Top 10 Universities in Australia (With Best Degrees & Rankings)

Australia is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering world-class education, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, choosing the right university can substantially impact your career prospects.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 universities in Australia, their global rankings, and the best degrees they’re known for to help you choose the right university for you.

1. The University of Melbourne (Melbourne, VIC)

🏆 Ranking: #1 in Australia, Top 40 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Medicine, Law, Business, Arts

A true city campus with European vibes – Melbourne is known for its art, coffee culture, and laneways, and the University of Melbourne blends right into this atmosphere. The campus has a historic feel, with gothic-style buildings, making it one of the most beautiful in Australia.

Best Degrees:

• Medicine & Biomedical Sciences – The Melbourne Medical School is world-renowned.
• Law – One of the most competitive law programs in Australia.
• Business & Economics – The Melbourne Business School is highly regarded for its MBA programs.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): Medicine (Graduate Entry) 99.90, Commerce 94, Biomedicine 96, Law (Graduate Entry) LSAT + High GPA
• International: Must meet academic and English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL).
• Mature-Age: Access Melbourne program available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $26,500 – $113,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

High cost of living – Melbourne is one of Australia’s most expensive cities, with rent in the inner city averaging around AUD $2,000 or more per month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, it has great public transport, and students can save by living in outer suburbs or shared housing.

2. The Australian National University (ANU) (Canberra, ACT)

🏆 Ranking: #2 in Australia, Top 50 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Political Science, International Relations, Science

The ANU is surrounded by nature and politics – Canberra might not be Australia’s most exciting city, but it has a campus set among parklands and offers easy access to national institutions like Parliament House and embassies, making it a dream location for future policymakers.

Best Degrees:

• Political Science & International Relations – Ranked #1 in Australia.
• Earth & Environmental Sciences – Strong research in climate science.
• Physics & Astronomy – World-class research facilities.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): International Relations 90, Political Science 90, Science 80, Commerce 86
• International: Equivalent to Australian Year 12 + English proficiency.
• Mature-Age: Alternative entry pathways available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $45,000 – $60,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

Moderate cost of living – Canberra is cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne but still more expensive than regional areas. Rent near ANU can be high, around AUD $1,800 or more per month for a one-bedroom apartment, but on-campus accommodation is affordable and there are many student discounts available.

3. The University of Sydney (Sydney, NSW)

🏆 Ranking: #3 in Australia, Top 50 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Law, Health Sciences, Engineering

Hogwarts in Australia – With sandstone buildings, archways, and historic courtyards, the University of Sydney looks straight out of a Harry Potter movie. Nestled in the heart of Sydney, you’ll get the best of beach life, nightlife, and city vibes.

Best Degrees:

• Law – One of Australia’s top law faculties.
• Medicine & Health Sciences – Highly competitive, strong research focus.
• Engineering – Variety of specializations with strong industry ties.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): Law 99.50, Engineering 92, Commerce 95, Science 80, Arts 80
• International: Equivalent to Australian Year 12 + English proficiency.
• Mature-Age: Mature-Age Entry Scheme available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $46,000 – $61,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

One of the most expensive cities in Australia – Sydney has some of the highest rent prices in the country, with inner-city apartments costing AUD $2,500 or more per month. However, you can save money by living in shared housing in suburbs further from the city and commuting.

4. The University of Queensland (UQ) (Brisbane, QLD)

🏆 Ranking: #4 in Australia, Top 50 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Biotechnology, Business, Environmental Science

A riverside campus with a laid-back vibe – Located right by the Brisbane River, UQ’s St Lucia campus is famous for its greenery, lakes, and Jacaranda trees. You’ll enjoy a relaxed, sunny atmosphere, with Brisbane offering warmer weather year-round. Plus, ferry rides along the river to get to the city!

Best Degrees:

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences – UQ developed the HPV vaccine.
• Business & Economics – Highly ranked MBA and finance programs.
• Environmental Science – Strong sustainability and ecology research.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): Biotechnology 86, Business 86, Environmental Science 78, Science 84, Arts 77
• International: Equivalent to Australian Year 12 + English proficiency.
• Mature-Age: Alternative entry options available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $43,000 – $54,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

More affordable than Melbourne and Sydney – Brisbane offers lower rent, with one-bedroom apartments typically costing between AUD $1,500 and $2,000 per month. Public transport is also cheaper, and many students live in the St Lucia area or commute from nearby suburbs.

5. Monash University (Melbourne, VIC)

🏆 Ranking: #5 in Australia, Top 60 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Pharmacy, Engineering, IT

Monash is suburban university with world-class research – Unlike the University of Melbourne, Monash’s main campus in Clayton is in the suburbs, but that comes with plenty of space, greenery, and top-notch research facilities. Plus, you can hop on a train and be in the heart of Melbourne within 30 minutes.

Best Degrees:

• Pharmacy & Pharmacology – Ranked top 2 worldwide.
• Engineering & IT – Strong industry partnerships.
• Business & Management – Entrepreneurial focus.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): Pharmacy 91, Engineering 86, Commerce 93, Science 80
• International: Equivalent to Australian Year 12 + English proficiency.
• Mature-Age: Alternative entry pathways available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $39,000 – $56,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

Similar costs to the University of Melbourne – Since Monash’s main campus is in suburban Clayton, rent is slightly cheaper, ranging from AUD $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Public transport to the city adds to costs, but overall expenses are slightly lower than living in the Melbourne CBD.

6. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Sydney, NSW)

🏆 Ranking: #6 in Australia, Top 60 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Engineering, Business, Law

Where tech meets the beach – Located near Coogee Beach, as a UNSW student you’ll enjoy one of the best balances between academics and lifestyle. With strong engineering and business programs, it’s no surprise that tech startups and big corporations often recruit from UNSW.

Best Degrees:

• Engineering – Consistently ranked #1 in Australia.
• Business & Finance – Leading business school.
• Law – Known for innovative legal research.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic (ATAR): Engineering 93, Business 96, Law 99
• International: Equivalent to Australian Year 12 + English proficiency.
• Mature-Age: Alternative pathways available.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $44,000 – $95,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

High living costs, but student-friendly areas – Rent in Coogee and Randwick, which are near UNSW, is high at around AUD $2,000 or more per month. However, many students share houses or live slightly further away to save money. Public transport is convenient, and living near the beach is a major perk.

7. The University of Western Australia (UWA) (Perth, WA)

🏆 Ranking: #7 in Australia, Top 100 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Mining Engineering, Marine Science, Agriculture

A hidden gem on the Swan River – UWA’s campus is one of Australia’s most picturesque, set on Perth’s Swan River with Mediterranean-style gardens and old sandstone buildings. Perth might be Australia’s most isolated city, but it offers amazing beaches, a slower pace, and a booming mining industry.

Best Degrees:

• Mining & Geology – One of the best programs worldwide.
• Marine Science – Strong research in oceanography and climate studies.
• Agricultural Science – Specializes in sustainable farming.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic Students (ATAR): Entry to undergraduate courses is offered to all students who achieve the required entry score for their chosen program. Specific ATAR requirements vary by course.
  • Bachelor of Science (Geology): Minimum ATAR of 80.
  • Bachelor of Science (Marine Science): Minimum ATAR of 80.
  • Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science): Minimum ATAR of 80.
• International Students: Must meet academic qualifications comparable to Australian Year 12 and demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Mature-Age Students: Alternative entry pathways are available, such as the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) or recognition of prior learning.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $40,000 – $51,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

More affordable than Sydney and Melbourne – Perth has lower rent, with one-bedroom apartments typically costing between AUD $1,500 and $1,800 per month. Groceries and public transport are also cheaper compared to the east coast, making it a more budget-friendly study option.

8. The University of Adelaide (Adelaide, SA)

🏆 Ranking: #8 in Australia, Top 120 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Medicine, Wine Science, Space Science

A university in wine country – The University of Adelaide is small, walkable, and located right in the city center, but what really sets it apart is its proximity to some of the world’s best wine regions, making it perfect for viticulture students and weekend winery trips.

Best Degrees:

• Medicine & Dentistry – Competitive program.
• Viticulture & Wine Science – Globally recognized program.
• Space Science – Works with NASA and the Australian Space Agency.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic Students (ATAR): Specific ATAR requirements vary by course. For example, high-demand courses like Medicine require a higher ATAR.
  • Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine: Minimum ATAR of 90; however, the median ATAR for successful applicants is around 99.35.
  • Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology: Typically requires an ATAR in the mid-70s.
  • Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics): Requires an ATAR around 80.
• Mature-Age Students: Alternative entry pathways are available, including foundation programs and recognition of prior learning.
• International Students: Must meet academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 and demonstrate English language proficiency.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $41,000 – $99,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

One of Australia’s most affordable capital cities – Rent in Adelaide is lower than most major cities, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from AUD $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Transport, food, and entertainment are also relatively low-cost, making it a great option for students on a budget.

9. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (Sydney, NSW)

🏆 Ranking: #9 in Australia, Top 150 globally
🔬 Best Known For: IT, Design, Communications

The ultimate city university – UTS doesn’t have a traditional leafy campus, but what it lacks in greenery, it makes up for in innovation. Right in the middle of Sydney’s business district, it’s the perfect place for future entrepreneurs, media professionals, and tech experts to network.

Best Degrees:

• IT & Computer Science – Cybersecurity and data science focus.
• Design & Architecture – Strong in creative industries.
• Communications & Journalism – Leading media programs.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic Students (ATAR): Specific ATAR requirements vary by course. Here are some examples:
  • Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours): Requires an ATAR around 90.
  • Bachelor of Design in Architecture: Typically requires an ATAR in the mid-90s.
  • Bachelor of Communication (Journalism): Requires an ATAR around 85.
• International Students: Must meet academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 and demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Mature-Age Students: UTS offers alternative pathways, such as diploma programs through UTS College, which assess applications based on HSC subject averages rather than ATAR.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: AUD $32,000 – $52,000 per year

Affordability – Cost of Living:

High cost of living, but city convenience – UTS is located in Sydney’s business district, so rent is very high at around AUD $2,500 or more per month. However, many students live in shared housing or further out to cut costs. Public transport costs are lower since the campus is within walking distance for many students.

10. James Cook University (JCU) (Townsville & Cairns, QLD)

🏆 Ranking: #10 in Australia, Top 200 globally
🔬 Best Known For: Marine Biology, Geology, Environmental Science

Study in the tropics, next to the Great Barrier Reef – JCU’s location makes it a dream university. With warm weather, lush rainforests, and access to the world’s largest coral reef system, as a JCU student you’ll live and study in one of the most beautiful natural environments on Earth.

Best Degrees:

• Marine Biology – Ranked #1 in the world.
• Geology – Strong field-based research.
• Environmental Science – Focuses on sustainability.

Entry Requirements:

• Domestic Students (ATAR):
  • Bachelor of Marine Science: Typically requires an ATAR of 73.
  • Bachelor of Geology: Requires an ATAR of 72.
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science: Requires an ATAR of 75.
• International Students: Must provide academic transcripts, meet English language requirements, and may need to meet specific GPA criteria.
• Mature-Age Students: Alternative entry pathways are available, including consideration of work experience and prior study.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic: AUD $4,000 – $14,500 per year
• International: Varies by program.

Affordability – Cost of Living:

One of the cheapest university locations in Australia – Living in Townsville or Cairns is much cheaper than in major cities, with one-bedroom apartments costing between AUD $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Transport, food, and entertainment costs are also lower, making JCU one of the most budget-friendly options.

For a detailed guide on the grading systems of each university in Australia read this detailed post.