Best universities in Australia 2025

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. 

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. 

Can you see yourself studying in a top institution? Make it happen by tapping the button below for a free counselling session. 

QS top universities in Australia 2025 

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

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 in Australia and #13 worldwide by QS Rankings 2025, reaffirming its leading position in the Australia university ranking. Located in Melbourne — one of the most livable cities in the world — the university boasts more than 160 years of history and is recognized as one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious institutions.

Currently, the University of Melbourne attracts over 50,000 students, with around 40% being international students from more than 150 countries. The university stands out for its practical teaching approach, equipping students with a strong foundation and real-world experience. Moreover, it is the alma mater of four Australian Prime Ministers and many other prominent leaders.

2. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university, with more than 170 years of development. As one of the best universities in Australia, it is consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally and #50 globally. Additionally, the University of Sydney is a proud member of the Group of Eight, representing Australia’s most elite higher education institutions.

Not only does it excel in academics with over 400 disciplines, but the University of Sydney also leads in research and innovation through more than 150 research centers. Furthermore, the university has been recognized among the top 7 universities worldwide for its commitment to sustainable development.

3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is ranked #3 among universities in Australia and #20 globally in many fields. As one of the top universities in Australia, UNSW is located in Sydney — a city ranked 6th in the world for student-friendliness. The university stands out with six disciplines in the global top 20 and ranks 11th worldwide for its contributions to sustainable development.

UNSW attracts more than 64,000 international students from over 130 countries, creating a vibrant and diverse academic environment. It also boasts a strong student and alumni community of more than 300,000 members, many of whom hold leadership roles in major global corporations. Furthermore, UNSW leads in Australia in terms of career prospects for postgraduate students.

4. Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is famous for its prestigious academic team and the highest percentage of Nobel Prize winners in Australia. ANU has also been a leader in academic reputation in Australia for many years, currently ranked #4 in Australia and #30 in the world according to QS Rankings 2025.

The university is a leading center for research and training in areas such as economics, law, technology, and public policy, with small class sizes. Furthermore, ANU is Australia's only member of the International Union of Research Universities.

5. Monash University

Monash University is ranked #5 in Australia and among the top 30 universities in the world. This is the largest university in Australia; it not only has 4 campuses in Australia but also owns an international campus in Malaysia with more than 100 partners around the globe. The university offers students the experience of learning in a multicultural environment and provides transfer learning opportunities in many countries.

Monash University is the cradle of a series of groundbreaking research works such as malaria vaccines or 3D printing engines. In particular, the university also offers more than 200 types of scholarships for students.

6. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) holds the #6 position in Australia and regularly appears in the top 50 universities in the world. UQ is the university in Australia that has won the most national teaching awards. UQ is also a founding member of the Group of Eight and Universitas 21. The university attracts more than 55,000 students, including about 21,000 international students from 141 countries.

UQ focuses on modern training methods, constantly updating to keep up with global trends. With a system of 5 faculties, 8 high-caliber research institutes, and more than 100 interdisciplinary research centers, the university is always at the forefront of the fields of science and engineering.

7. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is the only representative of Western Australia in the Group of Eight — a coalition of the country’s leading research universities. As one of the top ten universities in Australia, UWA continues to affirm its reputation by consistently ranking in the top 100 universities globally, according to QS Rankings.

UWA is renowned for its strong research foundation, highly experienced faculty, and close collaborations with industry partners. The university has produced many exceptional individuals, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Nobel Prize-winning scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

8. University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is ranked #8 in Australia and is regularly ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. The University of Adelaide is also one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia, with a history of more than 140 years. The university is located in the heart of Adelaide, which is known as the "academic city."

As the only member of South Australia in the Group of Eight, the university is a leader in areas such as AI, space science, materials engineering, cardiovascular medicine, and environmental science. The University of Adelaide has nurtured talents such as Australia's first female prime minister, a space astronaut, an indigenous Rhodes scholar, and five Nobel Prize- winning scientists.

9. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is one of the youngest in Australia's top 10 prestigious universities but the fastest growing in Australia. UTS has risen to 88th in the world after just over 3 decades of operation. UTS owns a campus with an investment of more than 1.3 billion USD in the heart of Sydney, providing the most modern, innovative, and professional learning environment for students.

Programs at UTS are built with business, integrating internships, real-life situations, and applied research. With a research orientation for the community, UTS focuses on six key areas, including future industry, health, sustainability, infrastructure, cross-disciplinary innovation, and community development.

10. RMIT University

RMIT University is currently ranked #10 among Australia's top universities and top 123 globally. The university is located in the heart of Melbourne—the third most livable city in the world, according to the Global Livability Index 2023 report

RMIT stands out for its strengths in technology, design, and business, ranking in the top 150 in the world in industries such as design, architecture, engineering, and communication (QS Rankings). In addition, the school also meets the 5-star standard in terms of facilities and teaching quality (according to QS Rankings.

Find the right Australian universities with IDP

Whether you're looking for a dynamic learning environment in a big city or a peaceful space to focus on your academic development, Australia has options to suit your goals and passions. With world-class education, globally ranked schools, a wide range of career opportunities, and a multicultural environment, Australia is not just a place to learn—it's also a place to grow, explore, and start a global career.

Let an IDP consultant accompany you every step of the process – from searching for a university, choosing a major to preparing your application and applying. In addition, you can participate in study abroad seminars organized by IDP to meet and answer questions directly from university representatives as well as refer to the available scholarships to study in Australia during the year.

Contact IDP today for a free 1:1 consultation!