2025 - 2026 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Australia For International Students
Australia is surely one of the best places that you can consider if you’re planning to study abroad. The many grand opportunities that await while and after studying also add fuel to the fire. It also helps that besides the most popular schools, the country has more institutions to offer, with 42 in total.
With so many available options, it can be hard to find the best pick according to your budget, course preferences, and other factors. You want to find the institution that is the perfect fit or offers the best value for your money.
To help you out, we have ranked the best-value universities in Australia. They are known for offering high standards of education while keeping the costs affordable for international students.
Rank | University | Percentage Ranking (World) | Founded Year | City | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Melbourne | 1 % | 1853 | Melbourne | Public |
2 | Monash University | 1 % | 1958 | Melbourne | Public |
3 | University of New South Wales | 1 % | 1949 | Sydney | Public |
4 | University of Sydney | 1 % | 1850 | Sydney | Public |
5 | University of Queensland | 1 % | 1909 | Brisbane | Public |
6 | Australian National University | 1 % | 1946 | Canberra | Public |
7 | University of Adelaide | 1 % | 1874 | Adelaide | Public |
8 | University of Western Australia | 2 % | 1911 | Perth | Public |
9 | University of Technology Sydney | 2 % | 1988 | Sydney | Public |
10 | University of Wollongong | 2 % | 1951 | Wollongong | Public |
11 | Macquarie University | 2 % | 1964 | Sydney | Public |
12 | Curtin University | 3 % | 1966 | Perth | Public |
13 | Queensland University of Technology | 3 % | 1989 | Brisbane | Public |
14 | Deakin University | 3 % | 1974 | Melbourne | Public |
15 | Swinburne University of Technology | 3 % | 1908 | Melbourne | Public |
16 | RMIT University | 3 % | 1992 | Melbourne | Public |
17 | Griffith University | 3 % | 1971 | Brisbane | Public |
18 | University of Tasmania | 3 % | 1890 | Hobart | Public |
19 | University of South Australia | 4 % | 1856 | Adelaide | Public |
20 | Western Sydney University | 4 % | 1989 | Sydney | Public |
21 | James Cook University | 4 % | 1961 | Townsville | Public |
22 | University of Newcastle | 4 % | 1965 | Newcastle, Australia | Public |
23 | La Trobe University | 4 % | 1964 | Melbourne | Public |
24 | Flinders University | 4 % | 1966 | Adelaide | Public |
25 | Edith Cowan University | 5 % | 1991 | Perth | Public |
26 | Murdoch University | 6 % | 1973 | Perth | Public |
27 | Southern Cross University | 6 % | 1994 | Gold Coast | Public |
28 | Federation University Australia | 7 % | 1870 | Ballarat | Public |
29 | Central Queensland University | 7 % | 1967 | Rockhampton | Public |
30 | Australian Catholic University | 7 % | 1991 | Sydney | Public |
31 | University of Southern Queensland | 8 % | 1967 | Toowoomba | Public |
32 | University of Canberra | 8 % | 1967 | Canberra | Public |
33 | Charles Sturt University | 9 % | 1989 | Bathurst | Public |
34 | Charles Darwin University | 11 % | 1989 | Darwin | Public |
35 | Victoria University | 11 % | 1916 | Melbourne | Public |
36 | University of the Sunshine Coast | 11 % | 1994 | Sunshine Coast | Public |
37 | University of New England | 16 % | 1940 | Armidale | Public |
38 | Bond University | 18 % | 1987 | Gold Coast | Private |
39 | University of Notre Dame Australia | 22 % | 1989 | Fremantle | Private |
40 | Torrens University Australia | 51 % | 2012 | Adelaide | Private |
41 | University of Divinity | 97 % | 1910 | Melbourne | Private |
42 | Avondale University | 98 % | 1897 | Cooranbong | Private |
42 Best Value Institutions in Australia for International Students
Here are the 42 best-value institutions in Australia for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.
1 University of Melbourne
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The University of Melbourne is the top university in Australia and among the best in the world. It is also among the oldest as it was established in 1853, more than a century ago. The institution has several locations, with the main campus being in Parkville. The rest are located in Southbank, Burnley, Dookie, Creswick, Werribee, and Shepparton.
2 Monash University
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Monash University is acknowledged for its brilliance in the research and teaching field. The institution belongs to the list of top 100 universities globally in the three major world university rankings. It has a dynamic community made up of its diverse population of staff and students.
3 University of New South Wales
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The University of New South Wales, also known as UNSW, has been a consistently top-performing institution in Australia. It belongs with other research-focused universities in the country in the so-called Group of Eight. Aside from this, the school’s excellent performance is also acknowledged globally. Students will surely get a top-notch quality of education with brilliant facilities and expert teachers.
4 University of Sydney
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The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is one of the top universities in the world. It caters to around 73,000 students and offers degree programs in Arts, Sciences, Business, and Medicine. With more than 170 years in history, the university has built several campuses across Sydney and a research station to oversee the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
5 University of Queensland
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One of the most prestigious universities in Australia is the University of Queensland. This internationally recognized institution started its humble beginnings in 1909. And at present, it enjoys its position as one of the leading and top-ranked universities globally. It has been providing top-quality teaching and research in higher education and has generated outstanding graduates that have been successful in different industry sectors.
6 Australian National University
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A globally recognized institution, Australian National University takes pride in providing quality research and education. Since its establishment in 1946, they have received numerous achievements for its contribution to academic and research fields in Australia and globally. Today, both local and international students in the university are highly satisfied with the excellent educational services given to them.
7 University of Adelaide
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The University of Adelaide is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia. It consistently achieves high rankings, placing in the top 1% of universities in the world. The university offers a broad range of programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels taught by an academic staff composed of experts, Rhodes scholars, and five Nobel laureates.
8 University of Western Australia
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The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a public educational institution. Its main campus is situated in the vibrant city of Perth. While it was founded in 1911, it officially opened its doors to students in 1913. Today, it is known as one of Australia’s highly distinguished centers of learning known for its impactful research and high-quality education.
9 University of Technology Sydney
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The University of Technology Syndey is a research-intensive institute of higher education. It is located in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Ultimo. Furthermore, it is recognized as the Land Down Under’s best young university.
10 University of Wollongong
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The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a public institute of tertiary studies. It is located in the Illawarra region’s famous city of “The Gong.” Moreover, UOW is known not just in Australia, but worldwide, for being a top center of learning that utilizes modernized techniques in education and research.
11 Macquarie University
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Known to be one of the best higher education institutions in Australia, Macquarie University also belongs to the top 1% of universities all across the globe based on the major World University Rankings. It excels in both research and specialized teaching for the different subject areas it offers. With superb facilities and exceptional opportunities, the students will definitely have a great study experience at this university.
12 Curtin University
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Curtin University is one of the well-respected institutions in Australia. It is a globally recognized university that has partnered with different institutions and industry sectors to provide high-quality education. Aside from having several international campuses, it also offers online courses and academic programs for students who are unable to study on one of its campuses while still providing the same quality of higher education.
13 Queensland University of Technology
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Queensland University of Technology is focused on providing their students with real-life experiences. With over 50,000 students, they are committed to providing the best education so their students can face the world and fulfill their desires in their field of choice. Learn to face the world with this Queensland University as they provide excellent courses in the fields of research, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
14 Deakin University
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Deakin University is an excellent university in Australia, being ranked in the top 1% of the universities in the world. With its various courses in different subjects and high-quality professors, Deakin University also places high in student satisfaction rankings. Ever since its founding in 1974, the university have been providing its students with an excellent education.
15 Swinburne University of Technology
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Established in the early years of the 1900s, Swinburne University of Technology consists of four total campuses in the city of Melbourne, Australia. The university is focused on providing students with an education that will push them to their limits and better themselves. They are centered on teaching their students to make a difference in the world through innovative programs.
16 RMIT University
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RMIT University is a public research university whose academic focus is primarily on STEM fields. The university is one of the most prolific universities in terms of research, funded by a 1.5 billion AUD endowment. Students considering research should definitely have this university on their list of potential universities to apply.
17 Griffith University
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Griffith University is a top-ranked public institution in Brisbane, Australia. It is part of the world’s top 2% universities, a testament to its academic and research excellence. Its six campuses – Digital, Gold Coast, Logan, Mount Gravatt, Nathan, and South Bank – welcome around 50,000 students.
18 University of Tasmania
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As one of Australia’s oldest institutions, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) acknowledges and takes pride in its rich history, even promoting indigenous culture and life on campus. UTAS offers many outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs that can surely engage students’ minds and broaden their learning experience.
19 University of South Australia
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The University of South Australia offers numerous diverse academic programs at all levels. Students have a wide array of options as its courses and programs are designed explicitly for industry-specific fields. In addition, the institution’s teaching approach relies on the traditional and modern ways of learning but has put more priority on providing online courses, making them readily available for students across the globe.
20 Western Sydney University
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Western Sydney University (WSU) is a reputable Australian public university. It is based in Sydney’s Greater Western region. Furthermore, it is known as a leading center of excellence in the country. Other than that, WSU is also popular worldwide as it is included in various global rankings’ top 400 higher education institutes.
21 James Cook University
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James Cook University is a public institution in Townsville, Australia. This university welcomes 21,000+ students yearly and is part of the Top 300 universities worldwide. Moreover, it is leading in several fields, such as marine and freshwater biology and biodiversity conservation.
22 University of Newcastle
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Founded back in 1965, the University of Newcastle has always presented excellence in both fields of research and teaching ever since. The school focuses on coming up with solutions to problems internationally. Its diverse community works on achieving this along with the university’s partnerships all over the globe.
23 La Trobe University
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La Trobe University has built a reputation for itself, being one of the top-performing institutions in Australia for over 50 years now. Aside from its main campus in Melbourne, the school also has other campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, Sydney, and more. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, ranging from arts and humanities to business, engineering, sciences, and law.
24 Flinders University
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Flinders University takes pride in being part of the top 2% of universities worldwide and the leading university in its region. The university is also deeply committed to research and is even a founder of the Innovative Research Universities network. The institution, which welcomes 26,000+ students every year, offers more than 500 programs.
25 Edith Cowan University
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Edith Cowan University, one of Australia’s leading universities, was named after the first woman to become part of the Australian parliament. The university, which welcomes more than 30,000 students every year, is committed to equality, diversity, and mental health well-being. It comprises three campuses – Joondalup, Mount Lawley, and Southwest.
26 Murdoch University
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Murdoch University is a public institution in Perth, Australia. Besides the one in Perth, they also have Rockingham, Mandurah, Dubai, and Singapore campuses. The university, highly regarded based on student assessments, offers many courses that provide research and industry experience.
27 Southern Cross University
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Southern Cross University has three total campuses and has a wide variety of different courses of study awaiting those who wish to attend. The University is located in the beautiful city of Sydney. With passion and dedication toward their students, Southern Cross University is determined to help its students become better and make the world a greater place.
28 Federation University Australia
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Federation University Australia is a public institution in Victoria that welcomes more than 20,000 students every year. Five campuses – Ballarat, Berwick, Brisbane, Gippsland, and the Wimmera – composed the university. Its nine schools offer a variety of courses, including degree and vocational.
29 Central Queensland University
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Central Queensland University comprises 13 campuses and several study centers, making it one of Australia’s largest universities. It is also one of the country’s best, consistently part of the top-ranked universities worldwide. The university offers several courses through its seven schools and one college.
30 Australian Catholic University
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Australia Catholic University is part of the top 2% of best universities in the world. It welcomes more than 33,000 students annually, including international students. The institution is composed of several campuses across Australia, plus one online and another one in Rome.
31 University of Southern Queensland
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The University of Southern Queensland offers hundreds of courses. The institution welcomes more than 27,000 students every year through its four locations: Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich, and Hub@Stanthorpe. It is among the best universities for graduate studies, based on student satisfaction and graduate starting salary.
32 University of Canberra
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The University of Canberra is one of the highest-ranking public universities in Australia, frequently placing in the top 10. It offers industry-based education and places great significance on hands-on learning and work placements. Because of this, graduates of the university are equipped with a strong competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation.
33 Charles Sturt University
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Charles Sturt University is a leading university in Australia and across the globe. Its primary goal is to equip students with adequate knowledge and necessary skills by providing cutting-edge programs lectured by qualified instructors and industry professionals. Because of this commitment, the institution has become one of the frontrunners in producing highly employable graduates.
34 Charles Darwin University
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One of the sought-after universities in Northern Australia is Charles Darwin University. It is a truly unique university as it offers educational degree programs and vocational education and training. And with several campuses across major cities in Australia, this innovative university has made it easier and more accessible for domestic and international students interested in pursuing an education in their institution.
35 Victoria University
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Victoria University is a public educational institute for students at the tertiary level. It is situated in the modernized city of Melbourne. Adding to this, VU is a multi-campus institution that is consistently included in various world university rankings, signifying its excellence in education and research.
36 University of the Sunshine Coast
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The University of the Sunshine Coast has an impressive portfolio as one of Australia’s highly praised universities in providing exemplary teaching quality and satisfying students’ overall experience. As a regionally recognized school, this assures that the university prioritizes its higher education quality. With a yearly increase in local and international students, this young university has made its presence known in the regional and global community.
37 University of New England
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The University of New England, which you should not confuse with the one in the United States, started as a part of the University of Sydney. Since its independence in 1954, the institution has established itself to be a leading university. Hundreds of courses are being offered by its three faculties.
38 Bond University
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A private educational institution, Bond University takes pride as Australia’s first independent nonprofit university. For 15 consecutive years, they have been highly acknowledged with their programs, and they received high ratings for the quality of the education they provide. They have modernized facilities and numerous resources for students.
39 University of Notre Dame Australia
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The university, which can be referred to simply as Notre Dame, is a private and Catholic institution. It has campuses in Fremantle, Broome, and Sydney. The school has an open and diverse academic community, welcoming people of different cultures and faiths. It is committed to bringing the best out of the students through a fulfilling study experience.
40 Torrens University Australia
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Torrens University Australia is a private university that offers a wide range of study options. It began its operation in 2012 and is now regarded as the country’s fastest-growing university. Through excellent academic instruction, Torrens aims to develop highly employable graduates who are ready to work anywhere in the world.
41 University of Divinity
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Based in Melbourne, Australia, the University of Divinity specializes in theology, spirituality, philosophy, and divinity. It comprises eleven colleges from different Christian denominations spread across the country. The institution is one of the oldest in Victoria and continues partnerships with around thirty churches.
42 Avondale University
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Associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Avondale University offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. They have highly accredited programs and innovative educational facilities on the campus. Since they are a part of a Seventh-day educational system, they aim to foster their students’ spiritual and psychological growth while building their professions.
Education is one of the biggest investments a person can make. Many international students have found their school funds best spent in Australia, particularly in these best-value universities we have shared above. Thus, it’s a great idea to include them in your list of institutions for studying abroad.