Best universities in Australia 2026

Not only is Australia home to dynamic, culturally rich cities and diverse communities, but it is also an ideal destination for international students. From Brisbane to Canberra to Sydney, the country is home to world-class Australian universities, including the Group of 8 Universities in Australia and the Australian Technology Network. The quality of education is confirmed by high rankings on international rankings, especially in research and teaching.

In addition to an excellent learning environment, Australia offers a wide range of career development opportunities, particularly in the fields of technology, health, and renewable energy, helping students gain practical skills and build global careers.

Start your study journey in Australia

Universities in Australia are globally recognized for their excellent teaching, intensive research programs, and strong industry connections. Specifically, in February 2025, the number of new international students arriving in Australia was about 197,270, an increase of about 12.1% over the same period last year

Studying at one of Australia's top universities allows you to access state-of-the-art facilities, learn from international experts, and immerse yourself in a vibrant international student community—creating an ideal foundation for your career and personal development journey after graduation.

Global University Rankings

If you plan to study foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies in Australia, university rankings in Australia are a useful tool to help you compare and choose. Globally recognized, the QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings provide criteria to determine the top universities in Australia that match your academic goals and profession.

IDP has compiled a list of over 15 top Australian universities for 2026, based on the latest data. Whether you love the vibrant pace of life in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, or the serenity of Adelaide, Hobart, these rankings will be the "key" to unlocking the opportunity to study at a prestigious Australian university. Contact IDP's team of consultants for assistance in preparing your free study abroad documents during your study abroad journey.

Top Universities in Australia 2026 by THE Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 offers a different perspective on Australia's top universities, with a focus on teaching quality, research, and an international outlook. This is one of the rankings that is highly appreciated for its rigorous evaluation method and comprehensive analysis of the performance of universities.

The 2026 QS Rankings showcase Australia's top universities based on their outstanding strengths in academic reputation, research influence and internationalization. This is a ranking that is trusted by a large number of students and academics around the world, serving as a valuable measure when evaluating and comparing quality between universities.

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 in Australia and #19 globally according to the QS Rankings 2026 Top Universities. The University of Melbourne is located in the city of Melbourne — one of the most livable cities in the world. With more than 160 years of history, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia, consistently holding a high position in the Australian University Ranking and university rankings in Australia.

The University of Melbourne currently attracts over 53,000+ students, with around 45% of international students from more than 150 countries. The school stands out for its practical teaching methods, helping students develop basic knowledge associated with the reality of the profession. In addition, the university is also the cradle of training 4 Australian Prime Ministers and many other prestigious leaders — contributing to strengthening the university's position in the group of top Australian universities, top Australian universities and top universities in Australia.

Below are the top ranked majors of the University of Melbourne:

• Life Sciences & Medicine

• Natural Sciences

• Law & Legal Studies

• Education & Training

• Medicine & Dentistry

• Biological Sciences

2. The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), ranked #2 in Australia and #20 globally according to QS Rankings 2026, is one of the top Australian universities. The university is located in Sydney – a friendly city and ideal for international students.

UNSW has more than 64,000 students from 130+ countries and a global network of 300,000+ alumni, many of whom hold leadership positions in major corporations. The university is also a leader in Australia for career prospects after graduation.

Featured majors:

• Engineering

• Business, Accounting & Finance

• Law

• Computer Science, Data Science

• Medicine & Health Science

3. University of Sydney.

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university, featuring more than 170 years of development. The university is consistently ranked in the top 10 universities in Australia and is ranked 25 globally by 2026 according to QS Rankings.

Not only focusing on academics, with more than 400 disciplines, the University of Sydney also stands out for research and innovation, with more than 150 research centers. Furthermore, the university is ranked #11 globally for sustainability—an important criterion in ranking Australian universities.

Strengths at the University of Sydney

• Anatomy & Physiology

• English Language & Literature

• Nursing

• Veterinary Science

• Law

• Environmental Sciences / Earth & Marine Sciences

• Education & Training

• Social Policy & Administration

• Classics & Ancient History

4. Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is one of the universities in Australia and around the world, with a prestigious team of scholars and the highest percentage of lecturers who have won the Nobel Prize in Australia. ANU has been a leader in academic reputation in Australia for many years — currently ranked #4 in Australia and #=32 globally according to QS Rankings 2026.

The university is a leading research and training center in areas such as economics, law, technology, and public policy, with small class sizes. Furthermore, ANU is Australia's only member of the International Alliance of Research Universities — a testament to its status among Australia's top universities.

Below is a list of ANU's strengths:

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Politics & International Studies

• Anthropology

• Philosophy

• Development Studies

• Natural Sciences

• Social Sciences & Management

• Engineering & Technology

5. Monash University

Monash University is among the top universities in Australia

Monash University is ranked in the top 5 universities in Australia and stands at 36 globally by 2026, according to QS Rankings.

The university is one of the largest universities in Australia, with 4 campuses in Australia, an international campus in Malaysia, and more than 100 global partners.

Monash offers students the experience of learning in a multicultural environment and the opportunity to study for transfer in a variety of countries.

Not only prominent in the system of universities in Australia, Monash is also the cradle of a series of breakthrough research works, such as malaria vaccines and 3D-printed motor technology. The university also offers more than 200 types of scholarships for international and domestic students, making it ideal for all types of study.

Here are Monash University's strengths:

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Business & Management

• Engineering

• Computer Science & IT

• Law

• Science

• Social Sciences & Humanities

The University of Queensland (UQ) is always among the top universities in Australia, ranked #6 in Australia and =42 globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

UQ is a founding member of the Group of Eight and Universitas 21, which attracts more than 55,000 students, including about 21,000 international students from 141 countries. The university stands out for its modern system of 5 faculties, 8 high-caliber research institutes and more than 100 interdisciplinary research centers.

Typical strengths of the University of Queensland (UQ)

• Sports‑Related Subjects

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Petroleum Engineering

• Environmental Sciences

• Agriculture & Forestry

• Hospitality & Leisure Management

• Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• Psychology

7. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is the only Western Australian state representative in the Group of Eight — a group of leading research universities in Australia. According to QS Rankings 2026, UWA is ranked #7 in Australia and is in the top ~90 universities in the world, maintaining its prominent position in the ranking of universities in Australia.

UWA stands out for its strong research background, experienced faculty and extensive partnerships with businesses and industry organizations. The university is also home to many outstanding talents, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Nobel Prize-winning scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

Outstanding strengths at UWA

• Agriculture & Forestry

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Geology

• Sports‑Related Subjects

• Archaeology

8. Adelaide University

The University of Adelaide (formerly the University of Adelaide) holds the top #8 position in Australia and regularly appears in the top 100 universities in the world. With more than 140 years of history, the university is located in the heart of Adelaide – known as the 'academic city'. As a member of the Group of Eight and the only representative of South Australia,he has research strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence, materials engineering, cardiovascular medicine and environmental science. The university has also produced many talents – including the former Australian female prime minister, Rhodes scholar and 5 Nobel Prize-winning scientists."

9. University of Technology Sydney

University of Technology Sydney (University of Technology Sydney) is one of the top 10 young schools in the prestigious universities in Australia, and it is growing very fast. UTS has risen to #96 in the world (according to Quacquarelli Symonds QS World University Rankings 2026). The university owns a large investment campus in the heart of Sydney, providing a modern, creative, and professional learning environment for students.

UTS stands out for its practical and business-oriented learning programs, and here are some of the majors that many international and Vietnamese students are interested in.

• Petroleum Engineering

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Agriculture & Forestry

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Dentistry

• Nursing

10. RMIT University

RMIT University (RMIT University) is currently ranked 10th in Australia and tied for #125 globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026.TrBed located in the heart of Melbourne — the world's third most livable city according to the Global Livability Index 2023 report.

RMIT stands out for its strengths in technology, design and business, ranking in the world's top 50,100 in industries such as Art & Design and Architecture/Built Environment according to QS.

In addition, the university also achieves a 5-star standard for facilities and teaching quality (according to QS Ratings). RMIT is one of Australia's universities of choice for international students for its prestige, quality of teaching and dynamic learning environment.

RMIT stands out for its strengths in technology, design and business, ranking among the top industries in Australia and the top 50100 in the world in areas such as:

• Art & Design

• Architecture / Built Environment

• Communication & Media Studies

• Library & Information Management

• Development Studies

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Geography

Macquarie University is one of the universities in Australia that stands out and is attractive for international students — especially if you're interested in the "top Australian universities" and are looking for top options to study abroad.

Macquarie University is ranked #11 in Australia and #138 globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026.

The university also has a hands-on, business- and community-oriented curriculum — in line with current training trends

Macquarie University stands out for its programs in areas such as:

• Accounting & Finance

• Marketing

• Business Analytics

• Computer Science & Information Systems

• Education

• Psychology

• Civil & Electrical Engineering

12. Curtin University

Curtin University is one of Australia's top universities highly regarded for applied research and industry connections – especially suitable if you're looking to choose from the top "Australian universities" list.

In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, Curtin is ranked #183 in the world and 12th in Australia.

Schools featured in rankings by subject:

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Earth & Marine Sciences

• Geology

• Geophysics

• Petroleum Engineering

• Architecture & Built Environment

• Civil & Structural Engineering

13. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong is located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, and is rated as one of the leading universities in Australia. UOW is ranked #184 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 13th in Australia. It is one of the prominent options in the ranking of universities in Australia for international students.

The University of Wollongong stands out for many of Australia's top majors, suitable for international students who want to study globally renowned fields:

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Nursing

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Materials Science

• Sports‑Related Subjects

• Archaeology

• Philosophy

• Law

14. Deakin University

Deakin University is one of the most prestigious universities in Australia, which is of interest to many international students when looking for a suitable "Australian university". According to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, Deakin is ranked #207 globally. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Deakin is in the global 201–250 group.

Deakin stands out for its highly regarded majors, suitable for you if you are looking to choose a "top Australian major" at a prestigious school:

• Sport Science

• Sports‑Related Subjects

• Nursing

• Education & Training

• Business & Management

• Accounting & Finance

• Architecture & Built Environment

15. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

QUT is located in Brisbane, Queensland, and is a prestigious university in the Australian university system. According to the Quacquarelli Symonds QS World University Rankings 2026, QUT is ranked #226 globally.

QUT has a strong practical training orientation, with a business-linked curriculum, industry connections and many training disciplines that are among the top universities in Australia in terms of quality and application.

Here are the strengths at Queensland University of Technology (QUT):

• Communication & Media Studies

• Nursing

• Art & Design

• Architecture / Built Environment

• Education & Training

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

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