Public Universities in Australia: Full List & Fees

Public Universities in Australia offer international students a choice of research-intensive institutions, practical degree programmes and campuses across every state and territory. Others stand out for a subject or regional setting.

Australia has 42 universities, including 36 public and six private universities. This guide answers the main question behind searches for an Australia public university list: which institutions are public? It also separates the full directory from QS and THE rankings, tuition estimates and admission checks.

If you are comparing destinations or degree levels, begin with the broader study options in Australia before narrowing your university choices.

Quick Summary

How Many Public Universities Are in Australia?

Australia has 36 public universities out of 42 universities in the current Study Australia university directory. Public universities receive government support, but they are not free for international students. Tuition depends on the degree, institution and fee status.

Public funding does not mean that a university is run directly by a government department. Nor does it guarantee a particular ranking, an accredited professional pathway or a place on every course.

Here's the distinction that matters: the Group of Eight (Go8) covers eight research-intensive universities, not the whole public system. All eight appear at the top of the QS-ordered comparison below. Non-Go8 institutions also offer strong nursing, education, IT, business, design and regional options.

List of Public Universities in Australia

The complete list of 36 public universities in Australia below is alphabetical, not a league table. It also answers searches for government universities in Australia. Locations are indicative; available programmes and campuses vary.

Adelaide University began operating in 2026 following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. Older lists may still show the former institutions separately; do not count them as additional current public universities. Confirm current programme arrangements.

A tight budget is another reason to look beyond the Go8. Compare lower-cost study options in Australia alongside regional universities. A smaller-city campus is not automatically cheaper for every course.

For location-based shortlists, check public universities in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The ACT and Northern Territory also have options. One university may teach at several campuses, so do not count each campus as a separate university.

Top Public Universities in Australia by Ranking

Australia's leading institutions do not have a single universal ranking order. The QS World University Rankings 2027 put UNSW Sydney first among Australian universities. The Times Higher Education Australia rankings 2027 put the University of Melbourne first.

The table is deliberately ordered by QS 2027 Australian position. THE figures are included for comparison, not to re-sort the universities.

QS and THE assess different indicators and use different weightings. A university can lead one list without leading the other. Neither global table measures whether an individual course meets the professional requirements for nursing, engineering or teaching.

Top 10 Public Universities in Australia

Profiles follow the same QS 2027 order as the table. Tuition bands are indicative, not guaranteed 2027 course quotes. Check the programme and intake.

1. UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney ranks 19th globally in QS 2027. Engineering, computing, business, law and technology are major reasons applicants compare it. Sydney offers access to employers and professional networks, but accommodation can add substantially to the full budget. As a broad planning guide, many international programmes can cost roughly AUD 43,000–62,000 a year, with specialist courses differing. Compare the degree structure and available industry experience before paying a deposit.

2. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne ranks joint 22nd in QS 2027 and joint 34th in THE 2027. It appeals to students seeking research depth across sciences, business, law, arts and health. Its degree pathways can differ from a straightforward professional bachelor's route. Indicative tuition may fall around AUD 37,000–60,000+ annually, depending on subject. Look closely at whether your intended career requires a subsequent graduate qualification.

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney ranks 28th in QS 2027. It offers broad choices in medicine, law, engineering, business and humanities, backed by a major research environment. Many courses sit around AUD 46,000–60,000+ per year for international students. Check placements and professional accreditation at the course level, not only the university name.

4. Australian National University

Australian National University (ANU) ranks 29th globally in QS 2027. Canberra gives it a distinctive setting for public policy, politics, economics, international relations and research. Students who prefer a smaller capital city to Sydney may find the environment appealing. Annual international tuition can be roughly AUD 39,000–54,000, according to course. Check research opportunities alongside classroom modules.

5. Monash University

Monash ranks 31st in QS 2027 and 61st in THE 2027. It has a broad academic portfolio, including pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering and science. Its campuses and international partnerships give applicants several areas to compare. Indicative annual fees are often around AUD 39,000–58,000+. Check your chosen campus and course rules.

6. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) ranks joint 40th in QS 2027. It is particularly relevant for science, health, agriculture, engineering and business. Brisbane offers a different city environment from Melbourne or Sydney, although it is not automatically inexpensive. Many international degree fees may be around AUD 42,000–56,000+ per year. If your subject involves clinical or laboratory training, confirm any additional charges.

7. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) ranks joint 77th in QS 2027. Based in Perth, it is a Go8 institution with strengths in science, medicine, engineering and environmental fields. Western Australian industry connections may interest some engineering and resources students. Indicative annual tuition can fall around AUD 35,000–55,000+. Compare the specific curriculum and placement requirements rather than relying on geography alone.

8. Adelaide University

Adelaide University ranks 79th in QS 2027. Formed from the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia, it began operating in 2026 and is a Go8 member. Its programme range includes health, engineering, business and research. International tuition may broadly fall around AUD 39,000–52,000+ a year, depending on the degree. Because of the transition, check the latest Adelaide University programme and institution information rather than using an older course page from a predecessor university.

9. University of Technology Sydney

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) ranks joint 87th globally in QS 2027. Its programmes in computing, design, engineering, communication and business can suit students looking for applied coursework. The city-centre location is convenient for some, but accommodation is a cost consideration. Indicative international tuition is often around AUD 38,000–54,000+ a year. Compare assessments and industry projects, not just a course title.

10. RMIT University

RMIT ranks joint 119th in QS 2027. It is well known for design, technology, engineering, media and business. Indicative annual fees often sit around AUD 37,000–48,000+, although individual courses can be outside that band. Applicants should investigate the studio, laboratory or placement costs associated with their subject.

Public vs Private Universities in Australia

Public universities are government-supported and include Australia's largest research institutions. Private universities may have specialist programmes, different teaching models or alternative intake schedules. Neither label guarantees academic quality or admission eligibility.

Professional accreditation, teaching approach and total cost should decide the shortlist. An accredited non-Go8 degree may suit your profession better than a prestigious course with the wrong modules.

Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Intakes

International tuition varies considerably. Broad guides cite AUD 20,000–45,000 for undergraduate study and AUD 22,000–50,000 for postgraduate study, but these are not reliable national averages. Several top-ten courses exceed those bands.

A more useful comparison is a published course figure. Southern Cross University's Access27 initiative lists AUD 27,000 annual international tuition for most eligible courses in 2027, with exceptions. Review the university's 2027 fee conditions before treating that amount as applicable to your degree. Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and certain professional postgraduate courses can cost considerably more.

Scholarships vary by citizenship, grades, subject and intake. Start with institutional awards and Study Australia's scholarship information. Compare a partial tuition discount with total programme costs; even a generous fee reduction does not cover accommodation or travel automatically.

Most universities have February/March and July entry periods, though some operate trimesters or offer additional intakes. Competitive courses may follow different calendars. This is why a 2027 ranking should not be mistaken for one common 2027 admissions deadline.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Australian public universities assess academic qualifications and course-specific prerequisites. Bachelor's applicants normally need an accepted secondary school qualification; postgraduate applicants typically need a relevant degree. Some courses require prior subjects, work experience, a portfolio, research proposal or interview.

Universities commonly accept English evidence such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, subject to their current policies. A score accepted for one business degree may not meet the requirement for nursing or teaching. University English requirements and immigration requirements are separate checks.

Before paying a deposit, check the university's status through TEQSA's provider registration guidance, then verify the specific course and campus on the Australian Government's CRICOS register. TEQSA checks registered higher education providers; CRICOS identifies courses registered for overseas students. Neither establishes separate professional licensing requirements for fields such as nursing or teaching.

An offer may be conditional on final grades or English evidence. Once conditions are met, the university explains enrolment steps and may issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) also forms part of normal planning; compare the details of health insurance for international students in Australia before budgeting.

For Student visa subclass 500 requirements, financial evidence and fees, use Study Australia's official visa guidance or an appropriately authorised immigration professional. Course-selection guidance is separate from individual immigration advice and visa application preparation.

A familiar mistake is choosing the university before checking the degree. For example, a nursing applicant comparing ACU and Deakin should verify clinical placements, accreditation and campus options before comparing global rankings. An appealing campus cannot fix an unmet prerequisite.

How to Choose the Right Public University in Australia

Start with the subject. Compare course modules, professional accreditation, clinical or work placements, assessment methods and graduate outcomes. A top global ranking matters less if the degree does not meet the expectations of your intended profession.

Next, work through the full budget: tuition, housing, food, health cover, placement travel and any equipment fees. Do not assume student employment will cover a tuition shortfall.

Finally, check entry requirements and intake timing. Shortlist a mixture of ambitious and realistic options, then confirm eligibility directly with the institutions.

FAQs About Public Universities in Australia

How many public universities are in Australia?

Australia has 36 public universities out of 42 universities in total, according to the current Study Australia directory.

Are Australian public universities free for international students?

No. Public universities receive government support, but international students pay course-specific tuition fees and living costs.

What is the best public university in Australia?

UNSW Sydney ranks highest among Australian universities in QS 2027, while the University of Melbourne ranks highest in THE 2027. The best institution for an applicant also depends on the course.

Which public university in Australia is cheapest for international students?

There is no single cheapest option for every course. Fees vary by programme, campus, scholarship and intake. Compare the published annual and total fees of relevant degrees.

Are government universities in Australia the same as public universities?

In most student searches, "government universities in Australia" means publicly funded Australian universities. The term does not mean that their courses are free.

Can international students apply to Australian public universities?

Yes, where a university offers an eligible programme and the applicant meets its academic, English and other published requirements.

What IELTS score is required for Australian public universities?

Some courses require around IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, while regulated professional and other programmes may require higher scores. Always check the individual course's accepted tests and score rules.

Do Australian public universities offer scholarships?

Yes. Many offer merit, research, course-specific or country-related awards, but the value and eligibility vary by programme and application cycle.

What to Do Next

Public Universities in Australia give international applicants a wide range of recognised degree choices, from research-intensive Go8 institutions to regional and applied universities. Use the 36-university list to discover options and the QS/THE 2027 comparison to understand institutional rankings. Neither replaces checking the course itself.

Compare the curriculum, cost, entry requirements, accreditation and location. When you have a realistic shortlist, you can discuss course selection and university admissions before submitting your applications.