Australia 101:
Top Australian Universities Part 2

Illustration of male student standing outside of school

Did you know that seven Australian universities rank among the top 100 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2020? That’s pretty astonishing, especially when you consider that Australia is home to just 43 universities!

Last week, we kicked off our tour of six of Australia’s top universities, making (virtual) stops at some breathtaking campuses Down Under. We’re hitting the road again for the final leg of our tour, circling back to the Australian capital of Canberra, paying a visit to the exotic island of Tasmania, and more!

James Cook University campus

James Cook University

With its vibrant and diverse campuses, James Cook University (JCU) ensures students are “ready today for tomorrow.” JCU offers a thriving teaching, research, and community hub with the latest equipment to help its students to excel at university and in their careers. The university landed in the top 2% of universities in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and was included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021!

Popular study areas include:

  • Marine and Freshwater Biology
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Management and Business

The university’s Townsville campus is located in the Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, just miles from the city centre. It sits on nearly 1,000 acres of bush and parkland—making it the largest university campus in Australia! James Cook’s Cairns campus is also renowned for its natural beauty. Located in the suburb of Smithfield, it’s surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains, and is in close proximity to the city’s popular Northern Beaches.

Australia 101: Why Study Down Under

Murdoch University campus at dusk

Murdoch University

Murdoch University “combines cutting edge theory with real-world skills,” ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation. The university is named after the Australian author, philosopher, and academic Sir Walter Murdoch. Murdoch believed that “the only education out of which good can come is the education which teaches you to think for yourself, instead of swallowing whatever the fashion of the moment may prescribe.” The Good University Guide 2021 awarded Murdoch University five stars in student experience, teaching quality, and student-teacher ratio.

Popular study areas include:

  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Veterinary and Animal Science
  • Law

Murdoch University is located in the vibrant city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, which ranked #41 on the most recent QS Best Student Cities list. The campus, one of the largest in the country, is on more than 550 acres of natural bushland. The university’s Mandurah campus, which offers a number of health courses, is 45-minutes away.

Australia 101: The Australian Education System

University of Canberra

University of Canberra

The University of Canberra (UC) is considered Australia’s fastest-rising university, and one of the fastest-rising universities in the world. With its two-pronged approach, UC offers progressive teaching and learning. Its deep links to industry enable students to get real-world experience to ensure they are ready to hit the ground running upon graduation. UC also has the distinction of ranking among the top 20 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2020.

Popular study areas include:

  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Media and Journalism
  • Industrial Design

The university, as well as UC College, is located in Bruce, a suburb of Canberra, the capital of Australia. Canberra ranked #23 on the QS Best Student Cities list, and is described as the ideal blend of lifestyle, landscape, and atmosphere. Those looking to build their careers in the Australian capital will appreciate knowing that Canberra enjoys the highest average salary and lowest unemployment in the country.

University of Tasmania campus building

University of Tasmania

Australia’s fourth oldest university, the University of Tasmania (UTAS), offers degrees that give students a truly global perspective on the big issues, as well as a unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience. Fieldwork and hands-on opportunities take students underwater, overseas, and across the island of Tasmania. This unique approach has certainly paid off: UTAS ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2021.

Popular study areas include:

  • Engineering 
  • Law
  • Marine and Freshwater Biology
  • Management

With multiple campuses across Tasmania, including Hobart and Launceston, students are encouraged to consider the entire island their campus. Tasmania is home to some of the world’s cleanest air, as well as breathtaking scenery. UTAS has also branched out beyond Tasmania to include a campus on mainland Australia in Sydney. Sydney is not only one of the world’s most recognizable cities—it also ranked an impressive #9 on the QS Best Student Cities list!

Australia 101: Australian Visas for International Students

University of Wollongong campus at night

University of Wollongong

In just 40 years, the University of Wollongong (UOW) has established itself as both innovative and dynamic, becoming a model for Australia’s next generation of universities. UOW ensures that its students are agile thinkers who are competitive in a global economy, and the results speak for themselves. UOW graduates are consistently ranked among the top 1% by employers around the world, and the university was included in both the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021 and the QS World University Rankings 2021.

Popular study areas include:

  • Physical Sciences
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Creative and Performing Arts 
  • Science

The university city of Wollongong, New South Wales, is sandwiched between majestic mountains and the Tasman Sea. It offers a bustling nightlife, vibrant culture, and renowned botanical gardens—ensuring there is something for everyone studying in Wollongong. The UOW College Australia, which offers a number of pathway programs and vocational courses, is located in Keiraville, a nearby suburb at the foot of Mount Keira.

Ready to study Down Under? Start exploring your study options in Australia on ApplyBoard!

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