Best universities in Australia 2026-2027

Apart from being home to global cities teeming with life and history, inclusive communities and unique cultures, Australia has always been a popular destination for international students.

From Brisbane to Canberra to Sydney and beyond, the country is home to an array of world-class universities, including institutions that are part of the Group of Eight (Go8) as well as members from the Australian Technology Network. Australian universities also fare strongly in world university rankings, leading in areas like research output and teaching quality.

Looking past graduation, Australia's job market is projected to see continued growth, with opportunities particularly strong in sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. This makes the country one of the best destinations for students seeking to gain valuable skills and launch their careers on the global stage.

• Globally recognised teaching quality: Australian universities have strengths in teaching, research and close links with industry.

• Many universities are in international rankings: According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, there are 37 Australian universities ranked, of which 9 are in the Top 100.

• International learning environment:Australian universities attract a large number of students from many countries, creating a multicultural environment and opportunities to expand international networks.

• Wide range of subjects:Universities in Australia offer a wide range of programs from Business, Technology, and Engineering to Medicine, Education and Social Sciences.

• Career development opportunities:

  The training program is associated with practice and market needs to help students develop knowledge, skills and professional experience.

• Many options in the top Australian universities

  : Vietnamese students can choose a university based on ranking, major, tuition fees, location and career orientation.

If you plan to study foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia, these rankings of universities in Australia are a useful tool to help you compare and choose. Globally recognised, the QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings provide evaluation criteria to identify the top universities in Australia that are aligned with their academic and career goals.

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, 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.

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 QS Rankings 2027 showcases the top universities in Australia based on their outstanding strengths in academic reputation, research influence and internationalisation. 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. Notable points to include in the article

• UNSW Sydney is #1 in Australia for the first time

  in QS Rankings history

• All 8 of the top universities are in the top 100 in the world, along with UTS.

• Monash had their best performance ever, moving up 5 places to 31st.

• A quarter of Australian schools are ranked in the top 100 globally.

1. University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia's top universities and is chosen by many international students. For the first time in its history, UNSW has risen to #1 in Australia and #19 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2027, overtaking the University of Melbourne to lead this year's Australian university rankings.

UNSW stands out for its Engineering, Law, Business and Architecture disciplines, particularly the Engineering and Technology sectors. The university is located in Sydney, one of the largest cities, multicultural and offers a conducive learning environment for international students.

UNSW has more than 64,000 students from more than 130 countries and a network of more than 300,000 alumni globally, many of whom hold leadership positions at major businesses and organisations. This extensive alumni network offers students the opportunity to network and develop their careers in an international environment. In addition, UNSW's outstanding performance in the QS World University Rankings 2027 is underpinned by impressive results in terms of career prospects and sustainable development, contributing to the university's position among Australia's leading universities in terms of career opportunities after graduation.

2. The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is ranked #2 in Australia and #22 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university 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.

The University of Melbourne stands out for its disciplines in Law, Anatomy & Physiology, Education, Life Sciences & Medicine and Business - Finance. In particular, Law is a very strong highlight: Melbourne Law School ranks #11 in the world and #1 in Australia according to QS Subject 2026.

The University of Melbourne currently has more than 58,000 students, with 46% of them international students from more than 150 countries, creating a multicultural and globally connected learning community. The university focuses on combining academic backgrounds with real-world experience, helping students develop knowledge and skills suitable for the modern working environment.

3. University of Sydney.

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university, founded in 1850 and now has more than 175 years of development. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, the university is ranked #3 in Australia and #28 globally, continuing to affirm its position among the world's leading universities in training and research.

The University of Sydney stands out for its disciplines in Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing, Veterinary Science, Law, Environmental Science, Education and Earth & Marine Sciences.

The University of Sydney currently has more than 70,000 students and more than 450 courses in 10 areas of study, as well as a network of more than 150 centres and research networks. The university is also ranked #15 globally for sustainability according to the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, and #6 in the world for social impact.

4. Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is ranked #4 in Australia and #29 globally in QS Rankings 2027, up 3 places from the previous year, and is one of Australia's leading universities with a prestigious team of academics and the highest percentage of Nobel Prize-winning lecturers in Australia.

ANU is the right choice for those who like natural sciences, and at the same time have very clear strengths in the fields of social sciences & humanities, research.

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 position among Australia's top universities.

5. Monash University

Monash University is among the top universities in Australia

Monash University is ranked #5 in Australia and #31 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, the highest ranking in its history. Monash is distinguished by the disciplines of Pharmacology & Pharmacology, Mineral Engineering & Mining, Education & Training, Nursing and Life Sciences & Medicine. In particular, Monash's Pharmacology & Pharmacology ranks #2 in the world and #1 in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

As one of the largest universities in Australia, Monash has 4 campuses in Victoria and a network in many countries. The university also has partnerships with more than 150 universities around the globe, providing students with a wide range of opportunities for international learning and experience.

Monash also stands out for its research and innovation, with many achievements in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Notable research includes the development of malaria vaccines and drugs, while the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing has developed the world's first full-size jet engine to be 3D printed.

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 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

6. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) is ranked #6 in Australia and #40 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up 2 places from the previous year — maintaining its position in the top rankings of Australian universities. UQ is a founding member of a group of eight universities in Australia and Universitas 21, attracting more than 55,000 students, including about 21,000 international students from 141 countries.

Typical strengths:

• Sports-Related Subjects

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Petroleum Engineering

• Environmental Sciences

• Agriculture & Forestry

• Hospitality & Leisure Management

• Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• Psychology

7. University of Western Australia

UWA retains its position as #7 in Australia and #77 globally according to QS Rankings 2027 — the only representative of Western Australia in the group of top research Australian universities.

UWA stands out for its strong research background, and is home to former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Nobel Prize-winning scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

Outstanding strengths:

• Biological & Biomedical Sciences

• Medicine & Health

• Environmental Science

• Earth & Marine Sciences

• Engineering

• Computer Science & IT

• Business & Commerce

• Finance & Accounting

• Law

• Agricultural Sciences

8. Adelaide University

Adelaide University holds the #8 position in Australia and is ranked #79 globally according to QS Rankings 2027, continuing to be one of the most notable Australian universities. 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 8 leading Australian universities and the only representative of South Australia, the university has research strengths in artificial intelligence, materials engineering, cardiovascular medicine and environmental science.

Top prominent industries:

• Petroleum Engineering

• Mineral & Mining Engineering

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Agriculture & Forestry

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Dentistry

• Nursing

9. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is ranked #9 in Australia and #119 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2027 (down from #96 the previous year), retaining its position among the top Australian universities. The university owns a large investment campus in the heart of Sydney, providing a modern, creative and professional learning environment for students.

Majors that are of interest to many international and Vietnamese students:

• Nursing

• Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

• Sports-Related Subjects

• Library & Information Management

• Art & Design

• Computer Science & Information Systems

• Engineering, Mineral & Mining

10. RMIT University

RMIT University is ranked #10 in Australia and #126 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 — rounding out the list of the top 10 universities in Australia according to QS 2027. The university is located in the heart of Melbourne, highlighting its strengths in technology, design and business.

Highlights:

• Art & Design

• Architecture / Built Environment

• Communication & Media Studies

• Library & Information Management

• Development Studies

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Geography

11. Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)

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

Macquarie University is ranked #11 in Australia and #125 globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2027.

Macquarie University stands out for its many highly internationally ranked subjects, particularly in the Social Sciences and Humanities group. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the university has 12 majors in the top 100 in the world, of which Philosophy is in the top 20 in the world for the first time. In addition, Macquarie is also highly appreciated in fields such as Linguistics, Petroleum Engineering,

12. Curtin University

Curtin University is one of the universities in Australia that stands out for its strengths in applied research, hands-on training and strong links with industry. The school is particularly known for its fields of engineering, mining, geology, and earth sciences, which are well-suited to students who want to pursue highly applicable disciplines and a clear career orientation.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, Curtin University is currently ranked #189 in the world. This result contributes to affirming the university's international position in higher education and research.

13. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, and is one of the universities in Australia that is highly regarded for the quality of its training and research. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, UOW is ranked #195 in the world and #13 in Australia, among the top 200 universities in the world.

In addition to the overall ranking, UOW also attracts many international students with outstanding majors such as Philosophy ranked #6 in the world and Nursing ranked #36 in the world. The university is also ranked in the top 100 in the world in fields such as Mining & Mineral Engineering, Materials Science, and is highly ranked in Archaeology, Sport-related disciplines, Law and Civil & Structural Engineering.

14. Deakin University

Deakin University is one of the universities in Australia chosen by many international students for its strengths in practical training, research and career development opportunities. According to QS World University Rankings 2027, Deakin University is ranked #227 in the world, belonging to the group of Australian universities with outstanding international rankings. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Deakin is in the 201–250 world group.

Deakin is also highly appreciated in many fields of training. In particular, the university has outstanding strengths in Sports Science, disciplines related to Sports and Nursing. According to Deakin, the university is ranked #1 in the world for Sport Science, #11 in the world for Sports-Related Subjects and #14 in the world for Nursing in their respective industry rankings

15. Griffith University

Griffith University is one of the most prominent Australian universities in Queensland, with campuses in Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, Griffith University is ranked #230 in the world and #15 in Australia, up 38 places from the previous year. This is the largest increase among Australian universities in the top 250 of the QS 2027 rankings

In addition to the overall ranking, Griffith also has strengths in many industry groups in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Sports-related Subjects ranked #49 in the world, Nursing #30, Performing Arts in the 51–100 group, Music in the 26–50 group, and Social Sciences & Management ranked #199 in the world.