Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Australia is home to some of the best public universities in the world. These institutions offer high-quality education, vibrant campus life, and a wide range of programs.
If you are thinking about studying in Australia, this guide will help you understand more about public universities. From how they are ranked to what to expect from the top ones. We’ll also explore what factors to consider when choosing public universities in Australia.
The government funds public universities in Australia, which helps lower student tuition costs. There are 43 universities in Australia, 37 of which are public. Six of these featured in the top 100 in the World University Rankings 2025.
Almost all public universities in Australia have high academic standards. They also offer diverse programs and are committed to research and innovation. Due to their global reputation, public universities attract students worldwide and offer a vibrant multicultural on-campus environment.
Most public universities in Australia are part of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of the country's leading research universities. These universities are known for producing world-class research and having strong industry ties.
Universities in Australia are ranked based on several factors. First is their academic reputation. Another important factor is research output, which measures how much research the university produces. Universities that do more research and make discoveries often get higher rankings.
The student-to-staff ratio is also important. It looks at how many students there are for each teacher. Smaller classes mean students get more attention, which helps improve learning.
Finally, universities are ranked by their international outlook. This looks at how many international students and staff they have. It also checks how many partnerships they have with universities around the world. Universities with a more global focus tend to rank higher.
So, we’ve checked all these criteria to make our list of top public universities in Australia.
We have listed the top ten of Australia’s reputed public universities. Here are all the details:
The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected universities. It currently ranks among the top global universities, 37 in the QS ranking. The campus is located in the heart of Melbourn. Along with its high-quality education, it offers a range of programs and has strong industry connections.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: AUD 38,930-AUD 57,540
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years
Postgraduate Duration: 2 years for Masters and 4 years for a PhD.
Established: 1853.
Total Programs: 411 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: Over 52,000.
Total Faculty Staff: 8,000+
Scholarships: Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship, International Undergraduate Scholarships, and more.
Location: Parkville, Melbourne, VIC.
One of Australia’s largest universities is Monash University, with a global reputation for excellence. It’s known for its diverse student body and has campuses in multiple countries. Monash offers a wide range of programs and is strong in research and innovation.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: AUD 37,050 per year (on average)
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1958.
Total Programs: 266+
Total Students: 54,384
Total Faculty Staff: 3,482
Scholarships: Monash International Leadership Scholarship.
Location: Clayton, Melbourne, VIC.
The University of Sydney, founded in 1850, is Australia's oldest university and one of the world’s leading research institutions. Located in the heart of Sydney, it offers various programs across disciplines like arts, business, law, and medicine. The university is renowned for its research output, boasting over 150 research centers tackling global challenges such as sustainability and medical advancements.
With a vibrant campus community, Sydney University has over 240 clubs and societies and welcomes over 80,000 students. It consistently ranks among the top 20 universities globally and offers extensive international study opportunities.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: AUD 52,000 – AUD 56,000
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years (3-4 years for extended master's degree)
Established: 1850.
Total Programs: 381 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 47,344
Total Faculty Staff: 3,188
Scholarships: Sydney Scholars Award, International Scholarships.
Location: Camperdown, Sydney, NSW.
Established in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is a prestigious research institution in Canberra, Australia’s capital. It is the only university created by the Australian Parliament, emphasizing its national significance. ANU is known for its strong research output, particularly in international relations, economics, law, and the sciences.
Ranked consistently among the top universities globally, ANU offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. The university boasts a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life with numerous academic and cultural opportunities.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 35,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years
Postgraduate Duration: 1.5-2 years
Established: 1946.
Total Programs: 257+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 17,399
Total Faculty Staff: 1,745
Scholarships: ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship.
Location: Canberra, ACT.
Established in 1909, the University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's premier research universities, consistently ranked among the top 50 globally. Located in Brisbane, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six faculties and is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research. UQ boasts world-class facilities, including extensive libraries, research centers, and sports amenities.
UQ is a founding member of Australia’s Group of Eight universities and is highly regarded for producing influential graduates, including Nobel laureates and industry leaders. The university's emphasis on innovation and practical experience prepares students for global careers.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: AUD 41,790-54,880
Undergraduate Duration: 3-5 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-3 years.
Established: 1909.
Total Programs: 330+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 55,000
Total Faculty Staff: 3,510
Scholarships: UQ International Scholarship, Global Leaders Scholarship.
Location: Brisbane, QLD.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a top Australian university established in 1949. It is globally recognized for its research and teaching and consistently ranks among the world's top 50 universities. UNSW offers a wide range of programs, with strengths in engineering, business, and law, and strongly focuses on graduate employability.
UNSW hosts over 60,000 students from 130 countries, fostering a vibrant, diverse campus environment. Its strong industry connections make it a leader in career-focused education.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 38,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1949.
Total Programs: 315+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 35,933
Total Faculty Staff: 3,321
Scholarships: UNSW International Scholarships, Scientia Scholarships.
Location: Kensington, Sydney, NSW.
The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in South Australia, it is part of the Group of Eight, a coalition of leading research-intensive universities in the country. The university consistently ranks in the top 1% globally and is renowned for its strong research output in health sciences, engineering, and computer science.
With over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries, the University of Adelaide fosters a dynamic international community. It has produced five Nobel laureates and numerous Rhodes Scholars, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and global impact.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 35,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1874.
Total Programs: 230+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 22,349
Total Faculty Staff: 1,826
Scholarships: Adelaide International Scholarship.
Location: Adelaide, SA.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a top research institution based in Perth, known for its beautiful campus and strong academic reputation. Established in 1911, it is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight universities.
UWA ranks among the top 100 globally, excelling in research areas like clean energy and health. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting a diverse student body, including many international students.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 35,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1911.
Total Programs: 30 programs.
Total Students: 19,360
Total Faculty Staff: 1,284
Scholarships: UWA Global Excellence Scholarship.
Location: Perth, WA.
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a modern, research-driven university in the heart of Sydney. Established in its current form in 1988, UTS is known for its strong focus on technology, innovation, and practical learning. It has quickly gained prominence, ranking among the top 100 universities globally, and is recognized as Australia's top young university.
UTS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs with strong ties to industry, ensuring students gain hands-on experience. Its vibrant campus is a key part of Sydney’s technology precinct, making it a hub for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 44,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1988.
Total Programs: 340+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 25,355
Total Faculty Staff: 1,646
Scholarships: UTS International Scholarships.
Location: Ultimo, Sydney, NSW.
The University of Wollongong is known for its strong focus on technology, engineering, and business programs. It’s located in a smaller city, which gives it a friendly and close-knit campus community. Despite its size, UOW ranks highly for its research and teaching quality.
Key Departments
Tuition Fee: Around AUD 30,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1975.
Total Programs: 340
Total Students: 15,228
Total Faculty Staff: 1,196
Scholarships: UOW International Scholarships.
Location: Wollongong, NSW.
We’ve also made a list of all public universities in Australia, including university website links. You may like to check them out for more about the universities.
|
University Name |
Location |
Established Year |
Website Link |
|
University of Melbourne |
Melbourne |
1853 |
|
|
Monash University |
Melbourne |
1958 |
|
|
The University of Sydney |
Sydney |
1850 |
|
|
Australian National University |
Canberra |
1946 |
anu.edu.au |
|
The University of Queensland |
Brisbane |
1909 |
uq.edu.au |
|
UNSW Sydney |
Kensington |
1949 |
unsw.edu.au |
|
University of Adelaide |
Adelaide |
1874 |
adelaide.edu.au |
|
The University of Western Australia |
Perth |
1911 |
uwa.edu.au |
|
University of Technology Sydney |
Sydney |
1988 |
uts.edu.au |
|
Macquarie University |
Sydney |
1964 |
mq.edu.au |
|
University of Wollongong |
Wollongong |
1975 |
uow.edu.au |
|
Curtin University |
Perth |
1966 |
curtin.edu.au |
|
Queensland University of Technology |
Brisbane |
1989 |
qut.edu.au |
|
Deakin University |
Melbourne |
1974 |
deakin.edu.au |
|
RMIT University |
Melbourne |
1887 |
rmit.edu.au |
|
Swinburne University of Technology |
Melbourne |
1908 |
swinburne.edu.au |
|
Griffith University |
Brisbane |
1971 |
griffith.edu.au |
|
La Trobe University |
Melbourne |
1964 |
latrobe.edu.au |
|
University of South Australia |
Adelaide |
1991 |
unisa.edu.au |
|
James Cook University |
Townsville |
1970 |
jcu.edu.au |
|
Western Sydney University |
Sydney |
1989 |
westernsydney.edu.au |
|
University of Newcastle |
Newcastle |
1965 |
newcastle.edu.au |
|
Flinders University |
Adelaide |
1966 |
flinders.edu.au |
|
University of Tasmania |
Hobart |
1890 |
utas.edu.au |
|
Edith Cowan University |
Perth |
1991 |
ecu.edu.au |
|
Victoria University |
Melbourne |
1990 |
vu.edu.au |
|
Murdoch University |
Perth |
1973 |
murdoch.edu.au |
|
Southern Cross University |
Gold Coast |
1994 |
scu.edu.au |
|
University of Southern Queensland |
Toowoomba |
1967 |
usq.edu.au |
|
University of Canberra |
Canberra |
1967 |
canberra.edu.au |
|
Australian Catholic University |
Sydney |
1991 |
acu.edu.au |
|
Central Queensland University |
Rockhampton |
1992 |
cqu.edu.au |
|
Federation University Australia |
Ballarat |
2014 |
federation.edu.au |
|
Charles Sturt University |
Bathurst |
1989 |
csu.edu.au |
|
Charles Darwin University |
Darwin |
1989 |
cdu.edu.au |
|
University of the Sunshine Coast |
Sunshine Coast |
1996 |
usc.edu.au |
|
University of New England |
Armidale |
1954 |
une.edu.au |
Choosing the right university is a big decision. Here are some important factors to think about:
Think about where the university is located. The cost of living will depend on whether you prefer a big city or a smaller one. Also, check if the area has good job or internship opportunities during and after your studies.
Make sure the university has the course you want to study. Some schools are known for being great in specific fields, like engineering or business.
Look at how much different universities charge for tuition. Public universities usually cost less than private ones, and some may offer scholarships.
Find out what the campus is like. Does it have good libraries, sports facilities, and social clubs? A lively campus can help you make friends and enjoy your university experience.
Check how the university ranks compared to others. Higher-ranked universities often lead to better job opportunities.
Applying to public universities in Australia is simple but needs careful planning. Follow these steps:
Once you’ve selected the programs and universities you want to study, submit your application. Most universities in Australia accept applications online through their website. You can apply directly to a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC).
Send essential papers like your school transcripts, test results (if needed), and anything else the university asks for. Postgraduate students might also need to submit work experience or a portfolio.
After you apply, the university will check your application. If they accept you, they will send an offer letter. Sometimes, the offer will be conditional if they need more documents.
Once you get an offer, accept it to secure your spot. You may also need to pay a deposit or organize housing.
All the top public universities in Australia offer the best possible quality of education. They are so welcoming with a vibrant environment. Whether you are looking for research opportunities or a great student experience, these institutions provide everything.
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