Best Universities in Australia for International Students 2024 | Ranking

Australia is a top-rated study destination. Most students studying abroad usually have Australia as their first destination.

Statistics show that Australia attracts the third-largest number of international students in the English-speaking world after the U.S. and the UK.

However, after a destination, the next question is, which school is best for me?

In this article, you will find reasons to study in Australia and learn how to get admission easily into an Australian University.

In addition, this article will tell you how much it costs to get a bachelor’s degree and, more importantly, which school is best for you, either as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Why Study at Any of the Best Universities in Australia?

Australia is where you can acquire world-class education, with her schools regularly featuring in global rankings.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of international students have been coming to Australia to study. Most of the best universities in Australia welcome international students and offer programs and services to them.

International students can work part-time while on a student visa, which will help them to reduce the price of studying abroad in Australia.

Students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks in jobs that require only basic skills. The minimum wage in Australia, which is $17 per hour, can help students cover a good chunk of their expenses and maybe a bit of tuition.

Many of the major universities in Australia are located along the east coast and have easy access to parks, trails, and some beaches. Students get many chances to relax and enjoy themselves away from academics in these places.

Studying in a country where English is not the first language is usually challenging for many international students. This is not the case in Australia, as students can communicate freely in English.

Australia is known as home to some of the best research institutions worldwide. High-quality academic programs like nursing and healthcare, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering are found in several of Australia’s major universities.

Because the educational degrees obtained here are recognized worldwide, the study abroad program in Australia becomes a valuable addition to every student’s resume.

The Australian government awards international students scholarships worth over $200 million annually. The grants are usually given based on merit. Also, there are certain requirements for application, such as grade requirements, financial needs, etc.

See: Best Universities In Darwin, Australia In 2024 | Ranking

What requirements do I need to study at any of the best universities in Australia?

Generally, the requirements for studying in Australia are highly dependent on the school you are applying to. However, this article will analyze the basic academic requirements in Australia as a country. Here are most of them:

English language requirements

The courses you’ll take in any Australian institution will be taught in English. In certain situations, you will have to provide the results of an English language test.

The English language skill level needed by a university may not be the same as the skill level which your student visa application needs.

Academic requirements

The academic requirements differ depending on the level and course you wish to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements. The full guide on entry requirements for different levels of study includes the following:

• English language courses: Entry requirements differ amongst universities, according to the level of English language skills the course requires.
• Schools: Admission requirements differ depending on the state or territory.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET): In most situations, there are no entrance exams for VET schools. However, a student may have to study certain subjects or complete work experience to study some courses.
• Higher education undergraduate courses: You must have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have certain required subjects.
• Higher education postgraduate course: To undertake this, you must complete a degree program at the undergraduate level. Also, the university may consider your research ability or relevant work experience.

Visa requirements

The course you’re applying to will determine the type of student visa you need. Below are some of the usual requirements for a student visa:

• The students must get an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate.
• Applicants should meet the requirement for the Genuine Temporary Entrant.
• The students will also show evidence of sufficient funds for airfares, course fees, and living costs.
• The applicants must show proficiency in the English language.
• They must possess good health and character as well.
• Applicants must show evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover.

Check this out: Study in Australia: the Queensland University of Technology Tuition fees, Cost of Living, Courses & Ranking

How Much Will it Cost me to Study at Any Top University in Australia for International Students?

StudyMove.com reported that the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students was AU $30,840 (US $22,170) a year and AU $31,596 ( US $22,700) for international postgraduates. 

On the other hand, Study in Australia, which is the official government website for international students, reports that the annual tuition fees for international graduate students are:

• Master’s degree – AU$20,000 (US $14,400) to AU$37,000 (US $26,600).
• Doctoral degree – AU$ 14,000 (US $10,060) to AU$ 37,000 (US $26,600).

The calculation of the tuition fees at Australian universities is usually done per unit and not a year.

Australian National University (ANU), the best university in Australia, publishes official fee estimates. Here, the annual average cost of an international undergraduate degree ranges from AU $36,400 (US $26,150) for some Bachelor of Arts programs up to AU$43,680 (US $31,380) for Bachelor of Science or Medical Science programs.

Also, graduate degree programs at ANU cost from AU$36,480 (US $26,200) for a few master’s programs and reach up to AU$45,600 (US $32,760) yearly.

Ph.D. programs cost an annual tuition fee from AU$ $41,280 (US$29,650) upwards. However, a Doctorate of Medicine and Surgery degree at ANU costs AU$ 80,136 (US 57,800).

In 2018, the Student Services and Amenities Fee, which is a charge for services and amenities of a non-academic nature, cost up to AU$298 (~US$214).

You can also read: Full List Of Top Australian Universities With Rankings And Their Tuition Fees

How can I get into an Australian University as an International student?

There are several documents you may need, but they can differ from one university to another or from one country to another. So, ensure that you check admissions teams via university websites. Generally, you will surely need the following:

• An up-to-date passport
• Evidence of English language proficiency qualification (this is for students from a country where English is not the first language)
• Evidence of how you will be funding your studies

Australian universities operate like the UK system, where students select their courses before they start their studies. You can, however, apply to different disciplines at once or at different universities.

In addition, it is advised that you choose a course (or courses) you have a passion for because you may not be able to swap this easily the moment you arrive.

Some states have a limit to the number of universities a student can apply to. So, try to be selective about where you want to study.

You have several options on how you wish to apply to any university in Australia. You can apply directly through the university’s website, a local university, or through an external agent.

If you are from a country where English is not the first language, you must take an English language proficiency test. The most popular is the IELTS.

Similarly, you can take the test online through their website, but expect this to cost you around AU $300 (US $230).

After taking the exam and passing it, keep evidence of your test results because you will need them for your visa application.

Additionally

You will need to apply to universities directly. Kindly check the websites and speak with the admissions staff to understand their application process. In most cases, you may need to write a personal statement, application letter, personal details, TOEFL/IELTS, GPA, and SAT/ACT score.

The moment you gain admission, notify the university about your acceptance of the admission to ensure you get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter in time to apply for your visa.

Firstly, ensure that you have Australian-accepted health insurance covering your stay in the country. You can get it online.

Apply directly via the Australian immigration website. You will have to pay AU $550 (US $420) and disclose a lot of information about yourself and your academics.

The following evidence will be required for your visa application:

• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
• Current passport
• English language proficiency test results
• Financial proof* you can fund your studies (enough money to cover return airfare, tuition costs, and a total of AU$18,610 (US$14,300) per year)
• Australians accepted health insurance
• Criminal record verification results

Now that you have gotten your visa, you must prepare for the journey. It’s best if you arrive 90 days before your studies begin. So, start booking your flights or trains that will bring you to Australia.

Bear in mind that it isn’t over yet until the moment you arrive in Australia. This is because you will still need to make it through immigration. Endeavor to keep all documents on you for easy access when you are being checked after arrival.

Read carefully: Australia Student Visa: Step-by-Step Procedures in 2024

What are the best universities in Australia for a Master’s degree?

There are many world-class universities in Australia where you can acquire a master’s degree. This advanced degree will enable you to further your academic and professional qualifications.

The top universities in Australia where you can acquire a master’s degree include:

• The University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• The University of New South Wales
• RMIT University
• The University of Sydney
• Australian National University
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Adelaide
• The University of Western Australia
• University of South Australia
• The University of Technology Sydney
• The University of Newcastle

Read also and apply: 15 Australian Scholarships For International Students 2024

What are the best universities in Australia for an MBA?

Many MBA students like Australia’s warm and sunny climate and its strong economy. Australia’s proximity to Asia and its close business ties make it a compelling choice for those looking to stick around Australia after an MBA.

The country’s financial powerhouse Sydney offers many job opportunities in finance and consulting. At the same time, the other major cities – Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide are nice places for newcomers looking to study and do business.

Below are the best universities in Australia for MBA programs:

• MGSM Macquarie Graduate School of Management
• Melbourne Business School (MBS)
• University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)
• The University of Sydney
• University of Adelaide – Adelaide Graduate School of Business (AGSB)
• The University of South Australia (UniSA) – Business School
• University of Queensland – UQ Business School
• Bond University
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Brisbane Graduate School of Business (BGSB)
• Griffith University – Griffith Business School

The Best Universities in Australia for International Students in 2024

The World Scholarship Forum has put together a list of the top universities in Australia that offer associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, master, and doctoral degrees for you.

The selection of the best colleges in Australia was made based on the number of programs, our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial reviews.

So, based on these criteria, here is a list of the best universities in Australia for international students in 2024:

• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide
• The University of Western Australia
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra
• The University of Technology Sydney
• Griffith University
• James Cook University
• Macquarie University
• University of Wollongong

#1. Australian National University

This is a national research university in Canberra, the capital of Australia, that was founded in 1946 by the Parliament of Australia. Its main campus in Acton encompasses seven teaching and research colleges.

The Australian National University has several partnerships with international universities such as Yale University, the University of Oxford, ETH Zurich, and the National University of Singapore. 

Address: Canberra ACT 0200, Australia

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#2. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a public research university in Melbourne, Australia, that was founded in 1853. This institution is the second oldest university in Australia.

It has an enrollment of 47,000 students, 6,500 members of staff, and 280,000 alumni around the world (about 15 percent of whom live outside Australia). Additionally, more than 12,000 international students are enrolled at the University of Melbourne.

Additionally, this school is a leading research university, with research expenditure second only to that of the CSIRO. The researchers at this institution are at the forefront of international scholarship in fields like human rights law, climate change, telecommunications, and medical research.

The University of Melbourne is home to Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty and Laureate Professor, Professor Peter Singer. 

Address: Parkville VIC 3010, Australia

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#3. The University of Sydney

This is the first university in Australia. The University of Sydney is a public research university in Sydney, Australia, that was founded in 1850. Also, it has more than 70,000 students, 7500 staff, and 350,000 alumni members.

The University of Sydney has invested more than $1.5 billion in multidisciplinary initiatives in the last decade to enable its academic staff to improve the lives of people in Australia and around the world

Address: Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia

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#4. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is a public research university based in Brisbane, Queensland. UQ, which is amongst the best universities in Australia for international students, was founded in 1909 by the state parliament. Also, it is the fifth oldest university in the country.

This university has been awarded 27 Australian Laureate Fellowships and 11 ARC Centres of Excellence since its inception (the most awarded to any Australian university).

Address: St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia

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Read also: Most Affordable Medical Universities in Australia for International Students

#5. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales is a public research university in Sydney. UNSW recorded the highest average ATAR of any university in NSW and attracted the highest number of top 500 students from the state.

This institution offers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.

Address: Sydney NSW 2052, Australia

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#6. Monash University

This is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia, that was founded in 1958. It is the second oldest university in the State of Victoria. Monash was named after prominent World War I general Sir John Monash.

The university has several campuses, four of which are in Victoria and one in Malaysia.

Notable alumni of Monash university include musician (Nick Cave), Booker Prize-winning novelist (Peter Carey), and playwright (David Williamson).

Address: Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia

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#7. University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia founded in 1874. This institution is the third-oldest university in Australia.

Adelaide has an enrollment of 25,000 students, of which about 30 percent of the population are international students from over 100 countries. This school has four campuses in South Australia, and degree programs are also offered in Singapore through its partnership with the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre.

Some of the prestigious alumni of the school include five Nobel laureates and 110 Rhodes scholars. They include the first female Prime Minister of Australia (Julia Gillard) and Robin Warren, who co-discovered the link between the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and peptic ulcers.

Address: Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia

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#8. The University of Western Australia

This is a public research university in Western Australia. The school’s main campus is in Perth, with a secondary campus in Albany.

UWA, which is amongst the best colleges in Australia, has nine divisions: Architecture, Visual Arts, Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, and Science.

Some notable alumni are Australian Prime Minister (Bob Hawke), comedian Tim Minchin and Nobel Prize winner Barry Marshall.

Address: 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia

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#9. Queensland University of Technology

The Queensland University of Technology is a public university in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. QUT is located on two campuses in the Brisbane area: Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove. 

QUT, which is one of the best universities in Australia for international students, has an enrollment of around 50,000 students plus about 9000 international students from more than 120 countries.

On the other hand, this institution offers hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that include extensive research programs. The majors offered here include:

• Building and planning
• Business
• Creative practice, communication, and design
• Education
• Engineering
• Health and Community
• Information technology
• Languages, including English language pathway programs 
• Law and Justice
• Science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM)

Some notable alumni of QUT are NASA astrobiologist and Co-leader for the Mars 2024 Rover Mission, Dr. Abigail Allwood, and Tashi Chhozom, the first woman to be appointed Justice of the Supreme Court in Bhutan.

Address: 2 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

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#10. University of Canberra

The University of Canberra is a public university in Bruce, Canberra, Australia.

Canberra university, which is one of the best universities in Australia for international students, has high academic standards. These high academic standards make it possible for students in most disciplines to enjoy hands-on work experience well before they graduate. 

Students here are always in demand by employers across Australia and around the world. Over 60,000 graduates from Canberra occupy senior positions in the professions, corporate world, and government service in Australia and other countries.

Address: 11 Kirinari St, Bruce ACT 2617, Australia

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Read also: Work-Study: Tips on How to Work and Study in Australia

#11. The University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney is a public research university in Sydney, Australia. Although its origins trace back to the 1870s, the university was founded in its current form in 1988.

UTS, which is amongst the top universities in Australia, is part of the Australian Technology Network of universities. Well, this is a group of five outstanding universities committed to working with industry and government to deliver practical and professional courses.

The tuition fee at the University of Sydney is between 36,000 and 57,000 AUD/per year.

Address: 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia

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#12. Griffith University

Griffith University is a non-private research university in South East Queensland, Australia. Initially established in 1971, it opened its doors in 1975. Griffith University introduced Australia’s first degrees in Environmental Science and Asian studies.

Academics at Griffith is structured across four academic groups, with several courses within each group. Therefore, these groups include Arts, Education, Law, Business, and Health Science. There are about 200 degrees available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels at Griffith University.

Address: Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, QLD 4222, Australia

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#13. James Cook University

This is a public research university in North Queensland, Australia. The university has its main campuses in the tropical cities of Cairns and Townsville and one in Singapore.

JCU has an enrollment of more than 18,000, including over 5000 international students from 100 countries. James Cook University offers over 300 programs to international students.

The undergraduate tuition fee at JCU is 16,872 AUD. On the other hand, the undergraduate study abroad fee is AUD 12,900 per semester. Also, the postgraduate study abroad fee is AUD 14,450 per semester.

Address: 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas QLD 4814, Australia

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#14. Macquarie University

This is a public research university in Sydney, Australia, that was established in 1964 by the New South Wales Government. This school is considered one of the best universities in Australia, producing graduates among the most sought-after experts in the world.

Macquarie University brings together 40,000 students in one exciting hub of discovery. More than AU$1 billion has recently been invested in the school’s facilities and infrastructure.

Some world-class faculties here include Engineering & Technology, Social Sciences, Law, Education, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences, Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health, and Physical Sciences.

The undergraduate tuition fee at Macquarie University is AU$16,000.  

Address: Balaclava Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2109, Australia

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#15. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong is a public research university in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. This institution which is amongst the best colleges in Australia, is approximately 80 kilometers south of Sydney.

In 2017, UOW had an enrolment of more than 32,000 students, with over 12,800 international students coming from 134 countries. Also, it has an alumni base of over 131,859 and more than 2,400 staff members.

On the other hand, this school currently offers over three hundred-degree programs across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to over 32,000 students worldwide.

The undergraduate tuition fees at UOW start at 18,800 AUD/year. 

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FAQs on the Best Universities in Australia for International Students in the 2024 rankings

Conclusion

Many international students choose to study in the best colleges in Australia because of cultural diversity, friendly natives, and high-quality education.

Australia also offers excellent value for money and a standard of living that is among the world’s highest. Meanwhile, Australia’s standard of living and tuition costs are considerably lower than in the UK and the USA. The other advantages for Australia in the Asia-Pacific Rim include paid internships while studying.

References

• List of Top Universities & Colleges in Australia – Ranking
• Top 10 Best Universities in Australia
• Study Abroad in Australia | Living and Studying in Australia

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• Study in Australia: the Queensland University of Technology Tuition fees, Cost of Living, Courses & Ranking

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