities in Australia for international students.
Apart from that, other successful people who once lived and studied in Adelaide, such as former Singapore President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, Petronas CEO Tan Sri Wang Zulkiflee Wang Arifin, and Vogue China Editor-in-Chief Angelica Chan. Speaking of quality, yes!
Top Universities in the City of Adelaide
- University of South Australia
- Flinders University
4. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Average tuition: AUD$25,000 – 31,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $509
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$260
- Grocery: A$108
- Surcharge: AUD$58
- Free time: AUD$60
- Public transport: AUD$23
Many people confuse Sydney with the capital of Australia, but Canberra is the capital of Australia and the name of the area comes from ‘Canberley’ which means ‘meeting place’. Canberra is a modern, vibrant and multicultural city with 25% of the population being students.
QS Best Students Cities 2019 ranked it as the 4th in Australia and 23rd in the world. This proves that Canberra is one of the biggest and best learning cities not only in Australia but in the world.
Top Universities in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
- Charles Sturt University
- Australian Catholic University
5. Perth, Western Australia
Average tuition: AUD$30,000 – 34,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $449
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$203
- Grocery: A$95
- Surcharge: AUD$55
- Free time: AUD$57
- Public transport: AUD$39
Known as Australia’s “City of Education”, Perth has welcomed many international students from all over the world. Affordable accommodation options and an efficient transport system make Perth a top choice for students.
You can rest easy knowing that you are receiving excellent instruction and education from one of Perth’s reputable universities.
Top Universities in Darwin, Australia Northern Territory
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
6. Hobart, Tasmania
Average tuition: AUD$ 33,000 – 75,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $475
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$232
- Grocery: AUD$100
- Surcharge: AUD$66
- Free time: AUD$57
- Public transport: AUD$20
As a rural area, Hobart is Australia’s safest city and has some of the cleanest air. The people of Hobart are so kind and friendly that students are free to roam anywhere in Hobart without fear. Students can benefit from the university’s small class sizes and receive more attention and interaction from faculty.
This will help you understand better and graduate with a higher GPA. Not to mention, the beautiful scenery, cool climate, and affordable living cost are also why this city is a top choice for international students.
Top Universities in Hobart, Tasmania
- University of Tasmania
7. Gold Coast, Queensland
Average tuition: AUD$ 33,000 – 75,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $482
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$236
- Grocery: AUD$105
- Surcharge: AUD$48
- Free time: AUD$78
- Public transport: AUD$15
Located in Queensland, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s regions. The city is one of the most popular destinations for most international students due to its high quality and affordable education.
In addition, beaches and exciting theme parks such as Surfers Paradise Beach and Coolangatta Beach are just some of the many activities students can do during their vacation as the city claims in being one of Australia’s top holiday destinations.
Top Universities in Gold Coast, Queensland
- Griffith University
- Southern Cross University
8. Brisbane, Queensland
Average tuition: AUD$ 31,000 – 48,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $485
- Accommodation (3 bedroom/shared apartment): AUD$234
- Grocery: AUD$105
- Surcharge: AUD$54
- Free time: AUD$53
- Public transport: AUD$39
Brisbane, also known as Sunshine City, is Australia’s third largest and most affordable city. It is one of the cheapest cities in the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s less educated than other cities. You can get a first-class education and quality of life, but at a low price because the university is among the best in the world. This is great for students looking to save money, but at the same time it doesn’t make up for the quality of teaching.
Top Universities in Brisbane, Queensland
- Queensland University of Technology
- James Cook University Brisbane
9. Melbourne
Average tuition: AUD$ 30,000 – 45,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $ 939
Melbourne has a lot to offer international students. You’ll be thrilled to know we’ve been named the world’s most livable city for the seventh year in a row. The city is one of the best options for international students to study.
It’s not as cheap as the cities above, but with the right funding options, you can find affordable prices. The university’s emerging world-class institutions can help you find jobs in each country.
Top Universities in Melbourne
- Deakin University
- RMIT University
10. Sydney
Average tuition: AUD$ 50,000- 55,000 per year
Average weekly cost of living: AUD $ 976
It is the last city on the list and is visited by over 50,000 international students each year. The reason for its popularity is the quality of education and the high employment rate.
Affordability in this city is relatively high, but that does not prevent students from getting the best education in this lovely city. Below is a list of the most popular universities you can find in the city.
Top Universities in Sydney
- Deakin University of Sydney
- RMIT University of Technology Sydney
To conclude,
If you’re looking for world-class education, diverse cultures, and the chance to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new, Australia is the place for you.
In this blog, we have covered the 10 cheapest cities in Australia for international students. Are you planning to continue your studies in one of these cities? Contact an experienced mentor to advise you on choosing the course and university that best suit your needs.
