Cheap Universities in Australia without IELTS 2025
Are you thinking about going to college in Australia but feeling anxious about the cheap universities in Australia without IELTS 2025? You’re not the only one! Many students from other countries want to find different ways to chase their academic dreams without taking the IELTS exam. Here’s some good news: some Australian universities let students join their programs without needing an IELTS score. This guide will tell you all you need to know, from budget-friendly schools to other English tests and accepted routes for bachelor’s and master’s programs. When you finish reading, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward studying in Australia.
Australia has always been on the priority list for international students studying abroad. The universities in this country are famous not just because of their best education system, but also for offering many bachelor’s and Master’s programs even without IELTS. However, some students may find Australia a bit costly compared to other countries. While there is no doubt a significant difference between the tuition fees of public and private universities, there are indeed some cheapest universities in Australia for international students without IELTS as well. In addition, the semester fee of public universities is more reasonable compared to private institutions.
Australia also provides many financial aid options and scholarships to help international students cover their studies and living expenses. If you are not aware of these reputable universities, we suggest you book your consultancy with our team at Abroadgoer, and they will guide you about everything.
List of the Cheapest Universities in Australia for International Students Without IELTS
It’s understandable if some students get disheartened after checking the higher study education costs and IELTS requirements for bachelor’s or master’s programs. However, remember that in addition to the costly universities in Australia, there are some of the best universities in Australia that admit international students if they meet eligibility criteria, even without IELTS. Studying abroad can be expensive, but Australia is home to several universities that combine affordability with quality education. Importantly, many of these institutions are also flexible regarding English-language requirements, offering pathways to study even if you haven’t taken the IELTS exam.

Here’s a list of cheap universities in Australia without IELTS 2025 for international students that you should consider, offering an Australian experience for international students:
- Southern Cross University: Known for its diverse cultural community and supportive academic environment. It provides alternative pathways for proving English proficiency. Approximate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs start at AUD 24,000/ year, and Master’s programs start at AUD 25,600/ year.
- Swinburne University of Technology: This is one of the leading universities in Australia. It’s an excellent choice if you’re searching for the cheapest university in Australia for an MBA, computer science, engineering, business, management, and design without IELTS. The university is famous for its advanced research and for providing the best education to international students.
- The University of Queensland: Established in 1909, it’s included in the top five teaching & research institutes in Australia. While admission officers at this university prefer students with good IELTS scores to confirm they are proficient in English, they also give admission without IELTS. Its campus is home to over fifty thousand students, including many international students from more than 130 countries.
- The University of Adelaide: Founded in 1874 and located in South Australia, this famous research institute is in the list of Australia’s eight most affordable universities. If the admission officer finds a student’s application interesting, he can give him admission without IELTS. Students can choose among nine postgraduate research degrees and more than 150 undergraduate courses.
- The University of Southern Queensland: Famous for its engaging environment and student-focused approach to learning and teaching, it’s a top university in Australia with a high acceptance rate (around 69%). The admission process is organized selectively. The University of Southern Queensland will accept your English proficiency if you are from an English-speaking state or have completed your past study course in the English language. It offers English language pathway programs for students who don’t meet the IELTS requirement, and is known for its exceptional engineering and communication programs. Approximate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs start at AUD 24,000/ year, and Master’s programs start at AUD 26,000/ year.
- Bond University: One of the cheapest universities in Australia for master’s and bachelor’s degrees that allows admission of international students without IELTS. It’s a self-accredited institute by TEQSA, and the first private (not-for-profit) institute that is well-known on an international level. Students can prove their English proficiency by showing either a good score on the PTE Academic Tests or a document showing that they have completed their secondary education in an English-medium institute.
- The University of South Australia: A public research university located in South Australia, established in 1991. Students willing to get admission here can select from over two hundred graduate and undergraduate degree programs, along with many other programs. To get admission, students have the freedom to prove English proficiency in different ways other than IELTS (like PTE or CAE).
- Macquarie University: A public research university located in Sydney, established in 1964. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate majors, 80 postgraduate programs, and 4 research master’s programs. Despite not having IELTS, students can show Cambridge Advanced English or other relevant certificates.
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW): Established in 1949, it has been constantly improving and changing lives in Australia and worldwide. Even if you have not passed IELTS, you can still get admission to your desired programs here. In case you got above satisfactory grades in English subjects in your last degree, you can show them while applying.
- Charles Sturt University: Offers flexible entry without IELTS for students with English-medium education or an alternative test. Programs in medicine, business, and IT are particularly popular. Approximate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs start at AUD 20,800/ year, and Master’s programs start at AUD 22,600/ year.
- Victoria University: Accepts alternatives to IELTS, such as PTE and TOEFL. It offers scholarships to help reduce tuition costs for international students. Approximate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs start at AUD 23,200/ year, and Master’s programs start at AUD 25,600/ year.
- Federation University: Students can enroll via internal English Language Intensive Programs. It offers hands-on learning in business, health, and hospitality programs. Approximate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs start at AUD 21,000/ year, and Master’s programs start at AUD 23,500/ year.
What Is IELTS and Why Do Universities Require It?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams globally. Many universities and visa programs in Australia require this test to assess whether a student can effectively communicate in English, which is deemed essential for academic success. But what if you’re not comfortable taking standardized tests, or perhaps you simply didn’t achieve the score you need? Don’t worry! The good news is that Universities in Australia offer flexibility and provide other options to prove your English proficiency, opening doors for students even without an IELTS score.

How Can You Study in Australia Without IELTS?
Many Australian universities allow international students to bypass IELTS by providing alternative proof of English language proficiency. So, if the IELTS test is not your strong suit, don’t worry! You can still pursue your dream of studying in Australia through several avenues:

- English-Medium Education: If you completed your previous education (like high school, bachelor’s degree, etc) entirely in English, universities may consider this as sufficient proof of your English skills. This is a common and straightforward accepted route.
- Other English Proficiency Tests: Some universities accept alternative exams beyond IELTS. These can include TOEFL, PTE (Pearson Test of English), or Cambridge English. It’s always best to check with the institution to confirm which tests they accept.
- English Language Programs in Australia: Many universities partner with English Language Centers, which offer pathway programs such as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Completing these programs can fulfill the English requirement, acting as a bridge to your academic studies.
- Interview or Internal Testing: Universities sometimes conduct a personal interview or an internal English test as an alternative way to assess your language skills. With these options, even if IELTS isn’t your preferred method, you can still demonstrate your capabilities.