What are the Best Universities in Australia?

Thinking about studying in Australia? You’ll be in good company. With globally ranked universities, sunny campuses, and cities full of personality, it’s no surprise students from all over the world choose to study here. Here’s a quick guide to some of the top universities across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.

Universities in Sydney

University of Sydney (USYD)

At Australia’s oldest university, known for its beautiful sandstone buildings and strong academic reputation, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you were at Hogwarts. More than a pretty façade, it’s big on research and ranks highly for law, arts, science, and medicine and appeared 19th in the world on the most recent QS Top Universities list. The student life is just as active, with loads of events, ambient places to hang out on campus and over 200 clubs and societies.

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

UNSW is all about innovation and industry connections. It’s a top choice for engineering, business, and tech, and has a strong focus on real-world impact over plain old theory. With its finger on the pulse of entrepreneurship and employability; if you’re thinking startups, science, or finance – this could be your spot. It also happens to be close to some of the best beaches in Sydney across the eastern suburbs.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Located right in the city, UTS offers practical, career-focused degrees. Design, IT, and communication are some of its key strengths, and its modern campus gives it a distinctly urban vibe. Not to mention, it’s ranked as the #1 young university in Australia – making UTS a strong choice for international students.

Looking for student accommodation in Sydney? Check out Scape’s offering.

Universities in Melbourne

University of Melbourne

Often ranked as Australia’s top university, The University of Melbourne is known for academic excellence and research. It’s particularly strong in law, medicine, humanities, and science, and its historic city-fringe campus has a buzzing student atmosphere. Surrounded by trendy cafes, restaurants, bars and art galleries, students here are spoilt for choice.

Monash University

Only 55 years old, Monash is one of the largest universities in Australia, with a strong global presence. It’s well-regarded for pharmacy, education, and engineering, and offers a flexible and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

RMIT University

Ideal for creative and tech-focused students, RMIT offers top programs in design, architecture, media, and IT. Its city campus puts you close to industry and internships, as well as Melbourne’s culturally rich CBD.

Looking for student accommodation in Melbourne? Check out Scape’s offering.

Universities in Brisbane

University of Queensland (UQ)

UQ is Brisbane’s highest-ranked university, known for its strong research profile and standout programs in science, engineering, and business (its science department even extends to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef). Its green, open and scenic riverside campus is a pretty good bonus too.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

QUT focuses on preparing students for the workforce, with hands-on degrees in business, creative industries, education, and IT. Its inner-city location is ideal for staying connected to industry and Brisbane’s growing café and restaurant scene.

Griffith University

With campuses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Griffith is known for its progressive values, industry partnerships, and focus on real-world learning. It shines in areas like environmental science, music, business, and the arts. Bonus: its Nathan campus is nestled in native bushland, giving it a nature-meets-city vibe.

Looking for student accommodation in Brisbane? Check out Scape’s offering.

Universities in Adelaide

Adelaide University (launching 2026)

South Australia’s two biggest universities – the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia – are joining forces to create Adelaide University, opening its doors in 2026. It will offer over 300 programs across a mix of city and regional campuses, with a strong focus on graduate employability, innovation, and global appeal. It’s also set to join the Group of Eight, making it a major drawcard for both domestic and international students considering Adelaide.

Flinders University

Perched on a hill with views all the way to the coast, Flinders combines a relaxed setting with a focus on innovation and it’s especially strong in medicine, health, and psychology. The Uni’s culture is inclusive and future-focused, which is great for students who want a balance between research, real-world experience, and beachside downtime.

Looking for student accommodation in Adelaide? Check out Scape’s offering.

Universities in Canberra

Australian National University (ANU)

Regularly ranked as one of the top universities in Australia (and one of the best in the world), ANU is all about academic excellence, critical thinking, and high-impact research. It’s especially strong in politics, international relations, and law. Being based in the nation’s capital means students are just a stone’s throw from Parliament House, government departments, embassies, and think tanks. Plus, Canberra is lowkey home to some of Australia’s best cafes, restaurants, art galleries and nature.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a sandstone campus with centuries of tradition, a tech-forward urban University, or somewhere that offers a bit of both, Australia has plenty of great options. Each university has its own strengths, and the “best” one often comes down to what you’re studying, the kind of campus life you’re after, and which city feels like the right fit.

From laneway coffee runs in Melbourne to river walks in Brisbane, living in the heart of your University city makes all the difference. Once you’ve chose which University is right for you, discover Scape’s purpose-built student accommodation that keep you close to campus and connected to everything your new city has to offer.