Best Universities in Australia for International Students

Are you thinking about studying in Australia? With its world-class education system, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Australia is a popular destination for international students. Australia is a land of 41 universities among them 37 are public universities, 3 are private universities in Australia and 2 are international private universities. Most international students need clarification when selecting the best universities in Australia for higher education. If you don’t know where to start and how to research, we’ve narrowed down some of the best universities in Australia for you. Let’s read, explore, and mark the categories that suit you the best. 

Why study in Australia?

Are you searching for the best universities in Australia? But have you ever thought about why you should study in Australia? Okay, let’s discuss it.

Australia is the 5th most popular place for American students to study. In 2019-2020, more than 8,000 students from the US went to Australia for their studies. It’s also a favorite choice for students from China, India, Nepal, and Singapore. Many students from countries in Africa and Latin America also choose Australia. Australia is a diverse place and now vaccinated students can come there after the borders were closed for a long time due to COVID-19.

Australia is a popular place for many international students each year. The reasons are pretty obvious: nice weather, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and universities are known worldwide. There are 41 universities all over Australia, so if you’re thinking about studying there, you have lots of options to pick from.

Are Australian universities affordable for international students?

Studying in Australia can be costly, but there are ways to save money. Living with roommates, cooking your meals at home, and planning your spending can help you save. We’ve listed the average monthly living expenses in Australia to give you an idea, but remember, the cost can change depending on where and how you spend your money. The best universities in Australia always offer scholarships and other student support for international students to make the educational costs affordable. 

Average tuition fees in Australia

You will find many universities in Australia to suit your budget. The average tuition fees in Australia vary depending on the course, university, and whether you’re an international or domestic student. On average, international students can expect to pay between AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 yearly for UG programs, and between AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year for PG programs. Domestic students typically pay lower fees, ranging from around AUD 7,000 to AUD 11,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and AUD 10,000 to AUD 20,000 per year for postgraduate programs. These figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on factors such as field of study, institution, and individual circumstances.

Living costs in Australia

Living costs in Australia depend on rent, groceries, transportation passes, and other additional expenses. It also depends on your lifestyle. Here we mention an assumption of the monthly living costs in Australia.

• Rent for room in shared apartment: $300-$650
• Utilities: $30-$60
• Groceries: $300-$400
• Cell phone plan: $15-$25
• Transportation pass: $90-$175

10 best universities in Australia for international students

Australia is a land of 41 public & private universities. Among them, there are a lot of universities that are ranked nationally and even globally. Here we mention the 10 best universities in Australia based on their ranking, affordability, and other popular aspects.

Australian National University (ANU)

ANU is an outstanding research university, highly ranked for philosophy, anthropology, geography, and politics. The university is located in Australia’s (tiny) capital city, Canberra. This city has lots of great museums and places to visit. It gets really hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so if you like friendly people and countryside settings, you’ll like it here. The average tuition fees of this university range between AUD 14,000 – AUD 20,000.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is surrounded by famous Australian landmarks like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. If you want to see these tourist spots easily, this is the place to be. The university is highly ranked for sports-related subjects, nursing, pharmacy, and engineering. Considering the tuition fees and education quality the University of Sydney is one of the best universities in Australia. 

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s cultural hub, known for its exciting nightlife and lots of things to do for students studying abroad. The university itself is known for its active social scene, and being in Melbourne means you’ll have fun both at school and around the city. The tuition fees of this university range between AUD 17,500- AUD 20,000. 

University of Adelaide

In Adelaide, you’re in the middle of Australia’s wine region, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of South Australia. South Australia has amazing places like the Pink Lakes, the Limestone Coast, and the vast Outback, making it one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The University of Adelaide is highly ranked for engineering, dentistry, veterinary science, etc. Considering the cost efficiency the University of Adelaide is one of the best universities in Australia.  

University of Queensland

The University of Queensland sits next to the Brisbane River, close to downtown Brisbane. It’s also not far from the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast, just a quick train ride away. Many international students study here, making the city diverse, especially in its warm, tropical climate. 

Bond University

Bond University is in a really popular place in the world. It’s a top-notch private school where you can finish your degree faster than usual. The nightlife on the Gold Coast is amazing, and if you like surfing, you’re in luck because the Gold Coast has some of the best surf spots in the world. But remember, because the degrees are faster, you’ll need to study harder to keep up. It is also considered as one of the best universities in Australia, with around 1,700 international students. 

Monash University

Monash University in Melbourne is focused on being eco-friendly. It’s one of the greenest campuses in Australia, which is good if you care about the environment. Monash has promised to have zero emissions by 2030 and is working to use only renewable energy on its campus. Monash University has almost 27,190 international students amongst 85,924 students in total. Monash is one of the most popular and best universities in Australia for international students.  

University of New South Wales

UNSW is a very famous university in Sydney. It’s right in the middle of the city, and you can walk to Coogee Beach in about 30 minutes or take a quick bus ride to Bondi Beach. It’s great to study at UNSW because you can relax on the sandy beaches and listen to the calming waves when you need a break. Having almost 65,000 students the university can be considered one the best universities in Australia. 

University of Technology Sydney

If you’re into art and design, then the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is the perfect choice for your study abroad in Australia. Sydney is full of interesting buildings and culture, so you’ll always find something to inspire you. Whether it’s the famous Sydney Opera House or the cool Frank Ghery-designed Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building at UTS, there’s plenty of creativity around you at your future study-abroad home.

University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia is in Perth, a city that’s often called one of the most isolated in the world. Whilst Perth is really beautiful, it also has awesome surfing spots and a nice downtown area, with an island nearby that is perfect for water sports, weekend fun, and soaking up the sun.

Best Global Universities in Australia by the US News Report 2024

Australian universities are also ranked by the US News Report 2024. Here we mention the 10 best global universities in Australia and the 10 best universities in Australia by the US News Report 2024.

University	Best universities in Australia	Best Global Universities in Australia
University of Melbourne	1	27
University of Sydney	2	28
University of Queensland	3	36
Monash University	4	37
University of New South Wales Sydney	4	37
Australian National University	6	62
University of Adelaide	7	74
University of Western Australia	8	83
University of Technology Sydney	9	112
Curtin University	10	160

Best Universities in Australia by the Times Higher Education 2024

As an international student, you may look for the top-ranking universities to study in Australia. Here are some best universities in Australia by the Times Higher Education Ranking 2024.

University	Times Higher Education Ranking 2024
University of Melbourne	37
Monash University	54
University of Sydney	60
Australian National University	67
The University of Queensland	70
UNSW Sydney	84
University of Adelaide	111
The University of Western Australia	143
University of Technology Sydney	148
Macquarie University	180

10 top universities in Australia by the QS World University Ranking 2024

Do you want to know the Australian university ranking by QSWUR? Here are 10 top universities in Australia by the QS World University Rankings 2024. 

University	QS World University Ranking 2024
The University of Melbourne	14
The University of New South Wales	19
The University of Sydney	19
Australian National University (ANU)	34
Monash University	42
The University of Queensland	43
The University of Western Australia	72
The University of Adelaide	89
University of Technology Sydney	90
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	130

Final words

Choosing the right university is a crucial decision for international students embarking on their academic journey in Australia. By considering factors such as academic reputation, course offerings, campus facilities, and support services, you can find the best fit for your educational and personal goals. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant city life of Sydney, the academic excellence of Melbourne, or the research opportunities at ANU, Australia offers a wealth of options for international students seeking a world-class education. So, if you are looking for the best universities in Australia you can always contact AIMS Education for better guidance. 

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