You can get the most prestigious and internationally recognised education in Australian universities. Studying at an Australian university is a unique experience that will change your life significantly. As a rule, university campuses are not just classrooms, libraries and lecture halls. They have stunning facilities for applied learning — farms, laboratories, observatories, art galleries, concert halls, etc., as well as cafes, sports grounds, gyms and recreation zones for students’ comfort. The cost of studying in Australian universities varies from AUD $22,000 to $39,000 per year. University graduates have great opportunities to build a career or concentrate on further research to contribute to science.
There are 42 universities in Australia (40 Australian, 1 international, and 1 private). Eight of them make up the famous Group of Eight, the most prestigious universities in the country. These are:
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- Monash University
- The University of New South Wales
- Australian National University
- The University of Western Australia
- The University of Adelaide.
Moreover, seven of them are in the top 100 in the QS ranking of the world’s best universities.
Besides the world rankings, the Australian Research Council publishes the university ranking inside the country — Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), but it refers only to the quality of research at the universities, not to the quality of teaching or students’ satisfaction.
In this article, we have done a quick review of each university, listing them according to the QS world rankings.
Australian National University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 6
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 31
Location – Canberra
One of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is located in the heart of Canberra, Australia’s capital city, which puts it close to significant political and cultural institutions.
The University of Sydney
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 3
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 40
Location – Sydney
Despite being ranked No.2 in general, the University of Sydney is still in the leading position in such areas of research and study as oncology, veterinary science, arts and humanities and performing arts, as well as in the employability of its graduates. Fascinating campuses across Sydney provide everything necessary for an exciting study process, including libraries, art galleries, historical museums, working farms, and even a field station on the Great Barrier Reef.
The University of Melbourne
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 1
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 41
Location – Melbourne
Located in the cultural capital of Australia, the University of Melbourne provides a unique student life experience. The latest equipment on campuses allows you to study subjects such as biomedicine, performing arts, engineering and design and many others. Moreover, the university is famous for its approach to undergraduate degrees where students can also study subjects outside their major to broaden their horizons and have flexibility in choosing their future career path.
The University of New South Wales
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 5
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 44
Location – Sydney, Canberra
The UNSW is the world leader in such areas of study as solar power, sustainable materials and quantum computing and is internationally renowned in many other fields. The university has a close connection to industries, so graduates find jobs successfully.
The University of Queensland
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 2
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 46
Location – Brisbane
UQ is famous for its strong focus on teaching excellence. They have won Australian Awards for university reaching (AAUT) multiple times. The university provides students with a wide range of opportunities for study, research, leadership development, employability along with sporting and cultural facilities.
Monash University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 4
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 55
Location – Melbourne
Monash University Is the largest university in Australia. It consists of six campuses around Melbourne, campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia, and partner universities and schools in China, India and Italy. The university offers one of the largest varieties of study programs in Australia as well as diverse opportunities for research in over 150 fields. Monash University is proud of its global impact as its students and researchers work on applied projects that contribute to global science development, such as a new Malaria vaccine or 3D-printed engines. The university is focused on international students, providing them with the best study experience in a multicultural environment.
The University of Western Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 7
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 92
Location – Perth, Albany
UWA has a great reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research, which makes it competitive in a wide range of subjects. UWA was ranked 7th in the world for mineral and mining engineering and ranked within the top 50 for anatomy and physiology, agriculture and forestry, performing arts, earth and marine sciences, civil and structural engineering and sports-related subjects.
The University of Adelaide
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 8
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 106
Location – Adelaide, Melbourne
Australia’s third oldest university and one of the most research-intensive institutions with world-leading researchers and modern facilities. The university is alma mater to five Nobel Laureates, as well as many famous scientists and statesmen.
University of Technology Sydney
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 14
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 133
Location – Sydney
Despite its young age, the UTS has earned an excellent reputation in the academic world and gets high ranks in such areas of study as nursing, art & design, sports-related subjects, accounting & finance, architecture, engineering, etc. All the programs of study are focused on further employment, so they are closely connected to the industries and prepare graduates for real work.
University of Wollongong
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 10
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 196
Location – Wollongong, Sydney, Batemans Bay, Bega, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands
UOW currently offers over 300 degrees across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Every year, it hosts 6,000 international students. UOW has nine campuses across Australia, including the main one in Wollongong, campuses in the UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia and a presence in China and Singapore.
The University of Newcastle
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 15
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 197
Location – Newcastle, Sydney, Port Macquarie, Central Coast
The University of Newcastle offers a wide range of programs in business, law, education, arts, engineering, architecture, science, health and medicine. According to statistics, 94.8% of graduates find their jobs within four months of graduation, which is a great indicator of the quality of the teaching and the utility of the programs.
Macquarie University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 11
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 214
Location – Sydney
Located just 15 km from the centre of Sydney, the Macquarie University campus has everything necessary for comfortable study, including cafes, swimming pools, sports courts, a childcare centre and a medical clinic. The degrees from Macquarie University, especially Masters and ART programs, are ranked very high in Australia and around the world.
Curtin University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 16
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 217
Location – Perth, Kalgoorlie
Being the best university in Western Australia, Curtin University offers high-quality programs in different fields of study from agriculture to information technology. Its degrees in mineral and mining engineering, earth and marine sciences, architecture/built environment are ranked among the top 100 in the world.
Queensland University of Technology
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 9
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 217
Location – Brisbane
QUT is known as ‘the university for the real world’ because it is focused on providing students with practical, relevant skills they can apply in future work. The university has close connections with industry, and working professionals contribute to the course development. Thus, the programs are more practical than in other universities.
RMIT University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 20
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 223
Location – Melbourne
RMIT also specialises in practical, industry-based learning. The university has partnerships with leading organisations like BMW, the United Nations, Deloitte, Adidas and L’Oréal. They design and deliver up-to-date and applied courses that prepare students for a great career. The university also provides internships and work placements in some of their programs.
Deakin University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 18
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 275
Location – Melbourne
Deakin is well known for top quality facilities, research and teaching. The university is equipped with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art learning tools and facilities, which makes it No.1 in Australia for the overall educational experience and student satisfaction. The programs are also focused on practical experience and successful employment.
University of South Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 24
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 295
Location – Adelaide
Focused on life beyond the classroom, the University of South Australia offers a practical approach to teaching and learning. Degrees are designed with strong professional emphasis and in partnership with industry, giving students opportunities to gain practical skills and graduate career-ready.
Griffith University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 12
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 303
Location – Brisbane, Gold Coast
Six campuses across South East Queensland offer great facilities for exciting learning and student life. Study programs are modern and designed in collaboration with industry to prepare students for the future.
University of Tasmania
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 12
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 308
Location – Hobart
UoT’s slogan is, “Our whole island is your campus”. Indeed, along with traditional fields of study like business and law, creative arts and design, engineering, etc., the university offers a unique experience in studying environmental, agricultural science, marine and antarctic studies. Because of the beneficial location on Tasman Island, UoT provides its students with great opportunities to stay outdoors, explore nature and access adventure during study.
Swinburne University of Technology
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 23
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 372
Location – Melbourne
Internationally recognised university with industry-oriented programs and cutting-edge facilities. During the study, students have access to internships and workplace experiences. SUT is especially proud of its school of design, which is recognised as one of the best in the world.
La Trobe University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 17
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 398
Location – Melbourne, Sydney, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, Shepparton
La Trobe University has a 5-star QS rating for world-standard facilities, teaching and research, as well as innovation, inclusiveness and internationalisation. It has campuses both in the biggest Australian cities (Melbourne and Sydney) and in the small cities of Victoria. So, the students can choose the location and lifestyle they prefer. Moreover, studying in regional Australia can also be beneficial for international students.
Bond University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 38
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 414
Location – Gold Coast
A private university that is distinguished by an individual approach to every student. Unlike big universities where students are mostly on their own, Bond University has just around 4,500 students, so the academic staff can pay attention to each of them. The university also delivers a more intensive curriculum: instead of two semesters with long breaks, they run three full semesters a year. Therefore, students can complete a standard bachelor’s degree in just two years.
Flinders University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 21
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 423
Location – Adelaide
Flinders University is located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is a truly global and multicultural university, with students from over 90 countries. A wide range of degrees and postgraduate programs will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to take your career to the next level.
University of Canberra
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 33
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 456
Location – Canberra
The University of Canberra is considered the fastest-growing university in Australia and one of the fastest growing in the world. The university has a wide variety of facilities for students, including a world-class health precinct that integrates healthcare with education. The university also holds leading positions in sports and has strong ties with elite sporting teams.
James Cook University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 22
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 462
Location – Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane
A modern university with beautiful campuses in the tropical Queensland cities of Townsville and Cairns. The Townsville campus is set in a 386-hectare natural bush and parkland setting, while Cairns campus is surrounded on three sides by rainforest-covered mountains. Both campuses have excellent teaching and research facilities, libraries, cafés, bars, fitness and sporting facilities and a wealth of student clubs and societies. The campus in Brisbane offers bachelor degrees and postgraduate programs in business and information technology for international students.
Western Sydney University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 19
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 474
Location – Sydney
Western Sydney University offers a combination of on-campus, online and clinical learning, with real-life work experience during internships and work placements. The university has state-of-the-art campuses around Sydney equipped with the latest technologies.
Victoria University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 29
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 551-560
Location – Melbourne, Sydney
Victoria University offers a wide range of programs of different levels — from certificates to PhD, as well as English language courses. An unusual approach to teaching distinguishes the university. Under the so-called Block model (1 unit every 4 weeks), students study in small groups and the learning process is interactive. Victoria University has 10 campuses across Melbourne and an international campus in Sydney.
Murdoch University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 25
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 571-580
Location – Perth
Murdoch University has Australian campuses in Perth, Mandurah and Rockingham, and offshore campuses in Singapore and Dubai. World-class teaching facilities, numerous courses, support services and academic leadership programs are designed to prepare students for future employment or scientific research.
Central Queensland University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 35
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 591-600
Location – Rockhampton, Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville
CQ University is the largest regional university in Australia. It offers vocational, higher education and research courses in more than 20 locations across the country. The courses are designed in partnership with industry and contain practical components such as field and laboratory work, project-based learning and work placements.
Edith Cowan University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 32
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 651-700
Location – Perth, Bunbury
For many years in a row, ECU has consistently received the highest evaluation from Australian and international rating systems for teaching quality, skills development, student support, learning resources and overall student experience. The university has three campuses in Western Australia, and another $695m super-modern and innovative campus is expected to open in 2025.
Charles Darwin University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 37
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 701-750
Location – Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Sydney
CDU provides both vocational (skills-based) and higher (academic-based) education. In a relatively short time, the university has become one of the most innovative in teaching and learning, and one of the most research-intensive universities in Australia. CDU is not big, so it can provide small class sizes, an individual approach and a high level of interaction with students.
University of Southern Queensland
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 27
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 701-750
Location – Toowoomba
Being relatively young, USQ has gained a reputation as a world-class research university that provides practical education. Students can put their learning into practice with the state-of-art facilities, like an astronomy observation centre, engineering laboratories, a flight simulator, simulated midwifery and nursing wards and television and radio production studios.
Southern Cross University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 31
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 751-800
Location – Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour
Another young but significant university, Southern Cross, provides high-quality and up-to-date education. The university has three campuses, including the National Marine Science Centre for studies and research in marine science and management. The Coomera creative campus deserves special attention, where students study music, IT, digital media and communications. Opened in 2020, it is equipped with the latest technology — IT labs, soundproofed rehearsal rooms, digital recording facilities, studios, and a live performance space with a full line array sound system and professional lighting rig.
University of New England Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 26
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 801-1000
Location – Armidale
UNE provides various programs of study in such areas as science, agriculture, business and law, medicine and health, arts, social sciences and education. Courses can be delivered both on-campus and online as the university is a leader among online education providers.
Charles Sturt University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 28
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 801-1000
Location – Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga
The university is located in the regional cities of Australia, which is beneficial for international students in terms of lifestyle and future immigration. The campuses contain facilities that allow students to learn everything they need for future work: scientific and computer laboratories, television studios, broadcasting studios, a simulated hospital and more.
Australian Catholic University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 34
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 801-1000
Location – Adelaide, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
The university is mainly focused on such areas of study as education, psychology, health, theology and philosophy. In subjects such as sport and exercise science, nursing and education, the university is among the top 100 in the world.
University of the Sunshine Coast
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 30
Global Ranking (QS) – N/A
Location – Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Caboolture, Gympie, Southbank
The university offers more than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, law, tourism, arts, design, environmental studies, engineering, science, IT and other spheres. USC has six modern campuses with award-winning facilities and friendly staff. The main campus in Sunshine Coast includes a library, art gallery, simulated laboratories, a sports stadium, an aquatic centre, gyms and more.
Carnegie Mellon University
Australian Ranking (ERA) – N/A
Global Ranking (QS) – No. 51
Location – Adelaide
Carnegie Mellon University is a private university that was established in 1900 in the USA and opened its satellite campus in Adelaide, Australia in 2006. It is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide and is recognised for its unique interdisciplinary environment.
Federation University Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 36
Global Ranking (QS) – N/A
Location – Ballarat, Brisbane
A public university providing both vocational and higher education. It is one of Australia’s oldest higher education institutions. The teaching quality, facilities and equipment meet the highest standards to ensure graduates are well prepared for industry and research.
Torrens University Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – N/A
Global Ranking (QS) – N/A
Location – Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Torrens University is a private university in Australia. It is part of the Laureate International Universities network. Among the key features of the university are industry-based programs and teachers, small class sizes, an individual approach and one-on-one guidance from the Success Coach throughout the entire period of study.
University of Notre Dame Australia
Australian Ranking (ERA) – No. 39
Global Ranking (QS) – N/A
Location – Fremantle, Broome, Sydney
Private Catholic university offering a variety of programs in business, education, arts, sciences, medicine and law. However, philosophy, ethics and theology are the core subjects in all undergraduate degrees.
University of Divinity
Australian Ranking (ERA) – N/A
Global Ranking (QS) – N/A
Location – Melbourne
According to its name, the university specialises in divinity, theology and philosophy. It consists of ten theological colleges from eight denominations — Anglican, Baptist, Churches of Christ, Coptic Orthodox, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and Uniting Church in Australia.
If you are interested in studying at one of the Australian universities, contact us, and we will help you choose the best study option, enrol in the program and get a student visa to Australia.
