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Updated On 5th Dec 2023

Top 10 Australia Universities In 2025: Ranking, Courses & Fees

Q: What is the eligibility criteria to get admission at the top universities in Australia?

International candidates must typically have earned the **Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education** or its equivalent for undergraduate courses and a three to four-year undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs to be eligible for admission into Australia's top universities. Specific course admission criteria differ per institution and degree, such as the **Victorian Certificate of Education** or achieving academic entry scores. Standardized exam scores such as the GRE or GMAT may also be needed, and candidates must obtain a Subclass 500 student visa. Each institution has its own set of extra requirements; therefore, researching the precise requirements for the desired degree is essential.

Year after year, Australia remains a popular destination for international students who wish to study abroad, especially among Indian study-abroad aspirants. In early 2024, almost 1,20,000 Indian students enrolled to study in Australia, and the number is set to rise even further in the coming years.

What about Australia, which attracts so many students? The country combines its excellent universities with research work and flexible degree structure to give students an all-around experience. Australian degrees are acknowledged worldwide; some are in the top 100 by the QS and THE rankings. Besides its studies, Australia also allows international student to stay and get experience in their field of study, which helps them get the exposure and career growth they need to thrive.

Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra are home to some of the world's best-known universities. Melbourne, with its artistic endeavors, Sydney, with its lively events, and Brisbane, with its affordability, are the most sought-after choices for ideal students.

Keep reading this blog to find the best universities to consider if you plan to expand your education in Australia.

Top 10 Universities in Australia 2025

Australia ranks highly in the QS World Top 100 Universities, which reflects how well respected its universities are worldwide. Below are the details on the top 10 Australian universities, their locations, and what they are famous for.

University	QS Global Rank 2025	City	Key Programs	% International Students
University of Melbourne	#14	Melbourne	Business, Medicine, Engineering	42%
Australian National University	#30	Canberra	Politics, Research, Economics	45%
University of Sydney	#36	Sydney	Law, Health Sciences, Humanities	40%
University of Queensland	#40	Brisbane	Life Sciences, Mining, Biotechnology	39%
UNSW Sydney	#43	Sydney	Engineering, Finance, Data Science	38%
Monash University	#47	Melbourne	Pharmacy, Education, Nursing	44%
University of Western Australia	#71	Perth	Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, Law	35%
University of Adelaide	#74	Adelaide	Dentistry, Engineering, Agriculture	30%
University of Technology Sydney	#90	Sydney	IT, Business Analytics, Communication	25%
Macquarie University	#98	Sydney	Actuarial Studies, Linguistics, Psychology	28%

Most universities accept students twice yearly, in February and July, while some have November admissions for a few courses. Indian students comprise a large group of international students at Monash and UNSW.

Check the QS Subject Rankings for every university to see where they rank high, for example, Monash is known for its Pharmacy programs, ANU for Research & Policy, and UQ stands out in Biological Sciences.

Admission and Eligibility Requirements

Australian admission has requirements. The process, albeit lengthy, is student-friendly, and the criteria vary from university to university, but here's a general eligibility requirement.

Undergraduate (UG) Admissions -

Academic Qualification- Completion of Class 12 with a minimum of 70–85%, depending on the course.

English Language Proficiency -

IELTS: Minimum 6.0–6.5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 80+
PTE: 50–58

Documents Required -

Academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Passport copy and resume (for some programs)

Postgraduate (PG) Admissions -

Academic Qualification - A 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with a minimum of 55–65%. Some top courses may ask for higher scores.

English Language Tests -

IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
PTE: 58–65

Additional Tests - GMAT/GRE is needed mostly for top-tier MBA or STEM programs, but many universities offer waivers.

Portfolio - Compulsory for Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, and Fashion-related courses.

Work Experience - Preferred for MBA and executive-level programs.

Most Australian universities are flexible about the Indian education system and accept 15 years of prior education (10+2+3). However, always confirm university-specific policies.

Intakes & Timeline:

Primary Intakes: February and July
Application Window: Ideally, start 6–9 months before your intake month

Living and Tuition Fee Structure

Australian education is recognized as top-notch, and it's less expensive than in the US or the UK. This is how much you are likely to pay during your stay:

Tuition Fees -

Undergraduate Programs: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
(Engineering, IT, and Business programs fall on the higher side)
Postgraduate Programs: AUD 22,000 – AUD 55,000 per year
(MBA programs at top B-schools like Melbourne Business School or AGSM can go up to AUD 80,000)

Cost of Living -

Living costs depend heavily on the city you're in. Here's a breakdown!

City	Monthly Living Cost	Yearly Estimate	Notes
Sydney	AUD 2,300 – 2,800	AUD 27,000+	Most expensive, high rent
Melbourne	AUD 2,000 – 2,500	AUD 24,000+	Cultural hub, student-friendly
Brisbane	AUD 1,800 – 2,300	AUD 22,000+	Affordable, warmer climate
Perth	AUD 1,700 – 2,200	AUD 21,000+	Budget-friendly, growing market
Adelaide	AUD 1,600 – 2,100	AUD 20,000+	Cheapest among major cities

Breakdown of Weekly Costs -

Rent (shared): AUD 150–300
Food & groceries: AUD 80–120
Transport & utilities: AUD 50–80

Work Opportunities

Part-time work allowed up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters

Minimum wage - AUD 24.39/hour (as of 2025)
Many students work in retail, hospitality, or university campus roles

Pro Tip - You must also purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately AUD 500–700/year.

Scholarships for International Students

Australian universities provide numerous scholarships to international students (including Indians). They are mostly merit-based but may also factor in financial need or exceptional cases. A few of the significant scholarship opportunities include -

University	Scholarship Name	Benefit	Eligibility
University of Queensland	India Global Leaders Scholarship	25%–50% tuition fee waiver	High academic achievers in Business, Economics, Law
Monash University	Monash International Merit Scholarship	Up to AUD 50,000 over the course of study	Based on academic merit
University of Sydney	Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship	Up to AUD 40,000	High-performing international students
ANU	ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship	25%–50% fee reduction	Based on academic excellence
University of Melbourne	Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship	Full or partial tuition coverage	Based on Class 12 marks (CBSE/ICSE/state boards)
UNSW	Future of Change Scholarship for Indians	AUD 5,000–10,000/year	Indian passport holders applying for UG/PG programs

Conclusion

Australian universities provide globally recognized degrees and help students face the challenges of tomorrow's job market. Thanks to their advanced research facilities and solid links with industry, Australian institutions ensure students learn what is needed in the real world. Indian students value this the most, giving them the chance for advancement, greater visibility, and long-term returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria to get admission at the top universities in Australia?

International candidates must typically have earned the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or its equivalent for undergraduate courses and a three to four-year undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs to be eligible for admission into Australia's top universities. Specific course admission criteria differ per institution and degree, such as the Victorian Certificate of Education or achieving academic entry scores. Standardized exam scores such as the GRE or GMAT may also be needed, and candidates must obtain a Subclass 500 student visa. Each institution has its own set of extra requirements; therefore, researching the precise requirements for the desired degree is essential.

Why are Australian Universities preferred by Indian students to study abroad?

Indian students select Australia's top universities for a variety of convincing reasons. Australian institutions, known for their excellent educational standards, are home to eight of the world's top 100 universities, providing a diverse range of academic programs that prepare students for successful employment. The ability to work while studying and post-study employment privileges offer students a competitive advantage by enabling them to get significant foreign job experience. Furthermore, Australia is appealing due to its cultural richness, substantial Indian population, and helpful social networks. These features and the potential for increased job chances add to Australia's attractiveness as a beacon of opportunity in a globalized world, especially for individuals seeking education and professional advancement.

Is work experience required to study at the top universities in Australia?

Work experience is a prerequisite for many postgraduate programs at Australia's top universities, especially MBA programs. International candidates must present evidence of work experience for admission to institutions such as UTS Business School, RMIT University School of Business, and AGSM Business School. A candidate for an MBA in Australia must often show 2-5 years of work experience, minimum GPA, and English language fluency. This is usually demonstrated by work experience certificates or letters that outline the applicant's duties and positions. Even when the GMAT is not required, some colleges anticipate a particular degree of job experience, emphasizing the GMAT's relevance in the admissions process.

Is it easy to get Australian PR after completing Bachelors or MBA from the top universities in Australia?

Getting Australian permanent residence (PR) after finishing a Bachelor's or MBA from one of Australian universities is possible. However, this is subject to a points-based system. This approach evaluates age, educational credentials, English language competency, and job experience. Students should pick courses with stronger PR routes and maintain high English proficiency to increase their PR chances. To begin the process, an 'expression of interest' via the SkillSelect migration program is necessary. Graduates often apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which permits them to live and work permanently in Australia. However, gaining PR is not assured and is contingent on satisfying the Australian government's specified conditions.

How much will it cost to study at the top universities in Australia?

Studying at Australia's top universities can be a rewarding investment for your future. While the cost of education at these prestigious institutions varies depending on the course and university, you can expect to invest in a high-quality education that delivers excellent value. Generally, tuition fees for international students at Australia's leading universities range from approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, the fees can range from around AUD 22,000 to over AUD 50,000 annually. In addition to tuition, it's essential to consider living expenses, a crucial aspect of your study abroad budget. These costs encompass accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, contributing to the overall experience of studying in Australia.

What are the fees of MBA at the top universities in Australia?

Pursuing an MBA at Australia's top universities is an investment in world-class education and a stepping stone to global career opportunities. The fees for an MBA program in these leading institutions vary but generally range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 80,000 annually for international students. At these institutions, you gain not just academic knowledge but also invaluable skills and insights that are highly sought after in the global business landscape. The comprehensive curriculum and a diverse and dynamic learning environment prepare you for leadership roles and entrepreneurial success.

How many Australian universities will be in the top 100 in 2023?

Approximately 7 colleges from Australia are expected to be in the list of world's top 100 colleges in 2023.

What are the deadlines for applying to Australian universities?

The application dates for Australian institutions are usually centered on the two major intakes. Universities in Australia usually take the February intake, which offers the most course options, with deadlines between October and November of the preceding year. Applications for the July intake with fewer alternatives must be received by April or May. There are also restricted admissions in September and November, with various deadlines. Vocational courses may have varied start dates, such as May, July, or January. To guarantee accuracy, visit each university's official website for the most up-to-date information.

How do I apply to Australian universities?

Applying to top universities in Australia a simple procedure that leads to a world-class education. Whether you want to pursue cutting-edge research, diversified academic programs, or the lively student life that Australia is renowned for, the processes to secure your place are straightforward and doable. Here's a little primer to help you get started on this wonderful educational adventure. To apply to Australian institutions, you need to do the following steps:

Select your preferred university and course.
Examine the course's exact entrance criteria.
Take the relevant examinations, such as IELTS or TOEFL for English competence, as well as the GMAT or GRE if necessary.
Prepare your application, which may include academic transcripts, certifications, a statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LORs), and your curriculum vitae (CV).
Submit your application using the university's official website or a shared gateway, such as the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for New South Wales universities.
After submitting your application, keep an eye on it for any changes or requests for further information.

Remember that each university's application procedure may differ, therefore it's essential to consult the relevant university's website for complete information. It is usually a good idea to talk with an expert to prevent making blunders.

Which University is the least expensive in Sydney?

Some of the least expensive universities in Sydney include Australian Catholic University, Charles Darwin University, Western Sydney University, and Murdoch University.

Which are the top 10 Universities in Australia?

Here is the list of Australia's top 10 universities:

University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
University of Queensland
Monash University
University of New South Wales
Australian National University
University of Adelaide
University of Western Australia
University of Technology, Sydney
Curtin University

What are Level 1 universities in Australia?

List of Level 1 Universities in Australia -

Australian National University (ANU)
The University of Melbourne.
The University of Sydney.
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of Queensland (UQ)
Monash University.
The University of Western Australia

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