Universities

Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature student, looking at undergraduate or postgraduate study options, it’s important to do your research. That’s why Canstar Blue has produced Australian and state-based university ratings to help you compare universities with confidence.

How we rate and compare Australian universities

Canstar Blue’s university ratings are based 100% on student feedback. We’ve surveyed thousands of current students and graduates of the past 10 years, asking them to rate their university on factors important to them to find out how satisfied they were with their university experience.

Our reviews of universities in Australia and in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia feature many of the country’s major public and private universities. Every institution that features in our ratings was rated by students on the following criteria:

• Quality of education received: quality and depth of course programs, assessment and learning outcomes, online learning options, internships, and academic competencies gained.
• Learning resources: study materials, audio/visual resources, computer software, libraries, online portals, study hubs, etc.
• Student support available: academic and administrative support, learning and guidance counsellors, disability and health services and student support centres.
• Teaching staff: lecturers and tutors were approachable, had demonstrated expertise in their fields, provided effective teaching support and were fair in their assessments and feedback.
• Career opportunities and prospects after graduation: the university or course program supported and led to a transition from study to work.
• Campus amenities: Wi-Fi, cafeterias, parking, public transport accessibility, lockers, libraries, study laboratories, health centres, etc.
• Social aspects: availability of extracurricular activities, university clubs and societies, student groups, social event activations, etc.
• Overall satisfaction: satisfaction with university experience overall.

See more about our research, rating and award methodology.

Learn more about university study in Australia

As a Commonwealth nation, Australia has a higher education system based on the British model. This means that most Australian university qualifications and degrees are recognised globally as being the direct equivalent of a comparable qualification from a UK university.

Australian citizens and eligible permanent residents also have access to government assistance or financial aid to subsidise the cost of studying in Australia. Other benefits of studying in Australia include getting to access world-class education and facilities, scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students, as well as enjoying a laid-back lifestyle and cultural diversity.

How much does university cost in Australia?

Undergraduate studies can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000 in total for Australian citizens studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), where the government pays part of your fees. This includes places at some universities, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and other higher education providers. International students pay more in tuition fees, as most aren’t eligible for government subsidies like HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

Read more about what it costs to complete university study in Australia.

How does online university work?

Online universities provide the same quality education, course programs and study support as brick-and-mortar university campuses, with the difference being that all coursework (and some exams) can be completed online using video streaming, and audio and visual resources. Online courses typically feature online classes and tutorials and use other digital resources students can access to submit assessments or seek 24/7 support. Most of the Australian higher education sector transitioned to online and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate studying from home and support students in completing their studies from home.

Understand more about how online university works in Australia.

How to get a scholarship in Australia

In Australia, scholarships, grants and bursaries are awarded based on eligibility and academic merit. This means applicants typically have to meet certain requirements to receive full or partial financial aid or sponsorship. Some common scholarship programs include the Australia Awards Scholarships and the International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS). Most universities also have their own scholarship programs. There are no qualifying exams for scholarships in Australia.

Here is what you need to be eligible for a scholarship at an Australian university.

What are the benefits of studying in Australia?

There are many benefits to studying in Australia, including having access to some of the world’s top universities, subsidised studies for eligible students and the opportunity to gain qualifications that are globally recognised. Australian universities are also known to boast state-of-art facilities, flexible learning options, great campus culture and cultural diversity.

This the full list of benefits to studying in Australia.

If you’re looking to learn more about studying in Australia, check out some of our other articles below, or check out the ratings for the individual states to see what you might need to consider when it comes to hitting the books.