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Top 10 Universities in Australia​ for International Students in 2026

Eight of the top 10 universities in Australia​ for international students in 2026 are also featured in the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). Get your complete list of 10 here.

Last updated21st Apr 2026
13 mins read
27.0K views
Nidhi Mehrotra
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra

Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | Senior Manager

One of the most popular study destinations, Australia boasts over 800,000 international students as of early 2026. The country has become increasingly popular among the top destinations like the USA, the UK, and Canada, prompting the government to cap new international student commencements at 295,000 for 2026 and onwards to manage growth and address housing pressures.

The top universities in Australia for international students are becoming well-known throughout the world for offering outstanding education and a first-rate support network. A culturally diverse country, Australia values heritage while embracing modern educational opportunities and advancement.

A fusion of many cultures and outstanding academic and teaching standards drives the decision to study in Australia among international students. Let us explore the top 10 universities in Australia, their rankings, tuition fees, scholarships, entrance exams required, international student ratio, estimated alumni, graduate vs undergraduate ratio, and more.

10 Best Australian Universities for International Students in 2026

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, nine out of the top 10 universities in Australia rank amongst the top 100 global universities. Known for offering cutting-edge research opportunities, a fusion of many cultures, industrial exposure via internship opportunities, and outstanding academic and teaching standards, the 10 best Australia​n universities are listed below:

University NameQS World University Rankings 2026THE World University Rankings 2026
The University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
#19#37
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Sydney, Australia
#20#79
The University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia
#25#53
Australian National University (ANU)
Canberra, Australia
#32#73
Monash University
Melbourne, Australia
#36#58
The University of Queensland
Brisbane City, Australia
#42#80
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia
#77#153
Adelaide University
Adelaide, Australia
#82#133
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney, Australia
#96#145
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)
Melbourne, Australia
#125#251-300

These top 10 universities in Australia consistently rank among the best globally and are highly popular study destinations for international students. While the international student tuition fees vary for each of these universities, the government of Australia has fixed the amount of living expenses, which must be shown at the time of visa filing. Keep reading to find out what to look for when choosing to study at one of these Australian universities.

Are you ready to study at one of these universities in the upcoming intakes in Australia? Register with AECC, share your preferences, and let our experts shortlist the best courses and universities for your profile.

University of Melbourne (UniMelb)

The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) is a publicly funded research institution that is one of the best universities in Australia, preferred by international students. Consistently ranked first in Australia for academic and employer reputation, it is a flagship institution for both research and postgraduate studies. UniMelb is also a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8).

University of Melbourne 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1853
Total StudentsOver 53,000 active students
International StudentsAround 45% of the student population are international students from over 150 nationalities
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio50:50
AlumniBoasts over 500,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedAccepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, GMAT, and GRE for various courses
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $35,000 - $65,000+ annually
ScholarshipsMelbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, Melbourne Global Graduate Scholarship, Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS), and Bachelor of Arts International Scholarship
Websitewww.unimelb.edu.au

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Located in Sydney, UNSW is a globally recognised, research-intensive powerhouse and a core member of Australia's prestigious Go8. It is particularly noted for its excellence in Engineering, Technology, and Business programmes, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia​ for producing the world's most employable graduates, easily landing one of the highest-paying jobs in Australia.

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1949
Total StudentsOver 70,000 active students
International StudentsApproximately 36% of the student population is international
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio57% Undergraduate | 43% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 370,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 - 7.0 bands overall)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $39,000 - $55,000+ annually
ScholarshipsUNSW International Student Award, UNSW Scientia Scholarship, UNSW Global Academic Award, AGSM Global Reach Scholarship (for MBA), and Future of Change Scholarships
Websitewww.unsw.edu.au

University of Sydney

Also, a member of Go8, the University of Sydney is home to one of the largest international student cohorts in Australia, with overseas students making up one of the highest proportions of its total enrolment. As one of the best universities, it enrols a large number of South Asian students each year from several countries, including China, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, and more.

There is a total of 450 courses, including 179 undergraduate courses, 450 postgraduate courses, and 32 research courses, approximately. Like the other institutions, the University of Sydney also allows its international students to work part-time jobs in Australia.

University of Sydney 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1850
Total StudentsOver 70,000 active students
International StudentsAround 51% of the student population is international
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio57% Undergraduate | 43% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 400,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 - 7.5 bands overall)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $49,000 – $65,000+ annually
ScholarshipsVice-Chancellor's International Scholarship Scheme, University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (USydIS)
Websitewww.sydney.edu.au

Did you know that the Australian government has tightened visa rules for Indian and Nepalese students? Visit Australia Visa Success Rate for Nepalese Students 2025–2026 to refer to the latest Student Visa trends and their impact in Nepal.

Australian National University (ANU)

Listed among the Go8 and the top 10 universities in Australia is the Australian National University, a research powerhouse, which is highly regarded for its staff-to-student ratio. Its location in the nation's capital, Canberra, is considered safe and high-quality for student life. Students at UWA enjoy a riverside campus often cited as Australia's most beautiful. The total employment rate of ANU graduates is high, giving it the reputation for producing Australia's most employable graduates.

Australian National University (ANU) 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1946
Total StudentsOver 26,000 active students
International StudentsApproximately 40% of the total student population is international
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio58% Undergraduate | 42% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 129,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedIELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, GRE
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $37,000 – $53,700 annually
ScholarshipsANU Chancellor's International Scholarship (25% or 50% tuition waiver), ANU PhD Scholarship, Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship
Websitewww.anu.edu.au

Wondering if you have what it takes to study at one of these Australian universities? Is your Genuine Student (GS) Statement ready for the visa application? Register with us and let our experts guide you at every step of your study abroad journey.

Monash University

Named after Australian military officer and engineer Sir John Monash, the university is renowned for being the largest and one of the best universities in Australia. Situated in the southeast Australian state of Victoria, it is a global powerhouse for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering. Also featured as one of the Go8, the university is renowned for both its active campus community and solid academic standing. It has several clubs, groups, and activities for students of all interests.

Monash University 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1958
Total StudentsOver 85,000 active students
International StudentsAround 37% of the student population is international, from over 100 nationalities
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio71% Undergraduate | 29% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 470,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 bands with no less than 6.0 bands)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $33,000 – $50,000+ annually
ScholarshipsMonash International Leadership Scholarship (100% tuition fee waiver), Monash International Merit Scholarship (up to $50,000), Monash Graduate Scholarship (for research)
Websitewww.monash.edu

University of Queensland (UQ)

Ranked among the top five teaching and research universities and also the Go8, the University of Queensland is recognised globally for its world-class research, particularly in Biotechnology, Medicine, and Engineering. UQ’s campuses feature a variety of events, performances, festivals, and facilities, including clubs, groups, art, and museums.

More than 200 clubs and societies can be found on the UQ campus. Around 2.43 million book titles and 178,000 journal titles in the on-campus library contribute to UQ’s being one of the top universities in Australia.

University of Queensland 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1909
Total StudentsOver 55,000 active students
International StudentsApproximately 39% of the student population is international, with students from over 140 countries
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio64% Undergraduate | 36% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 350,000 graduates worldwide, including two Nobel Laureates
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 - 7.0 bands overall), GMAT
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $35,000 – $50,000+ annually
ScholarshipsUQ International Excellence Scholarship (25% tuition reduction), UQ International High Achievers Award (20% tuition reduction), Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Websitewww.uq.edu.au

University of Western Australia (UWA)

As a member of the Go8, the University of Western Australia is internationally recognised for its strengths in Mining Engineering, Marine Science, Agriculture, and Earth Sciences. As one of the best universities in Australia, UWA is also known for producing the state's most employable graduates. Its main campus, located on the Swan River in Perth, is consistently regarded as one of Australia's most beautiful.

University of Western Australia 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1911
Total StudentsOver 28,000 active students
International StudentsApproximately 29% - 30% of the student population (over 8,000 students)
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio63% Undergraduate | 37% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 150,000 graduates worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 - 7.5 bands overall)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $35,000 - $45,000+ annually
ScholarshipsUWA Global Excellence Scholarship (up to AU $48,000 off tuition), UWA International Student Award, UWA International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (fully funded)
Websitewww.uwa.edu.au

Explore courses in your field of study at the University of Western Australia or other easy-to-target Australian universities. Take the first step to make your dream of studying in Australia come true.

Adelaide University

Australia's first purpose-built, high-technology institution, Adelaide University formed by the recent merger of two of the top public universities in Australia, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. Also listed in the Go8, it has quickly joined the ranks of the world's top institutions, securing a spot in the QS Top 100 and the top 10 universities in Australia.

Located in Adelaide, a comparatively more affordable capital city, Adelaide University is renowned for its strengths in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Wine/Food Science, and globally recognised for offering the regional benefits of studying at one of the universities in Adelaide to international graduates.

Adelaide University 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1874
Total StudentsOver 70,000 active students
International StudentsNearly 30% of the student population
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio68% Undergraduate | 32% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 400,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedIELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, GMAT
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $41,000 - $53,000+ annually
ScholarshipsAdelaide Global Excellence Scholarship, Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship, Adelaide Graduate Research Scholarship (for PhD/Master's by Research)
Websitewww.adelaideuni.edu.au

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

As one of the 10 best Australian universities, UTS is a dynamic, globally focused public university known for its practical, career-oriented education. It excels in Technology, Engineering, and Design, and is consistently ranked as the top young university in Australia and among the top 100 globally.

Located in Sydney's creative and digital hub, UTS has a strong focus on industry partnerships and is prized for its high graduate employment outcomes. International graduates of UTS easily find placements in the in-demand job sectors of Australia.

University of Technology Sydney 2026 Details
Year of Establishment1988
Total StudentsOver 51,000 active students
International StudentsApproximately 32% -35% of the student population (or over 13,800 students)
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio69% Undergraduate | 31% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 295,000 alumni worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 - 7.0 bands overall)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $37,000 – $48,000+ annually
ScholarshipsUTS International Scholarship (up to 25% tuition fee waiver), Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Award, Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
Websitewww.uts.edu.au

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)

A public university, RMIT is a global leader in Design, Technology, and Vocational Education (VET). Amongst the top universities in Australia, it is highly respected for its practical, work-integrated learning model and its close ties to industry. The institution has a significant global presence with campuses in Vietnam and a large cohort of both VET and Higher Education students.

RMIT University Details
Year of Establishment1887
Total StudentsOver 99,000 active students
International StudentsNearly 23% or over 28,000 total international students (including onshore and offshore campuses)
Undergraduate | Graduate Ratio69% Undergraduate | 31% Postgraduate
AlumniBoasts over 450,000 graduates worldwide
Exams AcceptedPTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (6.5 bands overall)
Estimated Tuition FeesAU $30,000 – $43,000+ annually
ScholarshipsRMIT International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RITFS), RMIT Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarship (VCPS), RMIT Research Stipend Scholarships
Websitewww.rmit.edu.au

Benefits of Studying at the Top Australian Universities

Whether private or public, Australian universities offer numerous benefits to international students who aspire to study, work, or migrate to the country.

PR Benefits in Australia

International students can take advantage of these extensive and varied programme offerings. Some Australian courses may lead to a PR in the long run. Additionally, studying in the regional areas of Australia provides an extra year of stay-back, adding to points calculation on the PR visa status. These regions include:

AdelaideCanberraGeelong
Gold CoastHobartNewcastle
PerthSunshine CoastWollongong

Employment Opportunities

Australian universities have solid industry ties, which allow students to not only avail themselves of excellent global employment on a post-study Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) but also get exposure through internships and industrial training while studying.

Even on the Subclass 500 Student Visa, international students have the opportunity to work on on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs and earn decent pocket money, with fixed national minimum wages and working hours in Australia.

Scholarship Opportunities

The overall cost of studying in Australia can be managed with the help of several scholarships. The government of Australia, several private organisations, and many of its universities, including these 10 best universities in Australia, provide numerous scholarships and financial aid options to international students to attract a global student population and make education affordable for them. These awards may cover anything from tuition fees to living expenses in Australia and more in the form of a stipend.

Discover your pathway to success and take the first step towards a world-class education. Connect with AECC experts today to learn more about studying at the top universities in Australia. Let our experts guide you through the end-to-end application process from shortlisting universities to visa application and flying to your Australian accommodation.

Top 10 Universities in Australia​ FAQs

Nidhi Mehrotra
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra

Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | Senior Manager

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With 18 years of dedicated experience in the study abroad industry, Nidhi Mehrotra is one of the most trusted and knowledgeable experts for students planning to study in Australia and New Zealand.

What truly sets Nidhi apart is her official certification as a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC). This qualification is a seal of approval, ensuring that students receive the highest quality, most ethical advice for their Australian education journey. She has further deepened her expertise through specialised training, including a "Study Australia Work Readiness Course" and an "International Student Recruitment Partners Workshop" with Western Sydney University.

Nidhi's career has been built at industry-leading companies like AECC and IDP Education Ltd. In her current role as Senior Manager for Client Relations and Training (Australia and New Zealand) at AECC, she not only guides students but also trains other counsellors, ensuring the entire team operates with the same high standard of excellence.

Nidhi can help you with

  • Navigating the Australian/NZ System with a Certified Pro: Get advice from a QEAC-qualified expert to ensure your application is accurate, ethical, and has the best chance of success.
  • Choosing the Right University: Use her 18 years of experience to find the perfect course and university in Australia or New Zealand that fits your career goals.
  • Simplifying the Visa Process: Receive clear guidance on visa applications and documentation, a skill she has honed over many years.
  • Planning for Life After Graduation: Benefit from her specialized training in post-study work readiness in Australia to understand your career options.

When you read an article by Nidhi, you are getting advice from a certified, highly experienced professional who is dedicated to making your study abroad journey a success. 

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