Level 1 Universities in Australia for International Students in 2024



“I am aiming for the Level 1 universities in Australia”, is something many applicants tell our Relationship Members often when talking about studying abroad in Australia.

What are the Level 1 institutions that students are referring to?

Put simply, Level 1 is an informal term used to refer to the top universities in Australia. They are globally recognised and provide world-class education systems, research opportunities, infrastructure and so on, making the country a sought after study destination.




Disclaimer: This video reflects details and rankings from 2023

What are the Level 1 Colleges in Australia?


Our list of Level 1 institutions is based on QS World University Rankings for the year 2024. While researching for these institutions, another term that one often comes across is sandstone university. This term refers to the oldest and most prestigious universities in each of the states of the land down under.

That said, the Level 1 institutions are

  • University of Melbourne
  • University of New South Wales
  • The University of Sydney
  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • Macquarie University

1. University of Melbourne


Source: University of Melbourne

A public research university located in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second oldest university. One of the country’s most prominent sandstone universities, the University of Melbourne comprises ten separate academic units and is associated with numerous institutes and research centres.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: Number 1 in the country and 14th in the world according to QS World University Rankings, Number 1 in Australia, according to the list published by THE.

  • Has built a reputation as one of the top institutions for higher education in Australia for over 160 years.
  • Was ranked number 8 in graduate employability worldwide in 2022 by QS rankings.
  • Has a student strength of over 54,000 out of which over 40% are international students.
  • Access to over 100 research centres and institutions.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The average annual tuition fee ranges from about AU $36,000 – $79,000 depending on the course. Postgraduate diplomas and taught masters programmes cost around AU $50,000 per year. Based on your area of interest, academic merit and financial need, you can choose from over a 1,000 scholarship options that are open to the students of the University of Melbourne. You can access the list of scholarships here.

Eligibility

  • At the bachelor’s level, the university accepts students who have completed IB, CBSE class XII or the ISC. Each course also has a minimum GPA requirement and prerequisite courses.
  • At the postgraduate level, the basic requirement is that you must have completed an undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne, another Australian institution, or a university abroad recognized in Australia.
  • Some courses might also require you to submit GRE/ GMAT or proof of work experience.
  • If you do not meet the university’s English language requirement through your academic history, you must submit proof of proficiency in the form of IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ CAE/ CPE.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

The university has over 200 bachelor’s and over 200 master’s and research programmes for you to choose from. The most sought after courses are in the fields of computer science, engineering, health and humanities.

The application process is as follows:

  • You choose your course from the online course catalogue.
  • You ensure that you meet the admission requirements.
  • You submit your application online through the university website by paying an application fee of AU $120.
  • You can track your application through your application account. The typical processing time is 2-4 weeks.
  • Research scholarships and plan for accommodation.

2. University of New South Wales (UNSW)


Source: UNSW

Located in Sydney, the University of New South Wales is another level 1 university in Australia that provides a top notch career-based education with a hands-on approach. One of the founding members of the Go8, UNSW is renowned for being a teaching and research powerhouse.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: 2 in the country and 19 in the world according to QS rankings, 6th, nationally according to THE

  • Has one of the best engineering and law faculties in the land down under.
  • Emphasises on and assists with building industry connections while being a UNSW student.
  • Has been named Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable University in 2022
  • You can maintain a good study-life balance and enjoy the campus that is right down from the beach.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The average annual tuition fee ranges from AU $46,000 to about $60,640. Here are some of UNSW’s scholarships for international students:

  • International Scientia Coursework Scholarship
  • Australia’s Global Award
  • India Future of Change Scholarship
  • UNSW Global Academic Award
  • International Student Award
  • T2 Return to Campus Award

Eligibility

  • A recognised qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12 along with the required courses (depending on the choice of programme) and minimum GPA.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL iBT/ Pearson Test/ CAE/ CPE scores are mandatory if your first language is not English.
  • For a postgraduate degree, a recognised bachelor’s degree along with relevant work/ research experience might be required.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

UNSW offers over 400 degrees across 6 faculties:

  • Arts, Design and Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Law and Justice
  • Medicine and Health
  • Science
  • UNSW Business School

Once you select the course and ensure you have all the eligibility requirements, you can apply online by paying an application fee of AU $120. Once you submit your completed application, you can track it via your Apply Online account.

3. University of Sydney


Source: University of Sydney

Australia’s oldest university, the University of Sydney has a history spanning 173 years. One of the first universities to admit women, in the late 1800s, the university continues to be a trailblazer till today, having created a reputation for research, critical thinking and pioneering education. Comprising 8 schools, UniSyd is home to over 40,000 students from all over the globe.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS Ranks – Number 3 in Australia and 19 in global ranking, THE Rank – 3 in the country.

  • Consistently ranked in the top 50 universities in the world.
  • Graduate employability ranking of 1 in the nation and 4 in the world
  • Flexible undergraduate degree programmes
  • Member of the prestigious Go8, having access to a variety of research centres and institutions.
  • Gain real world experience and career support.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The first year tuition fee ranges from AU $40,000 – to about $72,000 depending on the course, whether it is full-time or part-time and if it has a research component. The university also has a number of scholarship opportunities for overseas students, both at a general level and faculty specific. Some of the prestigious scholarships include Sydney Scholars India Scholarship programme, Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship Scheme and the Sydney International Student Awards.

Eligibility

  • A recognised qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12 along with the required courses (depending on the choice of programme) and minimum GPA.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL iBT/ Pearson Test/ CAE/ CPE scores are mandatory if your first language is not English.
  • For a postgraduate degree, a recognised bachelor’s degree along with relevant work/ research experience might be required.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

The university offers hundreds of courses in three levels (undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral) in the following areas of interest.

  • Arts and social sciences
  • Architecture, design and planning
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Education and social work
  • Engineering, computer science and information technology
  • Law
  • Medicine and health
  • Music
  • Science

The admission process is as follows –

  • Select a course that is best suited to meet your career goals.
  • Check your eligibility.
  • Gather your required documents.
  • Get your finances in order. This includes preparing a scholarship application, if required.
  • Submit your application online by paying an application processing fee of AU $150.

4. Australian National University (ANU)


Source: ANU

A public research university located in the suburbs of Canberra, the Australian National University is renowned for its internationally recognised teaching and global research. With 6 Nobel laureates and 49 Rhodes scholars among its faculty and alumni, ANU is one of the most sought after universities for international students in Australia.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: Number 4 in Australia and 34th in the world, according to QS World University Rankings, 4th in the country according to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings.

  • Has been a key contributor to the Australian higher education and research scene since 1946.
  • It is a member of Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s most research intensive universities and the only Australian member of the International Alliance of Research Universities.
  • The university has also been in the top spot for having the most employable graduates in Australia, according to research published byTHE.
  • It is home to about 18,000 students from across 100 different countries, creating a diverse, multicultural and competitive ethos.
  • The university also gives you the option of flexible degrees, where you can choose two undergraduate degrees and graduate with two qualifications.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The average annual fee for an undergraduate degree is between AU $43,000 to $56,000.

The university also has over 200 scholarship options for foreign students. This includes the prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship Programme, the Chancellor’s International Scholarship, and the Academic Merit Scholarships offered by the different schools of the university. ANU’s financial aid can be awarded based on academic merit, athletic performance or financial need.

Eligibility

Each course has its own set of entry requirements. However, the general undergraduate requirements are as follows:

  • For undergraduate courses, you must have completed your senior secondary studies, or one year of an Australian Bachelor Degree or other qualification accepted by ANU as comparable to an Australian Bachelor Degree as per the Australian Qualification Framework.
  • For postgraduate courses, you must have completed an Australian Bachelor Degree or other qualification accepted by ANU as comparable to an Australian Bachelor Degree as per the Australian Qualification Framework.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher or other equivalent proofs of English language proficiency

Courses Offered and Admission Process

ANU offers over 80 undergraduate programmes and 169 postgraduate programmes across its seven academic colleges which includeThe ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences, ANU College of Science, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific, the ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, the ANU College of Health & Medicine, the ANU College of Law, and the College of Business and Economics. Students can apply online and will be required to pay UAC application fees.

Note: You can apply for only one programme at a time.


5. Monash University


Source: Monash University

Named after a prominent World War I General Sir John Monash, Monash University is a public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria. The university also has a strong global presence with campuses in Malaysia, a graduate research school in Mumbai, a research centre in Italy and graduate schools in  Suzhou, China and Tangerang, Indonesia.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 5th in the country and 42nd in the world. THE – 2nd in the country

  • Besides its global recognition and reputation, Monash also has a multicultural ethos with students from 170 countries.
  • One of Australia’s largest universities, you will get a wide variety of flexible study options.
  • You will have access to over 100 international partners for research collaborations or other overseas experiences.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The annual tuition fee for a full year of 48 credits can range anywhere from AU $38,900 to AU $60,000. Courses in medicine and veterinary sciences are more expensive, costing around AU $95,000. The university also offers over 200 types of financial aid, in form of scholarships, awards and fee discounts to its students.

Eligibility

  • Satisfactory completion of final year secondary school, or equivalent, including English for bachelor’s programmes and completion of a recognised undergraduate degree for master’s.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 / TOEFL iBT – 79 / Pearson Test  – 58 / CAE or CPE – 176
  • Some courses may require a higher GPA, work experience or specific prerequisites, including standardised tests such as GRE/ GMAT.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

Monash offers 142 undergraduate courses and 174 postgraduate courses to its students. You can access the entire list of courses here. You can directly apply online through the university website.

6. University of Queensland


Source: University of Queensland

Established in 1909, the University of Queensland is another of Australia’s top public research universities. Located in Brisbane, UQ manages its research and education through six faculties which offer hundreds of courses. In the recent past, UQ has pioneered in medical research that includes invention of the HPV Vaccine that prevents cervical cancer, a COVID-19 vaccine that went on to human trials and the development of high performing portable MRI magnets.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 6th in the country, 43rd in the world. THE – 5th in the country.

  • It is a leading member of the Go8 universities, renowned for its commitment and contribution to research.
  • UQ has won the highest number of teaching awards among all other Australian universities.
  • UQ has 8 globally recognised research institutes and more than 100 research centres that attract an interdisciplinary community of numerous scientists, social scientists and engineers.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The average annual tuition fee is between AU $41,120 and AU $51,200. The university has over 100 different scholarships across different levels of study for international students.

Eligibility

  • Queensland Year 12 or an equivalent qualification with minimum entry score and subject prerequisites
  • A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or in any of the equivalent English assessment tests.
  • For a postgraduate degree, you must show proof of previous degree or professional experience.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

UQ offers around 128 undergraduate and 172 postgraduate courses. You can access the entire list of programmes here. The application process follows these basic steps:

  • Course selection
  • Reviewing entry requirements and applying for pathway programmes if required
  • Preparing finances for fees or applying for financial aid
  • Submission of application and
  • Tracking your application through the online portal.

7. University of Western Australia (UWA)


Source: UWA

With its main campus located at Perth and a secondary one at Albany,the University of Western Australia is a level 1 university. It gives its students plenty of opportunities to participate in pioneering research and collaborate with international partners.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 7th nationally, 72nd globally. THE – 8th in the country.

  • UWA is in the top 1% worldwide, for 43 of the subjects it teaches.
  • It is a research-intensive institution and a member of the Go8.
  • Has over 150 renowned partner institutions including University College, London and National University, Singapore should you choose to do a semester abroad.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The tuition fee ranges from AU $38,200 to $49,500 with medical courses being the most expensive one at around $85,800. On an average, a typical UG or PG degree tuition costs around AU $44,000 a year.

UWA has the Global Excellence scholarship where you can be awarded anywhere between AU $24,000 – $48,000 over a period of 2 – 4 years. This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit calculated by your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

Eligibility

  • Completed secondary education that is equivalent to Australian Year 12 level for undergraduate programmes.
  • Satisfy the University’s English language competence requirement through completion of an accepted English qualification or meeting minimum English language scores in an accepted test.
  • Some courses may also have specific requirements related to work experience, prior study or other skills, which will be outlined in the course entry requirements.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

UWA offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, health and medical sciences, law, and science. Students can apply directly to UWA or may choose to apply via an agent.


8. University of Adelaide


Source: University of Adelaide

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is another renowned public research university. It functions through three faculties, each having its constituent schools. The faculties are: the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (SET), the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law, and Economics (ABLE).

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 8 nationally, 89 globally. THE – 7th nationally (2023)

  • It is one of the most research-intensive universities in Australia, securing over $180 million for its research funding every year.
  • The university is also partnered with the Australian Space Agency to work on astronomy and space research.
  • It is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight universities, known for its research and contribution to society.
  • It is the alma mater of five Nobel Laureates and over 100 Rhodes Scholars.
  • Over 30% of the student body at Adelaide University is composed of foreign students, making a very diverse and multicultural campus.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The average tuition fee ranges between AU 40,000 and 50,000 depending on your choice of course and credits.

A number of scholarship options also exist. You can look into

  • Global Citizens Scholarship
  • Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Higher Education Scholarship
  • Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Outstanding Indian Student

And a number of other options specifically associated with the pathway providers.

Eligibility

  • For an undergraduate course: Class XII of CBSE/ ISC/ State Board Examination. The cut-off percentage changes with every course. The score of the best three academic subjects, not including languages, will be taken into consideration.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ CAE test scores to show proof of English language proficiency
  • You can also get admission after successfully completing a foundation program from any of the other Australian universities or colleges.
  • Some programs, such as the ones offered by the School of Medicine, might also have an entrance test.
  • For a master’s course: A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
  • Certain specific degrees such as MBA require work experience.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

Over four hundred degrees are offered by the University of Adelaide. You can pre-assess your suitability by ensuring you meet all the admission requirements. Ensure you have the right deadlines. You will also have to mail certified documents to the university and then wait for their letter of offer.


9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)


Source: UTS

Emphasising on practical, practice-based learning and research,the University of Technology Sydney is regarded as one of the world’s leading young universities (universities that are under 50 years old).

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 9th nationally according to both QS and THE ranking, 90 globally

  • It is located in Sydney’s technological hub.
  • Many of its subject areas such as computer science, nursing, accounting and finance, and engineering rank among the top 100 in the world.
  • Course content is also shaped by industry partners. Major projects, group work, simulations and case studies are a core component of their degrees.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The fee ranges between about AU $38,000 and $45,000 per year for most undergraduate programmes. UTS has a number of scholarships at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Region/ Country specific scholarships can also be considered.

Eligibility

A recognised qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12 along with the required courses (depending on the choice of programme) and minimum GPA.

IELTS/ TOEFL iBT/ Pearson Test/ CAE/ CPE scores are mandatory if your first language is not English.
For a postgraduate degree, a recognised bachelor’s degree along with relevant work/ research experience might be required.

Courses Offered and Admission Process

The university offers 227 undergraduate programmes and 340 postgraduate programmes. Students can apply through the UTS Online Application System by paying a non-refundable application fee of AU $100.


10. Macquarie University


A public research university in Sydney, New South Wales, Macquarie University was founded in 1964. It has five main faculties in addition to the university hospital and a graduate school of management, which is one of the oldest business schools in Australia. It offers all kinds of degrees ranging from pre-university diplomas to postgraduate and doctoral degrees.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranking: QS – 10th in the country, 130 globally. THE – 10th in the country, 180 globally.

  • In addition to being a globally reputed university, Macquarie has state-of the-art facilities and infrastructure, making it a popular global study destination.
  • Their PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) programme is one of the reasons why recruiters from across the globe value Macquarie graduates.
  • The university offers double degree programmes that will allow you to combine different areas of study.

Fees and Scholarship Options

The annual tuition typically ranges from AU $37,900 and $46,000, depending on your choice of courses. Doctor of Medicine is the most expensive programme, costing around $83,700 per year. This top university has one of the most generous scholarship programmes for international students in Australia. Ranging from the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship to the India $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship, there are a number of financial aid options for international students. You can access the entire list of scholarships here.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must hold a recognized higher secondary education or undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum GPA as mentioned in the chosen course..
  • For applicants whose first language is not English, they must meet the English language requirements by achieving a minimum overall score.
  • Some courses may have additional entry requirements such as work experience or prerequisite subjects.

Courses Offered and Admission process

The university offers hundreds of courses in the fields of Business, Media, Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health, Languages and Linguistics, Information Technologies, Law, Security, Intelligence, and Criminology, and Science. You can find the entire list of courses here. You can apply to the university through one of three ways – applying directly online, via Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) International or through an authorised agent.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 universities in Australia?


As mentioned earlier, “Level 1 universities” is a colloquial term used to refer to the best universities in Australia. They are also called Tier 1 universities. Our list in the previous section covered the Level 1 universities in detail. They are like your American Ivy Leagues, with global recognition and extremely high employability rates.

Level 2 universities are the next group. They are good universities, but smaller and less globally recognised. They are slightly easier to get into, when compared to level 1 universities.

Here’s a list of level 2 universities in Australia.

  • RMIT University
  • The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)
  • Curtin University
  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • Deakin University
  • University of Tasmania
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Griffith University
  • La Trobe University

Other major colleges include

  • James Cook University
  • Victoria University
  • Charles Darwin University
  • Australian Catholic University
  • Edith Cowan University
  • Flinders University
  • University of Canberra
  • Western Sydney University
  • Bond University
  • Murdoch University
  • University of South Australia

How to apply to Level 1 Colleges in Australia?


The base steps to apply are as follows:

  • Choose your course.
  • Check your eligibility.
  • Gather the required documents.
  • Get your financial statements in order.
  • Submit your application.
  • On getting your acceptance, apply for OSHC.
  • Begin your student visa application process.

While the process in itself looks simple enough, you need to give yourself the time to do tons of research in choosing your course, university, preferred city, if there are any specified entrance tests, or for the eligibility criteria.

Each university has its own set of requirements and deadlines to keep up with. The prep work can get overwhelming. So, you choose the easy way out and sign up with TC Global.

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Step 1

Go to tcglobal.com and sign in. It opens the world of universities for you, for free. All you have to do is sign up. You can sign in using your Google or your Facebook account.

Step 2

Complete your profile. Ensure you have everything filled up especially about your existing qualifications, choice of courses and your top preferences of colleges in Australia. If you have worked in a related field, do let us know. This will help us collate the best universities for you.

Step 3

Once your profile is complete, search for universities, courses or your interests in the Universities tab. You will get all the information you need in one page. You can simultaneously look at multiple universities, compare and get information on where your peers are applying, all within the same page.

Step 4

As mentioned earlier, researching for the right courses and universities can be both time consuming and anxiety-inducing. We have made that process simpler for you. Check out our Insights page to get the latest updates on top colleges and courses.

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Date added
16.01.2024

Filed under:

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