25 Best Universities In Australia For International Students 2025
If you are looking to study in Australia, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 42 universities and colleges in Australia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.
Out of 42 universities in Australia, University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales are the top-performing schools in Australia. This list covers both public and private institutions in Australia.
To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Australia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Australia.
Rank | University | Founded Year | City | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Melbourne | 1853 | Melbourne | Public |
2 | University of New South Wales | 1949 | Sydney | Public |
3 | University of Sydney | 1850 | Sydney | Public |
4 | Monash University | 1958 | Melbourne | Public |
5 | University of Queensland | 1909 | Brisbane | Public |
6 | Australian National University | 1946 | Canberra | Public |
7 | University of Adelaide | 1874 | Adelaide | Public |
8 | University of Western Australia | 1911 | Perth | Public |
9 | University of Technology Sydney | 1988 | Sydney | Public |
10 | Macquarie University | 1964 | Sydney | Public |
11 | University of Wollongong | 1951 | Wollongong | Public |
12 | Curtin University | 1966 | Perth | Public |
13 | Queensland University of Technology | 1989 | Brisbane | Public |
14 | Deakin University | 1974 | Melbourne | Public |
15 | RMIT University | 1992 | Melbourne | Public |
16 | Swinburne University of Technology | 1908 | Melbourne | Public |
17 | Griffith University | 1971 | Brisbane | Public |
18 | La Trobe University | 1964 | Melbourne | Public |
19 | University of South Australia | 1856 | Adelaide | Public |
20 | James Cook University | 1961 | Townsville | Public |
21 | Western Sydney University | 1989 | Sydney | Public |
22 | University of Newcastle | 1965 | Newcastle, Australia | Public |
23 | Flinders University | 1966 | Adelaide | Public |
24 | University of Tasmania | 1890 | Hobart | Public |
25 | Edith Cowan University | 1991 | Perth | Public |
How do I get admission to the best universities in Australia?
Applying to the universities in Australia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Australia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!
How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Australia?
Tuition fees at Australia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 12,000 AUD to 114,000 AUD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 16,400 AUD to 89,000 AUD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Australia!
As we cover the best universities in Australia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.
Top Universities in Australia for International Students
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We know that choosing your dream school in Australia not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.
So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Australia, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Australia! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!