When it comes to picking the right Australian university for your international study experience, it can feel like a whole lot of pressure. With 42 amazing universities in Australia, the possibilities can feel endless. To help out, we’ve collated a handy guide to help you find out about them and compare all of your options before you make your final choice. All of these universities are awesome for different reasons, but you may find one suits you better than the rest.
Australian Catholic University
The Australian Catholic University welcomes everyone and has 33,000 students from 260 countries. It provides a culturally diverse and enriching learning environment, with close links to industry giving its degrees a practical focus. That gives you the opportunity for work placements, internships and volunteering.
You’ll have 120 undergraduate and postgraduate courses to choose from, and the Australian Catholic University is recognised globally as a leader in a range of subject specialisations including sports science, nursing, education, psychology, arts and humanities.
This university has eight campuses across Australia, and one campus in Rome, Italy. It gives you the flexible option to transfer between campuses to broaden your university experience.
There is a range of scholarships on offer for international students. You’ll have support from the moment you arrive in Australia (including a free airport pick-up service) and the team of international student advisers can provide you with information and advice.
You’ll need to secure off-campus accommodation.
Australian National University
This world-leading university has its multiple campuses located in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. However it also has other campuses in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
The Australian National University attracts international students worldwide and provides a convenient, affordable and safe student lifestyle.
The high calibre of subjects include 15 individual subjects ranked in the world top 25, 13 of which rank number one in Australia. The high teacher-to-student ratio with an expert academic teaching team provides a personalised approach to your learning.
Canberra is a university city. Many students choose to live in university residences, and as an international student you will be guaranteed accommodation on-campus for an additional charge. Campus life provides a vibrant and supportive residential community and comes with a range of activity options.
There are also over 150 international student scholarship options, and you can enjoy a free welcome service at the Canberra Airport and Jolimont Bus Centre if you are a new international student.
Bond University
If you’re chasing a life by the beach, the Bond University Gold Coast campus is for you. Within 10 minutes of the campus you can find yourself at some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Bond University has international students from over 80 countries.
It caters for both on-campus and off-campus housing. On-campus housing includes a dining plan and comes with the additional support of the residential community.
It prides itself on smaller class sizes, and finds that its academic teachers become mentors for the students. With three semesters per year - instead of the usual two - you can finish your degree earlier than your peers at other universities.
This university does provide scholarship options and has a specialist team to help support its international students.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University provides a unique study opportunity as it combines an American degree with the Australian experience. This is an American university with an Adelaide-based campus.
It has a small campus and as such there is a great student-to-faculty ratio, which makes for great personalised attention. And the course options are highly niche, meaning you can focus specifically on your field of interest.
Another benefit this university provides is its degrees are accredited and recognised in both Australia and the United States.
Carnegie Mellon University has students from over 20 countries and has scholarship options for international students.
All students are encouraged to get involved with activities held on-campus and attend events hosted for international students in Adelaide.
Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University has three campuses: one in Darwin, Sydney and Alice Springs. It is a multicultural university that is deeply engaged with Australian Indigenous people and culture.
It has 2000 international students from 55 countries and provides a hands-on international student support team. You’ll also have the opportunity to live on-campus, and the university also has a free and confidential support service if you are seeking off-campus accommodation.
This university has recently introduced a student wellbeing program, which provides opportunities for international students living in the Northern Territory to discover, learn and explore the landscapes and cultural environment.
There are a range of scholarships on offer for international students.
CQUniversity
CQUniversity has students from over 115 countries and has 14 locations Australia-wide. It has a range of international scholarships available to encourage international students to study with them in Australia.
Along with a variety of student support services, it offers a student mentor and leadership program to assist new students in feeling at home.
There is on-campus accommodation at selected campuses and support finding other accommodation off-campus as well.
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University has campuses in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These campuses are spread across both regional Australia - where living costs are lower - and in major cities for big city life opportunities.
Its courses are internationally recognised and focused on being industry-related, so your skills translate into the work environment. The learning environment is flexible with lots of online options.
Affordable student housing is guaranteed for international students (conditions apply). There are three specific scholarships designed for international students, however you may also be eligible for a range of its other scholarship opportunities.
Curtin University
Curtin University prides itself on having a multicultural and inclusive environment, with almost a third of its 51,000 students from overseas. The university’s courses are also internationally recognised.
With a focus on tailored learning, Curtin’s subjects take a practical approach, based around industry collaboration.
The university aims for campus life to be fun and stimulating for its students.
Curtin University has a range of scholarships for which you are automatically considered when applying the university. Its main campus is in Perth, however with campuses worldwide you will have transfer opportunities. You’ll also have lots of on-campus housing options.
Deakin University
Deakin University is internationally recognised and has five campuses in Victoria, including three regional campuses that are great for affordability. It provides flexible study options for its 61,000 students, including a ‘start anytime’ option.
While studying at Deakin University you will have the opportunity for real-world work experience as part of your degree, with industry-based learning being a top priority.
This university gives you options to live on- or off-campus and its on-campus resident community is highly multicultural. It has a student-focused culture and as part of this, a huge calendar of events for international students.
Student comfort and safety is a top priority at Deakin University and its international student advisors are there to make this happen. It provides a free airport pick-up service and has lots of options for both scholarships and funding.
Deakin University is a leading sports university, perfect for elite student-athletes.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University values diversity, which is reflected in its close to 6000 international students from more than 100 countries. This university is based in Western Australia and has three campuses in and surrounding Perth. All three of these campuses have on-campus accommodation options and also have an off-campus housing referral service.
When attending Edith Cowan University you may be eligible to stay in Western Australia for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies. There are some scholarship options available.
Federation University of Australia
Federation University of Australia has a diverse student population and a multicultural services team. The university’s small class sizes bring a hands-on, personalised teaching approach and its programs are focused on being industry relevant.
It has campuses in Ballarat, Berwick and Gippsland if you’re after a natural environment, or choose its Brisbane campus for city living. The regional campuses do have a lower cost of living.
International students are guaranteed accommodation for a fee while studying at the Federation University of Australia. This allows you to receive a greater level of support and an easier adjustment into life at university. There are also dining plan options.
Scholarships and discounts are available for new and returning international students.
Flinders University
Flinders University in the beautiful and affordable city of Adelaide, South Australia, and will have you 20 minutes by bus to the beach. It has over 26,000 students and about 5400 are international students from over 90 countries.
You’ll have the option to live on- or off-campus while studying at Flinders University. If you choose to live on-campus you’ll be joining the 35% of campus living students who are international from over 20 countries.
If you are a new student you will have scholarship options available to you.
Griffith University
Griffith University has inner-city and beach-side locations in the sunny state of Queensland. It has a total of six campuses across the state and offers more than 200 degrees.
This university delivers its courses across trimesters, which can be a benefit for people wanting to distribute the workload across the year if they’re juggling a job or other commitments.
Griffith is known for its application of real-life industry experience embedded into degrees. It also has a lot of scholarship opportunities, and its Griffith Mates Program has a diverse peer-support network with members speaking 30+ languages and organising events and activities.
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, Griffith has some on-campus accommodation options. Alternatively, they can help you find off-campus accommodation for your stay.
James Cook University
James Cook University is in the northern Queensland towns of Cairns and Townsville. For this reason, it’s a great option for international students wanting to experience the authentic Australia during their study abroad (hello Great Barrier Reef!).
The university is home to a multicultural and inclusive community of more than 22,000 students (7000 of which are international). It offers scholarships, financial aid and sponsorship options and boasts practical, hands-on learning.
James Cook University loves welcoming international students and for this reason, helps with airport pick-ups and has comfortable on-campus accommodation options.
La Trobe University
La Trobe University has seven campuses across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Sydney. The university prides itself on its international community, which is more than 8000 students strong.
When it comes to real-world courses and education, La Trobe offers industry-experienced teachers, a Career Ready Advantage Program and office work integrated learning opportunities across more than 200 courses.
The university loves welcoming international students and offers a pre-departure support service, orientation and airport pick-up from Melbourne Airport. It also has 24/7 student help services and international student services.
When it comes to accommodation, La Trobe University boasts residential-style accommodation on-campus, provides extra support for international students, and also helps with off-campus accommodation.
Macquarie University
Keen to live in Australia's most iconic city and soak up the outdoor atmosphere? Macquarie University could be for you. The Sydney-based university is 15km from the city centre and offers a park-like campus with wide open spaces.
The university says diversity and inclusion is extremely important, with students and staff from more than 100 countries working and studying at the institution. It offers a range of services that support students from culturally diverse backgrounds and a buddy program to support new international students through various social activities, including the international social program.
Macquarie University has both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options, a free airport pick-up service for new student residents, and a shuttle bus that follows a loop around campus 4pm-midnight for safety from Monday to Friday during semester.
Monash University
Monash University is Australia’s largest university by student numbers, so it only makes sense that it has a large international student community. The university welcomes tens of thousands of students from more than 170 countries each year.
With five campuses in Melbourne and surrounding areas, Monash offers a range of courses across all disciplines, and has lots of scholarship opportunities.
The university has a range of on-campus accommodation options, with each residence hosting its own activities to help you meet people, stay connected, form study groups and enjoy your time. It also has resources and programs to help international students settle and adjust, and a free airport pick-up service.
Murdoch University
Looking to live next to some of Australia’s best beaches and just a stone’s throw away from the Australian outback? Murdoch University may just be the one for you.
Situated on the western coast of Australia in Perth, Murdoch University offers world-class facilities across its three campuses. The university celebrates student diversity and is proud of its international student community. It offers a free pick-up service for new international students and support services to help you adjust including a team dedicated to first year students.
Murdoch University has on- and off-campus student accommodation options.
Queensland University of Technology
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Queensland University of Technology is headquartered in Queensland’s state capital of Brisbane, with huge student campuses in the CBD and Kelvin Grove. The university offers more than 100 courses and includes practical learning and workplace experience.
Home to more than 50,000 students from 100+ countries, QUT has a number of scholarships available for students and international student services to help you transition and organise social trips and activities.
The university assists international students in finding off-campus accommodation.
RMIT University
RMIT is a global university of technology and design, and Australia's largest tertiary institution. The university has its headquarters in Melbourne, which is a big bonus for students wanting to avoid Australia’s hot and humid climate all year round.
RMIT offers more than 350 courses, which are co-designed with industry to ensure real-world application.
It hosts more than 11,000 international students every year and has a wide range of scholarships available. For international students, RMIT offers a free airport pick-up service and will help to find off-campus accommodation.
Southern Cross University
You’ll find Southern Cross University campuses across four Australian states, so it’s really a ‘choose your own adventure situation’ here. The university has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and the Gold Coast.
With a dedicated international student services support team, Southern Cross University can help with pre-departure information, settling-in orientation, student visa advice, health insurance advice, dedicated advisors, wellbeing and welfare. The university says it aims to sustain a high-level student experience and support. There’s also a dedicated free airport pick-up service for Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast and Lismore.
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology offers high-quality teaching, opportunities to engage with industry, state-of-the-art facilities and flexible study options. The Melbourne-based university has three main campuses across Victoria’s capital.
Swinburne says it provides industry experience with its bachelor degrees, and offers plenty of opportunities for scholarships.
The university offers some on-campus accommodation, as well as a range of assistance and resources to help students find accommodation close to campus. It also has a free airport pick-up to accommodation in Harlan if you’re starting your first course.
Torrens University Australia
Torrens University Australia says it is Australia’s fastest growing university with campuses across most major capitals including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
It has an international focus, industry-experienced lecturers across more than 300 courses. The university keeps its class sizes small and offers hybrid study options and industry experience within courses.
For new international students, Torrens offers scholarship options for various courses. It also assigns students a one-on-one success coach, with qualified professionals experienced in the industry you are hoping to enter. They are available to coach students online, on-campus, or both.
University of Adelaide
Looking to live somewhere a little more alternative during your study in Australia while still being exposed to culture and city life? The University of Adelaide can provide that.
With the cost of living sitting at about 14% less than Sydney, your cash will go a bit further in this part of the country.
The university offers scholarship and sponsorship options, a peer mentor program, and a specialised international support service, which offers programs to help you connect with other people in Adelaide.
University of Adelaide can help with a range of accommodation, including university managed rental accommodation options in the city centre.
University of Canberra
Want to live in Australia’s capital? University of Canberra calls itself a young university with a bold vision, saying it aims to be among Australia's most innovative tertiary institutions.
The university offers a range of scholarship options for students and an international support service to help with a variety of things, including life outside of study.
Through its Canberra campus, University of Canberra guarantees accommodation to first-year and international students.
University of Divinity
The University of Divinity promotes the highest standards of scholarship in theology, philosophy and ministry. Through scholarship, the university aims to address the issues of the contemporary world.
All students and staff join the university through one of its colleges. Based in the Australian cities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, each college has a unique learning community. The colleges are supported by a wide range of churches and religious orders that together resource the university as a whole.
The University of Divinity welcomes overseas students and provides overseas students with a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study.
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne has a diverse student body, with 40% of its students coming from outside of Australia. You’ll feel at ease knowing that this university offers guaranteed accommodation to eligible first year undergraduates moving to Melbourne, and to make it even easier if it is your first semester you can book a free airport pick-up service.
The student support team will help you transition and be there to give you advice, and you’ll have a range of scholarship opportunities.
This university teaches what they call the Melbourne Model of teaching, meaning you can combine 100 areas of study into your one, tailored degree.
Just make sure you pack for all seasons as Melbourne is known for its erratic, ‘four seasons in one day’ weather.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is perfect for coastal living and prime exploring. Newcastle is a beautiful city and is right off the main coastal highway, so you’ll be in the best location to easily explore the nearby towns. Newcastle is also an easy two hour drive from Sydney and only one hour from the Hunter Valley vineyards.
This university has its main campus in Callaghan, Newcastle but also has locations in the Central Coast, Newcastle City, Port Macquarie and Singapore.
You’ll be joining 37,000 students and you’ll have the choice of over 180 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 12 study areas. Its degree programs are also internationally recognised.
With nine campus residences, with catering options, residents from 56 countries and a strong resident life program and exclusive events, you’ll want to stay on-campus. However there are also off-campus options.
You will have a dedicated international student support team to help you transition and there are scholarships you can apply for.
University of New England
If you want to be immersed in a regional Australian community, the University of New England is for you. Located overlooking the city of Armidale in New South Wales, this university was the first Australian university outside of a capital city.
This university has trimesters and small class sizes for a personalised learning approach. When graduating from the University of New England, you’ll have an internationally recognised degree. You’ll also be joining students from over 80 nations.
You have scholarship opportunities, and both on- and off-campus accommodation options. The residential colleges are in the heart of the campus action, with dining options, high levels of support and a full calendar of social and cultural events.
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales has two campuses in Sydney, both in easy reach of the city centre, famous beaches and landmarks.
This university has an international student experience unit, which will help you adapt, provide you with regular events and activities to fill your calendar, and give you access to international advisors for personalised advice and information on university life. You can also be matched with a peer or cultural mentor. A peer mentor is an experienced student with insights about your faculty and tips on how to adjust. A cultural mentor is a senior student from the same cultural background who can answer any questions you might have on Australian culture, customs, studying at the University of New South Wales and living in Sydney.
The University of New South Wales is the largest provider of student housing in Sydney, so you’ll have lots of on- and off-campus living options.
University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia, as a smaller university - only 12,000 students - has a set maximum of 10% international students, enabling it to properly support you and help you fully immerse into the Australian culture. This includes a one-on-one support service for all international students and a dedicated international support officer.
This university is a private Catholic institution, with campuses in Sydney, Perth and Broome. It focuses on theoretical knowledge and professional skills.
You’ll find student life is thriving on campus with clubs, volunteering, the Student Association and Campus Ministry for you to be involved in.
There are scholarship options and on-campus accommodation is available at the Fremantle and Broome campuses. Sydney has student accommodation available in close vicinity to the campus and you’ll have support in finding this off-campus accommodation.
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland has a campus so big it needs its own postcode. This university has a strong focus on study and life balance, which is great as the Brisbane location is the perfect homebase to get the most life out of your international study experience.
A large percentage of University of Queensland enrolments are from international students, with 50,000 students from over 140 countries. This makes for a diverse cultural life on campus and many opportunities for international networking.
There are 11 on-campus residences, with large social engagement programs inbuilt and if you apply through the guaranteed accommodation program, your accommodation will be secured before you arrive in Brisbane for peace of mind. You also have plenty of off-campus options with public transport to and from the university frequent and convenient.
They have a wide range of student support services, including international student advisors and several scholarship options for new and existing international students.
University of South Australia
The University of South Australia is based in the coastal South Australian capital of Adelaide. It boasts 33,823 students, with 5745 international students. As an international student, you'll have access to over 200 degrees.
This university has a range of long- and short-term housing options to suit your budget, with some options including meal plans. You’ll also find plenty of scholarship options.
The University of South Australia G’Day Mates Program is a great way for international students to practise English, learn about Australian culture, enjoy making new friends and connect with the wider Adelaide community. This program has a diverse team of Australian and international students who will assist new students in enjoying and settling into the Adelaide life.
University of Southern Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland has a central goal to help you increase your wellbeing and it appreciates the different needs of students coming from other cultures and backgrounds.
With over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses at its three Queensland-based campuses you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Toowoomba campus has residential colleges on-campus, which include meal plans or share kitchen options, the Springfield campus has a residential village located just 100 metres from the campus and you will be helped to find off-campus accommodation if you choose the Ipswich location.
This university has scholarship options for international students.
University of Sydney
Explore the University of Sydney in 360˚ from Sydney Uni on Vimeo.
The University of Sydney has over 200 clubs and societies, including 26 cultural groups to keep you entertained and make friends fast.
It has a flexible undergraduate degree structure so you can build a degree that suits you and your needs.
You will have on-campus accommodation options and support if you need to find off-campus accommodation. If you’re a newly commencing international student, you’ll also have access to a free airport shuttle service.
Scholarships are available, and its team of compliance officers will help you with any basic issues related to student visas and your studies more generally.
University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania offers over 100 degrees to its international students, giving you plenty of options. With campuses in Hobart, Launceston and Cradle Coast, the whole island of Tasmania will be yours to explore.
The university looks after its international students and provides on- and off-campus student accommodation in Hobart and Launceston through its accommodation services. You’ll also have access to a complimentary airport pick-up and accommodation transfer if you are a new international student who is arriving in Tasmania for the first time.
You’ll also find scholarship options to help you achieve your study goals.
University of Technology, Sydney
In the heart of Sydney and close to the many attractions on offer, is the University of Technology, Sydney.
There are varied and affordable accommodation options to suit your needs and budgets, and with this comes a thriving residential life and skilled support team. This will make you feel supported and help you transition to living away from home and in another country.
You’ll find scholarships and grants available for international students and there are a range of student support services.
University of the Sunshine Coast
Want to head straight from class to the beach? Then the University of the Sunshine Coast is the place for you. It has study locations from between Brisbane to the Fraser Coast, and many programs include courses that can be completed at any campus or at its off-campus study hubs in the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs. So you can choose the location that works for you. Plus, you’ll be able to travel and take in all that Australia has to offer.
There is also an express shuttle service that connects some of the study locations to major transport hubs, with fares subsidised for direct University of the Sunshine Coast travel routes for all enrolled students.
The University of the Sunshine Coast is the only full-service university campus on the Sunshine Coast.
University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia is located in Perth, which is a popular destination for international students. Perth offers you a study environment that aligns with the time zones of 30% of the world’s population, making it easier to stay in touch with those back home.
This university has a wide range of social activities and clubs to keep you busy and will also be there when you need it with a great student support service. It offers a free 24-hour airport pick-up service to all of its new international students, can assist with temporary accommodation and can match you with a buddy who can answer all of your questions before you even arrive.
As a new full-time student you will be guaranteed accommodation and can join over 2,500 college students from Australia and more than 55 countries around the world. The residential, on-campus accommodation is directly opposite the campus and includes meals, Wi-Fi and utilities. Plus you’ll have access to a full calendar of social and sporting events and an inbuilt community of new friends.
The University of Wollongong
Wollongong is a coastal, university city that provides a great balance between lifestyle and study. The University of Wollongong offers over 400 degrees so you’ll have plenty to choose from when it comes to the study side of things.
This university supports international students with a range of programs designed to help you settle in and adjust to your new international student life.
You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that if you’re an eligible first-year student you’ll be guaranteed a place in the University of Wollongong residence and with seven different student residents to choose from you’ll be able to find your perfect match. All residences feature support, development and social programs. You even have access to a complimentary airport pick-up service for all newly enrolled international students from Sydney airport to your accommodation.
Victoria University
The Victoria University is a leader in engineering, computer science and sports science. It teaches using a unique Victoria University Block Model, which involves smaller classes and focused learning.
This university has a diverse range of cultures, religions and languages and you’ll be joining students from over 175 countries. They have Melbourne and Sydney campuses with multiple scholarship options and support services.
If you choose the Victoria University you’ll be guaranteed accommodation as a full-time international student at UniLodge accommodation, close to campus.
Western Sydney University
About 45,000 students from over 70 countries choose to study at Western Sydney University, and you could be one of them. This results in a culturally rich and linguistically diverse student population, a true melting pot. With 10 campuses across the greater western Sydney you’ll have lots of choice.
They are aware that adjusting to your new life as an international student may be hard and as such provide information to help you deal with this. You can choose to live in the external accommodation close to the campuses at the Western Sydney University Village, which will have you sharing with other students, going through similar situations to help with support and new friendships. You will also have access to international liaison officers to help answer any enquiries you have before you commence your studies.
