Cheapest CRICOS Courses in Australia (2026 Data)
Studying in Australia can be expensive, but not all programs cost the same. Some CRICOS-registered courses are significantly cheaper than typical university degrees.
Many international students start with shorter vocational or training programs that have much lower tuition fees. These courses can provide practical skills and may serve as a pathway to longer study programs.
The list below shows examples of some of the lowest-cost CRICOS courses currently listed in the national register.
Important:
The data in this article is based on the CRICOS course database snapshot from 2 March 2026. Tuition fees may change depending on the education provider and the specific intake period.
20 Cheapest CRICOS Courses (Based on CRICOS Data – March 2026)
| Course | Institution | Duration | Tuition Fee |
| Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 110 |
| Provide First Aid | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 120 |
| Participate in Safe Food Handling Practices | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 150 |
| Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 150 |
| Provide Responsible Gambling Services | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 150 |
| Provide First Aid | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 150 |
| Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 150 |
| Course in Asbestos Awareness | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 190 |
| Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) | Various providers | 1 week | AUD 200 |
| Provide First Aid | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 200 |
| Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 200 |
| Provide First Aid | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 200 |
| Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry | Various providers | 1–2 weeks | AUD 200 |
| Certificate IV in Disability Support | Various providers | 40–52 weeks | AUD 250 |
| Control Persons Using Empty Hand Techniques | Various providers | Short course | AUD 300 |
| Manage Conflict and Security Risks Using Negotiation | Various providers | Short course | AUD 300 |
| OET Preparation Course | Various providers | Several weeks | AUD 320 |
| Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention | Various providers | Short course | AUD 340 |
| Implement Traffic Management Plans | Various providers | Short course | AUD 390 |
| Control Traffic with Stop-Slow Bat | Various providers | Short course | AUD 390 |
Why Some CRICOS Courses Are Very Cheap
Many of the lowest-cost courses in the CRICOS register are short training programs. These courses are often designed to teach specific workplace skills rather than full academic qualifications.
Examples include:
- workplace safety training
- hospitality safety certificates
- construction site safety courses
- first aid and CPR training
Because these programs are short, their tuition fees are much lower than longer diploma or degree programs.
Typical Cost of CRICOS Courses
Most CRICOS courses are significantly more expensive than the short training programs listed above.
Typical tuition ranges include:
| Course type | Typical tuition |
| Short vocational training | AUD 100 – 500 |
| Diploma / VET programs | AUD 4,000 – 15,000 per year |
| Bachelor’s degrees | AUD 20,000 – 40,000 per year |
| Master’s degrees | AUD 25,000 – 45,000 per year |
International students should always check the official CRICOS listing for the most accurate and updated course costs.
How to Find Cheap CRICOS Courses
Students searching for affordable programs should follow several steps.
Check the CRICOS register
The official CRICOS database lists all approved courses available to international students.
Compare multiple providers
Different colleges may offer the same course at different prices.
Consider vocational programs
VET courses often cost much less than university degrees and can still provide valuable professional skills.
Final Thoughts
Finding an affordable CRICOS course is possible if students carefully compare programs and providers.
While some short training courses cost only a few hundred dollars, longer vocational or university programs will usually require a larger investment.
Before enrolling, international students should always verify course details in the official CRICOS register and confirm tuition fees directly with the education provider.
Using the CRICOS database is the best way to find legitimate programs and plan a study pathway in Australia.