Queensland University of Technology administrative assistant Cindy Prior, who unsuccessfully tried to sue three students under 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act, has been ordered to pay costs of about $200,000.

Federal Court judge Michael Jarrett on Friday in Brisbane made the order against Ms Prior while dismissing costs against her lawyer Susan Moriarty who was in turn awarded costs for having to defend herself.

Queensland University Technology's vice-chancellor said it was a serious issue for all universities. Credit:Glenn Hunt

Costs of about $100,000 were awarded in total to Tony Morris QC, who defended Calum Thwaites and Jackson Powell, while the compensation to Alex Wood's barrister Michael Henry is believed to be about $100,000.

Judge Jarrett awarded standard costs against Ms Prior for Mr Morris but standard costs and indemnity costs against Ms Prior for Mr Henry after she failed to accept an apology from Mr Wood in March this year.