Universities in Australia Without Application Fees for International Students

Applying to universities in Australia can get expensive, especially when you’re applying to multiple institutions at once. Most Australian universities charge an application fee, which may seem small at first, but quickly adds up for international students who are exploring different programs and cities. The good news? Several top universities in Australia allow you to apply without paying any application fee.

In this blog, we bring you a curated, up-to-date list of Australian universities that waive application fees for international applicants. Whether you’re planning for undergraduate, postgraduate, or research studies, this guide helps you save money, apply smarter, and shortlist universities that genuinely welcome global talent.

Why Study in Australia?

Studying in Australia offers world-class education, global career opportunities, and a vibrant multicultural environment. But one of the biggest advantages for international students today is the growing number of universities that do not charge an application fee. This makes the admission process more affordable, flexible, and accessible, especially for students applying from abroad. Here’s why choosing an Australian university with no application fee can be a smart decision:

1. Cost Saving
Application fees may seem small individually, but when applying to multiple universities, the total can run into hundreds of dollars. By choosing institutions that waive these fees, students can save a meaningful amount and redirect that money toward tuition, accommodation, visas, or other essential study expenses.

2. Freedom to Apply to Multiple Programs
With no financial barrier at the application stage, students feel more confident exploring different universities and courses. This increases their chances of receiving an admission offer and gives them greater flexibility to find programs that truly align with their academic interests and career goals.

3. Better Accessibility for International Students
For applicants from countries with high currency conversion rates or limited access to international payment methods, application fees can be a significant hurdle. Fee-free applications make the process more inclusive and ensure that talented students from around the world can apply without financial stress.

4. Increased Flexibility in the Application Process
Many Australian universities offer conditional fee waivers for online applications, direct submissions, or when applying through authorised education agents. Some institutions even provide temporary fee-waiver windows during fairs, open days, and promotional events, giving students more ways to apply at zero cost.

5. Encourages Early Applications
Some universities waive application fees for early applicants. This motivates students to apply sooner, improving their chances of securing seats in competitive programs and gaining access to early-bird scholarships or priority processing.

Also Read: Top Courses in Australia to Make a Successful Career

Application Fees in Australia: What to Expect & How to Avoid Them

While many Australian universities have started offering zero application fees or conditional waivers, it’s still important to understand what costs students may face during the admission process, and how to reduce them. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Typical Application Fees in Australian Universities

Most universities in Australia charge an application fee ranging from AUD 50 to AUD 150 for international students. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, evaluating documents, and handling administrative work.

However, the amount can vary depending on:

• The level of study (UG/PG/Research)
• The university’s admission policies
• Whether you’re applying directly, online, or via an agent

Other Possible Admission-Related Costs

Even if the application itself is free, students may still incur additional expenses such as:

• Document certification or notarisation costs
• English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Application fees for specific programs (e.g., MBA, medical, design portfolios)
• Courier or postage charges for physical documents (rare but possible)
• Assessment or portfolio review fees for arts/design programs

These costs vary from student to student but should be considered when planning your budget.

Tips to Avoid Application Costs in Australia

Here are simple, effective ways to apply without spending unnecessarily:

Apply Directly Through the University Website

Some universities waive fees for students who submit applications directly online rather than through a third-party portal.

Use Authorised Education Agents

Many Australian universities offer free applications when students apply through their listed or official partners.

Watch Out for Fee-Waiver Periods

Keep track of:

• Open days
• Virtual fairs
• University promotional events
  During these events, institutions often temporarily remove application fees.

Apply Early

Several universities offer free applications for early-bird applicants, especially in major intakes like February or July.

Check for Program-Specific Waivers

In some cases, postgraduate or research degrees come with automatic application fee waivers.

Contact the Admissions Office

Politely emailing the admissions team and explaining your situation may sometimes lead to a case-by-case fee waiver, especially for high-achieving or financially challenged students.

Top Universities in Australia Without Application Fees

Without a doubt, institutions in Australia with no application cost are highly ranked and recognised by world-renowned rankings. Furthermore, several of Australia’s top universities with no application fees are well-known for their high employment rates and high level of education.

Without further ado, here is a list of prominent universities in Australia that do not charge an application fee for overseas students:

Universities Name	QS Ranking 2026
Victoria University	741-750
University of South Australia	–
Charles Darwin University	=584
Bond University	=591
University of Wollongong	=184
University of Notre Dame Australia	1201-1400
Central Queensland University	=499
RMIT University	125

Let us now briefly discuss each of these eight top universities in Australia that do not charge an application fee:

Universities in Australia	Popular Programs
Master’s in Engineering Master’s in Construction Management  MPA in Professional Accounting	Master’s in Information Technology  Master’s in Building Fire Safety and Risk Engineering  Master’s in Engineering
University of South Australia	MS in Clinical Pharmacy  MEng in Engineering Management MS in Data Science
Charles Darwin University	Master’s in Information Technology (Software Engineering)  MS in Mechanical Engineering  Master’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Bond University	Master’s in Clinical Psychology  Master’s in Construction Practice  MAcc in Accounting
University of Wollongong	MS in Computer Science  MEng in Mechanical Engineering  MEng in Engineering Management
University of Notre Dame Australia	MBA in Business Analytics  MS in Mechanical Engineering  MS in Computer Science and Engineering
Central Queensland University	Master’s in Engineering Master’s in Construction Management  MPA in Professional Accounting
RMIT University	Master in Data Science  MS in Information Technology  MRes in Computer Science
Australian National University	Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Arts, Law,
University of New South Wales	Operational research, Mechanical engineering, Civil engineering, Accounting, and Finance,
University of Adelaide	Management, Humanities, Arts, Business, and Technology
University of Newcastle	Media, Pharmacy, Linguistics, Earth Sciences etc

How to Choose the Right University (From the No-Application-Fee List)?

Now that you know which Australian universities offer free applications, the next step is selecting the one that aligns with your academic goals and financial plan. Use the points below to make an informed and confident decision.

1. Check Course Availability

Begin by identifying universities that offer the exact program or specialization you want. Some institutions may be strong in fields such as business, IT, engineering, health sciences, education or social sciences. Always review the program structure and subjects to ensure they match your interests.

2. Compare Admission Requirements

Even if the application is free, each university has specific entry criteria. Check minimum academic scores, English language test requirements, any portfolio needs, or work experience expectations for postgraduate programs. This helps you avoid avoidable rejections.

3. Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Some universities that waive application fees also offer scholarships, bursaries or international student discounts. Combining a fee-free application with financial support can significantly reduce your overall study cost.

4. Consider Location and Cost of Living

The application might be free, but living expenses differ across Australia. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while Adelaide, Perth and Darwin are more affordable. Regional universities may also offer additional migration or visa advantages.

5. Verify Fee Waiver Conditions

Make sure you understand how the application fee is waived. Some universities waive it automatically for online applications, some require you to apply through authorised agents and others offer it only for certain intakes or programs. Check the official admissions page carefully.

6. Review Graduate Outcomes

Look at the employability rates, industry partnerships, internship opportunities and alumni success of the universities you are considering. Institutions with strong career development support can help you secure better opportunities in Australia after graduation.

7. Evaluate Application Processing Time

If you are applying close to the deadline, choose universities known for quick processing and clear communication. This ensures you have enough time for admission, documentation and visa processing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to Australian Universities Without an Application Fee

Applying to Australian universities that waive application fees is simple, but you must follow the right steps to ensure your application is complete and error-free. Here is a clear process you can follow.

1. Shortlist the Universities

Start by selecting the universities from the no-application-fee list that offer your preferred course. Visit their official international admissions pages to confirm whether the fee waiver is active for the current intake.

2. Review Entry Requirements

Go through the university’s eligibility criteria for your chosen program. Check academic scores, English language requirements such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and any additional requirements like portfolios or work experience.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all essential documents in advance. Most universities require academic transcripts, certificates, a passport copy, English test scores, a resume for postgraduate programs, and a statement of purpose. Make sure your documents are updated and formatted correctly.

4. Apply Through the Official Online Portal

Most universities with no application fee offer a free online application through their own portal. Create an account, fill in your details, upload documents and submit the form. Avoid third-party portals unless the university clearly states they accept free applications there.

5. Apply Through Authorised Agents (If Required)

Some universities waive the fee only when applications are submitted through their official education agents. If this applies to your chosen university, check the list of recognised partners on the university’s website and apply through one of them.

6. Take Advantage of Fee-Waiver Periods

Keep an eye on special university events such as open days, virtual fairs or early-bird windows. During these events, many universities remove application fees for international students. Apply during these periods if possible.

7. Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application, regularly log into your portal to check updates. Universities may request additional documents or clarification. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

8. Accept the Offer and Proceed With Next Steps

If you receive an offer, review the program details, fee structure, scholarship options and conditions. Once you accept the offer, you can move on to paying the tuition deposit, preparing financial documents and starting the visa application process.

Cost of Studying at Australian Universities

Let us examine the cost of education in Australia for international students at various stages, beginning with the primary component of any costs associated with studying abroad.

The table below provides a wide idea of the scope of expenses for various types of capabilities for international students in Australia. It should be noted by applicants that these costs do not include costly courses like veterinary and medical. Continue reading to learn how much it will cost a student travelling from India to Australia:

Type of Degree	Average Fees
Doctoral Degree	AUD 18,000- 42,000
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	AUD 22,000 – 50,000
English language studies	AUD 300 per week
Vocational Education and Training	AUD 4,000 – 22,000
Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree	AUD 20,000 – 45,000

Also Read: Where to Live in Australia as an International Student 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Australian Universities (Especially Fee-Free Applications)

Even though applying to universities with no application fee makes the process easier and more affordable, many students still make mistakes that reduce their chances of admission. Here are the most common errors you should avoid.

1. Not Verifying the Fee-Waiver Conditions

Many students assume that all applications are free, but some universities waive the fee only for online applications, specific intakes or applications submitted through authorised agents. Always check the official admissions page to confirm the exact requirement.

2. Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Submitting applications without meeting the minimum academic or English language requirements often leads to rejections. Always review eligibility criteria before applying, even if the application is free.

3. Using Outdated or Incorrect Documents

Incomplete academic transcripts, low-quality document scans or expired English test results can lead to delays or rejection. Make sure your documents are updated and clearly scanned.

4. Ignoring Deadlines

Students sometimes miss application and scholarship deadlines because they believe the process is flexible. Each university has strict timelines for admissions, document submission and offer acceptance. Track deadlines carefully.

5. Not Customising the Statement of Purpose

Using the same SOP for multiple universities weakens your application. Tailor your SOP for each university by mentioning the program, faculty strengths and your academic goals.

6. Applying Through Unverified Sources

Some students mistakenly apply through unofficial platforms or unverified agents. This can result in missing fee waivers or even application rejection. Always use the university’s portal or authorised agents only.

7. Submitting Too Many Random Applications

Applying to many universities just because the application is free is not a strategic approach. Focus on institutions that genuinely match your goals, career plans and budget.

8. Not Following Up on the Application

Many universities request additional documents or clarification after submission. Failing to check emails or portal updates can cause delays. Regular follow-ups are important.

9. Not Preparing for the Next Steps

Some students stop after submitting the application. It’s important to start preparing for financial documents, accommodation planning and visa requirements early so you can move quickly once an offer arrives.

FAQs 

Relevant Reads:

Best Courses to Study in Australia	Cheapest University in Melbourne for International Students in 2025
Australia Skilled Occupation List 2025	A Guide to Student Life in Australia: What Indian Students Can Expect!
Top University of South Australia Scholarships You Must Know About	Looking for Private Universities in Australia? Here Are The Top Ones to Consider!

Hope this blog helped you with the various requisites for Universities in Australia without application fees. Planning to pursue your studies at your dream university in Australia? Sign up for a free session with Leverage Edu.