Universities in Australia

Australia is the third most popular study abroad destination in the world after USA and the UK. Home to six of the world’s top 100 universities, Australia has over 1100 institutions for higher education that offer 22000+ courses across diverse disciplines. Universities in Australia are known for their innovative, entrepreneurial focus that makes students critical thinkers, and creative thought-leaders, ready for a career in a global context. Living and studying in Australia also comes with a unique student experience, with international students reporting a 90% satisfaction rate. Australia has 7 out of 100 best student cities in the world, making it one of the best destinations to start your studies abroad. Here’s everything you need to know about studying and applying to top universities in Australia. 

Highlights

Why Study in Australia?

Australia is one of the most chosen studies abroad destinations, especially among Indian students. In the January-May 2022 semester, over 5,00,00 international students were living, studying and working in Australia. It not only makes the country culturally diverse but also gives a student plenty of perspective and exposure in a global context. Here are the top five reasons why you should study in Australia: 

• Outstanding higher education system; ranked #8th in the world
• Australia has 7 of the Top 75 QS Best Student Cities in the world
• Scholarships worth over AUD 300 million available for international students
• Top global universities that offer world-class education
• Opportunities to work after graduation and part-time with the Australian Student Visa

Intakes to Study in Australia

There are two major intakes offered by universities in Australia - February and September intakes - which are applicable for full-time undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs. Intake periods for pathway courses or vocational programs might differ depending on the University. Typically, Australian universities offer intakes in January, May and July for these programs. However, universities can have entirely independent intakes. 

Top Universities in Australia in 2023

Following is the list of top universities in Australia according to QS world rankings 2023:

Top Universities in Australia for Bachelors

Top Universities in Australia for Masters

• University of Melbourne
• Australian National University
• The University of Sydney
• The University of Queensland
• Monash University
• The University of New South Wales
• The University of Western Australia
• University of Adelaide
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra
• University of Technology Sydney

Top Public Universities in Australia

Australia is home to several top-ranking private and public institutions. The following are the top  public universities in Australia: 

• The University of New South Wales
• Monash University
• The University of Sydney
• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Queensland
• Australian National University
• The University of Adelaide
• The University of Western Australia
• RMIT University
• Queensland University of Technology

Top Courses Offered by Universities in Australia

Following is the list of top courses offered by universities in Australia:

• Master of Business Administration
• Actuarial Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Accounting and Finance
• Nursing
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Psychology
• Agricultural Science
• Creative/Visual Arts

Top Student Cities in Australia

According to QS Best Student Cities Rankings for 2023, the following are the top cities in Australia for international students:

Admission Process for Top Universities in Australia

If you are planing to study in Australia following is the basic admission process you need to follow:

Eligibility Criteria

Getting accepted to a program in Australia is quite competitive. Universities in Australia receive a large number of international student applications, that are evaluated for academic merit and individual student profiles. Now, specific entry requirements may vary from University to University, students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for admission to various courses in Australian universities:

Eligibility Criteria For UG Programs 

• 10+2 qualifying examinations in any stream from a recognized board
• At least 60 - 65% overall aggregate in the qualifying examinations

Eligibility Criteria For PG Programs 

• A first class Bachelor’s Degree in the field of the chosen course, obtained within the last 10 years.
• A GPA of a minimum of 6.0 or 75% at the bachelor’s level.

English Language Score Requirements

Students must showcase their proficiency in the English language because all the training and education in Australia will be done in the English language. In most Australian universities, the prerequisite for admission is a decent score in the following exams: 

These are the main exams for English language proficiency. Qualifying one or multiple of these exams may be required according to different institutions. The required score for each exam varies according to the course and University in which the candidate wants to enrol into. You should give your best on these exams and then apply according to your scores.

Application Process

The application process to study in Australia generally takes place by applying individually to the Universities. International students can follow the steps given below to apply for studying at top universities in Australia:

• Step-1 Shortlist a University and a Specialization

Before getting started with your application to study in Australia, it’s important to do some research on the University and the course you want to apply for. At this stage, students must also check whether they meet the eligibility criteria of the University that they are applying. 

• Step-2 Get Your Test Scores Ready

Most Australian universities to require students to display standardized test scores, including the English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic. Certain courses will require students to produce a GRE/GMAT score. However, it is not applicable to all universities. 

• Step-3 Compile The Documents Required

The next important step in your application is compiling all the important application documents. These include 

• Official Academic Transcripts and Grade Cards
• Confirmation of Enrolment
• Passport size photographs 
• Passport photocopy
• Australian Student Visa
• Updated CV or Resume
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Proposal (for PG Research)
• Portfolio (for Design, Art and Architecture courses)
• Step-4 Complete Your Online Application

Once you have gathered all the admission documents, it is now time to get started with your applications. Students can apply to multiple universities in their preferred programs. At this stage, students will be required to be handy with all the personal, academic and professional information to fill in the online application. Finally, pay the application fee to submit your application to the University. 

Cost of Studying in Australia

Higher education in Australia is affordable and more accessible than that in the USA or UK. International students can also get many scholarships that will cover full or partial tuition costs, in addition to living or travel expenses. The following are the average tuition fees for international students at universities in Australia: 

Cost of Living in Australia

Apart from course fees, the following are the average living expenses that international students will require to study in Australia: 

Scholarships at Top Universities in Australia

Following is the list of schlorahiap offered at top universities in Australia:

• UNSW International Scholarships
• Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships
• Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships
• Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
• Macquarie University International Scholarships
• Griffith Remarkable Scholarships
• University of Sydney International Research Scholarships
• Curtin University International Research Scholarships
• La Trobe Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES) 

FAQs

Is studying in Australia free?

Normally, Australian universities charge a tuition fee for international students. However, in exceptional cases, international students might secure a full tuition-fee waiver for selected courses. Students may also apply for fully-funded government scholarships that cover tuition and additional expenses. Other administrative costs, including visa costs, however, must be borne by the student. 

Which is the hardest university to get into in Australia?

The following are the 5 universities in Australia with the lowest acceptance rate: 

• University of Sydney - 30%
• University of New South Wales - 30%
• Australian National University - 35%
• The University of Western Australia - 38%
• The University of Melbourne - 40%

What are the big 8 universities in Australia?

The Group of Eight is a group of eight research-intensive universities in Australia known globally for their academic excellence and research power. The following are the eight universities in this cluster:

• The University of Melbourne
• Australian National University
• The University of Sydney
• The University of Queensland
• The University of Western Australia
• The University of Adelaide
• Monash University
• UNSW Sydney

How hard are Australian universities for studying in?

Although Australian universities are relatively easier to get into, compared to the likes of Ivy League and Russell Group universities, they provide rigorous academic training and challenging curriculums. Graduates from top universities in Australia are often highly employable and work-ready.

What is considered the Harvard of Australia?

The University of Melbourne is the highest ranked university in Australia, which is placed at #1 nationally and at #33 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. Just like Harvard University tops the global league tables for its academic and research prowess, the University of Melbourne is the first in Australia for teaching, research and academics.