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.

To find out how to use these rankings to your advantage, just ask an education advisor who will guide you in your study abroad journey for free.


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

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

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Information that you need to know

Study in different cities in Australia

Australia higher education

World university rankings