Australia has more than 1,100 institutions offering over 22,000 courses, so there are plenty of study options for everyone. What’s more, although the country has only 42 universities, fewer than the United Kingdom or the United States, Australia’s institutions are world-class.
As per the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, Australia has seven institutions ranked in the top 120 in the world, including:
- The University of Melbourne (37)
- Monash University (54)
- The University of Sydney (60)
- Australian National University (67)
- The University of Queensland (70)
- The University of New South Wales Sydney (84)
- The University of Adelaide (111)
- The University of New South Wales (71)
- The University of Adelaide (88)
Of course, rankings aren’t the only way to compare educational providers. For more information, check out our guide to choosing the right university for you.
Over the years, Australia’s institutions have produced 16 Nobel Prize laureates, including five from Adelaide, who were responsible for amazing breakthroughs and discoveries such as penicillin, IVF, ultrasound, Wi-Fi and more.
Where universities in Australia are located
There are excellent education providers right across Australia, with most institutions concentrated in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Due to their large populations and high number of international students, these cities are known for their busy and fast-paced lifestyles.
- University of Melbourne – Melbourne, Victoria
- Australian National University – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
- University of Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales
- Deakin University – Burwood, Victoria (around 50 minutes train from the Melbourne CBD)
- Monash University – the main campus is in Burwood (around one hour by train from the Melbourne CBD)
Universities in Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide is home to three public universities. Adelaide has a great reputation among international students. What’s more, students studying here can qualify for additional post-study work rights.
Here is some information on Adelaide’s three public universities.
Flinders University
Ranked in the top 350 universities worldwide and number 21 in Australia, Flinders University has a strong reputation for its connection to industry and international outlook. It is one of the fastest-growing education providers in Australia, and is regularly in the spotlight for its quality research. 90% of Flinders University’s research has been ranked at or above the world standard in 2018 by Excellence in Research Australia (ERA).
Flinders Uni has 5-star ratings for learner engagement, learning resources, skills development and student support in the Good Universities Guide. Conveniently, it offers on-campus accommodation, making it a handy choice for international students. Even better, with the Flinders Railway Line, it takes just 22 minutes to get to campus from the Adelaide CBD, making it easier than ever to get around.
Flinders University runs an extensive entrepreneurial business program through its New Venture Institute. In 2020, this was ranked within the top three incubators in the Asia-Pacific. Given the New Venture Institute was up against top-ranked regional education providers, such as the National University of Singapore, this is a phenomenal achievement.
The University of Adelaide
Offering over 400 degrees, ranging from undergraduate to master’s and PhDs, The University of Adelaide is one of the best tertiary educational providers in the world. In 2024, it was ranked 111 in the world by the Times Higher Education global rankings.
The University of Adelaide is very positively regarded by the Good Universities Guide, which rated it highly for student-to-teacher ratio and overall experience and granted it five stars for learner engagement.
Renowned for high-impact research that contributes to world challenges and delivers immense economic and social benefits, The University of Adelaide belongs to the esteemed Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia's eight leading research universities. In 2023, it ranked within the top 100 in the world for 14 academic subjects, including petroleum engineering, mineral and mining engineering, dentistry, agriculture and nursing.
University of South Australia
Despite being the youngest of Adelaide’s public universities, The University of South Australia (UniSA) has already made a name for itself. Its modern and progressive approach means UniSA has developed a reputation for innovation in research, and it has earned its spot as one of the world’s top young universities, with a ranking of 52 in 2023.
UniSA offers world-class courses in business, education, arts and social sciences, health sciences and information technology, engineering and the environment. It is also highly rated by the Good Universities Guide, receiving five stars for learning resources, skills development and student support.
UniSA’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, which undertakes cutting-edge research into marketing and brand, has received an overwhelming number of awards and accolades. This is why the institute is trusted by the world’s leading global brands, including Unilever, Facebook, Google, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, HSBC, Coca-Cola and more.