Top Australian Universities: Rankings for Sydney, Brisbane & More l IDP Thailand

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

Rank	University	Global rank
1.	The University of Melbourne	13
2.	The University of Sydney	18
3.	The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	19
4.	Australian National University (ANU)	30
5.	Monash University	37
6.	The University of Queensland	40
7.	The University of Western Australia	77
8.	The University of Adelaide	82
9.	University of Technology Sydney	88
10.	RMIT University	123
11.	University of Tasmania	183
12.	Queensland University of Technology (QUT)	186
13.	Curtin University	193
14.	Deakin University	197
15.	Macquarie University	229
16.	University of South Australia	230
17.	Griffith University	239
18.	La Trobe University	241
19.	James Cook University	247
20.	Bond University	321

THE top Universities in Australia 2025

Rank	University	Global rank
1.	The University of Melbourne	25
2.	The University of Sydney	33
3.	The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	36
4.	Australian National University (ANU)	41
5.	Monash University	55
6.	University of Queensland	56
7.	University of Western Australia (UWA)	101
8.	University of Adelaide	102
9.	University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	121
10.	RMIT University	135
11.	Macquarie University	151
12.	Curtin University	201–250
13.	University of Newcastle	201–250
14.	Queensland University of Technology (QUT)	201–250
15.	Griffith University	201–250
16.	Swinburne University of Technology	251–300
17.	La Trobe University	251–300
18.	Deakin University	301-350
19.	University of Tasmania	301-350
20.	Flinders University	301-350