Best universities in Australia 2026

The application dates for February 2026 in most Australian universities have recently started. 

But if you’re still deciding on which university to study, this guide might help you.

We have combined the data from QS and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 to give you the list of the best universities in Australia.

These universities are ranked according to factors like their research and teaching quality, the rate of employment among their graduates, and their popularity among international staff and students. 

We know that all of these are important decision-making factors for international students like you, so this guide will be a great help in weighing down your choices. 

But first, if you’re interested in how these factors are calculated, below is a simple overview.

How do the rankings work for Times? 

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings measure how well universities perform in five main areas. Each area has a different weight:

1. Teaching  (29.5%) - Looks at how well a university supports learning. This includes the learning environment, class sizes, and the reputation of its teaching. 

2. Research (29%) - Measures how much research a university produces and how strong its research reputation is among academics.

3. Research quality  (30%) - Checks how often a university’s research is used or cited by others.

4. International outlook (7.5%) - Looks at how global the university community is, including the number of international students, staff, and research collaborations.

5. Industry work (4%) - Measures how well a university works with companies and industries, such as through research projects or patents.

After combining all the scores, THE ranks 2,191 institutions from 115 countries from highest to lowest. This helps students compare universities and see which ones perform best in learning, research, and global connections.

How do the rankings work for QS? 

The ranking factors are almost similar to Times Higher Education, with research having the highest weight among all categories. Below is a detailed breakdown.

1. Research and Discovery (50%) - How much research a university produces, how often it’s cited by others, and how respected it is in the academic community.

2. Employability and Outcomes (20%) – How well graduates do after studying, and how employers view the university.

3. Learning Experience (10%) – The quality of teaching and how much academic support students receive.

4. Global Engagement (15%) – How international the university is, based on its staff, students, and research partnerships.

5. Sustainability (5%) – How committed the university is to making a positive impact through environmental and social responsibility.

Here are the top 10 best universities in Australia according to Times World University Rankings 2026: 

Here are the top 10 best universities in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings:

If you want to study at any of these top universities in Australia, you’ll have to show that you have the English language skills to communicate, to listen to lectures, and to write research papers in an academic language. 

Most universities in Australia require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher, depending on the course. Postgraduate and science courses may have higher score requirements.

Since requirements vary by program, it’s best to confirm with your chosen university. You can also contact us to check them for you. 

Need help preparing for IELTS? 

We have a wide range of FREE preparation materials, including IELTS practice tests with answers, videos from our IELTS experts, and even mock tests to help you score your best.

Here’s an insider tip: each program has its specific requirements. This may include prerequisite subjects, portfolio reviews, or professional experience.

For example, some postgraduate programs might reject your application even if you already hold a bachelor’s degree from overseas, simply because your transcript doesn’t match the Australian study framework.

If you need expert help, our education counsellors can guide you for free.

We can assess your background and guide you on the entry requirements you’ll have to meet.

Plus, you can also talk to us about your goals and concerns—whether that’s finding affordable tuition fees or PR-friendly courses. From there, we’ll work on matching you with the best university and course according to your current needs and goals.

Looking for affordable study options?

Your financial concerns shouldn’t stop you from studying at your dream university in Australia. Many international scholarships are available for you. You can browse them here:

International Scholarships in Australia (for 2026 intakes)

Sources:

• QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities

• THE World University Rankings 2026