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Top Universities in Australia

Study in Australia: Top Rankings & Popular Programs

Top Universities in Australia

How do Australian Universities Rank Globally?

Thanks to its world-class teaching faculty and academic facilities, Australia is one of the most sought-after foreign education destinations, with over 600,000 overseas candidates. According to the QS World Universities Rankings 2023, Australian National University is the best in the country with a global ranking of 30, while the University of Melbourne is the second on the list with a ranking of 33 globally. 

The Times Higher Education global ranking list of 2023 ranked the University of Melbourne as the best Australian University, ranked at 34, while Monash University is ranked 44 globally. Even though these universities are of global repute, only about 57.5% of the University of Melbourne students are truly satisfied with their academic experience. In comparison, Bond University boasts an 85.5% overall satisfaction rate.

The University of New England, Edith Cowan University, and Avondale University are other Australian universities enjoying the top spot for UG's overall experience. Here's a complete list of Australian University Rankings globally:

 Institution

Times Higher Education Rankings

QS World Universities Ranking

University of Melbourne

34

33

ANU

62

30

University of NSW

71

45

Monash University

44

57

University of Sydney

54

41

The University of Queensland

53

50

The University of South Australia

301-350

363

University of Adelaide

88

57

Deakin

251-300

266

University of Western Sydney

201-250

501-510

La Trobe

251-300

316

The University of Western Australia

131

90

What Are The Popular Academic Programs Offered By Top Universities In Australia?

More and more students choose Australia for overseas education to explore world-class learning opportunities and experience life outside the country. Students get to pick their dream subjects from a vast selection of subjects. Here’s a list of popular subjects offered by top-ranked universities:

  1. MBA – Master in Business Administration is one of the most popular courses among students in Australia for establishing a successful corporate career. Students can choose from multiple sub-domains, including marketing, information management, human resources, etc. The course fee can range from AUD 28,000 to AUD 46,000 per annum. Popular universities offering MBA courses are:
    1. RMIT University
    2. The University of Newcastle
    3. Western Sydney University
    4. Deakin University
    5. The University of Adelaide
  • Engineering – Australian universities offer a variety of engineering courses to help the course aspirants to build strong subject knowledge and get the support to excel in the domain. The course cost generally ranges from AUD 40,000 to AUD 50,000 per annum and is offered by:
    1. University of Melbourne
    2. University of Sydney
    3. Monash University
    4. University of New South Wales
    5. University of Queensland
  • Accounting and Finance – Both subjects offer exponential career opportunities, and students can build a successful career as an accountant, financial adviser, auditor, chief financial officer, investment analyst, budget manager and financial planner, among other high-paying job roles. Top-ranked universities offering accounting and finance courses are:
    1. Australian National University
    2. The University of New South Wales
    3. The University of Melbourne
    4. The University of Queensland
    5. The University of Sydney
  • Computer and Information Technology – IT continues to be one of Australia's top ten most sought-after courses. Both online/distance and on-campus programmes are available, with course fees ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000. The top universities offering IT courses are:
    1. Deakin University
    2. The University of Adelaide
    3. RMIT University
    4. Monash University
    5. La Trobe University
    6. Swinburne University of Technology
    7. Federation University, Australia
    8. University of South Australia
    9. Macquarie University  
  • Nursing – Nursing courses by RMIT University are the most popular among international candidates seeking admission to nursing in Australia. The course fee is around AUD 60,000 and is offered by other top-ranked universities, including the following:
    1. Griffith University
    2. Deakin University
    3. Western Sydney University
    4. University of South Australia
    5. Federation University, Australia
  • Business Analytics – Top-ranked Australian universities offer future-focused courses, including data analytics for business, to help candidates develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in the modern work setup. The course fee usually ranges from AUD 21,000 to AUD 48,000 and are offered by top names, including:
    1. University of Sydney
    2. University of Melbourne
    3. Macquarie University
    4. University of Wollongong
    5. La Trobe University
    6. The University of Western Australia
    7. Deakin University 
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management – The tourism and hospitality industry is booming and how. More and more students are opting for hospitality and tourism management due to the industry's lucrative opportunities. Students wanting to pursue hospitality and tourism courses in Australia must pay a fee of AUD 15,000 to AUD 33,000 per annum. Popular universities offering hospitality and tourism management courses are:
    1. Griffith University
    2. Edith Cowan University
    3. La Trobe University
    4. Kaplan Business School
    5. International College of Management Sydney (ICMS)

How Can International Students Apply To Australian Universities?

Applying to Australian Universities can get overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. If you relate, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply to Australian Universities for higher studies. Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold dual citizenship, Australian Permanent Resident, or Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder, you are an international candidate and must follow the general application process.

  • Choose the course and find out about the admission criteria, application deadlines and potential career options.
  • Check if there’re any inherent requirements and carefully read the eligibility requirements. From English language requirements to required grades, note the documents necessary for admissions.
  • Gather all your documents – English language results, academic transcripts, scholarship documentation, degree certificates, marriage/change of name certificates, and other official documents listed in the requirements.
  • Before applying, check the fee structure and additional fees and costs. Explore scholarships and education loans available for international candidates.
  • Almost all universities offer direct applications through official websites, where students can submit their applications and pay the processing fee online. In case of application through the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3), you can directly apply through the university website or UAC.
  • If you want to apply through an authorised agent, ensure you work with agents with proper authorisation. If you are an undergraduate studying a current Australian Year 12 qualification or International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in Australia, you must apply through UAC.
  • Candidates with credits can apply directly to the University and apply for credit while applying for a course. The committee assesses your credit and decides on your application accordingly.

What Scholarship Opportunities Are Available For International Students In Australian Universities?

Australian universities offer a wide range of merit-based scholarships to international students. Besides university-specific scholarships, students can avail of many scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by the Australian Government and various private institutions to fund their education and reduce their finance-related burden. To avoid unfortunate surprises, read the eligibility requirements no matter which scholarship or grant you apply for. Here's a list of popular scholarships available for overseas students:

  • Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)
  • Australia Government Scholarships (Australian Awards)
  • Destination Australia scholarship
  • John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)
  • UniSA Scholarships
  • International Merit Scholarship
  • International postgraduate research scholarships
  • Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Multiple other university-specific scholarships are available to ease students' academic expenses. Go through each scholarship's eligibility requirements and carefully understand the conditions associated with each before you apply for one.

What Is The Campus Life Like At Top Universities In Australia?

When it comes to studying in Australia, high-quality academics is one of the aspects. Overseas students choose Australia for its scenic beauty, diverse cultural experience, and amazing campus life. All universities offer an extensive orientation process and give students the opportunity to connect with students from various communities and build connections.

You can join clubs and student associations and engage in various university activities. Almost all universities have multiple student groups, such as study groups, book clubs, international student groups, sports groups, outdoor activity groups, gaming groups, political party groups, movie clubs, robotics clubs and the like.

Australia has so much to offer. Since universities are located throughout the country, you will experience distinctive cultures. You can study, experience life from different aspects and participate in different activities, which will make your stay in Australia a memorable life experience.

What Research Opportunities Are Offered By Australian Universities?

Reports suggest Australian Universities performed about 45.3% of all applied research in Australia in 2020, while Australian businesses performed 38.9%. Despite being a country with a relatively small population (0.3% of the world's population,) Australia contributes 3% of the world's research.

Australian universities host countess researchers from across the globe and have worked with world-class research teams to develop Wi-Fi, the black box flight recorder, penicillin, the cochlear implant and the Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, among many other significant discoveries. Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) rankings confirmed Australian universities to be world-class and world-leading in the area of research and development.

Australian universities work closely with governments for cutting-edge research to make an impact on society. All university programs are research-based, which will allow students to gain deep disciplinary knowledge and use world-ranking facilities while working on different projects. Furthermore, you will get to participate in several collaborative projects with international research organisations.

What Career Services Are Available To Students At Australian Universities?

All top-ranked Australian Universities offer career services and resources to help students put their best foot forward and build a successful career after the end of their degree course. The career services follow one mission: to prepare their students for their professional careers and connect them with potential employers from specific industries. Under career services, you are assured of getting 360-degree assistance to build your career. Some of the key features of career services for international students include the following:

  • Career Development Learning
  • Build Your Employability
  • Self-help Career Resources
  • Finding Internships & Work
  • Evaluating Your Career Readiness
  • Events and Workshops
  • Building a Professional Network
  • Career Advice & Career News
  • Job Search Support Program
  • Building a Future Beyond Graduation
  • Career Planning & Development
  • Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

What Support Services Are Provided To International Students In Australia?

Australian Universities offer international students a wide range of support services to make their study experience easy and stress-free. Such services are mostly provided by the educational institution, student associations, and sometimes, local, state, territory and federal governments. For instance, as an international candidate, the education providers assure several support services, such as:

  • Language and academic support
  • On-arrival reception and orientation support
  • Designated international student advisers
  • Mental health well-being and counselling
  • Childcare support
  • The rights of international students at work
  • Financial assistance for international students
  • Tuition protection for students
  • Student accommodation
  • Employment services
  • Banking, shopping, and food outlets
  • Clubs, sports, societies, and fitness facilities

There are national student associations across the country to assist and represent students’ needs and interests.

  • The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) is the national body for international students enrolled in different programs in Australia, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, TAFE, private college, ELICOS or English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, and foundation courses.
  • Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) is another association that addresses students’ issues and helps students make the most of their stay in Australia.

What Are The Accommodation Options For International Students In Australian Universities?

Australia offers a wide variety of accommodation options to international students. You have the option to choose from a student house, private accommodation, uni accommodation, student village, homestay, and rent, all depending on your budget. The rental costs can range from AUD 70 to AUD 250 per week for one person, based on where you stay. Let's look at the probable accommodation options with an approximate weekly cost for one.

  • Student share room: Sharing accommodation comes with furnishing and essential appliances and can cost about AUD 140 to AUD 190 per week per person.
  • Homestay: Accommodation with a family brings you average facilities and can cost you around AUD260 a week for one.
  • Hostel: Hostels are a great option for students pursuing a short course. It can get expensive, costing around AUD 195 to AUD 260 a week.
  • Student apartments: Such living options are great for students looking for independent living. You can choose between single or shared apartments based on your budget.
  • Rental accommodation: Rentals require advance payment and a security deposit, a month's rent in advance, paid upfront. This option can cost around AUD 100 to AUD 400 per week.
  • Staying on campus: On-campus accommodation is available for first-year students but can be expensive. If budget is an issue for you, you can opt for college or university accommodation for a hassle-free living option.

How Do Australian Universities Maintain Their International Reputation And Collaboration?

Australian Universities are known for offering the best quality education and research facilities to students across all academic disciplines and sub-domains. Australian scholars have made immense contributions to the academic industry through the dramatic expansion of higher education services across the globe. The Government is leading in promoting globalisation and offering unmatched quality educational facilities by collaborating with academic and research institutions of the highest esteem.

The academic sector comprises world-leading educational institutions with top-ranked professors and lecturers, premium training facilities, and excellent student support services. The research sector stands out from all nations for its immaculate contribution in all fields and industries. The country is only growing in popularity for creating continuous academic and career opportunities for skilled students throughout the year. It has set international standards for academic excellence and earned global recognition for encouraging students to explore the unknown and innovate.

Australia continues to enjoy a student satisfaction rate of 90% with cultural diversity, high quality of education, world-ranking research facilities, and a high qualification acceptance rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Top Universities in Australia

According to the QS World University Rankings, the top universities in Australia are as follows:

  • Australian National University (ANU)
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of New South Wales
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
  • University of Wollongong

Australian universities offer countless programs and courses at all study levels. However, some of the popular courses among international students in Australia include the following:

  • Business management
  • Tourism and hospitality management
  • Psychology
  • Computer science and information technology
  • Earth sciences
  • Core engineering
  • Architecture
  • Accountancy
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Agricultural sciences

Although the admission requirements for Australian universities vary by the course and institution, here’s the list of the top requirements:

  • The applicant should have at least 60% in their class 12 exams
  • for diploma-level courses.
  • The applicant should have 65% or higher marks in their class 12 exams for bachelor-level courses.
  • A 3-year graduation degree to pursue a postgraduate program
  • An SOP, LOR, or personal essay
  • Mark sheets of the last appeared exam
  • GMAT and IELTS scores to prove language proficiency
  • Work experience letter and certificate for doctorate courses

Several scholarships worth millions of dollars are available for international students in Australia based on students' needs and merits and student-specific or course-specific grants. Popular scholarships on offer are:

  • International Merit Scholarship
  • Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
  • Australian Government Scholarships (Australia Awards)
  • UniSA Scholarships
  • International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The average cost of studying at top Australian universities for a bachelor's degree can range between AUD 9,000 to AUD 50,000. In contrast, the fee range for postgraduate programs can vary from AUD 9,000 to AUD 54,000. For instance, the tuition fees of top courses at a top-tier Australian university like the Australian National University can range from AUD 46,000 to AUD 48,000 annually.

The Australian Government permits international students to work while studying as long as the work duration doesn't exceed 40 hours. Students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks and unlimited hours during session breaks. All international students are liable to the same protections at work as others. They will also get the minimum hourly pay rate, irrespective of the job role.

Universities in Australia need students to prove their English proficiency. While most universities need 6 or above, the University of Western Sydney and Victoria University accept 5.5 bands. So, if you have failed to score a 6, look for your courses in one of these universities.

Some of the affordable universities in Australia are:

  • University of the Sunshine Coast
  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Federation University Australia
  • Southern Cross University
  • Australia Catholic University
  • Edith Cowan University
  • Central Queensland University

All these offer all the courses to students at the most affordable prices.

You have to follow these steps to apply for university in Australia:

  • Choose your course and education provider
  • Apply
  • Have your application processed
  • Accept your offer
  • Prepare for departure

Understand all the steps from an experienced education consultant and go ahead with the application.

The university levels depend on the world rankings. So, if you find a university tagged as level one, that means the university is listed among the top 10 universities globally. Level two universities are listed beyond 10 globally. You must check the university levels before applying to one. Knowing the levels will give you clarity and apply accordingly.

The Australian universities that accept PTE are:

  • The University of Queensland
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Technology, Sydney
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • University of the Sunshine Coast
  • University of Canberra
  • University of Tasmania
  • Macquarie University
  • Deakin University
  • University of New South Wales
  • Flinders University

You can apply to any of the universities listed above if you have a good PTE score.

 

 If you are willing to study in Australia, knowing about the system and working accordingly is important. One of the first things is the semester and how long it runs. The semesters in Australian universities last for five months. You can check university websites for course details and prepare yourself accordingly.

If you get admission to one of the prestigious universities in Australia, you have to be ready for classes by February or March. The semesters generally continue till May, with a semester break in April. You can consult with an international education consultant to know more about the systems and work accordingly.

Here’s a look into the average university fees in Australia:

  • Bachelor’s degree: AUD 15,000-33,000 per year
  • Master’s degree: AUD 14,000-37,000 per year
  • Doctoral degree: AUD 14,000-37,000 per year
  • MBA: AUD 11,000-121,000 per year

Knowing the fees of the course you are applying to will help you plan the finances and work accordingly.

 

 Here’s a list of universities in Australia that are the best for engineering:

  • UNSW Sydney
  • University of Technology, Sydney
  • The University of Queensland
  • The University of Sydney
  • RMIT University
  • The University of Melbourne

You can choose any of the universities listed above if you want to pursue engineering.

The universities in Australia that are the best for MBA are:

  • The University of Melbourne
  • The Australian National University
  • UQ Business School
  • The University of Queensland
  • Macquarie Business School
  • UNSW Sydney

MBA is a rewarding degree. So, choose the right university for a safe and secure future.

The best nursing universities in Australia are:

  • Monash University Clayton Campus
  • The University of Queensland
  • The University of Melbourne
  • Griffith University
  • QUT Gardens Point Campus
  • The University of Sydney

Australia offers a lot of opportunities to nursing students, and you must choose a good university to learn all about it.

The universities in Australia accept gaps in academic years. Most institutions in Australia accept a gap of one or two years. But you need to provide proper justification to get admission to any of the universities if you have a gap of three or four years.

Students with a subclass 500 visa can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight and full-time during vacations. If you are pursuing a doctorate degree, you are allowed to work full-time throughout the year.

Here’s an insight into some of the scholarships available for international students in Australia:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships
  • Destination Australia Scholarships
  • Australia Government Research Training Program
  • The University of Sydney International Scholarships
  • Macquarie University Scholarships
  • Griffith Remarkable Scholarship

You can get help from an education consultant and learn about the right ways to apply for any of these scholarships.

Students willing to study in Australia from abroad must prove their proficiency in the English language to get admission. You have to sit for an English proficiency test and score well in them to get called by Australian universities. Also, these tests are compulsory for visa purposes.

Take a look at the popular courses for international students in Australia:

  • Accountancy
  • Actuarial science
  • Architecture
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Core engineering
  • Earth sciences
  • Computer science and information technology
  • Psychology
  • Tourism and hospitality management

You can get the right opportunities in Australia if you select any of the courses listed above.

The studying and living costs depend on the university and the cities you choose to be in Australia. Students applying for a Bachelor's degree can expect the tuition fees to be between 20,000-45,000 AUD/year, and for a Master's and PhD, it will be around 22,000-50,000 AUD/year. As far as the living costs are concerned, here’s a look at approximate costs on the basis of cities:

  • Sydney: 1,900 AUD/month
  • Adelaide: 1,300 AUD/month
  • Brisbane: 1,400 AUD/month
  • Melbourne: 1,500 AUD/month
  • Canberra: 1,400 AUD/month

Australian universities follow a numbered grading system, with 50 being the passing mark. If students get anything above 50, there are different ways to define them. Here's a look:

  • 85 and above: Distinction
  • 75-84: Credit
  • 65-74: Pass

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