12 Tuition Free Universities In Australia For International Students 2023

If you have been on the search for tuition free universities in Australia for international students, they will be curated in this blog post. Stay glued to this space and find out.

It is no longer news that there are schools that do not charge for tuition. Schools like this make it easier for students to study and get the degree of choice without bothering so much about their financial status. Most of the financial burden is either carried by the government, the school, or private and charity organizations. They most of the time provide free tuition fees to the students through fully funded or partially funded scholarships that cover all or a particular percentage of the tuition fees.

Some of the schools owned by Christian organizations offer free tuition to their students as there are tuition-free theological seminaries for students to enroll in. Other countries also have tuition free universities, colleges, and schools as there are tuition free universities in Canada for international students. Since this article is focused on tuition-free universities in Australia for international students, I will be discussing them shortly. These schools do not demand tuition fees from students and are also good in academics.

Tuition Free Universities In Australia

If you have always yearned to study abroad in Australia, you can take the chance and book free tuition at one of the following institutions. They are as follows;

University of Melbourne
University of Sunshine Coast
University of Canberra
Edith Cowan University
Australian National University
Southern Cross University
Western Sydney University
University of New England
Australian Catholic University
Charles Darwin University
University of Southern Queensland
Griffith University

1. University of Melbourne

For over 160 years, the University of Melbourne has made distinctive contributions to society and attracted the brightest students and researchers bringing together the world’s best minds to solve globally significant problems with 52 000+ students, 52% undergraduate and 48% graduate (equivalent full-time student load – EFTSL), 470 000+ living alumni, and 41% international students from 150+ nationalities.

Their academics lead to brilliant, globally recognized research, teaching, and collaboration. Their professional, administrative, and support staff create a world-class working environment and enable academics to achieve internationally renowned excellence in research and teaching.

They offer full or partial tuition scholarships to interested international students depending on their program of study. This scholarship is offered to high-achieving international students who completed secondary school outside Australia or foundation studies in Australia and are enrolling in an undergraduate degree.

2. University of Sunshine Coast

The first campus, on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in 1996. Today, their award-winning facilities span five campuses across South East Queensland, an area of unique geographical importance. UniSC is the world’s only university with campuses on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari.

They provide the hands-on learning and practical skills needed by the people of our diverse regions from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast: the nurses, teachers, mental health and medical professionals, environmentalists, scientists, engineers, lawyers, problem solvers, creators, and creative thinkers, high-performance athletes, entrepreneurs and the leaders of tomorrow who improve the lives of people at home and abroad. At UniSC, they offer a range of scholarship opportunities to our international students. The scholarships are;

International Student Scholarship – The International Student Scholarship is a 15% tuition fee reduction offered to commencing international students in 2024.

English Excellence Scholarship – The English Excellence Scholarship is a 20% tuition fee reduction that is awarded to commencing international students in 2024 who have achieved higher than required results in a recognised English language proficiency test.

3. University of Canberra

Dynamic and vibrant, the University of Canberra (UC) is embedded deep in the soul of Canberra, the Australian capital. Canberra is a place where ideas are born, creativity is explored and opportunity is created.UC is a university for the professions, dedicated to providing immersive student experiences focussed on employability outcomes.

They are ranked in the top 5 universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2021, 2023), in the top 21% of universities in the world (THE World University Rankings, 2024), and ranked number one in the ACT for full-time employment and teaching quality (GUG 2023). These are remarkable achievements for a university only recently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

There are five faculties at UC, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher degree by research (HDR) options. Thousands of international students come each year from across the globe to experience the famous industry-based learning that sets our students apart.

Upon graduation, international students in Canberra are eligible for an additional one year’s post-study work thanks to their regional classification. If you’ve done well academically, you could be eligible for a range of generous international scholarships ranging from 10–25% off your total tuition fee.

4. Edith Cowan University

Established in 1991, ECU has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognized research. Students and graduates at ECU are amongst the best in the world, with many fulfilling crucial roles in our society. Their outstanding achievements have been recognized throughout Australia and internationally through awards, grants, scholarships, and prizes.

ECU is committed to widening participation and breaking down barriers that restrict entry to education, and we are continuing our work on the enhancement and development of alternative entry pathways to higher education. ECU offers a range of scholarships to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate international students. This includes our World Ready scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by up to 20%.

5. Australian National University

Join the community of talented students studying at Australia’s most international university in the heart of Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Build your knowledge in small classes taught by global experts and access a national institution’s unique industry internships, resources, and support. Australia has incredible natural landscapes and city experiences – and Canberra is no exception.

ANU has seven academic colleges that house several schools and research centers that specialize in a range of disciplines – all relevant but some unique in Australia and their region. With 17,000+ students from 100 countries around the world,

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies or for help to move away from home for the first time, ANU has scholarship opportunities for you and your situation. Some of their scholarships recognize academic achievement and others’ athletic performance.

They also offer scholarships that support unique challenges and experiences and recognize leadership, like the Tuckwell Scholarship Program, the most generous and transformative undergraduate scholarship in Australia.

6. Southern Cross University

From the very beginning, they have been a University to challenge convention. Emerging from the richly diverse regions of the Northern Rivers, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast they have grown to now connect with more than 75,000 alumni around the globe. They are proud of their regions, of the opportunities they give to students who might be the first in generations to attend university, and of the growing number of Indigenous students who choose Southern Cross.

Their four academic Faculties – the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Health, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering – as well as SCU College and Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples deliver courses at Southern Cross University. Research activity is distributed across the Faculties and draws on the same strengths that underpin their teaching.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships to support international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote cultural diversity, and encourage International Students to explore the opportunities at our regional NSW campuses.

7. Western Sydney University

Western has been ranked #1 in the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact Rankings two years in a row – 2022 and 2023 for sustainability and societal challenges. Western prepares graduates for the future by equipping them with career-ready skills. If you’re thinking about university study, Western offers an outstanding range of study options across multiple campuses in Greater Western Sydney.

Western Sydney University offers $25 million in scholarships annually, including a generous range of University and donor-funded opportunities. Through merit-based scholarships and The Academy, Western Sydney University recognizes and rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, and superior leadership and community skills.

Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations, many of which include internship and mentorship experiences for recipients. There are also scholarships available for specific programs. Western Sydney University has a range of scholarships available for international students seeking admission to undergraduate programs. Scholarships valued at $6,000, $3,000, or 50% of tuition fees are awarded on academic merit

8. University of New England

UNE was formed in 1938 as the New England University College, a College of the University of Sydney. The University became fully independent in 1954 and pioneered teaching to external students by correspondence, making UNE Australia’s most experienced provider of distance and now online education.

For over 70 years, the University of New England has been a leader in providing distance education to students throughout Australia and the world. Their focus is on your future, providing you with a personal and flexible approach to learning. They offer more than 200 courses at undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and higher degree research levels with options to study online or on campus.

The University of New England (UNE), located in Armidale and Sydney, Australia, is a global leader in research and academic innovation. Their international students interact closely with teaching staff and enjoy being a part of a close-knit community. UNE’s primary goal is to give you the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the world.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for Australian Government scholarships. If you are studying for a postgraduate research degree, UNE offers research scholarships as well. The UNE International Bursary covers a reduction in the published annual tuition fees for international students. UNE International Bursaries are available for full-time international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024.

9. Australian Catholic University

With more than 32,000 students, more than 132,000 alumni, more than 4,100 international students, more than 200 international partners, seven campuses around Australia, and an international campus in Rome, Italy, ACU is a young university focused on embedding excellence. As a Catholic university, they are guided by a clear mission, a strong sense of identity, and firm values. All three influence the decisions they make as an institute of higher education and guide their staff and students in their day-to-day lives.

ACU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. The ACU International Student Scholarship covers half of the full-time course fees for commencing undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Global Excellence Scholarship provides a tuition fee waiver of up to $2,500 each semester to commencing undergraduate and postgraduate students studying business and information technology.

10. Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University is a truly unique institution. With their home and their heart in the Northern Territory, they embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites that reach a diverse footprint from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane, and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston, and Katherine and their remote locations in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and on Country – in community, with the community.

Their multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operation result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate. Charles Darwin University is a multi-sector university that provides training and education to more than 21,000 students across its eight campuses and centers in the Northern Territory and Australia.

They have strong governance and leadership to support these functions. They offer an exciting and generous range of scholarships to support international students coming to study at CDU from around the globe. Their scholarships reward high-achieving students with outstanding academic accomplishments and who contribute to the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

11. University of Southern Queensland

In fifty years they have become a prominent multi-campus teaching and research institution providing education worldwide. Woven into the fabric of UniSQ is the vision and determination of many University and community members who, over the years, have contributed to the expansion and growth of the University. A recognized leader in online and blended education, they are renowned for their supportive environment and student-focused commitment to learning and teaching.

The school also offers scholarships to interested international students. You may be eligible to apply for a scholarship based on your academic performance or area of study. Their scholarships include financial support for students from diverse backgrounds, rewards for academic excellence, and funding for research students. You may also be eligible to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship funded by the Australian Government.

12. Griffith University

Since 1975, their teaching and research have been focused on addressing the most important social and environmental issues of their time. Today, that mission is as relevant as ever. Social and environmental responsibility drives everything they do, from pioneering teaching in modern Asian studies and environmental science to their long-time support for First Peoples, social justice, and sustainable practices.

Consistently ranking in the top 2 percent of universities globally, their degrees are designed with industry in mind, the future in their sights, and social impact at heart. With more than 55,000 students, their community spans five campuses across South East Queensland plus their Digital campus, complemented by a global alumni network of over 200,000 graduates.

At Griffith, they are committed to helping international students achieve success by providing quality education, guidance, and support. With more than 200 degrees and a reputation for research and teaching excellence, Griffith continues to be a leading university of choice.

They offer a range of scholarships and awards to support international students studying their undergraduate, postgraduate, research, and pathway programs. Available for undergraduate, postgraduate, research, and pathway students, a Griffith scholarship can significantly ease the cost of study, helping cover expenses including tuition fees and living allowances, among others. With several options offered year-round, our scholarships recognize eligible students with an outstanding academic history and the potential to make Griffith and their community a better place.

Conclusion

All these universities I have talked about in this blog post offer free tuition fees to their students through scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are either fully funded or partially funded thereby covering only a certain percentage of the students’ tuition fees. Feel free to choose from the one that suits you and apply.

12 Tuition Free Universities In Australia For International Students