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10 Best Universities in Australia​ for International Students

Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying at a university in Australia into reality.

Last updated17th Oct 2025
12 mins read
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Nidhi Mehrotra
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra

Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | Senior Manager

One of the most popular study abroad destinations, Australia boasts over 800,000 international students, including 139,000 Indian students as of 2025. The country has become increasingly popular lately, prompting the government to cap new international student commencements at 270,000 for 2025 to manage growth and address housing pressures.

The best universities in Australia are becoming well-known throughout the world for offering outstanding education and a first-rate support network to international students. 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 10 best universities in Australia.

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Top 10 Universities in Australia for International Students

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, nine out of the top 10 Australian universities in the world rank amongst the top 100 overall. Known for offering cutting-edge research opportunities, a fusion of many cultures, and outstanding academic and teaching standards, the best universities in Australia​ 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#176
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, including those from India.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne 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.

University of Melbourne 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 (India), Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS), and Bachelor of Arts International Scholarship
Websitewww.unimelb.edu.au
Student Club / SocietyThe Indian Graduate Students Society (IGSS) focuses on social, cultural, professional, and transitional support for Indian graduate students

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 Group of Eight (Go8). It is particularly noted for its excellence in Engineering, Technology, and Business programmes, and is consistently ranked among the best universities in Australia​ for producing the world's most employable graduates.

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) 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
Student Club / SocietyArc - UNSW Student Life oversees over 330 clubs and societies, including the UNSW Indian Society and the UNSW India Future Change Scholarship

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is home to one of the largest international student cohorts in Australia, and recently reported that overseas students made 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 are a total of 450 courses, including 179 undergraduate courses, 450 postgraduate courses, and 32 research courses, approximately.

University of Sydney 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, Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program, University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (USydIS)
Websitewww.sydney.edu.au
Student Club / SocietyEkansh Indian Cultural Society (a major club for Indian culture and community), South Asian Business Society, plus over 250 other clubs managed by the University of Sydney Union (USU)

Australian National University (ANU)

Among the 10 best universities in Australia, the Australian National University is a research powerhouse, 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. The total employment rate of ANU graduates is high, giving it the reputation for producing Australia's most employable graduates.

Australian National University (ANU) 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
Student Club / SocietyIndian Students' Association, Ekta (South Asian Students' Society), and over 110 clubs run through the ANU Students' Association (ANUSA)

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. 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 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
Student Club / SocietyMonash Indian Cultural Society (MICS) and Monash Multicultural Indian Club (MMIC), part of over 100 student clubs

University of Queensland (UQ)

Ranked among the top five teaching and research universities, the University of Queensland is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8). It 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 best universities in Australia.

University of Queensland 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
Student Club / SocietyUQ Indian Student Club (UQISC) (One of the largest cultural clubs in Queensland), UQ International Students' Society (UQISS), plus over 220 UQ Union-affiliated clubs

University of Western Australia (UWA)

As a member of the Group of Eight (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 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 $48,000 off tuition), UWA International Student Award, UWA International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (fully funded)
Websitewww.uwa.edu.au
Student Club / SocietyDESI Student Society (catering to the subcontinent's youth), Sanskriti - Association for Indian Culture and Student Support, and the UWA Student Guild, which manages over 100 clubs

Adelaide University

Australia's first purpose-built, high-technology institution, Adelaide University formed by the recent merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It has quickly joined the ranks of the world's top institutions, securing a spot in the QS Top 100 and the 10 best universities in Australia. Located in Adelaide, a comparatively more affordable capital city, it is renowned for its strengths in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Wine/Food Science.

Adelaide University 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
Student Club / SocietyAdelaide University Indian Students' Association, plus over 120 clubs covering academic, cultural, and sports interests

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

As one of the 10 best universities in Australia, 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.

University of Technology Sydney 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
Student Club / SocietyUTS Indian Society, UTS Hindu Society, and over 180 clubs and associations managed by the UTS Students' Association

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)

A public university, RMIT is a global leader in Design, Technology, and Vocational Education (VET). Amongst the 10 best 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
Student Club / SocietyRMIT Indian Club, RMIT Student Union (RUSU) manages a wide array of over 100 cultural, academic, and social clubs

There are numerous benefits of studying in Australia, especially when it comes to exploring post-study work opportunities. Even on the Australian student visa, international students can work part-time and gain industrial exposure. Besides this, the 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 and more in the form of a stipend.

Students, particularly those from India, can take advantage of their extensive scholarship options and varied programme offerings. Additionally, all the best universities in Australia have solid industry ties, which give students excellent employment opportunities. So, without a doubt, studying in Australia would be worth it. Check out the Australian entrance exams required to study in the upcoming intakes of Australia.

Discover your pathway to success! Connect with AECC experts today to learn more about studying at the top 10 universities in Australia and take the first step towards a world-class education.

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10 Best Universities in Australia​ for Indian Students 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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