Popular Universities in Australia for International Students

Australia is home to a world of top universities and is a favorite destination for international students. If you don't know where to start your search, we’ve narrowed down the best university picks based on academic reputation, VmapU reviews, and location.

The Land Down Under attracts thousands of international students every year and the reasons for that seem clear: great weather, stunning and rugged landscapes, fun-loving people, and internationally-recognized universities. With 43 universities across the country, you're also spoiled for choice as a prospective student.

As with all study abroad ventures, to figure out the best choice for you, you'll need to ask yourself what you want to achieve academically and what parts of the country you want to see. Whether you're interested in studying in Australia by directly enrolling in a university or rocking a study abroad program, there are tons of opportunities to learn at one of the best universities in Australia for international students.

Australian National University (ANU)

Great for top international reputation

📍 Location: Canberra

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $14,000-$20,000 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $19,000-$23,500 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: philosophy, anthropology, geography, politics 🌍 QS world ranking: 34

ANU is an outstanding research university is located in Australia’s (tiny) capital city, Canberra. The city boasts an array of excellent museums and institutes to check out. With blisteringly dry heat in the summer and arctic temperatures in the winter, you’ll enjoy this city if you’re looking for friendly people in a country or rural environment.

Ranked 1st in Australia and 27th in the world (QS World University Rankings), ANU offers top-notch education with small class sizes. Among their alumni are six Nobel Prize winners and two prime ministers, adding to their legacy of prestige. Finally, as the only Australian member of the International Alliance of Research Universities, you'll have ample opportunities to make your own discoveries.

Program Details

Program: Arcadia University- Australian National University

Proivder: Arcadia Abroad

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $20,980.00 USD

University of Sydney

Great for student city

📍 Location: Sydney

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $14,500-$18,000 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $21,000-$24,500 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: sports-related subjects, nursing, pharmacy, engineering

🌍 QS world ranking: 19

University of Sydney's setting is known for Australian icons such as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach - it's the place to be if you want to get your tourist on without even breaking a sweat.

Sydney is home to several universities on our list and it's no secret that it's a great city for students. With so much to do and see, your time outside of your studies will never be boring. Sydney University itself is located just a short walk to the CBD (Central Business District, or downtown), and is nestled in a funky area called Newtown, where hipsters, intellectuals, blue-collar workers, and high-powered executives all live and party in harmony.

Program Details

Program: University of Sydney: Study Abroad Program

Provider: University of Sydney

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $10,000.00 USD

University of Melbourne

Great for social life

📍 Location: Melbourne

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $15,000-$18,000 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $17,500-$20,000 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: sports-related subjects, law, education, social policy, anatomy & physiology

🌍 QS world ranking: 14

The University of Melbourne is located in Australia's cultural capital, which is known for its nightlife and has an abundance of activities to offer every study abroad student. The university is known for its lively social life and its location in Melbourne means you'll have fun both on- and off-campus.

With an array of eateries featuring delicious foods, countless professional sports teams playing every weekend, and quirky boutique shopping, you’ll certainly be able to find something you love in Melbourne.

Be sure to take a road trip to the Twelve Apostles, and while you’re on the Great Ocean Road, check out the surf breaks at Jan-Juc and Torquay (birthplaces of surf-brands Quiksilver and Rip Curl), and of course, the legendary Bells Beach, which is just around the corner.

Program Details

Program: University of Melbourne Study Abroad Programs

Program: University of Melbourne

Location: Australia University of Adelaide

Great for access to nature 📍 Location: Adelaide 💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $7,000-$9,500 USD 💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $20,000-$21,500 USD 🥇 Ranks highly for: engineering, dentistry, veterinary science 🌍 QS world ranking: 89

Nestled in Australia's wine country, Adelaide gives you the perks of a city surrounded by South Australia's rugged beauty. Home to the Pink Lakes, the Limestone Coast, and the sprawling Outback, South Australia is dotted with some of the country's most stunning natural wonders. Adelaide itself is a city with a thriving food and bar scene, filled with independent boutiques and local charm.

The University of Adelaide is a supportive learning atmosphere with professionals ready and willing to help you, whether you are looking for career or mental health counseling or guidance for international students. When you're not studying, you can find further support through friendships made in one of their many campus clubs. Program Details

Program: CIS Abroad - Semester in Adelaide - University of Adelaide

Provider: CIS Abroad

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $16,990.00 USD

University of Queensland

Great for sporty campus

📍 Location: Brisbane

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $13,500-$18,000 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $22,500-$23,000 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: sports-related subjects, engineering, environmental science, psychology

🌍 QS world ranking: 43

Nestled along the banks of the Brisbane River, University of Queenland's beautiful grounds are just a stone’s throw away from downtown Brisbane, and a short train ride away from the beautiful sandy beaches of the Gold Coast.

With a heavy international-student population, the city’s demographic makes for an eclectic mix set in a sub-tropical climate.

The University of Queensland is great for not only studying sports-related subjects but getting involved in sports teams and clubs, too.

If you're into casual social sports or want to compete collegiately, UQ Sport has got you covered.

Program Details

Program: IFSA - Study Abroad Programs in Australia

Provider: IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $10,000.00 USD

James Cook University

Great for student research opportunities

📍 Location: Cairns, Townsville

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $9,500-$11,500 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $16,000-$23,000 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: earth and marine sciences, hospitality, agriculture, archaeology

🌍 QS world ranking: 415

Located on the northeastern coast of Australia's beautiful Queensland, James Cook University has sunny main campuses in Townsville and Cairns. This top university is known for its excellence in research, especially in environmental and marine studies. An added perk, The Good Universities Guide has awarded JCU five stars for the past six years when it comes to graduate job success.

As a smaller university, you'll have the chance to make meaningful friendships at JCU while feeling like more than just a face in the crowd. A gorgeous campus will give you the perfect spot to chill with new friends when not lounging on the local beaches.

Program Details

Program: Study Abroad at James Cook University, Australia

Provider: James Cook University

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $6,880.00 USD

Monash University

Great for green campus

📍 Location: Melbourne

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $13,000-$16,500 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $18,000-$20,500 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: pharmacy, education, engineering, nursing

🌍 QS world ranking: 42

Monash University in Melbourne is one of Australia's greenest campuses making it a great choice for environmentally conscious international students. Monash has pledged Net Zero emissions by 2030 and is on its way to a campus operating on 100% renewable energy. Students can get involved by joining Green Impact, a campus initiative focused on reducing environmental impact.

Sustainability isn't just limited to Monash but extends to the wider Melbourne. Melbourne works hard to be a greener city with programs focused on water, waste, and energy.

Program Details

Program: Study Abroad at Monash University in Australia

Provider: Monash University

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $10,000.00 USD

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Great for beach life

📍 Location: Sydney

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $13,500-$17,500 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $22,500-$24,000 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: engineering, law, accounting 🌍 QS world ranking: 19

UNSW is a world-renowned university located in the heart of Sydney, just a 30-minute walk from beautiful Coogee Beach and a short bus ride to famous Bondi Beach. Studying is never boring when you're laying in the sand with relaxing waves in the background.

Given it's proximity to Australia's most money-forward city, this is a great option for students considering interning while studying abroad.

In your free time, take advantage of the cultural excursions which allow you to see Sydney like a true local.

Program Details

Program: Study Abroad at UNSW in Sydney, Australia

Program: UNSW Australia

Location: Australia

Starting Price: $6,600.00 USD

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Great for design innovation

📍 Location: Sydney

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $13,000-$16,000 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $20,000-$22,500 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: nursing, art and design, library science

🌍 QS world ranking: 90

If you love art and design, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is the right Australian university for creative international students. Sydney itself it a hub of unique architecture and culture, so you'll have no shortage of inspiration.

From the iconic Sydney Opera House to UTS' very own Frank Ghery-designed Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, your future study abroad home is bursting with imagination.

UTS prides itself on innovation and works hard to maintain interconnected and technologically advanced campuses. Study abroad students can get involved in a number of extracurricular activities including programs focusing on social justice, entrepeneurship, and leadership.

Program Details

Program: IFSA - Study Abroad Programs in Australia

Provider: IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)

Provider: Australia

Starting Price: $10,000.00 USD

University of Western Australia (UWA)

Great for affordability

📍 Location: Perth

💰 Average tuition for direct enrollment semester: $12,500-$15,500 USD

💸 Average tuition for semester with third-party provider: $14,500-$15,500 USD

🥇 Ranks highly for: engineering, anatomy & physiology, sports-related subjects, geology

🌍 QS world ranking: 72

The University of Western Australia is in Perth, which is sometimes called the most isolated city in the world, and for good reason; it’s geographically closer to Jakarta, Indonesia, than it is to Sydney.

With that said, it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the country, with great surf and a beautiful downtown area, as well as an island just off the coast that was practically built for water sports, weekend parties, and lounging in the Australian sun.

UWA is great for international students interested in the sciences, with strong engineering, health sciences, and earth sciences programs.

Program Details

Program: University of Western Australia: Study in Perth

Provider: The University of Western Australia

Location: Australia Things to know about studying in Australia

Is Australia a good choice for international students?

Home to the top universities in Australia for international students, the Land Down Under is consistently a favorite among US students. it's also an extremely popular choice for students from Asian, Latin American, and African countries. Not only is it a diverse and welcoming country but it boasts 6 of the world's top 50 student cities and 9 of the 100 best universities globally.

Is Australia affordable for international students?

Australia is among the more expensive countries to study abroad but you can find savings here and there that will add up. By living with roommates, cooking at home, and setting a budget, cutting costs will start to become second nature.

To help you understand the potential costs, we've outlined the average monthly cost of living across Australia. Be mindful though, that costs vary by city and by your own personal spending habits.

• Rent for room in shared apartment: $500-$1,000
• Utilities: $35-$70
• Groceries: $300-$400
• Cell phone plan: $15-$30
• Transportation pass: $65-$175
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