Top 10 Australian universities for international students

According to QS University Rankings 2021, Australia is home to 36 high-ranking, world-class universities. With several of these colleges receiving higher ranks compared to the previous years, the country is gaining more and more recognition amongst international students. These Australian universities are known for the programs they offer, their faculty, and their research contributions to society. Listed below are the top 10 universities you need to consider if Australia is on your study abroad bucket list!

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s most highly-ranked university. Established in the year 1853, the university began with a team of four professors and 16 eager students. It has now evolved to become one of the leading institutions in the world.

The university curriculum supports and facilitates the development of cross-cultural interests and hobbies. With more than 200 clubs and societies, every student has the opportunity to interact with peers in academic and co-curricular interests. 

The campus of the University of Melbourne also boasts of a fitness gym, sports field, athletics track, and 25-meter indoor heated pool! Furthermore, the university is also associated with 10 residential colleges that allow students to develop a thriving social and academic network. 

2. University of Sydney 

The University of Sydney is considered as one of the topmost Australian universities in terms of the graduate employability rate. It is also among the top 50 universities globally, and holds recognition for its investments of more than USD 1.5 billion in academic and multidisciplinary initiatives.

Largely research-oriented, the University of Sydney is a key contributor to global innovative collaborations and has the support of as many as 90 research centers. The receiver of a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in the year 1858, this university is held at par with any institute in the United Kingdom.

Some of the different courses offered by this university are-

• Architecture 
• Social Sciences 
• Design and Planning 
• Medical Health 
• Social Work 

3. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is a founding member of the reputed ‘Group of Eight universities,’ which is equivalent to the Ivy League universities in the US. The faculty of the University of Queensland is highly recognized and has won multiple national teaching awards. 

The university also boasts affiliations to eight multidisciplinary research institutes recognized internationally. These include a mineral research center, marine research centers, agricultural science, and veterinary teaching & a few other research centers.

4. Monash University 

A member of the globally-recognized Group of Eight, Monash University is the largest college in Australia. The university has collaborations with over 100 international partners and four Australian campuses. As a result, its students are able gain an international perspective. Monash University prides itself on preparing students for employment and opportunities in the global workforce. 

Students can opt to complete their degree in Australia or from any of the partner institutions across the world like China, India, Malaysia, and Italy. Monash University also offers impeccable contributions to research in over 150 fields across 10 faculties. 

5. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Established in the year 1949, the University of New South Wales has a global alumni community of more than 300,000, making it among the most reputed Australian universities. Ranked 3rd in Australia and 27th in graduate employability in the world, this university has a strong research community of 8000. 

UNSW especially holds recognition for contributions to quantum computing, the use of sustainable materials, and solar power. The university offers a number of award-winning double-degree and degree combinations, 6 of which are ranked among the world’s top 20 subjects. UNSW also has the highest salaries among the ‘Go8’ and Sydney-based universities. The university additionally boasts the highest number of Australian students in the list of top 100 future leaders. 

6. Australian National University

Founded in 1946, the Australian National University played a significant role in supporting the country’s potential post-global crisis. The research contributions of this university are high-quality and solution-oriented, and majorly aim at global pandemics and climate crises, along with many other world-level threats. 

With ties to the Australian government, the policies created by Australian National University help significantly shape the national economic functioning, making it among the most recognized Australian universities. 

The different faculties within the Australian National University include-

• Life Sciences and Medicine 
• Natural Sciences 
• Arts and Humanities
• Engineering and Technology 
• Business and Management 

7. University of Adelaide

Established in the year 1874, the University of Adelaide is the third-oldest university in the country, with a marked reputation for teaching and research. The university boasts over 100 Rhodes scholars, of which 5 are Nobel laureates. Moreover, the research conducted by this university has helped play a significant role in tackling issues on public policy, health, and the economy. 

There are several undergraduate and postgraduate faculties provided by the university including-

• Business and Management 
• Social Sciences and Management 
• Natural Sciences 
• Life Sciences and Medicine 
• Engineering and Technology 

8. University of Western Australia 

A research university established in the year 1911, the University of Western Australia is among the oldest universities in the country. The campus of the university covers a whopping area of 160 acres and boasts an extensive art collection and theatre venue. The campus also contains 6 main libraries. Of these, the Reid Library is the biggest in Australia!

Notable alumni from this university are-

• Australian comedian Tim Minchin 
• Former Labor Federal Minister Stephen Smith 
• Former CEO of Ansett Airlines Rod Eddington 
• Scientist of the Year 2009 winner Cheryl Praeger 

9. University of Technology

Ranked 133 in the QS World University Rankings 2022, this is a university that has the vision to be the leading public university in research and technology. It offers 130 undergraduate programs and 210 postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines. Students have opportunities for exchange programs with 185 universities across the globe. What’s more, the university boasts as many as 265 exchange agreements.

The University of Technology is also in the Top 50 subjects of the QS World University Subject Rankings list for the year 2021. The subjects ranked on this list are among the most reputed across Australian universities. These include-

• Sports
• Library and Information Management 
• Art and Design 
• Nursing 

10. Curtin University 

Established in the year 1966, Curtin University was formerly known as the Western Australian Institute of Technology. It was renamed Curtin, after the former Prime Minister of the country. The university features 217th in the QS World University Rankings list of 2021.

Curtin University offers some of the best study programs in Australia. It’s Mineral and Mining Engineering is 2nd ranked in the world. Most of the programs offered by this university are nationally and internationally accredited, allowing students entry into the global workforce.

Currently, Curtin University is in association with over 70 different research centers and collaborations. And this is why it’s among the most recognized Australian universities in the world. The centers include-

• Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre 
• Centre for Crop and Disease Management 
• Space Science and Technology Centre 

Key takeaways 

• Australia has excellent educational institutions, which are recognized for the quality of their programs. 
• With rankings among the best universities and best subjects in the world, choosing from this list of Australian universities is a good option for aspirants. 
• Completing a program from one of these reputed institutions provides students with the opportunities they need to enter the global workforce.
• Research conducted by these top universities has also contributed significantly to tackling issues on a national and international level.

FAQs 

Q1. What is the fee of a program at the Australian National University?

Answer – The average tuition fee for a program at the Australian National University is AUD 29,628 to AUD 45,360. 

Q2. Which city is the University of Technology located in? 

Answer – The University of Technology is located in Sydney. 

Q3. When was Monash University established? 

Answer – Monash University was founded in 1958. 

WRITTEN BY

Aditi Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

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