Top Universities in Australia in 2025

The QS University World Rankings are based on factors including research output and student experience. Their key criteria include: 

• Academic reputation 

• Citations of public research (including faculty citations) 

• Faculty/student ratio 

• Employer reputation of graduates 

• Global appeal 

• Global collaboration and diversity. 

• Top Australian University (2025): University of Melbourne 

The Shanghai Rankings’ Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) is another ranking system worth referring to. Their key criteria include: 

• Number of Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals awarded to alumni and staff 

• Number of cited researchers 

• Number of notable publications and indexed articles in 

• Journals of Nature and Science 

• Science Citation Index Expanded™ 

• Social Sciences Citation Index™ in the Web of Science™ 

• University performance per capita  

According to ARWU, the top university in​​ Australia in 2024 is The University of Melbourne.  

Below is a comparison of the highest-ranked Australian universities in 2025 based on QS World University Rankings. 

 Key Trends in 2025 Rankings: 

• The University of Melbourne remains Australia’s top-ranked university across all major ranking systems. 

• University of Melbourne and UNSW Sydney continue to dominate in research and employability. 

• Regional universities like UWA and Adelaide offer strong post-graduation job prospects. 

Detailed Profiles of the Best Universities 

1. The University of Melbourne

• Global Rank: #13 (QS 2025) 

• Strengths: Academic reputation, international student and global engagement, post-graduation employment 

• Top Courses: Psychology, Social Sciences, and Public Health 

• Location: Melbourne, Victoria. 

2. The University of Sydney

• Global Rank: #18 (QS 2025) 

• Strengths: Graduate employability, international student and global engagement. 

• Top Courses: Endocrinology and Metabolism, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Artificial Intelligence 

• Location: Sydney, New South Wales. 

3. UNSW Sydney

• Global Rank: #19 (QS 2025) 

• Strengths: STEM research, startup incubators, engineering. 

• Top Courses: Education and Educational Research, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Green and Sustainable Science and Technology 

• Location: Sydney, New South Wales. 

4. Australian National University (ANU)

• Global Rank: #30 (QS 2025) 

• Strengths: Research, government & policy, academic excellence. 

• Top Courses: Optics, Space Science, Arts and Humanities 

• Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. 

5. Monash University

• Global Rank: #37 (QS 2025) 

• Strengths: International collaborations, medical research, business. 

• Top Courses: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Economics and Business, Education and Educational Research 

• Location: Melbourne, Victoria. 

Here are the best universities in Australia based on field of study: 

As an international student, ​​costs of study and tuition fees need to be taken into consideration when you choose which university you want to study at in Australia. Here is what you need to know. Please note: It is always best to check with the university for the latest fees, as these are subject to change. 

Approximate International Tuition Fees at Top Universities 

Living Costs by City 

Here as a breakdown of the average living expenses at the top universities in Australia: 

Student Visa (Subclass 500) 

If you are studying in Australia as an international student, you will need the ​​Subclass 500 visa. 

Work While Studying 

• With this visa you will be able to work 48 hours per fortnight during academic semesters. 

• During scheduled breaks you can work unlimited hours. 

Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) 

Upon graduation, international students may apply for a post-study work visa: 

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Up to 18 months 

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: 2-3 years 

• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: 1-2 years

1. Select a University & Program: Research courses and entry requirements.
 
2. Prepare Application Materials: Academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL), statement of purpose.

3. Submit the Application: Apply directly through the university website or via an education agency like IDP Canada.

4. Obtain a Student Visa: Receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) and apply for your Subclass 500 Visa. 

5.Plan Accommodation & Travel: Arrange housing, flights, and student orientation. 

If you are looking for universities with world-class reputation, excellent post-graduation opportunities, and diverse student life, then studying abroad in Australia may be for you. Whether you prioritize research, employability, or affordability, there is a university and city in Australia to fit your academic and career goals.

Thinking about applying? Explore scholarship options, visa requirements, and get started on your study-abroad journey today! 

Legal Disclaimer: IDP Canada is not a registered migration consultant and does not provide immigration services or provide immigration advice. The contents of this page are for general information only and is based on information from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website, which you can access through: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/. Information can change from time to time. For the most up to date information visit the website.