Top Universities in Australia according to QS World University Rankings 2026 include University of Melbourne (19), UNSW Sydney (20), and University of Sydney (=25). These universities are known for research, global partnerships, and high graduate employability.
Studying in Australia delivers strong value for international students. With a post-study work visa valid for up to 4 years, graduates can gain global experience and earn competitive salaries—AUD 122,698 in Engineering, AUD 116,037 in Finance, and AUD 103,143 in Healthcare. Universities also provide robust career support and internship options to help students transition into the workforce.
Generous scholarships further reduce costs. Awards like the Monash International Leadership Scholarship and the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship cover up to 100% of tuition fees for top-performing students.
Each year, over 600,000 international students choose Australia for its high academic standards, strong job prospects, and safe, vibrant lifestyle.
Read: Study in Australia
Why Study in Australia?
- 6 universities in QS Top 50 (2026) — University of Melbourne (#19), UNSW (#20), Sydney (#25), ANU (#32), Monash (#36), Queensland (#42)
- 600,000+ international students from 190+ countries
- Post-study work visa: 2–4 years depending on course and location
- Average graduate salaries:
- Engineering – AUD 122,698
- Finance – AUD 116,037
- Healthcare – AUD 103,143
- Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane are among the best student cities in Australia
- Strong industry links, internships, and global job opportunities
Top Universities in Australia
Australia has 7 universities in the global top 100 and over 15 in the top 250, according to QS World University Rankings 2026. Institutions like the University of Melbourne (Rank 19), UNSW Sydney (Rank 20), and University of Sydney (=25) lead in academic reputation, research, and global employability. Here’s the list of top-ranked universities in Australia:
| QS Rank 2026 | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | The University of Melbourne | Parkville, Melbourne |
| 20 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Sydney |
| =25 | The University of Sydney | Sydney |
| =32 | Australian National University (ANU) | Canberra |
| =36 | Monash University | Melbourne |
| =42 | The University of Queensland | Brisbane City |
| 77 | The University of Western Australia | Perth |
| =82 | The University of Adelaide | Adelaide |
| 96 | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Haymarket, Sydney |
| 125 | RMIT University | Melbourne |
| =138 | Macquarie University | Sydney |
| 183 | Curtin University | Perth |
| =184 | University of Wollongong | Wollongong |
| =207 | Deakin University | Burwood, Melbourne |
| 226 | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Brisbane |
Check Out: Top Universities in Australia
Top Universities in Australia for MS
Top Universities in Australia provide various MS programs in emerging fields like data science, cybersecurity, engineering management, and agricultural science. With globally ranked institutions and high employability rates, many international students prefer the best universities in Australia for MS.
According to QS Rankings 2026, universities like the University of Melbourne (Rank 19), UNSW Sydney (Rank 20), and University of Sydney (=25) are among the top universities for masters in Australia. Tuition fees typically range between A$44,000 and A$58,000 per year, depending on the course and institution. Here's a breakdown of top programs and fees at the Australia top universities for MS:
Admission Requirements for MS in Australia
If you're planning to apply to the top universities for masters in Australia, here are the general eligibility criteria based on top-ranked institutions:
- English Language Proficiency
- IELTS: 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 79–93
- PTE: 58–65
- Academic Qualifications
- A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (typically with 60–70% marks or equivalent GPA).
- Standardized Tests
- GRE is not mandatory for most programs, though some (like Macquarie University) accept scores around GRE 304+.
- Course Duration
- Programs are typically 18 to 24 months in length, depending on the university and specialization.
Also Check: MS in Australia
Top Universities in Australia for MBA
Top Universities in Australia for MBA offers internationally accredited programs and strong post-MBA career outcomes. The top business schools in Australia provide both-a fast-paced 1-year MBA and a comprehensive 2-year program,
These programs are hosted by universities that consistently rank among the top B-schools in Australia.
Top MBA Programs in Australia:
| University | Program | MBA Duration | Fee (AUD/year) | Fee (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | MBA | 2 years | 56,250 | ?32.01L |
| Monash University | MBA | 2 years | 76,900 | ?43.76L |
| University of Sydney | MBA | 18 months | 57,200 | ?32.55L |
| Australian National University (ANU) | MBA | 18 months | 53,700 | ?30.56L |
| University of Queensland | MBA | 18 months | 76,780 | ?43.70L |
| UNSW Sydney | MBA | 1 year | 88,000 | ?50.08L |
| University of Adelaide | MBA | 18 months | 49,900 | ?28.40L |
| University of Western Australia | MBA | 2 years | 60,800 | ?34.60L |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | MBA | 2 years | 50,016 | ?28.46L |
| Macquarie University | MBA | 2 years | 46,500 | ?26.46L |
Admission Requirements for MBA in Australia
Admission criteria across the top B-schools in Australia generally include:
- Academic Qualification
- A recognized bachelor’s degree in any field.
- GMAT Score
- Required or recommended at several institutions, typically in the 550–600 range.
- English Language Proficiency
- IELTS: 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 79–102
- PTE: 58–72
- Work Experience
- Preferred for most programs, with 2–5 years being common.
- Program Duration
- MBA courses range from 1 year (UNSW) to 2 years (Melbourne, Monash, Macquarie), with some offering 18-month formats.
Explore: MBA in Australia
Top Universities in Australia for Undergraduate Degrees
Australia is home to some of the top universities in the world offering globally recognized undergraduate programs across STEM, business, and life sciences. International students benefit from world-class research facilities, a multicultural environment, and strong post-study work opportunities.
Universities like the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Sydney consistently feature among the top universities in Australia and attract students from 150+ countries. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs typically range from A$44,000 to A$79,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
| University Name | Program Name | Duration | Fee (AUD/year) | Fee (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | B.S Data Science B.S Computing and Software System B.S Mechanical Engineering systems | 3 years | 49,188 57,928 57,928 | 27.99L 33L 33L |
| Monash University | B.S B.S Biomedical Science B.S Mathematics | 4 years | 53,400 49,800 50,400 | 30.39L 28.3L 28.7 |
| University of Sydney | B.S Mathematical Science Bachelor of Sciences [B.S] Business Analytics Bachelor of Science [B.S] Psychology | 4 years 3 years 3 years | 57,700 53,500 57,700 | 32.84L 30.4L 32.8 L |
| Australian National University | B.S Biotechnology B.S Psychology[B.S] | 3 years 4 years3 years | 50,760 50,76050,760 | 28.89L 28.89L28.89L |
| University of Queensland | B.S Veterinary Science B.S Biotechnology B.S Psychology | 5 years 3 years 3 years | 79,104 53,760 50,560 | 45.02L 30.6L 28.8L |
Top Universities in Australia: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
While each university may have specific criteria, the general admission requirements across the best universities in Australia for UG include:
- Academic Qualifications: High school certificate with competitive grades (equivalent to Australian Year 12).
- English Language Proficiency (minimum scores required):
- IELTS: 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 79–100
- PTE: 58–72
- Standardized Tests (where applicable):
- SAT: ~1130 for UNSW (some programs only)
Most programs do not require an SAT/ACT unless specified. STEM and business courses may also have prerequisite subjects like Math, Physics, or Chemistry.
Top Universities in Australia Scholarships
Australia offers several prestigious scholarships to help international students study at the top universities in Australia. These scholarships cover partial to full tuition fees and are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, or commitment to regional education. Whether you’re applying to the best colleges in Australia for undergraduate studies or looking to reduce your costs at Australia top universities for MS, these scholarships can significantly ease financial burdens.
Top Scholarships at Best Universities in Australia:
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Benefit | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monash International Leadership Scholarship | Monash University | 100% tuition fee waiver | GPA ? 3.5/4.0, academic excellence |
| Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship | University of Melbourne | Up to 100% fee remission | 90%+ in prior qualifications |
| UQ International Excellence Scholarship | University of Queensland | 25% tuition fee reduction | GPA ? 6.75/7.0 or equivalent |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australian Government | Full tuition, living allowance, airfare | Age ?18, meet admission criteria, return to India 2 yrs |
| Destination Australia Scholarship | Regional Universities | Up to A$15,000 per year | Valid student visa, must live/study in regional area |
Note: Always refer to the university or government websites for the latest deadlines and application procedures.
Also Read: Scholarship in Australia for Indian Students
Job Salaries in Australia
Graduates from top universities in Australia can expect strong salary outcomes across various fields. Here's a breakdown of average annual salaries based on industry data:
Read More: Jobs in Australia for Indians
Australia is home to some of the top universities in the world, including the University of Melbourne (QS Rank 19), UNSW Sydney (Rank 20), and Monash (Rank 36). With top programs in MS, MBA, and business, plus scholarships covering up to 100% tuition, it's one of the top choice for international students.
FAQs
Ques: Which are the top universities in Australia for MS?
Ans: The University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, ANU, and Monash University are among the best for MS programs.
Ques: What are the best MBA colleges in Australia?
Ans: Melbourne Business School, AGSM at UNSW, and Monash Business School are top-ranked MBA colleges.
Ques: Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Ans: Yes, scholarships like Australia Awards, Monash Leadership, and UQ Excellence offer up to full tuition waivers.
Ques: What are the top universities in Australia by QS 2026?
Ans: Top five are University of Melbourne (19), UNSW (20), University of Sydney (=25), ANU (=32), Monash (=36).
Ques: Can I get a scholarship to study in regional Australia?
Ans: Yes, the Destination Australia Scholarship offers up to AUD 15,000/year for students in regional universities.
Found 3 universities
| Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  University of Melbourne, MelbourneVictoria, Australia70%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $35.1K/Yr (A$53,984/Yr)Living: $15.7K/Yr (A$24,192/Yr)Admission | M.S HorticultureTOEFL79PTE64$35.1K/Yr A$53,984 Course duration: 2 years Programs | |
| #2 |  TAFE Queensland, South BankQueensland, Australia87%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $5.1K/Yr (A$7,800/Yr)Admission | Certificate HorticultureIELTS5.5$5.1K/Yr A$7,800 Course duration: 6 months Programs | |
| #3 |  TAFE NSW, SydneyNew South Wales, Australia79%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $17.3K/Yr (A$26,540/Yr)Admission | Diploma HorticultureIELTS5.5PTE42$17.3K/Yr A$26,540 Course duration: 1 year 1 More Program |
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