According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, there are 37 top universities in Australia. Six of them feature in the prestigious top 100.
The quality of life in Australia is unmatched. With over 230 days of sunshine per year, Australia enjoys warm summers and mild winters.
The beach is always nearby, and city life is vibrant with cultural attractions, such as museums, markets, and festivals. There are endless opportunities for socializing, nightlife, dining, shopping, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and scuba diving.
Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city or the slower pace of a small town, there is an Australian city for everyone.
Sydney is home to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Melbourne is a cultural hub with a thriving arts and entertainment scene.
The Gold Coast is a beach lover’s paradise, with stunning beaches and world-class theme parks. Canberra is the nation’s capital and offers a more relaxed pace of life. Adelaide is known for its food and wine, while Perth is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Even smaller, rural universities offer excellent facilities and stunning scenery. These universities often have a strong sense of community, as the entire town becomes a student playground.
No matter where you choose to study in Australia, you are sure to have a memorable and rewarding experience.
For those who don’t know much about Australia, these facts might be helpful:
- Climate: Australia has a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Sydney is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) in July.
- Education: Australian universities are world-renowned for their quality education. Australia is also home to a number of world-class research institutions.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Australia is generally higher than in other parts of the world. However, there are a number of ways to save money, such as cooking at home, taking advantage of student discounts, and using public transportation.
- Job market: The Australian job market is strong, with a low unemployment rate. There are a number of opportunities for international students to find work in Australia, either during or after their studies.
- Safety: Australia is a safe country with a low crime rate. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as locking your doors and windows and not walking alone at night.
What is university like in Australia?
Australian universities offer world-class education and top-tier rankings, but they also have a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. There are endless options for entertainment, leisure but also work opportunities.
And while everyone is familiar with movies like American Pie or Harry Potter, Australian life does not have Greek fraternities nor wizards eating supper in well-decorated castles.
Australia’s universities are all independent from each other. This means that they can differ in many ways, such as their entry requirements, deadlines, and course durations.
Australian universities generally adopt an educational philosophy that is a middle ground between the UK and the USA.
This means that Australian degrees allow for more specialization than American degrees, which tend to be more interdisciplinary and generalist.
However, Australian degrees also allow for more flexibility than UK degrees, which typically require students to focus on a single subject.
In Australia, students typically study up to four subjects per semester. This means that they can choose to study a broad range of subjects, even if they are enrolled in a specific degree program. For example, a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts degree could choose to study subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy.
Many Australian universities also offer majors and minors. A major is a student’s primary area of study, while a minor is a secondary area of study.
The academic year in Australia is divided into two semesters, each of which is 12 weeks long. The semesters are typically held from February to April, April to July, July to October, and October to December. Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, its semesters run opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.
Are international students welcome in Australia?
Another unique aspect of Australian university life is the people. Australians are known for their humour, laid-back personalities, and casual drinking and informalities.
You won’t be hard-pressed to find people showing up to class in flip flops or without shirts on. Australians also love to shorten words, so be prepared for some slang (e.g., “Maccas” instead of “McDonalds,” “arvo” instead of “afternoon,” and “barbie” instead of “barbecue”).
Australia is also incredibly diverse, and you may be surprised to find how many different shops, cinemas, festivals, or cafes remind you of home.
The most popular languages in Australia aside from English include Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Italian. The average Australian is likely to be someone who celebrates and embraces diversity in all aspects of their identity.
Is there an Ivy League equivalent in Australia?
Australia popularly has two groups of universities, somewhat comparable to the USA’s Ivy League or the UK’s Russell group.
Firstly, the Sandstone Universities includes 6 universities which are research focused, publicly funded and have more of an international outlook. The name sandstone comes from the fact that these universities have buildings made of sandstone.
These are the 6 universities (in no particular order) that also represent the oldest universities in the 6 states of Australia:
- University of Adelaide
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Tasmania
- University of Western Australia
On the other hand, the Group of Eight is a similar group of 8 universities that is slightly wider.
- The Group of Eight is made up of:
- University of Adelaide
- Australian National University
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- UNSW Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Western Australia
It’s also worth mentioning the Australian Technology Network, a group of universities with a strong focus on design, engineering and technological innovation.
The five universities in this group are Curtin University, RMIT University, the University of South Australia, the University of Technology Sydney and Deakin University. They all offer excellent employability and often have direct links with companies in the sector.
What about private universities in Australia?
Australia boasts plenty of Private Colleges, which are effectively private universities. There are a few key differences between private colleges and public universities.
Specialization: Private colleges tend to focus on a particular subject area, such as business or engineering.
Size: Private colleges are typically much smaller than public universities. This means that students have more opportunities to interact with their lecturers and classmates, and to get involved in extracurricular activities.
As a result of these differences, private colleges can offer a more personalized and supportive learning environment than public universities.
However, quality widely varies whereas public universities tend to have broadly similar teaching standards.
What alternatives are there to traditional universities in Australia?
And for those not strictly set on a university experience, Australia has a system called TAFE, also known as technical and Further Education.
TAFE is a publicly funded system of vocational education and training in Australia.
TAFE courses are designed to prepare students for specific careers. For example, there are TAFE courses in areas such as fashion, finance, fitness, Aboriginal education, and aviation engineering.
TAFE courses have different entry requirements than university courses. In general, TAFE courses do not require students to have completed a high school diploma.
However, some TAFE courses may have specific entry requirements, such as requiring students to have completed certain prerequisite courses or to have a certain level of proficiency in English.
TAFE courses can be a good option for students who are interested in a more vocational education. TAFE courses can also be a good option for students who are not sure what they want to study, as they offer a variety of courses and programs to choose from.
According to rankings, what are the top 10 universities in Australia?
As of writing, QS University Rankings have shortlisted the top 10 universities in Australia as follows:
- University of Melbourne
- Known for its strong academics and research.
- Has the largest law school in Australia and one of the oldest in the world.
- Australian National University
- Known for its research in the natural sciences and engineering.
- Home to the world-famous John Curtin School of Medical Research.
- University of Sydney
- Known for its strong academics and its beautiful campus.
- Has the oldest law school in Australia.
- University of Queensland
- Known for its research in the medical sciences and engineering.
- Home to the Great Barrier Reef Marine World Aquarium.
- Monash University
- Known for its strong academics and its international student population.
- Has the largest single-site campus in Australia.
- University of New South Wales
- Known for its strong engineering and business programs.
- Home to the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Australian Museum.
- University of Adelaide
- Known for its strong law and medical programs.
- Home to the world-famous Adelaide Botanic Garden.
- University of Western Australia
- Known for its strong research in the medical sciences and engineering.
- Home to the world-famous Perth Zoo.
- Macquarie University
- Known for its strong business and IT programs.
- Home to the Sydney Opera House.
- University of Technology Sydney
- Known for its strong engineering and design programs.
- Home to the Powerhouse Museum.
However, many of Australia’s top universities are under 50 years old, and progressing well in university rankings. For example, Charles Darwin University and the Queensland University of Technology are two up-and-coming universities that can be a great fit for some students.
Overview of university application process in Australia
There is no centralized application system for international students applying to universities in Australia. Instead, you will need to apply to each university directly, either online or by post.
When applying, you will typically need to submit your academic transcripts, course preferences, and a summary of your employment experience (if applicable).
You will not usually need to write a personal statement or personal essay, but you may be asked to outline why you wish to study in Australia when you apply for your student visa later down the line.
In the Australian university system, you have the option to start in the first semester (March-June) or the second semester (July-October).
If you want to start in the first semester, you must apply to the university by December at the latest.
However, most domestic students apply much earlier, and it is often a good idea to do so as well, as universities can return with a decision just weeks later.
The latest deadline to start in the second semester is in May, but again, it would be wise not to wait that late.
In addition to completing an application form, you may also have to pay a one-time application fee, usually of between A$50-A$100.
Financial considerations for studying in Australia
Studying in Australia can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Here is a breakdown of the costs you can expect to incur. All figures are in US dollars.
- Tuition fees: International undergraduate students can expect to pay between $15,000 and $35,000 per year. Master’s degrees cost between $17,000 and $40,000 per year.
- Accommodation: On-campus accommodation costs between $300 and $1,500 per month (although it is skewed towards the bigger number!)
- The cost of living is comparable to the Western world, although you should budget differences between a big city such as Sydney, and a off-site university campus.
- Financial support: There are scholarships and grants available for international students, but they are limited, particularly at the undergraduate level.
So, is Australia right for you?
You cannot go wrong with Australia.
However, the long distance away from home and the time difference are major obstacles for many students.
The lifestyle appeals to many, so it is for the student to balance the pros and cons.
As far as the education system is concerned, NavigateUni highly recommends the Australian way.
If you are still considering Australia, check out our post on 15 things to know before studying in Australia.
If, on the other hand, you would like to learn more about other popular student destinations, click here for more country guides.