Top Universities in Australia for International Students

Universities and Colleges in Australia  – Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria & Exams

Introduction

Australia is home to numerous esteemed, highly regarded universities with a global reputation. The nation boasts 38 universities included in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with nine of those among the top 100 universities in the world.

Australian universities provide a distinctive blend of cutting-edge research opportunities, cultural melting pots, and high-quality academic and instructional programs. International students living in Australia for overseas education consider Australian education to be extremely rewarding, and upon graduation, they have access to excellent career opportunities across the globe.

Why study at top universities in Australia

Numerous benefits of studying in Australia attract thousands of students from different parts of the world to build lucrative global careers. But, many of you might be wondering, why should you choose Australia, in particular, from the many top study destinations preferred by international students. Read this section to learn about the striking benefits of studying at top universities in Australia.

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Top universities in Australia

Here’s a list of universities in Australia based on QS World University Rankings 2025, featuring 1500 educational institutions across 105 education systems globally. These Australian universities are recognized around the world for their exceptional quality of education, learning facilities, career opportunities, and incredible student culture.

University

Location

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Melbourne

Parkville

13

The University of Sydney

Sydney

18

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Sydney

19

Australian National University (ANU)

Canberra

30

Monash University

Melbourne

37

The University of Queensland

Brisbane City

40

The University of Western Australia

Perth

77

The University of Adelaide

Adelaide

82

University of Technology Sydney

Haymarket

88

RMIT University

Melbourne

123

Location-based list of universities in Australia

In this section, we will learn about the top universities in the different areas of Australia along with their global rankings. This section is to help you explore the top universities to study in Australia for international students located in different cities and apply to the relevant ones.

Universities in Sydney, Australia

Every year, numerous students from across the globe flock to Sydney to attain their unique study abroad dreams. This vibrant study destination is home to several prestigious universities which are listed below.

University

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Sydney18
The University of New South Wales19
University of Technology88
Macquarie University133
Western Sydney University384

Apart from the ones listed above there are many more recognized Australian universities in Sydney that offer unique courses across various disciplines. Some of them are:

Universities in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is another top choice among international students aiming to study in Australia. The presence of leading institutions, affordable living costs, and a safe and vibrant culture make this place a popular choice among international students. Some of the leading universities in Melbourne are listed below.

University

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Melbourne13
Monash University37
RMIT University123
La Trobe University 217
Victoria University741-750

Apart from the ones listed above, some other recognized universities in Melbourne are:

Universities in Perth, Australia

Perth is an easy-to-live Australian city for most international students. The city boasts a great climate with incredible scenic beauty, beaches, and many places to trek and explore. Choose to study in Perth if you aim to leverage quality education and have a wonderful life beyond academics. Some of the leading universities in Perth are listed below.

University

QS World University Rankings 2025

University of Western Australia 77
Curtin University 174
Murdoch University 436
Edith Cowan University 516
University of Notre Dame 1401+

Universities in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland offering a melting pot of diverse cultures, big-city attractions, and great educational facilities. Also, this place makes an idyllic choice for individuals who prefer lots of sunshine and pleasant winters. Some of the leading universities in Brisbane are listed below.

University

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Queensland40
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)213
Griffith University255
Central Queensland University455

Some other popular educational institutions in Brisbane are listed as follows:

Top courses in Australia

Top Australian universities offer a diverse range of programs across a multitude of disciplines to cater to the unique academic interests of international students. Accomplishing a recognized course from a top Australian university can help you develop requisite skills and avail yourself of amazing job opportunities.

Read the following sections to learn more about the top courses in Australia and the best universities in Australia offering these courses.

Best universities in Australia for MBA

Pursuing an MBA  ( Master of Business Administration) from a leading university in Australia can help you gain advanced knowledge, develop the requisite leadership and business management skills, and explore exclusive career opportunities globally. It MBA from a leading Australian B-school is recognized worldwide and can help you elevate your career exceptionally.

Here are the top business universities in Australia offering diverse specializations.

Institution name

QS World University Rankings 2025

Average annual tuition fees in AUD

Monash University Clayton Campus 37 AUD 48,000 – AUD 50,000 approximately
The University of Melbourne 13 AUD 50,000 approximately
UNSW Sydney 19 AUD 69,000 – AUD 72,000 approximately
The University of Western Australia 77 AUD 54,000 approximately
Macquarie University 133 AUD 27,000 approximately
University of Queensland 40 AUD 62,000 approximately

Please note: The tuition fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.

Best universities in Australia for MS

As discussed in the earlier section, there is no dearth of Australian universities offering unique programs and a comprehensive curriculum. That said, several Australian universities offer advanced MS courses across myriad disciplines. Here are listed some top Australian universities offering master’s courses preferred by international students.

University

Popular courses

Average annual tuition fees in AUD

University of Melbourne
  • Master of Management
  • Master of Business Analytics
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Information Systems, etc.
AUD 78,000 – AUD 80,000 approximately
The University of Sydney
  • Master of Data Science
  • Master of Marine Science and Management
  • Master of Human Resource
  • Master of Professional Accounting
  • Master of Strategic Public Relations
AUD 55,000 – AUD 58,000 approximately
UNSW Sydney
  • Master of Business Law
  • Master of Journalism and Communication
  • Master of Public Policy and Governance
  • Master of Commerce Specialisation in Human Resource Management
AUD 46,000 – AUD 48,000 approximately
University of Queensland
  • Master of Business Marketing
  • Master of Tourism, Hotel and Event Management
  • Master of Sustainable Energy
  • Master of Business Human Resource Management
  • Master of Commerce Applied Finance
AUD 37,000 – AUD 40,000 approximately
Monash University
  • Master in Advanced Finance
  • Master of Professional Accounting
  • Master of International Business
  • Master of Applied Economics and Econometrics
  • Master of Business (Project Management)
AUD 39,000 – AUD 42,000 approximately

Please note: The tuition fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.

Eligibility criteria to study in Australian universities

The eligibility criteria to study at Australian universities depend on several factors such as the type of degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.), the intake season, and the course you are applying to (Engineering, Natural Sciences, Arts, Medical Sciences, etc.). 

However, in this section, we have covered the primary eligibility criteria that hold for most Australian universities.

Eligibility requirements for a bachelor’s degree

Eligibility requirements for a master’s degree

Eligibility requirements for a doctorate

Eligibility requirements for MBA

Please note: The above-mentioned eligibility criteria are for your reference and might vary for different Australian universities. For the latest information and updates, please visit the university website.

Intakes at Australian Universities

The universities and institutions take multiple intakes throughout the year to accommodate international students’ needs and preferences.

It might be difficult to figure out which intake is the best. The popular intakes in Australia are in the months of February and July. Skim through this table to know about the popular intakes in Australian universities.

Intake

Application starts from

Application deadline

Ideal for

February
(First semester or main intake)
February-MarchAugust-November (of the previous year)Students who wish to experience a pleasant Australian summer
July
(Second semester or mid-year)
JulyApril-MayStudents who want to engage in part-time work or internships during the Australian winter months
November
(Summer or tertiary intake)
AugustJune-AugustStudents who want admission to a specific program or have preferences regarding the climate

Please note: The application commencement dates and deadlines are subject to variation depending on the individual universities. Please refer to the official announcement on the respective university website for exact details.

Top Australian universities for different intakes

The table below lists some Australian universities participating in different intake seasons. 

February intake

July intake

November intake

The Australian National UniversityThe Australian National UniversityUniversity of Melbourne
The University of SydneyThe University of SydneyUniversity of Southern Queensland
The University of MelbourneThe University of MelbourneUniversity of New South Wales, Sydney
The University of QueenslandThe University of QueenslandCentral Queensland University
Monash UniversityMonash UniversityUniversity of New England, etc.
The University of New South WalesCarnegie Mellon University 
La Trobe UniversityUniversity of Western Australia 
Queensland University of Technology, etc.University of Adelaide, etc. 

Please note: For the comprehensive list of Australian universities for the various intakes, it is best to seek guidance from MSM Unify overseas education consultants.

Cost of studying at Australian universities

The cost of studying at Australia universities will significantly vary depending on the chosen program of study, curriculum, learning and research facilities, college location, reputation of the university and so on.

However, to give you a brief overview of the tuition fee expense in Australia, skim through the following table:

Program

Average annual tuition fees in AUD

Bachelor’s degree courseAUD 20,000 – AUD 50,000 approximately
Master’s degree courseAUD 23,000 – AUD 60,000 approximately
Ph.D.AUD 22,000 – AUD 70,000 approximately

Please note that the tuition fees mentioned in the above table is for your reference. As said earlier, the actual tuition fees will depend on the chosen program and institution. Also, apart from the tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenditures, including travel, health insurance, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Consider all these expenses and plan your budget while you are preparing to study in Australia.

Scholarships

The Australian government encourages diversity and inclusivity in their higher education system, by welcoming international students from different countries. In order to make their study-abroad journey less stressful, and financially viable, numerous scholarships and grants are made available to promising international students.

Every scholarship has unique eligibility criteria, nonetheless, the scholarships are typically awarded to students with a stellar academic background or exceptional extracurricular legacy. Furthermore, there are scholarships for promising students who are financially weak.

Here’s a list of some popular scholarships to study in Australia. Before applying to a scholarship ensure that you meet their eligibility requirements.

  • Australia Awards Scholarships
  • Australian Government Research Training Program
  • Destination Australia Scholarships
  • The University of Sydney International Scholarships
  • Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
  • Macquarie University Scholarships
  • Melbourne Research Scholarships and many more

To explore relevant scholarships, it is prudent to seek help from expert MSM Unify overseas education consultants. For more information or guidance on any aspect of studying abroad, feel free to contact us. Good luck with your Australian study journey!

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Q. Which is the number 1 university in Australia?

The University of Melbourne is regarded as the number 1 university of Australia for its unparalleled academic excellence and research achievements.

The big 5 universities in Australia include the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Australian National University, and the University of New South Wales. These universities rank in the best 5 universities because of their global reputation and education quality.

There are a total of 38 universities in Australia included in the QS World University Rankings 2024, with nine of those among the top 100 universities in the world. And the top 8 universities in Australia are the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, and the University of Technology SydThe most prestigious university in Australia is the University of Melbourne. The university is renowned for its unwavering commitment to innovation in research and education. It is the epitome of drawing scholars, students and researchers from around the world.

The most prestigious university in Australia is the University of Melbourne. The university is renowned for its unwavering commitment to innovation in research and education. It is the epitome of drawing scholars, students and researchers from around the world.

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