5 Affordable Australia Study Abroad Programs by ISA

I know, I know—out of all of the study abroad destinations in the world: Australia, well the Pacific Region in general, has kind of a reputation for being a bit… well, expensive... and while that may be true—hear us out. One of the great highlights of choosing to study abroad in Australia with ISA Study Abroad is the variety of programs offering a multitude of courses across nearly every academic discipline in a exciting variety of host cities. 

Vegemite—one of those Aussie things you just need to say you tried, mate! #studentbudgetjoys

This means that not only can you find the perfect program for your academics, personal goals, and bucket list during your study abroad experience, but you can also factor your budget into your search for the ideal program. Of course you will be doing some of your own research and figuring out exactly what your study abroad budget looks like, but there are a number of factors you should take into consideration when choosing your program that can help lessen the impact on your wallet. 

First and foremost, one the main factors to take into consideration is the cost of your overall program itself. If you are hoping to have the study abroad experience of a lifetime, and still try to stick to a realistic budget, here are a few of the best ISA Study Abroad programs in Australia that are still affordable. Definitely give these a once over!

Top ISA Study Abroad programs in Australia

1. STEM, Liberal Arts & Education—University of Newcastle 

Newcastle is located in the Australian State of New South Wales and is located just a couple of hours north of Sydney via train. Situated right on Australia’s eastern coast, Newcastle is an active, vibrant and classic ‘Aussie’ city that is not too big, and not too small, and offers students limitless opportunities to explore the scenic beaches, study alongside local students, and get in tune with the Australian lifestyle. 

Save your green while you soak up the blue.

A semester abroad at University of Newcastle is considered to be the perfect balance of lifestyle and learning, with stand-out course offerings including Computer Science, Education, STEM, Liberal Arts, and Business, you can be sure to take in all that Australia has to offer while still staying on track with your degree. As one of the most affordable semester programs in the Pacific, a program at the University of Newcastle makes for smart choice for students seeking top-notch academics for a budget friendly price.

“It’s been a little over 4 months since I returned from Newcastle and there hasn't been a day where I haven't thought about my experience. Through this experience I made so many lifelong friends and had my eyes opened to how vast the world truly is.” 

• Duration: Semester
• Location: Newcastle
• Price: ~ $11,550 + Accommodation fees—(Fall 2018) 
• More program info

2. Sport and Exercise Science, Business & Liberal Arts—La Trobe University

La Trobe University is located in the city of Melbourne—Australia’s Sporting and Cultural Capital, and the country’s 2nd largest city. Located just a few miles north of the central business district, a semester abroad at La Trobe University truly offers you an enriching experience by blending both university life and Australian culture, while still giving you every opportunity to explore Melbourne. The university itself is situated on sprawling campus, complete with scenic waterways, vast green spaces and even its own animal sanctuary. 

You’ll never tire of the colorful sunsets—just check out this one over the LaTrobe University campus!

Stand-out fields of study at La Trobe include Animal Science, Communications, Business, Sport & Exercise Science, and Health Sciences. With the option to live on-campus with other local students, you will have ever opportunity to not only meet local Australian students, but to meet and interact with other international students as well. With an active student life on-campus, and easy access to central Melbourne, your study abroad experience at La Trobe University is sure to offer limitless possibilities for exploration and personal growth abroad while still keeping your budget in mind. 

• Location: Melbourne
• Duration: Semester
• Price: ~$12,450 + Accommodation Fees (Fall 2018)
• More program info

3. Business, Tourism, Criminal Justice & Liberal Arts - Griffith University

A rapidly expanding, large modernized campus, located just 20 minutes from Surfer’s Paradise, one of Australia’s most famous beaches, is what you will find while attending Griffith University. Academic highlights include Exercise Science and Nutrition, Communications, Business, and the unique opportunity for professional development in Griffith’s Community Internship course, an academic subject where participants build valuable personal and professional skills while volunteering in a community organization. When not attending lectures or hitting the books studying, you can hop on the metro and explore all of the excitement the Gold Coast has to offer using one of the two G-Link metro stops located right on campus!

• Location: Gold Coast
• Duration: Semester
• Price: ~$11,995 + Accommodation Fees (Fall 2018)
• A sneak peek into a semester abroad in Gold Coast

[Browse ALL semester study abroad programs in Australia]

Aussie Aussie Aussie (Oi Oi Oi!) ← Don’t worry, this fave chant will make sense soon enough!

4. Sydney Summer Programs—University of Sydney

Take the opportunity to delve into the Australian lifestyle through a short term program in Sydney. During the summer, you have the option to participate on a 3-week intensive summer program, or a 6-week intensive summer program at the University of Sydney. Through the 3-week intensive program you will enroll in 1 course during your program from a select group of courses ranging from Sciences to Liberal Arts and Business. 

During the 6-week intensive program you have the option of enrolling in 2 courses from a select group of subjects, including an application based internship course. As the oldest university in Australia, you are sure to enjoy the mix of the traditional gothic architecture and the modern academic buildings that make up the university campus—right in the heart of the city. Your short-term study abroad program in Sydney will be a great way to experience local culture, develop global connections, and get to know some of Australia’s iconic landmarks. And since accommodations are included in the program fee, we love this option as one of the most affordable study abroad programs in Australia for summer!

“I swam at the Great Barrier Reef, held a koala, scuba dived, and spent many days basking in the sun at the beach. Best semester of my life.”

• Location: Sydney
• Price: $5,250—$9,450—Includes Accommodation Fees (Summer 2018)
• More program info

This view certainly beats the one of out of your classroom window right now, no???

5. Summer internships in Australia with ISA Study Abroad

If you're looking to travel and build your resume, perhaps check out internships in Australia. ISA internships are offered throughout the country in a wide variety of disciplines from Business to Zoology. An internship in Australia can give you the experience you need to show future employers that you have the ability to adapt to changing environments, cross-cultural communication skills, and real-world experience in your field. Internships are typically 8 weeks, with the most popular time being the summer (winter down unda). 

• Location: All over Oz
• Duration: ISA summer programs
• Price: $6,100 (2018) - Includes housing, internship placement, support staff, health insurance, on-site orientation and visa assistance. You can add academic credit through Carroll College for an extra $300.
• Hear from an alumni on ISA internships in Australia

[Browse ALL Summer Study Abroad in Australia Programs]

Bonus: More tips to help you study abroad in Australia on a budget

In addition to doing your research and selecting the best program for your desired study abroad experience at the right price for you, there are other cheap ways to study in Australia. Once abroad, here are a few tips, tricks, and considerations to take into account when planning a low-cost study abroad experience in Australia:

Tip #1: Food

Australia is a melting pot of different peoples, cultures, and nationalities and by extension there are heaps of delicious foods, restaurants and cafes to sample.However, you’ll want to remember that eating out too frequently can easily add up, and add strain to your budget. Take opportunities to give your own cooking prowess a boost by getting inspired by some of your favorite local flavors, and try making them at home. This will give you the opportunity to explore local markets and find specialty food stores that you otherwise may not have sought out. Cooking your own meals can be a great way to manage your budget and can help you prioritize your spending while abroad. 

Tip #2. Transportation 

One of the biggest expenses you will likely need to consider during Australia study abroad programs is transportation. From taking daily buses and trains to travel in and around your city, to hopping on domestic and international flights during breaks or long weekends, Australia is a large country, and getting around takes coordination. But do some research on your local public transportation authority, as many cities offer reloadable transportation cards that can offer discounts for residents and commuters. While the savings may be small, they sure start to add up. And when traveling longer distances, be sure compare the many smaller airlines that frequently offer more affordable airfare. 

Who wants to visit gorgeous wineries that double as field trips?

Tip #3. Discounts 

Take advantage of the fact that while you are studying abroad you are first and foremost—a student! Be sure to always carry your Host University Student ID, as many of the museums, art galleries, and other attractions you will visit will offer special rates or concessions for students. You will also want to check in with your host university’s international office to ask about any discounts that may be available to you as a student. It never hurts to ask if there are any deals available!

Tip #4. Free is good 

Everybody loves free, so why pass up on the fun and excitement that is going on all around you? Be sure to skim through the local (e)newspaper to read about any free events or activities that might be happening in town. You may also luck out and find that local museums, galleries, or attractions may hold events with free admission—perfect when it comes to finding cheap ways to study in Australia. Your university would also be a great resource for joining clubs or students groups that may be hosting events with free food, or organizing events for free or at a discount throughout your semester. Plus this is a great way to meet local students, future travel buddies, or other international students. 

Tip #5. Staycation! 

While you’re bound to be excited about being in a completely different country, or so close to countless other countries in the pacific, take the time to realize that there are endless things to do and explore right in your own host city. Carve out time in your study abroad experience to not only live like the locals, but to become a local yourself! Get to know the public transport system by exploring different neighborhoods in your host city, discovering the city’s best parks or beaches, and trying to find the best cup of coffee in the city. If you happen to host friends or family while abroad, you can be confident that you’ll be able to show them around, visit all of the city’s hot-spots, and show them a side of the city that is locals only. While you’ll always remember your travels travels while abroad, you’ll never forget your host city—your home away from home. 

[How to Create & Stick to Your Study Abroad Budget]

Which of these ISA Study Abroad programs in Australia is right for YOU?

We’re all roo-ting for you to find affordable study abroad programs in Australia!

With all of these factors in mind, you have a big decision to make. Which city is right for me? What is my study abroad budget? What do I hope to gain from my experiences abroad? These are all excellent guiding questions to reflect, and investigate as you make your program decision. But all in all it is YOUR decision to make. Really take the time to do your own research, speak with other students from your university, or friends about their experiences in Australia, and utilize all of the amazing resources at your disposal both at your university and online. 

Organizations like GoAbroad and ISA KNOW study abroad—it’s what they do! And we are here to help you explore program options, consider expenses, and elaborate on the student experience down under. Feel free to reach out to one of our extremely knowledgeable program specialists for more information about the wide range of ISA study abroad programs on offer in Australia.

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