Australia continues to attract students from every corner of the world. As of July 2025, more than 925,000 international enrolments were recorded across its universities, colleges, and training institutions. For many families, those numbers reflect not only Australia’s reputation for academic excellence but also the sense of safety, welcome, and belonging that the country offers to students living far from home.
With a network that includes top universities and a government that actively supports international education, Australia combines rigorous academics with a quality of life that makes studying there both achievable and rewarding.
This guide introduces families to the best universities in Australia for international students, outlining how to choose the right one, understand Australian university entry requirements, apply for student visas and scholarships, and prepare for a successful transition to life.
Key Takeaways
- There are over 925,000 international enrollments across Australian universities as of mid-2025.
- Some of the best universities in Australia for international students include globally ranked institutions such as Melbourne, ANU, Sydney, Queensland, Monash, and UNSW.
- The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows students to live, study, and work part-time while pursuing their degrees.
- Graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain post-study work experience in Australia.
- Australia offers one of the world’s highest quality-of-life scores, with safe, inclusive cities and diverse student communities.
Why Study in Australia?
When families explore where their child might flourish abroad, Australia often stands out for its balance of academic strength and quality of life. It’s a country where students can study at a high level and live comfortably in a safe, friendly environment. Among the best countries for international students, Australia consistently earns praise for combining strong academics with an exceptional living experience.
For example, in global rankings, Australia performs strongly. According to the World University Rankings 2025:
- 6 universities are in the world’s top 100
- 10 universities are in the top 200
- 33 universities are in the top 500
For a nation of just over 26 million people, that depth is impressive. It explains why the best universities in Australia for international students now attract applicants from more than 190 countries each year.
Quality of life is another reason families trust Australia with their child’s education. The country scores one of the highest in the world on the Quality of Life Index. Cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer clean environments, reliable transport, and a strong sense of safety and inclusion.
Australia also supports international graduates after their studies. Through the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485), students who complete eligible degrees can stay and work in the country for up to four years, gaining valuable professional experience before returning home or continuing their career in Australia.
The Australian Government’s policy toward international students further strengthens that support. A new national plan sets 295,000 student places for 2026, 25,000 more than in 2025, ensuring steady growth and long-term opportunity for those coming from overseas. It’s a clear signal that Australia values international education and is planning for it with care.
6 of the Best Universities in Australia for International Students
Australia’s higher education system combines long academic traditions with a strong focus on innovation. At its core is the Group of Eight (Go8), universities such as Melbourne, ANU, Sydney, Queensland, Monash, Adelaide, Western Australia, and UNSW, recognized globally for research and academic quality.
Below is a carefully chosen selection of top universities in Australia known for academic excellence, global reach, and exceptional support for international students. This is not a ranking, but a guide to institutions where international students typically thrive both academically and personally.
University of Melbourne
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS Ranking 2025: 13 globally
- International Students: around 40% of total enrolment
Located in the heart of one of the world’s most livable cities, the University of Melbourne blends academic excellence with strong career preparation. Students benefit from initiatives like the Melbourne Global Scholars Awards and Mobility Grants, which fund overseas study and research.
The university’s dedicated Careers and Employability team connects learners with internships and professional mentors, while ten residential colleges offer academic and social support to help new arrivals adjust quickly. Consistently ranked among Australia’s top universities for graduate employability, Melbourne offers both world-class education and pathways to meaningful careers.
Australian National University (ANU)
- Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
- QS Ranking 2025: 30 globally
- International Students: about 48%
Ranked #1 in Australia for graduate employability, ANU delivers a research-driven education that starts from day one. Undergraduates gain early access to real research projects across fields such as politics, international relations, and environmental science
ANU’s orientation and peer-support initiatives help international students settle into campus life with ease, while Canberra’s safe, community-oriented setting creates an ideal environment for focused study. Known for its academic depth and tight-knit atmosphere, ANU offers an experience that feels both personal and globally connected.
University of Sydney
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- QS Ranking 2025: 18 globally
- International Students: around 50%
Australia’s oldest university continues to shape modern education with a focus on global experience and employability. The University of Sydney’s International Industry Placement Program allows students to gain practical experience in major cities like New York and London, while its extensive Work-Integrated Learning network links students to more than 1,200 employers across industries.
Ranked #3 in Australia for graduate employability, the University of Sydney combines academic prestige with opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings. With over 140 nationalities represented on campus, students enjoy a richly multicultural environment supported by world-class facilities.
University of Queensland (UQ)
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- QS Ranking 2025: 40 globally
- International Students: about 35-40 %
Set along the Brisbane River, the University of Queensland offers a balance of research excellence and a relaxed lifestyle. Its renowned UQ Ventures initiative supports entrepreneurship through programs such as Startup AdVentures and the Ventures Industry Challenge, giving students hands-on experience with innovative companies.
UQ is also recognized internationally for research strength in life sciences, environmental studies, and engineering. With its scenic campus ranked among the most beautiful in the world, UQ provides an inspiring place to study, innovate, and grow both academically and personally.
Monash University
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS Ranking 2025: 37 globally
- International Students: about 37%
Monash University stands out for its global reach and strong international community. With campuses and centers in Malaysia, Italy, India, Indonesia, and China, Monash gives students a rare opportunity to study across continents within one institution.
The university’s Thrive International initiative offers tailored wellbeing and adjustment support for overseas students, while programs such as the Global Immersion Guarantee encourage early exposure to international study and industry experience. Known for its leadership in health, engineering, and business education, Monash combines academic rigor with real-world impact and global mobility.
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- QS Ranking 2025: 19 globally
UNSW Sydney combines world-class teaching with innovation and industry engagement. Its Career Accelerator Program integrates internships, mentoring, and professional networking directly into coursework, ensuring students graduate ready to start their careers.
The university also hosts UNSW Founders, one of Australia’s largest university-based entrepreneurship ecosystems, supporting start-ups and student-led ventures. Known for excellence in business, design, and technology, UNSW maintains deep partnerships with employers across the Asia-Pacific, helping international graduate students transition smoothly from study to the workplace.
Australian Universities: Entry Requirements for Foreign Students
Each Australian university defines its own entry standards, but most share similar expectations for international applicants. In general, students must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications to Australian Year 12, meet English language standards, and satisfy any subject prerequisites for their intended program.
Academic Requirements in Australia
Australian universities commonly accept:
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- A-levels
- Other recognized national diplomas (e.g., U.S. or Indian high school credentials)
Students who do not meet direct entry standards can enroll in foundation or pathway programs to strengthen academic and English skills before moving into a degree.
Some programs require specific subjects, such as:
- Mathematics for engineering
- Chemistry or biology for science-related fields
Because entry standards vary, applicants should always check each university’s official website.
Key resource: StudyAustralia.gov.au – Entry Requirements
English Language Requirements in Australia
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
Minimum scores generally range from IELTS 6.0–7.0, with higher levels for studying law, teaching, and health. Students educated in English may qualify for exemptions.
Key resources: VU.edu.au – English Language Requirements
Application Process
Applications to top universities in Australia are generally submitted online, either directly through each university’s portal or with the help of university admission consultants.
Typical steps include:
- Choose a program and review its entry and English requirements.
- Gather required documents, including transcripts, passport copy, and test results.
- Submit the online application and pay any processing fee.
- Receive an offer letter or conditional offer.
- Once accepted, meet any outstanding conditions and pay the deposit.
- Obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required for the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
The CoE confirms a student’s place in an approved program. After receiving it, applicants can begin the visa process, arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and prepare for travel to Australia.
Key resources: Australian Government – Student Visa (Subclass 500)
How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Once students receive an offer and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved university, the next step is to apply for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows international students to live and study for the duration of their course and, in most cases, to work part-time while classes are in session.
Eligibility and Required Documents
To apply, students need to prepare a complete set of documents before starting the online application. These include:
- Valid CoE and current passport
- Proof of financial capacity for tuition, travel, and living costs
- English proficiency results (unless exempt)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Health and character checks (medical and police)
- Statement meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Completing all of these steps carefully helps avoid processing delays.
Application and Processing
All student visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount, the official portal of Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. Applicants are required to:
- Lodge the visa and upload documents via ImmiAccount.
- Pay the application fee (AUD 2,000 as of July 2025; subject to change).
- Some applicants provide biometrics or medicals.
- Processing time varies; complete files are often finalized within a few weeks.
The Home Affairs website provides up-to-date averages and detailed checklists to guide applicants through the process.
Validity and Work Rights
The student visa covers the full duration of the course, generally up to six years. It also defines permitted work hours, allowing students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during official breaks. Postgraduate researchers often have greater flexibility.
Official source: Australian Government – Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Australia
Financing an international education often feels like the hardest part of planning, but Australia offers a wide range of scholarships and aid programs to make studying more accessible. From government awards to university grants, many students find opportunities that ease the cost of tuition and living.
Government Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), are among the most comprehensive funding programs in the world. They cover full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living stipend, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the program. Students from eligible partner countries are encouraged to apply through their national selection offices.
Learn more: Australia Awards Scholarships – DFAT
University Scholarships
Most leading universities offer scholarships for international students in Australia. The University of Sydney, Monash University, ANU, and UNSW Sydney all provide merit-based and need-based awards that can reduce tuition or assist with living costs. Some scholarships are automatically considered with an admission application, while others require a separate form and personal statement.
Explore options: StudyAustralia.gov.au – Scholarships
Regional and Private Opportunities
Students willing to study outside major cities can apply for Destination Australia Scholarships, which promote study in regional campuses. In addition, private organizations such as Rotary International, the Westpac Scholars Program, and various professional associations offer smaller grants that support leadership and research.
Tips for Scholarship Applicants
- Apply early. Many deadlines close months before the academic intake.
- Keep grades strong. Competitive programs often set minimum GPA or English test scores.
- Write thoughtfully. A clear, personal statement explaining academic goals and community impact can make a strong impression.
- Ask for guidance. International University offices are experienced in helping families identify and apply for suitable scholarships.
By exploring both government and university options early, families often discover that studying at the best universities in Australia for international students is more financially achievable than they expected.
Support Services and Student Life in Australian Universities
Australian universities place strong emphasis on wellbeing, inclusion, and student success. This support begins before departure and continues throughout the study, helping international students feel welcomed and prepared.
McMillan Education’s approach guides families through every stage of the admissions process: preparing complete applications, clarifying entry requirements, and ensuring key deadlines are met. They also help families understand program options, cultural fit, and academic expectations.
Pre-Arrival and On-Campus Support
Universities provide detailed pre-arrival information and host orientation programs with workshops, tours, and peer events. The University of Sydney’s Welcome Program and UQ’s international student services are examples of how students receive guidance, academic tutoring, and wellbeing support from day one.
Accommodation and Daily Life
Students can live on campus, in shared apartments, or with host families. Living costs usually range between AUD 25,000 and 45,000 per year, including housing at roughly AUD 200–400 per week. Families can plan budgets using the Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator.
Student Life and Work Opportunities
Campuses are diverse and social, offering hundreds of clubs and volunteer programs. With a Student Visa (Subclass 500), students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and full-time during breaks. Many later apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain post-study work experience in Australia.
Planning Your Path to Study in Australia
Australia’s reputation for academic quality, clear entry pathways, and strong student support makes it one of the most trusted study destinations in the world. With guidance from experienced consultants of McMillan Education to study in Australia, students can plan confidently, meet every requirement, and begin their studies at the best universities in Australia for international students, fully prepared for both academic and personal growth.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free consultation with McMillan Education to start mapping your path to the right Australian university and a rewarding international study experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities in Australia for international students?
Top choices include the University of Melbourne, ANU, Sydney, Queensland, Monash, and UNSW; all globally ranked and known for strong international support.
How can I apply to Australian universities as a foreign student?
Applications are usually online through university portals, authorized education agents, or consultants. Submit transcripts, English test results, and a valid passport, then wait for an offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
What English tests are accepted in Australia?
Common options include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Minimum scores vary by course.
Can international students work while studying in Australia?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks.
Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Yes. Programs like Australia Awards, Destination Australia, and university-specific scholarships help cover tuition and living costs.
How much does it cost to live and study in Australia?
Most students spend AUD 25,000 – 45,000 per year, including housing, transport, and daily expenses.