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Melbourne is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that houses some of the world’s top universities. However, studying in Melbourne can be expensive, especially for international students. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are a few universities in Melbourne that offer lower tuition fees. This blog will take a look at the cheapest university in Melbourne for international students in 2024. We’ll also discuss some of the other affordable universities in Melbourne, and provide tips on how to save money on your studies. Read on to know more!
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Benefits of Studying at the Cheapest University in Melbourne
According to QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2024, Melbourne is the “Best city for international students” in Australia and #4 in the world. The ratings are based on the quality of lifestyle, employment, universities and student community. That gives plenty of benefits for students to choose to study at the cheapest university in Melbourne:
- You can save money on tuition fees and living expenses, as Melbourne is one of the most affordable cities in Australia.
- You can enjoy a high-quality education and a globally recognized degree from reputable institutions such as the University of Divinity, Deakin University, and La Trobe University.
- You can experience a diverse and multicultural environment, as Melbourne is home to people from over 200 countries and 233 languages.
- You get access to a range of support services and scholarships for international students, such as the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Destination Australia Scholarship, and the International Student Support Program.
- Last but not least, you get to explore the vibrant and creative culture of Melbourne known for its arts, music, festivals, sports, and food.
Also Read: Cheapest Universities in Australia
List of Cheapest Universities in Melbourne
Below is a list of some of the cheapest universities in Melbourne. All of these universities are highly regarded institutions with a strong track record of producing successful graduates.
They offer a wide range of courses to choose from, so you’re sure to find the cheapest university in Melbourne as per your interests and career goals:
University of Divinity
The University of Divinity is the cheapest university in Melbourne ranked by the Student Survey Experience (SES). The tuition fees for international students range from AUD 14,000-19,000 per year.
The private institute offers courses on various disciplines and levels (UG, PG, Diploma, and Doctorate) and specializes in theology and religious studies. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence and its highly sought-after graduates by employers.
Deakin University
This public research institute is the second cheapest university in Melbourne with a focus on applied learning and industry engagement. The tuition fee for international students is between AUD 28,000-42,000 per year.
Deakin University is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world for its 300 industry-oriented UG and PG courses available in various study modes (full-time, part-time, online). Apart from Melbourne, the university also has campuses in Geelong, Warrnambool, and Burwood.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in Australia
Victoria University
Victoria University is another cheapest university in Melbourne with tuition fees ranging from AUD 28,000-32,000 per year for international students.
Counted among the world’s top 2% of universities, it offers a wide range of courses at different levels and modes (UG, PG, Doctorate, short courses, higher-ed diplomas). The public university has campuses in Footscray, St Albans, and Werribee in addition to Melbourne.
University of Melbourne
Apart from being the cheapest university in Melbourne, the University of Melbourne also holds a global reputation for academic excellence.
This public research university offers tuition fees ranging between AUD 31,870 and 50,450 per year to international students. Ranked in the world’s top 3% of universities, it provides 687 courses in various levels (UG, PG, short courses, research) to students. The university has one other campus in Parkville.
Also Read: The University of Melbourne Scholarships
RMIT University
RMIT University is among the top 200 universities in the world that is affordable to international students. The cheapest university in Melbourne has tuition fees ranging from AUD 35,400-45,000 per year, with the Student Services and Amenities Fee being charged on a pro-rata basis of $326 per semester.
The institute provides practical exposure through industry-based learning, increasing the student’s employment prospects. The university has campuses in Bundoora and Point Cook along with Melbourne.
La Trobe University
Lastly, La Trobe University is a public research university with a focus on regional engagement. The tuition fees start at AUD 28,000 per year.
It is ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world. Moreover, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and has campuses in Melbourne, Bundoora, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and Mildura.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Melbourne
Tips for Saving Money on Your Studies
While you may apply for the cheapest university in Melbourne, you will still need more income to cover all the living expenses there. Here are a few tips that can help you save money during your studies in Melbourne:
- Start by tracking your income and expenses. Create a budget that includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment to keep your spending in check.
- Take advantage of student discounts offered at various retailers, restaurants, and attractions. Always carry your student ID, and consider getting a Student Advantage Card for additional savings.
- Use public transport instead of taxis or rideshares. Get a Myki card for discounts on trains, trams, and buses. Familiarize yourself with routes to minimize travel costs.
- Look for shared accommodations or student housing, which can significantly reduce rent. Consider living a bit further from the city centre, where rents may be lower.
- Eating out can be expensive. Cook your meals at home to save money. Plan your grocery shopping with a list to avoid impulse purchases, and buy in bulk for non-perishable items.
- Explore free or low-cost activities in Melbourne. Many museums, galleries, and cultural events offer free admission or discounted rates for students. Check local listings for community events.
- Utilize the library resources at your university. They often provide free access to textbooks, study materials, and computers, reducing your need to buy books or software.
- Buy second-hand textbooks or rent them instead of purchasing new ones. Check online marketplaces, local bookstores, and your university’s classifieds for deals.
- Consider taking up a part-time job to supplement your income. Many flexible job opportunities are available for students, especially in retail, hospitality, and tutoring.
- Make sure you have appropriate health insurance. If you’re an international student, ensure you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for affordable healthcare access.
- Consider cycling or walking if your destination is close. Melbourne is bike-friendly, and cycling can save you on transport costs while keeping you active.
- Take advantage of campus facilities, such as gyms, study spaces, and counselling services. Many of these services are free or included in your tuition.
To sum up, studying in Melbourne can be an expensive experience, but there are a number of ways to save money. By following the tips above, you can make your studies more affordable and still enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer. We wish you the very best of luck!
Is it expensive to study in Melbourne?
Melbourne is an expensive city to live in Australia. The total cost of living for 1 person is around USD 2367. On the other hand, a family of 4 requires approximately USD 5511 per month.
However, the exact amount you need to live in the city depends on your lifestyle and your spending habits.An international student’s expenses are lower compared to a working professional or family. Generally, an overseas student can expect USD 1500 – USD 2000 expenses.
Therefore, enrolling in one of the cheapest Universities in Melbourne can be useful. This will cut down the tuition fee expenses.
Also Read: Affordable Student Accommodation in Melbourne
FAQs
Ans. Diploma in Project Management is the cheapest study in Melbourne, with a course duration of 1-2 years and quarterly tuition fees of $1,400.
Ans. As of 2023, the University of Queensland is the cheapest university in Australia.
Ans. Here are some of the cheapest universities in Australia for international students:
RMIT University
Macquarie University
The University of Newcastle
University of New South Wales
The University of Melbourne
Ans. On average, an international student will have to pay tuition fees of around 39,168 AUD (2017 – 18). On the other hand, a domestic student will have to pay only 9,050 AUD.
We hope that this blog helped you discover the cheapest university in Melbourne. For more such content on studying abroad, subscribe to Leverage Edu today. Thank you for reading!
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