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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

Number of universities in Australia43
Number of international students in Australia4,69,200+
Average cost of study in Australia

AUD 20,000 - AUD 40,000 

(INR 10.9 - 21.9 Lakhs)

Average cost of living in AustraliaAUD 21,000 (INR 11.5 Lakhs)
Top courses to study in AustraliaAgricultural Science, Actuarial Science, Business Management, Psychology, Sports Science and Management, Engineering, Nursing, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Intakes in AustraliaFebruary and July
Top universities in Australia for MBAUniversity of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Queensland, Monash University, Macquarie University, RMIT University, LaTrobe University, Deakin University, Victoria University

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

UniversityQS World University Rankings 2023
Australian National University#30
The University of Sydney#41
The University of Melbourne#33
University of New South Wales#45
University of Queensland#50
Monash University#57
The University of Western Australia#90
University of Adelaide#109
University of Technology Sydney#137
University of Wollongong#185

Top Universities in Australia for Masters

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: 

Top Courses Offered by Universities in Australia

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

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:

City in AustraliaQS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023
Melbourne#5
Sydney#9
Brisbane#24
Adelaide#31
Perth#34
Canberra#35
Gold Coast#93

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: 

TestMinimum Score Required
IELTS6.5 - 7
TOEFL75 - 90


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 

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: 

Type of CourseAverage Tuition Fees
Undergraduate

AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000 

(INR 11 - INR 24.7 Lakhs)

Postgraduate

AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000 

(INR 12.9 - 27.4 Lakhs)

Doctoral/Research

AUD 20,000-  AUD 42,000 

(INR 11 - INR 23.08 Lakhs)

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: 

Accommodation/Rent

AUD 210 - AUD 612 

(INR  11,600 - INR 33,600)

Transport

AUD 101 - AUD 612 

(INR 5,550 - INR 33,600)

Food

AUD 255 - AUD 358 

(INR 14,000 - 20,000)

Miscellaneous

AUD 255 - AUD 511 

(INR 14,000 - INR 28,000)

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.  

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Australia

Australian National University

Australia

University Ranking: 27

University Ranking

27

Australia

The University of Melbourne

Australia

University Ranking: 37

University Ranking

37

Australia

The University of Sydney

Australia

University Ranking: 38

University Ranking

38

Australia

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Australia

University Ranking: 43

University Ranking

43

Australia

Brisbane University

Australia

University Ranking: 46

University Ranking

46

Australia

The University of Queensland

Australia

University Ranking: 47

University Ranking

47

Australia

Monash University

Australia

University Ranking: 58

University Ranking

58

Australia

The University of Western Australia

Australia

University Ranking: 93

University Ranking

93

Australia

The University of Adelaide

Australia

University Ranking: 108

University Ranking

108

Australia

University of Technology, Sydney

Australia

University Ranking: 133

University Ranking

133

Australia

University of Wollongong

Australia

University Ranking: 193

University Ranking

193

Australia

Curtin University

Australia

University Ranking: 194

University Ranking

194

Australia

The University of Newcastle

Australia

University Ranking: 197

University Ranking

197

Australia

Macquarie University

Australia

University Ranking: 200

University Ranking

200

Australia

RMIT University

Australia

University Ranking: 206

University Ranking

206

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