Top Universities in Australia

Apart from being home to global cities teeming with life and history, inclusive communities and unique cultures, Australia has always been a popular destination for international students.

From Brisbane to Canberra to Sydney and beyond, the country is home to an array of world-class universities, including institutions that are part of the Group of Eight (Go8) as well as members from the Australian Technology Network. Australian universities also fare strongly in world university rankings, leading in areas like research output and teaching quality.

Looking past graduation, Australia's job market is projected to see continued growth, with opportunities particularly strong in sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. This makes the country one of the best destinations for students seeking to gain valuable skills and launch their careers on the global stage.

Starting an academic journey in Australia

Australian universities are globally recognised for their high-quality teaching, research-intensive programmes, and strong industry connections, contributing to 35% of Australia’s national R&D efforts. They’re also known for prioritising student support within a multicultural environment – according to QILT’s 2023 Student Experience Survey, 76.7% of undergraduates surveyed reported a positive rating of their entire educational experience.

Studying in a top university in Australia allows you to benefit from cutting-edge facilities, learning from world-renowned experts, and collaborating with a diverse community of students from all corners of the globe – providing an excellent springboard for your post-graduation endeavours.

Globally recognised ranking system

For those who are seeking to pursue your foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate pathways in Australia, university rankings can provide a sense of whether the institution is right for you. 

Ranking providers like the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World (THE) University Rankings are globally recognised, often used by students as part of their research before applying to study abroad. They provide a valuable tool for comparing institutions and identifying those that excel in your chosen field of study. 

With that, we’ve compiled the top 10+ universities in Australia for 2025 below, with data from the latest QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings.

Whether you're drawn to the bustling metropolises across the states of Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, or the laid-back charm of the capital Adelaide, or the quiet allure of Hobart, these league tables will help you navigate the Australian university rankings and discover the best universities in Australia for your unique goals.

QS top universities in Australia 2025

The QS 2025 rankings showcase the top Australian institutions that excel in academic reputation, research impact, and internationalisation. These rankings are widely regarded by students and academics worldwide, providing a valuable benchmark for evaluating universities.

Rank	University	Global rank
1	University of Melbourne	13
2	The University of Sydney	18
3	The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney	19
4	Australian National University	30
5	Monash University	37
6	The University of Queensland	40
7	The University of Western Australia	77
8	University of Adelaide	82
9	University of Technology Sydney	88
10	RMIT University	123
11	Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	133
12	University of Wollongong	167
13	Curtin University	174
14	The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	179
15	Deakin University	197
16	Queensland University of Technology	213
17	La Trobe University	217
18	Griffith University	255
19	Swinburne University of Technology	291
20	University of Tasmania	293

THE top universities in Australia 2025

The THE 2025 rankings provide a different perspective of the top Australian universities, focusing on teaching, research, and international outlook. These rankings are highly regarded for their rigorous methodology and comprehensive assessment of university performance.

Rank	University	Global rank
1	University of Melbourne	39
2	Monash University	58
3	The University of Sydney	61
4	Australian National University	73
5	The University of Queensland	77
6	The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney	83
7	University of Adelaide	128
8	The University of Western Australia	149
9	University of Technology Sydney	154
10	Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	178
11	Deakin University	201-250
12	Queensland University of Technology	201-250
13	University of Wollongong	201-250
14	Curtin University	251-300
15	La Trobe University	251-300
16	RMIT University	251-300
17	Swinburne University of Technology	251-300
18	University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	251-300
19	University of Tasmania	251-300
20	Flinders University	301-350

THE top universities in Australia 2025

Rank	University	Global rank
1	University of Melbourne	39
2	Monash University	58
3	The University of Sydney	61
4	Australian National University	73
5	The University of Queensland	77
6	The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney	83
7	University of Adelaide	128
8	The University of Western Australia	149
9	University of Technology Sydney	154
10	Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	178
11	Deakin University	201-250
12	Queensland University of Technology	201-250
13	University of Wollongong	201-250
14	Curtin University	251-300
15	La Trobe University	251-300
16	RMIT University	251-300
17	Swinburne University of Technology	251-300
18	University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	251-300
19	University of Tasmania	251-300
20	Flinders University	301-350

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Best universities in Australia 2025

Starting an academic journey in Australia

Globally recognised ranking system

QS top universities in Australia 2025

THE top universities in Australia 2025

THE top universities in Australia 2025

Information that you need to know

Study in different cities in Australia

Australia higher education

World university rankings