Study Abroad in Australia for Indian Students in 2025: Top Universities by City

Global Ed
July 28, 2025


Australia is emerging as a top choice for Indian students who wish to build an international career. And it’s not just a trend that fades over time.

The figures are pretty strong. The High Commission of India in Canberra reports that almost 1,22,391 Indians study abroad in Australia between January and September 2023. And it’s also important to note that India is the second-largest source country for international student enrolment in the country.

So, what’s attracting so many Indian students to Australia?

Easy. Australia offers many things students actually care about: top universities, scholarships, student-friendly immigration policies, post-study work visa, career opportunities, and so on.

But that brings a new challenge. When every option looks good on paper, how do you decide what’s best for you?


That’s why we’ve prepared a blog that breaks down the top universities in Australia for Indian students, city by city. In this blog, you will read about:

Why Study In Australia?


Why Study In Australia?

Check out why Indian students are choosing Australia for overseas education:

Globally Ranked Universities

Australia is home to several top universities in the world. 9 Australian universities are included in the QS World Top 100 in 2025. And many more universities are highly regarded for their good industry connections and experiential learning models.

Work While You Study

Living costs in Australia for students are high in some cities. But the bright side is that student visa holders can work a maximum of 48 hours a fortnight in semester time and full-time over breaks. This assists you in paying your expenses and gaining valuable work experience.

Post-Study Work Visa

As of 2024, eligible graduates can stay back and work for 2 to 6 years. The exact duration depends on your qualification and study location:

Qualification Stay Back Period
Bachelor’s Degree 2–4 years
Master’s Degree 3–5 years
Regional Campus Graduate Up to 6 years

Thus, you will have a genuine chance to establish a life and career in Australia.

Scholarship Opportunities

Most Australian universities provide merit-based and need-based scholarships to international students. Have a look at the top scholarships to study in Australia:

Scholarship Name Benefits
Australia Awards Scholarships Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, OSHC, and more
Research Training Program Tuition, stipend (up to AUD 34,000/year), and health insurance
Deakin University Scholarships Waives off 25% of the tuition fee
Monash International Merit Scholarship AUD 10,000/year (up to AUD 50,000 total)

Top Universities in Australia for Indian Students By City


Top Universities in Australia for Indian Students By City

Studying in Australia is indeed a good choice for your career. But with so many good options alike, choosing the right fit could be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. Let’s have a look at the top universities in Australia for international students, sorted by city.

1. Melbourne


Melbourne is the innovation hub of the world. Located in the state of Victoria, the city has some of the top universities in Australia for international students.

On top of that, Melbourne is considered one of the world’s most livable cities. Once you experience Melbourne’s famous laneways, street art, and incredible food scene, you’ll understand why students never want to leave.

Let’s take a look at two of its most elite institutions.

University of Melbourne

Established: 1853

Consistently ranked in the top 35 universities globally (QS Rankings 2025), the University of Melbourne is renowned for having robust research programs and an interdisciplinary outlook. It’s particularly well-known for law, medicine, engineering, and the humanities.

Why University of Melbourne?

  • Global Recognition: The University is ranked #1 in Australia and #14 globally for Law. You will have an edge in the job market as many employers see a Melbourne degree as a royal pass.
  • Career-Oriented: The university follows a special “Melbourne Model”, close to the U.S. system, having wide undergraduate degrees followed by specialized postgraduate streams. It’s aimed at providing students with flexibility and depth, which is excellent for Indian students still finding their career path.
  • Industry Connections: Being a reputed university with over 150 years of experience, the University of Melbourne has close collaborations with more than 1000 international organizations. Students can make use of this network for internships and even career opportunities.
  • Research Strength: The university has over 100 research centers, including cutting-edge AI, climate, and health institutes. You’ll be learning in an environment where new ideas are encouraged.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Complete a recognized international secondary qualification. ICSE, CBSE, and State Boards are accepted.
  • Each course has a published minimum and guaranteed entry score. Attaining the minimum score makes you eligible to apply, but doesn’t assure admission. You need to have the guaranteed entry score for that.
  • Candidates are required to meet English language requirements. IELTS (6.5 with no bands less than 6), TOEFL, and PTE are accepted.
  • Some programs require specific subjects, tests, portfolios, interviews, or auditions.

Monash University

Established: 1958

Monash is Australia’s biggest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) research-oriented universities. It is ranked in the top 50 globally in Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Engineering, and Education. The university is renowned for its problem-solving curriculum and is a perfect fit for innovative students.

Why Monash University?

  • STEM Powerhouse: Monash is ranked #2 in the world for Pharmacy and 59th globally for Engineering. It’s the right fit for students who are specialized in science.
  • Global Reach: The university has dual degrees, exchange programs, and industry linkages across the world. For instance, Monash University has a well-established research partnership with IIT Bombay, known as the IITB-Monash Research Academy. The institution offers joint PhD programs and collaborative research opportunities.
  • Innovation Hub: Monash University maintains strong industry connections with tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Students will have access to many promising placement opportunities.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Completion of Year 12 with CBSE, ISC, or one of the approved Indian State Boards (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal).
  • Demonstrate English language efficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
  • You are required to pay AUD$100 as an application fee.

2. Sydney

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is an attractive destination for international students. It’s considered one of the most student-friendly cities in the world, ranking 6th in the 2025 QS Best Student Cities.

The two main universities in Sydney are:

University of Sydney

Established: 1850

The University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australia, is often the first choice of most students. It sits #25 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. The institution offers over 400 study programs across the arts, sciences, and other professional fields.

Why University of Sydney?

  • Subject Depth: The University of Sydney offers 35 subjects in the global top 50. You can find many high-scope courses like Classics, Nursing, Veterinary Science, etc.
  • Sustainability Leader: The University of Sydney is ranked 11th globally for sustainability. It’s a direct sign that the university is the perfect option for those who specialize in eco-friendly and socially responsible research.
  • Prime Location: As the university is located in the business heartland of the country, you will have simpler access to finance giants and startups alike.
  • Scholarship Aid: The university offers generous scholarship support to international students, including full tuition, Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarships.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Complete the Indian Class 12. Most programs require scores as high as 85%.
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than band 6.0
  • Medicine courses tend to have extra interviews, and Arts and Humanities prefer students with strong portfolios.

Macquarie University

Established: 1850

Macquarie is an AACSB-accredited university in Australia that’s well-known for its business and industry-driven courses. The university has a strong focus on practical learning. And figures show that the approach works well. As per the 2023 QILT surveys, 78.7% of undergrads and 87.3% of postgrads in the university found full-time employment.

Why University of Sydney?

  • Business Specialization: Macquarie’s Business School offers many specializations, including Finance, Marketing, International Business, and Business Analytics. It’s a strong choice if you want to work in data-driven roles.
  • Career-Oriented Curriculum: Several industry leaders have contributed to the university curriculum. On top of that, the university has a dedicated ‘PACE’ program that embeds actual projects so that you will gain practical experience prior to graduation. All these let you have a clear edge in the job market.
  • Checkered Board support: The university has comparatively smaller classrooms. That means you will get more individualized support.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Minimum 65–70% in Class 12 from AISSC, HSSC, or ISC boards is typically required for most undergraduate courses.
  • Students are required to prove English language proficiency through any accepted language test.
  • Some postgraduate programs (e.g., MBA) may require a higher GPA, a minimum GMAT score, and relevant work experience.

3. Perth


Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a fast-growing university hub with over 125,000 university students. The most attractive part about the city is the lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, especially for international students. On top of that, you can enjoy regional Australia benefits for students and access to a growing tech hotspot.

University of Western Australia (UWA)

Established: 1911

UWA is Western Australia’s sole Group of Eight university, consistently ranking among the world’s top 100 universities (now #77). The university has more than 28,000 students, including close to 7,000 international students from 100 nations.

Why University of Western Australia?

  • Research Focus: UWA has a major foundational role in Western Australia’s research sector. The university runs over 75 research centres and is well-known for its collaboration with reputed institutions like the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. Thus, students will have access to high-powered national-level computing for data-intensive research.
  • High Rankings: The university is ranked #1 in Australia for Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Marine Engineering, Agricultural Science, and many more important fields.
  • Regional study benefits: As Perth falls under the regional category, UWA graduates are eligible to receive longer Post-Study Work Visas (Subclass 485) for a duration of 3 to 5 years. That’s a great boon for those who wish to work in Australia after their studies.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Completion of Indian Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)/Indian School Certificate (ISC) with a minimum of 70–80% (varies by program).
  • Program prerequisites in subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, or English may apply, especially for Science and Engineering.
  • English language requirements are mandatory.

4. Brisbane


Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is yet another attractive student city with a relatively affordable cost of living. The best part is, you get to study at a top-ranked university and still enjoy the extended post-study work visa benefits that come with living in a regional city.

University of Queensland (UQ)

Established: 1910

UQ is Queensland’s flagship university and a proud member of the Group of Eight, known for a research-based teaching approach. QS ranks UQ 42nd in the world and 4th in Australia for academic reputation.

Why University of Queensland?

  • Global Reach: Being a reputedly ranked university, UQ has more than 130 exchange partners, and its alumni network covers 190 countries. Students can utilize them to gain better career opportunities. Plus, Brisbane’s booming startup culture is also a potential add-on benefit.
  • Employability Success: Figures prove the worth of a UQ degree in the job market. As per stats, 81% of UQ undergraduates find full-time work within 4 months. That’s above the national average of  78.5%.
  • Advanced Research: UQ is home to prestigious institutes like the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the Queensland Brain Institute. You will have the chance to be a part of pioneering vaccine and AI projects.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Complete plus two education. Even though all boards are accepted, UQ requires a distinctly higher minimum percentage from Indian state board students (usually 85%) compared to CBSE/ICSE students (typically 70%) for undergraduate admissions.
  • Needs proof of English language proficiency.
  • Apart from most other Australian universities, UQ generally does not require a Statement of Purpose (SOP), except for MBA, health, or research-oriented programs.

5. Adelaide

Adelaide is South Australia’s coastal capital with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s in the world’s top 100 student cities (ranked 31st in QS 2025 rankings). And since the city is cheaper in terms of fees and living, many Indian students consider it one of the most enjoyable places to study abroad in Australia.

University of Adelaide

Established: 1874

The University of Adelaide is the third-oldest university in Australia and a proud member of the Group of Eight, which brings together the country’s top research institutions. In the latest QS World University Rankings, it jumped to 82nd globally and 8th nationally, up from 89th last year. That itself is a clear sign of its rising reputation.

Why University of Adelaide?

  • Subject Strength: The University of Adelaide is ranked #4 nationally in Petroleum Engineering in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject and remains within the top 100 in various subjects like Computer, Environmental Studies, Chemical Engineering, etc. All these make the college a strong choice for anyone pursuing resource or technology fields.
  • Space Research: Its Waite Institute is working with NASA on food production for lunar missions. Students will have the chance to become a part of history through working with such pathbreaking research initiatives.
  • In-built Startup Culture: The university has a dedicated flagship network of incubators, called ThincLab, to support students to build companies in agriculture technology (AgTech), space, clean energy, and more. That makes it even more attractive for students with a business passion.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

  • Accepts 12th standard certificates from CBSE, ISC, and State Boards in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
  • For degrees, mainly in the science field, you must have studied certain subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, etc.) in 12th grade, with explicit minimum marks.
  • Prove English language proficiency. Those who are not able to meet the language test requirements can complete the PEP pathway to have direct entry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. How early should I apply to study in Australia?

It is better to apply 6–8 months before to have sufficient time for the admission and visa process.

2. Do Australian universities accept 12th standard state board students from India?

Yes, but there might be slightly higher entry requirements than for CBSE and ICSE. And all state board certificates may not be accepted directly. Some state board students may have to go through an extra pathway. It all depends on the university you choose.

3. What’s the approximate cost of studying in Australia for Indian students?

Fees typically cost between AUD 20,000 and 45,000 per year, in addition to AUD 21,000–27,000 per year for living expenses.

4. What are the cheapest cities to live in Australia for students?

Cities like Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth have lower tuition and living expenses than Sydney or Melbourne.

Conclusion


Studying in Australia is indeed a big opportunity. You can learn in some of the top universities in the world, with some of the best minds. And soon after studies, you will step into a job market that’s full of opportunities through a long post-study work visa.

But figuring it all out, right from shortlisting the colleges to cracking the visa, the process can get very challenging.

That’s where The Chopras – TC Global can help you. We’ve assisted thousands of students to study abroad in Australia by simplifying the entire process. Our team of dedicated experts can help you pick the right university for your aspirations and guide you through the entire visa approval process.

Let’s talk and make a plan that works for you.

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