Year after year, Australia remains a popular destination for international students who wish to study abroad, especially among Indian study-abroad aspirants. In early 2024, almost 1,20,000 Indian students enrolled to study in Australia, and the number is set to rise even further in the coming years.
What about Australia, which attracts so many students? The country combines its excellent universities with research work and flexible degree structure to give students an all-around experience. Australian degrees are acknowledged worldwide; some are in the top 100 by the QS and THE rankings. Besides its studies, Australia also allows international student to stay and get experience in their field of study, which helps them get the exposure and career growth they need to thrive.
Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra are home to some of the world's best-known universities. Melbourne, with its artistic endeavors, Sydney, with its lively events, and Brisbane, with its affordability, are the most sought-after choices for ideal students.
Keep reading this blog to find the best universities to consider if you plan to expand your education in Australia.
Top 10 Universities in Australia 2025
Australia ranks highly in the QS World Top 100 Universities, which reflects how well respected its universities are worldwide. Below are the details on the top 10 Australian universities, their locations, and what they are famous for.
| University | QS Global Rank 2025 | City | Key Programs | % International Students |
| University of Melbourne | #14 | Melbourne | Business, Medicine, Engineering | 42% |
| Australian National University | #30 | Canberra | Politics, Research, Economics | 45% |
| University of Sydney | #36 | Sydney | Law, Health Sciences, Humanities | 40% |
| University of Queensland | #40 | Brisbane | Life Sciences, Mining, Biotechnology | 39% |
| UNSW Sydney | #43 | Sydney | Engineering, Finance, Data Science | 38% |
| Monash University | #47 | Melbourne | Pharmacy, Education, Nursing | 44% |
| University of Western Australia | #71 | Perth | Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, Law | 35% |
| University of Adelaide | #74 | Adelaide | Dentistry, Engineering, Agriculture | 30% |
| University of Technology Sydney | #90 | Sydney | IT, Business Analytics, Communication | 25% |
| Macquarie University | #98 | Sydney | Actuarial Studies, Linguistics, Psychology | 28% |
Most universities accept students twice yearly, in February and July, while some have November admissions for a few courses. Indian students comprise a large group of international students at Monash and UNSW.
Check the QS Subject Rankings for every university to see where they rank high, for example, Monash is known for its Pharmacy programs, ANU for Research & Policy, and UQ stands out in Biological Sciences.
Admission and Eligibility Requirements
Australian admission has requirements. The process, albeit lengthy, is student-friendly, and the criteria vary from university to university, but here's a general eligibility requirement.
Undergraduate (UG) Admissions -
Academic Qualification- Completion of Class 12 with a minimum of 70–85%, depending on the course.
English Language Proficiency -
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0–6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 80+
- PTE: 50–58
Documents Required -
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Passport copy and resume (for some programs)
Postgraduate (PG) Admissions -
Academic Qualification - A 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with a minimum of 55–65%. Some top courses may ask for higher scores.
English Language Tests -
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 90+
- PTE: 58–65
Additional Tests - GMAT/GRE is needed mostly for top-tier MBA or STEM programs, but many universities offer waivers.
Portfolio - Compulsory for Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, and Fashion-related courses.
Work Experience - Preferred for MBA and executive-level programs.
Most Australian universities are flexible about the Indian education system and accept 15 years of prior education (10+2+3). However, always confirm university-specific policies.
Intakes & Timeline:
- Primary Intakes: February and July
- Application Window: Ideally, start 6–9 months before your intake month
Living and Tuition Fee Structure
Australian education is recognized as top-notch, and it's less expensive than in the US or the UK. This is how much you are likely to pay during your stay:
Tuition Fees -
- Undergraduate Programs: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
(Engineering, IT, and Business programs fall on the higher side)
- Postgraduate Programs: AUD 22,000 – AUD 55,000 per year
(MBA programs at top B-schools like Melbourne Business School or AGSM can go up to AUD 80,000)
Cost of Living -
Living costs depend heavily on the city you're in. Here's a breakdown!
| City | Monthly Living Cost | Yearly Estimate | Notes |
| Sydney | AUD 2,300 – 2,800 | AUD 27,000+ | Most expensive, high rent |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,000 – 2,500 | AUD 24,000+ | Cultural hub, student-friendly |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,800 – 2,300 | AUD 22,000+ | Affordable, warmer climate |
| Perth | AUD 1,700 – 2,200 | AUD 21,000+ | Budget-friendly, growing market |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,600 – 2,100 | AUD 20,000+ | Cheapest among major cities |
Breakdown of Weekly Costs -
- Rent (shared): AUD 150–300
- Food & groceries: AUD 80–120
- Transport & utilities: AUD 50–80
Work Opportunities
Part-time work allowed up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters
- Minimum wage - AUD 24.39/hour (as of 2025)
- Many students work in retail, hospitality, or university campus roles
Pro Tip - You must also purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately AUD 500–700/year.
Scholarships for International Students
Australian universities provide numerous scholarships to international students (including Indians). They are mostly merit-based but may also factor in financial need or exceptional cases. A few of the significant scholarship opportunities include -
| University | Scholarship Name | Benefit | Eligibility |
| University of Queensland | India Global Leaders Scholarship | 25%–50% tuition fee waiver | High academic achievers in Business, Economics, Law |
| Monash University | Monash International Merit Scholarship | Up to AUD 50,000 over the course of study | Based on academic merit |
| University of Sydney | Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | Up to AUD 40,000 | High-performing international students |
| ANU | ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship | 25%–50% fee reduction | Based on academic excellence |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship | Full or partial tuition coverage | Based on Class 12 marks (CBSE/ICSE/state boards) |
| UNSW | Future of Change Scholarship for Indians | AUD 5,000–10,000/year | Indian passport holders applying for UG/PG programs |
Conclusion
Australian universities provide globally recognized degrees and help students face the challenges of tomorrow's job market. Thanks to their advanced research facilities and solid links with industry, Australian institutions ensure students learn what is needed in the real world. Indian students value this the most, giving them the chance for advancement, greater visibility, and long-term returns.