39 best universities in Australia in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
University of Melbourne
Average rank: #27
No. 1University of Melbourne
Public Australian university, academic leader and Group of Eight member.
No. 2Australian National University
Australia’s most prestigious public university and Group of Eight member.
No. 3University of Sydney
Public Australian university of excellence, member of the Group of Eight.
No. 4University of Queensland
Public Australian university, Group of Eight member, research leader.
No. 5University of New South Wales
Public Australian university, Group of Eight member, renowned for engineering.
No. 6Monash University
Public Australian university, Group of Eight member, renowned for research.
No. 7University of Adelaide
Public Australian university, historic, prestigious, and Group of Eight member.
No. 8University of Western Australia
Public Australian university, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country.
No. 9University of Technology Sydney
Public Australian university, leader in technology and urban innovation.
No. 10Macquarie University
Public Australian university, a global academic leader.
No. 11RMIT University
Public Australian university, global leader in technology, design, and innovation.
No. 12Queensland University of Technology
Public Australian university, renowned for technology, law, and health.
No. 13Curtin University
Public Australian university, leader in technology and innovation.
No. 14University of Wollongong
Public Australian university known for its practical and innovative approach.
No. 15University of Newcastle
Public Australian university known for its practical approach and local commitment.
No. 16La Trobe University
Public Australian university, pioneer in higher education.
No. 17Griffith University
Public Australian university, innovative and committed to social justice.
No. 18University of South Australia
Modern and innovative public Australian university.
No. 19University of Tasmania
Public Australian university at the heart of nature and innovation.
No. 20James Cook University
Public Australian university specializing in tropical sciences and applied research.
No. 21Swinburne University of Technology
Public Australian university, leader in technology and innovation.
No. 22Deakin University
Public Australian university known for its practical approach and innovation.
No. 23Western Sydney University
Modern public Australian university committed to equity.
No. 24Edith Cowan University
Public Australian university, leader in innovation and employability.