Top Universities in Australia: A Guide to Choosing the Best Fit for Your Future

We thought of leaving this post as a note to help families like yours navigate this exciting but often confusing journey. Australia offers a range of fantastic universities, each with its own unique strengths and personality. In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the top choices, sharing insights into their courses, campus life, and what makes them special.

Top 10 Australian Universities

We've used the latest QS World University Rankings (2024) and graduate employability data (2023) to compile this list. But remember, rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. The best university for your child will depend on their individual interests, goals, and learning style.

1. University of Melbourne

• Global Ranking: #13

• Graduate Employability: 67.7%

• Why We Love It: Melbourne has a reputation for academic excellence, and it's easy to see why. The campus is stunning, with historic buildings and green spaces, and it's located right in the heart of one of the world's most liveable cities. Plus, the student support services are top-notch. One of our clients, Mrs. Lee, told us how impressed she was with the support her son received when he first arrived in Melbourne. It made the transition so much smoother for him.

• What to Study: Melbourne excels in a wide range of fields, but they're particularly renowned for law, medicine, humanities, and the arts.

3. University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

• Global Ranking: #19

• Graduate Employability: 81.3%

• Why We Love It: UNSW is a powerhouse for innovation, especially in engineering and technology. They have incredible facilities and a real focus on hands-on learning. I remember visiting their solar energy research lab – it was mind-blowing! If your child is passionate about STEM, this is definitely a university to consider.

• What to Study: Engineering (all disciplines), Computer Science, Business, Science

2. University of Sydney

• Global Ranking: #18

• Graduate Employability: 80.9%

• Why We Love It: Sydney Uni has this amazing blend of history and modernity. The campus is beautiful, with those iconic sandstone buildings, and it's in a fantastic location close to the city center and some of Australia's most famous landmarks. It's also incredibly diverse, with students from all over the world.

• What to Study: Arts, Law, Medicine, Science, Engineering, Architecture

4. Australian National University (ANU)

• Global Ranking: #30

• Graduate Employability: 80.7%

• Why We Love It: If your child is interested in politics, international relations, or public policy, ANU is the place to be. It's located in Canberra, the capital of Australia, so they'll have access to government institutions and a really unique learning environment. Plus, the campus has a relaxed, almost village-like feel.

• What to Study: International Relations, Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy

5. Monash University

• Global Ranking: #37

• Graduate Employability: 82.0%

• Why We Love It: Monash is a huge and vibrant university with a strong international community. They have a fantastic reputation for medicine and health sciences, and their research facilities are world-class. I was particularly impressed by their commitment to sustainability and social justice.

• What to Study: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, Arts

6. University of Queensland

• Global Ranking: #40

• Graduate Employability: 81.3%

• Why We Love It: UQ has this gorgeous campus with a really laid-back vibe. It's in Brisbane, which is a fantastic city – sunny, friendly, and with a growing arts and culture scene. UQ is a great choice for students who are passionate about the environment and sustainability.

• What to Study: Environmental Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Business, Engineering

7. University of Western Australia

• Global Ranking: #77

• Graduate Employability: 69.6%

• Why We Love It: Perth is a beautiful city, and UWA's campus is right on the Swan River. It's a bit more isolated than some of the other universities on this list, but that can be a plus if your child prefers a quieter environment. They have a fantastic marine science program, and their research on marine ecosystems is world-renowned.

• What to Study: Marine Science, Mining Engineering, Psychology, Commerce, Law

8. University of Adelaide

• Global Ranking: #82

• Graduate Employability: 75.1%

• Why We Love It: Adelaide is a charming city with a strong arts and culture scene. The university has a beautiful campus and a long history of academic excellence. They're also known for their winemaking program – how cool is that?

• What to Study: Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing), Engineering, Winemaking, Arts

9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Global Ranking: #88

• Graduate Employability: 77.5%

• Why We Love It: UTS is all about innovation and real-world skills. Their campus is in the heart of Sydney, so students are surrounded by industry and opportunity. They have strong links with businesses, and their courses are designed to prepare graduates for the workforce.

• What to Study: Business, Design, Information Technology, Nursing, Law

10. RMIT University

• Global Ranking: #123

• Graduate Employability: 74.6% (2022)

• Why We Love It: RMIT is a creative hub with a focus on design, technology, and enterprise. Their graduates are highly sought after by employers, and the university has a strong international reputation. If your child is a budding artist, designer, or entrepreneur, RMIT is definitely worth a look.

• What to Study: Art and Design, Engineering, Business, Communication, Fashion

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right university is a big decision, but it's also an exciting one! Remember to consider your child's individual interests, passions, and goals. Visit university websites, attend virtual open days, and talk to current students if you can.