Australia is widely recognized as having one of the best educational systems in the world. Nine of its universities ranked in the top 100 in the QS World University rankings. Additionally, Times Higher Education has ranked six Australian universities in the top 100 amongst higher education institutions worldwide.
When overseas students choose Australia for their studies, they can pursue an undergraduate degree or more advanced graduate training at top universities. Whether they want to learn science or liberal arts, there are colleges for almost everyone.
Today, we’ll outline the best universities in Australia and provide helpful tips for your admissions adventure.
The Group of Eight (Go8): Australia’s Premier Research Universities
The Group of Eight is a collection of the best Australian universities for research-intensive programs, including law schools, liberal arts, and science.
Australian National University (ANU)
ANU in Canberra, Australia, has seven research and teaching colleges at its main campus. Students can expect a rigorous education focused on research, particularly in public policy and the social sciences.
Australian National University has produced six Nobel Laureates and two former prime ministers, making it one of Australia’s most prestigious public universities.
University of Melbourne
Located in the capital city of Victoria, the University of Melbourne is the best of the best. It’s been consistently rated the best university in the country, especially for those studying medicine, liberal arts, or law.
The University of Melbourne is notable for its strong focus on supporting international students at the highest levels of education. It collaborates with institutions in other countries to create joint projects between international and Australian students.
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney in New South Wales, established in 1850, is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania. It has the lowest admission rate of all Australian schools, at only 30%, meaning that a degree from here will help you stand out amongst your peers.
Among all the Australian institutions, degrees from the University of Sydney lead to some of the best employment outcomes. Approximately 81% of the student population receives full-time employment after college. It is particularly high-rated for law, engineering, and medical degrees.
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
The University of New South Wales, also in Sydney, is a top research institution favored by engineering, science, and business students.
The university is ranked second in Australia for graduate employability. Six of its programs are ranked in the top 20 by the QS World Ranking for Subjects, and it has a large cohort of international students.
University of Queensland (UQ)
Located near the Gold Coast in Brisbane, the University of Queensland is a founding member of the international collaborative project edX, which seeks to democratize education. UQ is most known for its highly distinguished research labs, especially in the sciences, engineering, and medicine.
To better understand exactly how top-rated UQ is in medicine, note that UQ’s researchers invented the HPV vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and superconducting MRI magnets entirely or partially.
Monash University
Monash University in Melbourne, Victoria, is one of the most international Australian universities. It has campuses and research centers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, China, and India.
Monash University is best known for its excellent medicine, engineering, and business instruction. Dozens of CEOs at the world’s top 500 businesses graduated from this institution.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia, located in a suburb of Perth, is one of the top 100 universities in the world. It is highly rated for engineering degrees, the sciences, and business. Five of the current Justices of the High Court of Australia graduated from UWA, as did the current Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.
Ecology students will love the Centre for Integrative Bee Research, where faculty and students study the domestic honeybee.
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide in South Australia is one of the top public universities in Australia. It is highly ranked for future doctors, scientists, and engineers. Additionally, it’s neighbors with the Australian Space Agency, giving it a critical role in Australian aeronautics.
Over one-third of Australia’s Nobel Laureates and 164 Fulbright scholars have studied here.
Other Top-Ranked Australian Universities
While the Group of Eight schools are internationally recognized as the best universities in Australia, there are many smaller institutions where you can build deep relationships with faculty thanks to the smaller student body.
Macquarie University
Macquarie University is in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). The NSW government founded it in the 1960s to encourage higher enrollment. Its best-known feature is the Macquarie University Incubator, which nurtures the newest business, finance, and technology ideas.
The linguistics department at its School of Health and Human Sciences also created the Macquarie Dictionary, the definitive volume on Australian English.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
This forward-thinking university in Sydney is top-ranked for STEM, particularly climate sciences and robotics. Engineers (including electrical and civil engineers) can find their home here. Additionally, the UTS Gallery and Art Collection features artwork by local and Aboriginal artists.
RMIT University
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Victoria, is Australia and Oceania’s top art and design university. It produces some of the world’s finest artists, architects, and designers.
RMIT also has close ties with government and industry. Its engineers and architects go on to make world-changing discoveries, particularly regarding sustainability and international projects.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
In Brisbane, Queensland, QUT is strongest in business, the creative industries, and the health sciences. However, it offers various degrees, including information technology and law.
The QUT Business School is a triple-crown institution. It has accreditations from the AACSB in the United States, the Association of MBAs in the United Kingdom, and the EFMD Quality Improvement System in Belgium.
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong in New South Wales welcomes international students. It has additional campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Malaysia and strong relationships with international institutions in China and Singapore.
The university is best known for information technology, business, and social sciences.
Specialized Universities and Niche Programs
While the majority of universities offer courses in the typical fields of social sciences, health sciences, and liberal arts, you will need to choose carefully if you want to pursue a more specialized degree. Thankfully, Australia’s well-developed higher education system can cater to all interests.
The Australian National University in Canberra is highly rated for public policy and international relations, having produced some of the finest lawmakers in Australia.
The University of Melbourne has multiple medical tracks, including mental health studies, neuroscience, and veterinary studies. Other notable fields of study here include its law program, which offers both a Juris Doctor and PhD in Law, and its performing arts program.
Those interested in photovoltaics and quantum computing will find their home at the University of New South Wales — Sydney, which offers specialized degrees at the highest levels of information technology. If you are passionate about robotics or artificial technology, the nearby University of Technology Sydney may be your perfect institution.
Finally, RMIT is widely regarded as among the best Australian universities for design studies, including fashion and game design. The university also appeals to creatives, so you can learn about graphic and interior design.
Student Life and Campus Experience in an Australian University
Australian universities are well known for their vibrant campus life, which includes many clubs and societies. While there are not usually the typical fraternities or sororities, each campus has its melting pot of organizations, such as book clubs, film clubs, trivia nights, and pubs. You’ll also find very competitive sports clubs, including cricket, rugby, and Australian rules football.
As many of the best universities in Australia are in big cities, you’ll never run out of events to experience. Festivals occur throughout the year, such as the Day of Piano at the University of Western Australia, focusing on musical performances by the student body and professors.
Australia is a top destination for international students, so there are many support services for overseas visitors.
Most campuses have well-furnished student accommodation and extensive orientations to help students get used to the rigors of Australian courses. The domestic student body is welcoming and encouraging, helping to include you in activities and sharing helpful advice.
Additionally, nearly all universities have a specialized academic support system for international students, helping them stay on top of their courses while adjusting to the unique facets of Australian life.
Your experience will differ depending on whether you choose a metropolitan university or a smaller, more regional college. For students who want to enjoy the bustling energy of a large city, Sydney’s institutions, such as the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and University of New South Wales, are excellent choices.
Those who want to stay after completing their courses will also appreciate the many job opportunities in the big cities.
However, smaller, more regional options, such as the University of Wollongong, offer plenty of charm. Here, you can forge close connections with other students, make lifelong friendships, and benefit from smaller class sizes. These colleges are also more affordable than their larger peers.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options for Native and International Students
Tuition fees can be high in Australia, especially for international students. However, many financial aid options are available to help reduce the cost.
The Australian government seeks to encourage connections between countries. Therefore, it has established various scholarships and grants to help reduce the admissions cost.
One of the best-known and most competitive is the Australia Awards Scholarships, awarded to promising students from developing countries who show leadership qualities and a desire to make a difference. These scholarships help students improve their home country upon graduation.
The Endeavour scholarships and fellowships provide significant financial support to Canadian and American postgraduate students. These merit-based programs vary in size and scope. For example, the Endeavor Scholarship can provide up to AU $272,500 for up to four years of study at an Australian institution. You can also apply for shorter-term options, from one month to six months.
Almost all universities in Australia have scholarships for international scholars. For example, the University of Queensland has a list of over 110 undergraduate scholarships, each with its qualifications.
The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Western Australia can provide up to AU $48,000 for four years of study at either the undergraduate or graduate level. You can apply for the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship at the University of South Wales, which could subsidize your entire degree.
Lastly, many American scholarships can also be used abroad. For example, the Gilman Scholarship is for undergraduate students seeking to complete at least one semester abroad. At the same time, the Fulbright Scholarship supports graduating seniors, postgrad students, researchers, and professors who want to explore a different country.
Rotary International also offers global scholarships for students and researchers at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Generally, you must be a member of your local Rotary Club, and student coursework (focusing on peace and conflict resolution) is one of its key focus areas.
If you meet the qualifications, this funding can be incredibly generous.
Choose from the Top Universities in Australia
Universities in Australia are internationally recognized for their academic rigor, forward-thinking focus, and welcoming attitude toward scholars worldwide. Your decision depends on what you would like to study, the campus type you’d prefer, and the amount of funding you can receive based on your student profile.
Incredible institutions are across the continent, including in the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane. However, if you’d prefer a quieter and more close-knit experience, many well-respected options exist in smaller areas, such as Perth and Wollongong.
When deciding, you may find speaking to an admissions counselor helpful or even taking a trip to Australia beforehand to see what best suits you.
Most of the top-rated universities in Australia have ample support for students from abroad, especially in America, so you can expect a fun, safe, and stimulating experience, whether you are completing your entire degree in Australia or only visiting for a semester.