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.
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.
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 |
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 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 Sydney | 18 |
| The University of New South Wales | 19 |
| University of Technology | 88 |
| Macquarie University | 133 |
| Western Sydney University | 384 |
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 Melbourne | 13 |
| Monash University | 37 |
| RMIT University | 123 |
| La Trobe University | 217 |
| Victoria University | 741-750 |
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 Queensland | 40 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | 213 |
| Griffith University | 255 |
| Central Queensland University | 455 |
Some other popular educational institutions in Brisbane are listed as follows:
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 offered 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 |
| AUD 78,000 – AUD 80,000 approximately |
| The University of Sydney |
| AUD 55,000 – AUD 58,000 approximately |
| UNSW Sydney |
| AUD 46,000 – AUD 48,000 approximately |
| University of Queensland |
| AUD 37,000 – AUD 40,000 approximately |
| Monash University |
| 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.
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.
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-March | August-November (of the previous year) | Students who wish to experience a pleasant Australian summer |
| July (Second semester or mid-year) | July | April-May | Students who want to engage in part-time work or internships during the Australian winter months |
| November (Summer or tertiary intake) | August | June-August | Students 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 University | The Australian National University | University of Melbourne |
| The University of Sydney | The University of Sydney | University of Southern Queensland |
| The University of Melbourne | The University of Melbourne | University of New South Wales, Sydney |
| The University of Queensland | The University of Queensland | Central Queensland University |
| Monash University | Monash University | University of New England, etc. |
| The University of New South Wales | Carnegie Mellon University | |
| La Trobe University | University 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.
The cost of studying at Australian 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 course | AUD 20,000 – AUD 50,000 approximately |
| Master’s degree course | AUD 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.
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.
Universities and Colleges in Australia - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria & Exams
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FAQs
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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