Pursue your higher studies from Queensland’s top universities to forge a brilliant future

Australia figures among the top study-abroad destinations in the world. The country attracts numerous international students every year to many of its states, renowned for top academic and research facilities, world-class faculty, and globally recognised universities.

At least 9 universities in Australia are among the top 100 international universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The universities in Queensland also figure among these, offering the top quality of education to students from all over the world.

Another reason Queensland is widely preferred as a study-abroad destination by students of India and other countries is that the state allows international students a culturally diverse experience. Students from around the world are welcome at Queensland universities to choose and pursue the varied courses offered.

This article discusses the best-ranked universities in the Australian state of Queensland, which are among the top favourites of international students. It also highlights the course fee, eligibility criteria, and career prospects upon studying at these universities.

Top Queensland Universities

The educational landscape of Queensland, Australia, stands out for its academic excellence. Listed below are some of the best QLD universities that are worth consideration for international students:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/countries=au&sort_by=rank&order_by=asc

Given below is a brief description of each of the above-listed Queensland universities, some of its notable programs, and their admission requirements for international students:

  • The University of Queensland: One of the best universities in Queensland, this study institution has consistently ranked high among the top 100 international universities in QS World University Rankings. The University of Queensland is renowned globally for academic excellence and unparalleled research facilities for students.

Some of the most popular courses at the university that interest international students are Master of Commerce - Professional Accounting, Master of Commerce - Applied Finance, and Master of Tourism, Hotel, and Event Management.

International students applying for the various programs at the University of Queensland must adhere to the following admission requirements:

  • An Australian equivalent qualification from a recognised Indian school (for Undergraduate courses)

  • Completion of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Indian university (for Postgraduate courses)

  • An aggregate score as specified by the university for the various courses applied to

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in each sub-band of the test

Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/english-language-requirements

Location

Brisbane, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

43

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 51,200

Popular Courses

Master of Commerce - Professional Accounting

Master of Commerce - Applied Finance Master of Tourism, Hotel & Event Management

Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-engineering-science-management-5530#fees-scholarships

The campus at the University of Queensland is carefully designed to provide a global environment to international students. There are at least 8 globally recognised research institutions on campus. Besides, the university has one of the world's fastest and most advanced information networks and among the best research libraries in Australia. Students can also avail excellent extracurricular activities on campus, such as an athletics track, Olympic-sized pool, multiple courts, fitness centre, and more.

The university also offers guaranteed accommodation facilities to international students studying at its Gatton, St Lucia, and Herston campuses. Both on-campus and off-campus living options are made available to the students.

  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT): Helping students take on challenges of the real world, the Queensland University of Technology aims to impart practical skills to students that they can use to establish lucrative careers.

Some of the most popular programs at QUT that students can choose from are courses in Business, Creative Industries, Engineering, Health, Justice, Mathematics, and Communication. All of these courses help connect students with the real-world working environment.

The eligibility criteria for international students at QUT are as follows:

  • Completion of secondary education from a recognised study institution along with official academic transcripts as proof

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5 or higher on the test

Read more insights here.

Location

Brisbane, Queensland

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

189

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 32,400 per year

Popular Courses

Film & TV Production

Nursing & Midwifery

Business Administration

Legal Studies

Fashion Design

Related Source: https://www.qut.edu.au/courses/graduate-diploma-in-digital-communication?international

QUT offers two attractive campuses - Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove. Both campuses have commercial and cultural facilities for students, and each campus is easily accessible within 15 minutes of free shuttle bus service.

High-tech study spaces, simulation centres, and collaborative learning spaces are provided at each campus for the students' benefit. The university's Science and Engineering Centre houses 'The Cube', an advanced interactive digital arena. Healthcare students can work with actual patients at health clinics built on campus. There are about 150 clubs on campus for students to engage in varied recreational activities, including music, sports, and other special interests.

QUT also offers options as well as complete guidance and assistance to international students on accommodation facilities both within and near the campus. There are residential colleges and private and shared accommodation options for affordable rates.

  • Griffith University: With 6 different campus sites across the Queensland region, Griffith University enjoys a good repute among international students looking for higher education in the Sunshine State (as Queensland is popularly known).

Some of the most popular courses at the university are offered in the domains of Ecology, Political and Social Sciences, Performing Arts and Music, International Law, and Teaching and Education.

International students seeking admission at Griffith must be eligible in the following areas:

  • Completion of Bachelor’s from a recognised university

  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5

Related Source: https://www.griffith.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-business-administration-5670#entry-requirements

Location

Queensland, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

243

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 46,500

Popular Courses

Ecology

Political and Social Sciences

Performing Arts and Music

International Law

Teaching and Education

Related Source: https://www.griffith.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-business-administration-5670#fees

There are 6 vibrant campuses for students at Griffith University. Among these, five campuses have physical locations, and the 6th is a digital campus. The campuses at the university are well-equipped with a library, sports centres, cafes and restaurants on campus, and lecture theatres.

For international students looking for accommodation at Griffith, the university offers 3 types of facilities - on-campus, off-campus, and homestays.

  • University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ): One of the leading universities in Queensland, UniSQ is rated 5/5 in the country for Graduate Starting Salary, as per Good Universities Guide 2024.

The most notable study programs at the university among international students are Archaeology, Journalism, Business Administration, Food Science, and Geomatic Engineering.

The entry requirements for some of these programs at UniSQ are:

  • An Indian equivalent qualification to Australian Year 12 grade for Undergraduate programs with an average of 60% in at least 4 subjects

  • Completion of Bachelor’s from a recognised Indian university for a Postgraduate course at UniSQ

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 5.5 and no band lower than 5.0 on the test

Related Source: https://www.unisq.edu.au/international/apply/english

Location

Queensland, Australia

Type of University

Regional

QS Ranking

410

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 33,600

Popular Courses

Archaeology

Journalism

Business Administration

Food Science

Geomatic Engineering

Related Source: https://www.unisq.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-research/international

International students at UniSQ can engage in various societies and clubs on campus designed to enable students to pursue their recreational interests. There are top-class sports facilities along with a health and recreation club at each of the university's campus locations.

There is the option of residential colleges at UniSQ for international students seeking comfortable and affordable accommodation options in Queensland. All residential facilities are fully equipped with all necessary amenities for the students' comfort.

  • James Cook University (JCU): Ranked among the top 500 international universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2024, JCU is one of the oldest universities in Queensland, established in 1961. The university provides students ample scope for research in certain areas of study.

The most popular courses offered at the university include programs in Web Development, Social Work, Engineering, Creative Arts, and Human Resource Management.

Students seeking admission to JCU must meet the following criteria laid out for admission:

  • Completion of an Undergraduate degree for all Postgraduate programs (specific entry requirements need to be fulfilled for different courses)

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 5.5 and no band lower than 5.0 on the test

Related Source: https://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/procedures/student-services-procedures/admissions-policy-schedule-ii

Location

Townsville, Queensland

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

415

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 39,280

Popular Courses

Web Development

Social Work

Engineering

Creative Arts

Human Resource Management

Related Source: https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/master-of-engineering-professional?international

JCU is well-equipped with the latest tech facilities for students, including computer laboratories and a well-stocked library. Research and development activities are highly encouraged on campus, and adequate infrastructures are available to realise this goal. There are in-house cafes and restaurants, fitness centres, and more for the leisure and relaxation of students.

JCU also offers comfortable and reasonably priced on-campus and off-campus accommodation facilities at its various campus locations.

  • Bond University: One of the popular non-profit universities in Australia, Bond University invests 100% of student fees received into its various facilities and resources for students to ensure them a comprehensive learning experience in Queensland.

International Business, Journalism, Sales and Marketing, and Tourism are some of the most demanded courses at Bond University.

The entry requirements for admission into Bond University in Queensland are listed below:

  • Students applying for Postgraduate courses at the university must complete a Bachelor’s degree in a related or relevant field of study

  • Prove sufficient professional experience in a related domain of work

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 7.0 and no band lower than 7.0

Related Source: https://bond.edu.au/entry-to-bond/entry-requirements/international-entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/ielts

Location

Queensland, Australia

Type of University

Non-Profit

QS Ranking

567

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 32,520

Popular Courses

International Business

Journalism

Sales and Marketing

Tourism

Related Source: https://bond.edu.au/program/master-of-arts-tesol/fees

Students at Bond University are allowed access to the latest tools and techniques to help them stay abreast with the recent advancements in the world of technology. The university provides well-designed film and TV production facilities, digital fabrication labs, a library with a study area, and a multimedia learning space.

For leisure and recreation, students at Bond University can avail of exercise and sports training rooms, an Esports hub, an aquatic centre, robots, and simulators.

For on-campus accommodation for international students to Queensland, Bond University offers single residential halls, flats, single ensuite, standard twin rooms, deluxe twin rooms, and many more standard and premium residential options.

  • CQUniversity Australia: The most prominent regional university in Australia, CQUniversity offers top-class learning to students at its advanced campuses and well-designed infrastructure facilities.

Among the many new courses on offer at the university, some of the most notable ones include Project Management, Aerospace Engineering, Psychology, Public Health, and Physiotherapy.

CQUniversity lists the following admission requirements for international students:

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s in the related field of study or an Indian equivalent qualification to Australian grades from a recognised Indian study institution

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.0

Read more insights here.

Location

Rockhampton North

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

590

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 65,520

Popular Courses

Project Management

Aerospace Engineering

Psychology

Public Health

Physiotherapy

Read more insights here.

Hi-tech digital media lab, free Wi-Fi, advanced lecture rooms, fully-equipped nursing and midwifery clinical space, and computer labs are some of the most popular campus facilities at CQUniversity.

Students are encouraged to join the multiple recreational clubs and cultural societies, participate in Performing Arts and visual art initiatives, take trips and excursions, and showcase their talent in drama workshops.

For student accommodation, the university offers on-campus, long-term, and temporary options, as well as homestays, to ensure that international students to Queensland feel welcome on arrival.

  • Australian Catholic University (ACU): Among the top 50 young universities in Australia, as per THE Young University Rankings 2023, Australian Catholic University has nearly 7 campus locations spanning across Australia, along with an international campus in Rome, Italy.

Some of the most popular programs offered at the university include Visual Arts, Business English, Nutrition, and Banking and Finance.

The standard entry requirements for international students seeking admission to ACU are as follows:

  • Indian equivalent qualification of Australian Year 12 certificate from a recognised high school (for Undergraduate courses)

  • Completion of Bachelor’s courses for PG programs from a recognised Indian university with a passing average

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5 and 6.0 in all bands of the test

Related Source: https://www.acu.edu.au/international-students/study-abroad-and-exchange/how-to-apply

Location

Brisbane, Queensland

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

801-850

Average Tuition Fee

AUD 32,320

Popular Courses

Project Management

Aerospace Engineering

Psychology

Public Health

Physiotherapy

Related Source: https://www.acu.edu.au/-/media/feature/pagecontent/richtext/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarhsips/2024-schedule-of-tuition-fees-aw.pdf

Some popular campus facilities offered at ACU include art galleries, moot courts, math teaching labs, health science simulation labs, and visual art studios.

For student recreation, there are gyms, swimming pools, and exercise studios. The campus at ACU is a mini-city in itself, providing the facilities of cafes, restaurants, art and music rooms, libraries, chapels, and multifaith prayer rooms.

The university also offers comfortable accommodation options to international students through rental facilities and homestays.

FAQs

1. What are the top universities in Queensland?

Queensland offers several top universities for international students, some of which are:

  • The University of Queensland

  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

  • Griffith University

2. How many universities are there in Qld?

Queensland is home to nearly 12 top-ranked universities in Australia.

Related Source: https://www.studyqueensland.qld.gov.au/study-in-queensland/university

3. Is it easy to get into Qld universities?

It entirely depends on the specific course of study that you choose at the university you apply to. The entry requirements for some programs are specific and may make it difficult for students to clear through, as compared to the admission criteria of some others.

4. Are Qld universities good for Indian students?

Absolutely! Universities in Queensland are renowned globally for their academic excellence and top research and infrastructure options, which appear attractive to students in India and overseas.

5. What are the minimum fees to study at Queensland universities?

The fee structure for each program varies, and it is advisable to check with the specific university you are applying for. However, for reference purposes, the average tuition fee for a postgraduate course at a top Queensland university is estimated at AUD 65,520.

6. What are some of the popular courses at QLD universities?

Some of the most highly demanded courses among international students applying to Queensland universities are Advanced Finance and Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences and Public Health, Psychological Science, and Computer Science.

7. What is the academic calendar in Queensland universities?

The academic calendar at most universities in Queensland follows two semesters:

  • Semester 1, starting from late February through late June

  • Semester 2, starting from late July through late November

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