Group of Eight (Go8) Universities in Australia: Eligibility, Programs & Rankings

Go8 Universities in Australia: Established in 1999, Go8 universities are a group of eight universities in Australia that are pioneers in research-intensive learning. The universities included in the ‘Go8 University Australia’ are some of the oldest universities in the country that provide top-class education, and world-class amenities and have consistently featured among the top universities in the world for international and national students alike. 

What is the Group of Eight Universities in Australia?

The main focus of Group Eight Universities Australia (or Go8 Universities in Australia) is building and influencing long-term sustainable higher education and study policies along with fostering elite international alliances and research partnerships. The Go8 Directorate is based out of Canberra, Australia, and is headed by Vicki Thomson who is the Chief Executive, of Go8 Australia.

Every year, the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia dedicate over 6 billion dollars to research of which over 2 billion dollars of funding is spent on research related to Medical and Health Services. Both prominent and top-ranked study institutions in Australia, the universities together register over 440,000+ student footfalls every year which constitutes 26% of the Australian universities' admission in total.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Go8 Universities Australia

Almost all Australian Universities accept the 3-year graduation system for entry into most postgraduate courses. For instance, an Indian bachelor's degree like B.A., or B.Com. or B.Sc. (ordinary) is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. Every university registered under the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia would have its admission eligibility criteria. Candidates can click on each university to find the required eligibility guidelines for that particular university. However, some general admission requirements to the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia include the following. 

• Secondary and higher secondary reports or certificates along with the transcripts (mark sheets or report cards) of the final exams. It is ideal to convert the marks obtained by Australia's grading system.
• IELTS and GMAT exam scorecards (in case the student is applying for an MBA course) must be provided. The minimum scores in IELTS and GMAT exams may vary from education provider to provider. Refer to the particular university website to see the eligibility requirements for the course.
• If you are applying for an MBA degree or a degree in higher education like doctoral programs; you may be required to provide work experience certificates or letters, mentioning the complete work details: key responsibilities and positions held. A detailed CV is also mandatory.
• A statement of purpose or personal essay mentioning career goals, interests, extracurricular activities, why the student has chosen the particular stream and how he/she will manage financially during the stay in Australia needs to be provided.
• A letter of recommendation (two recommended) from the person who has taught the student or knows him/her professionally, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the student and why he/she would excel in the chosen field, also needs to be provided.

Also, Read: MS in Australia – University, Colleges, Fees & Eligibility

List of Go8 Universities in Australia

Here are the eight universities that come under the Group of eight universities in Australia (Go8 Universities in Australia). Detailed information about each university along with its eligibility guidelines, popular courses, and fee structure are mentioned below. Candidates can also click on the college name to be directed to the particular college. 

Go8 Universities Australia 2025 World Rankings

The following is a list of rankings for Group 8 universities in Australia, for the year 2025 based on QS and 2024 for THE ranking agencies in the table below for reference:

Group of Eight Universities in Australia	QS World University Rankings 2025	Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Ranking
Australian National University	#30	#73
University of Melbourne	#33	#39
University of Sydney	#41	#61
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	#45	#83
University of Queensland (UQ)	#50	#77
Monash University	#57	#58
University of Western Australia (UWA)	#90	#149
University of Adelaide	#109	#128

The Australian National University (ANU)

Established in 1946, ANU is an open research university. It started the undergraduate degree program in 1960 after integrating with Canberra College. The university was organized into 4 centres, namely the School of Physical Sciences, the School of Social Science, the School of Pacific Science and the School of Medical Research. The university opened its first residence hall in 1954 for the students of postgraduate degree programs and faculty members. ANU is known for its co-curricular and cultural activities which are maintained by the Council of the University.

The university comprises 7 colleges. All of them are integrated with research and teaching. The academic structure is maintained by the Council operated by 15 members. ANU offers undergraduate degree programs, postgraduate degree programs, and professional degree programs. Moreover, the campus includes eight residential halls with all the necessary facilities required for student accommodation. The students are provided with a calm learning environment on campus. Following is a list of courses offered at ANU:

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
MS	24 months	15.8L – 21L
MBA	18 – 24 months	19.1L – 22.1L
MIM	24 months	22.1L
MEng	24 months	15.8L – 21.1L
BE/BTech	36 – 48 months	22.3L
BSc	36 – 48 months	18L – 19.1L
MIS	24 months	20.1L

Check: The Australian National University – Courses

The University of Melbourne (Unimelb)

Founded by Hugh Culling Eardley Childers in 1853, UniMelb is the second oldest university of higher education and research. It is ranked among the top universities in Australia. The University of Melbourne is dedicated to providing a practical experience more than just structured learning. Being one of the most progressive research universities, it features excellent staff that make new discoveries and research.

Within the premises, there are 11 separate academic institutions, which include research institutes like Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research, and Grattan Institute. The students of the university have the opportunity to learn about all subjects before choosing a particular subject of their field of interest.

Moreover, Julia Gillard (Former Prime Minister of the U.S.), Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs (Human Rights Commissioner), George Megalogenis (Political Commentator), and Professor Ian H Frazer (Leader of groundbreaking Gardasil vaccine) are among the Notable Alumni of the Melbourne University. Check out some of the top courses:

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
MS	24 months	18.5L – 20.3L
MBA	12 – 24 months	21.6L – 43.8L
BE/BTech	36 months	21.3L
MIM	24 months	21.6L
MIS	24 months	20.2L
MEng	24 months	21.1L
BSc	36 months	21L – 21.3L
MEM	12 months	21.1L

Read: The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) – Courses

The University of Sydney (USyd)

Established in 1850, the University of Sydney is an open research university, which is known to be among the world's top universities. Also, it received a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1858. After receiving the Royal Charter, the degrees given by the university were recognized as equal to those provided by universities in the United Kingdom. The campus houses the Faculty of Science, Social Work, Pharmacy, Arts, Economics, Architecture and Veterinary Science which was newly introduced in the university.

The university features undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including professional degrees, specialist degrees, and liberal studies degrees. The courses are divided into various subjects, namely Art and Social Sciences, Architecture, Design and Planning, Business, Medical and Health, and Social Work and Music. Students are also provided with experienced faculty members and practical exposure to the research industry. Also, the university is visited by expert professionals who help the students for a better understanding of the curriculum. The following is a list of top courses:

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fees (First Year) in Lakhs
MBA	12L – 24 months	19.6L – 32.8L
MIM	12 – 18 months	21.3L – 22.8L
MS	12 – 36 months	18.4L – 24L
BBA	12 – 36 months	18.8L – 19.8L
MEng	18 months	21.8L – 22.5L
BE/BTech	36 – 60 months	19.2L – 21.8L
BSc	36 – 48 months	16.2L – 22L
MA	12 – 24 months	17.4L – 20.6L
MArch	18 – 24 months	15.7L – 19.3L

Check out: The University of Sydney (Usyd) – Courses

The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Established in 1949, the UNSW is an open research university that was developed with a motive to meet the new demands of the growing technology. Initially, it was known as the New South Wales University of Technology. Notably, the university gained its statuary status in 1949 by the Parliament of New South Wales, Sydney. After gaining this status, it was provided funds for the construction of buildings on the campus. And, the classes started a year later with an enrolment of 46 students. UNSW established two colleges, one in Newcastle and the other in Wollongong.

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs in various fields of study. The courses are offered through various departments, namely the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Art & Design, Faculty of Business School, Faculty of Art & Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering and Science. The wide range of courses offered by the university allows the students to choose among the subjects according to their area of interest. In addition, the experienced faculty members make sure that students gain the best practical knowledge in their respective fields. Check out some of the popular courses in the table below:

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
MBA	16 – 24 months	15.3L – 25.8L
MS	24 months	11.2L – 23.1L
BE/BTech	48 months	22.6L
MFin	12 months	16.7L
MEng	24 months	22.4L – 22.9L
MIM	18 months	21.9L
BBA	36 months	21.3L

More info at: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Courses

The University of Queensland (UQ)

One of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities with a strong focus on teaching excellence, the UQ has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university. Brisbane is fast becoming a hub in the Asia–Pacific for business, investment, major events, and education, with World Heritage rainforests, mountain ranges, and beaches on your doorstep.

UQ is equipped with six faculties, eight globally recognized research institutes and more than 100 research centres attracting an interdisciplinary community of 1500 scientists, social scientists, and engineers who continue UQ’s tradition of research leadership. Get course-related information below:

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
MBA	12 – 18 months	20.7L – 39.6L
MS	12 – 24 months	20.1L – 22.1L
MEng	24 months	22.1L
BE/BTech	36 – 48 months	22.1L
BBA	36 months	20.7L
MEM	24 months	22.1L
BHM	36 months	22.1L
BSc	48 months	21.3L – 22.4L

Check: The University of Queensland (UQ) – Courses

Monash University

An Open University founded in 1958, Monash University has research institutes in other countries like Italy (Prato), India (Mumbai) and China (Suzhou). Monash University has several departments like the Department of Forensic Medicines, the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

The campus houses the faculties of Engineering, Law, Arts, Business, Economics, Health Sciences and IT. The university has a remarkable list of alumni which includes Anna Burke (Former Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives), Simon Crean (Former Cabinet member in the Rudd Government), David De Krester (Governor of Australia), Ian Macfarlane (Governor of Reserve Bank of Australia), Lim Guan Eng (Minister of finance, Malaysia) and Doug Chappel (Comedian and Actor).

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
BBA	36 months	21.2L
MBA	24 months	18.5L – 22.4L
MS	12 – 24 months	18.7L – 21.7L
MIM	18 months	22.3L
MIS	24 months	20.3L
BE/BTech	36 – 60 months	15.2L – 21.7L
BSC	36 – 48 months	19.5L – 22L

Read: Monash University – Courses

The University of Western Australia (UWA)

An open research university that was established in 1911, the University of Western Australia spans an area of 160 acres of land. The university offers an undergraduate degree program and a postgraduate degree program as well as doctoral-level programs. Also, it features specialization courses that are additional in the curriculum of the opted programs.

UWA has a notable list of alumni that includes Fiona Wood (Known as the Australian of the Year for 2005), Rod Eddington (Former CEO of Ansett Airlines), Stephen Smith (Former Labor Federal Minister), Cheryl Praeger (Scientist of the Year, 2009) and Tim Minchin (Australian comedian).

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
BE/BTech	36 months	17.9L – 18.5L
MS	18 – 36 months	19.1L – 23.8L
BSc	36 months	17.9L
MEng	12 – 24 months	26.5L
MBA	16 – 24 months	21L – 21.9L

More details at The University of Western Australia (UWA) – Courses

The University of Adelaide

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is an open university, which is known to be one of the oldest universities in Australia. The university comprises 5 campuses of which North Terrace is the main campus. All five campuses are situated close to restaurants and cafes, medical stores and many other shops that provide necessities to the students. Also, the North Terrace campus includes accommodation for the students as well as faculty members. The campus also comprises the famous Barr Smith Library.

The academic curriculum of the university is categorized into 5 faculties, namely the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Mathematics, Faculty of Professions and Faculty of Sciences. These faculties include various schools that give students the opportunity to choose from a wide list of subjects according to their field of interest.

Courses	Duration	Tuition Fee (First Year) in Lakhs
MEng	24 months	19.6L
MBBS	72 months	37.2L
MBA	12 – 24 months	18.8L – 21.5L
MS	12 – 24 months	18.8L
BSc	36 months	17.1L
BBA	36 months	17.1L
MFin	18 months	19.6L
BE/BTech	36 – 48 months	18.1L – 19.3L

Check: The University of Adelaide – Courses

Why Study at Go8 Universities in Australia?

There are multiple reasons to consider if planning to apply at any of the Go9 universities in Australia. Some of the most popular ones are as follows:

• The Group of Eight universities in Australia are known to have educated almost every Nobel prize winner.
• The Go8 in Australia are responsible for contributing around 70% and even above the Fellows of four Australian academies.  
• Among other Australian universities, the group of eight universities in Australia have the highest research students and funding.
• The Group of Eight universities in Australia comprise 1/3 the share of the research-related activities in all of Australia.

Thus, based on these reasons, international applicants can consider studying in Australia's Go8 universities. At Group of Eight universities in Australia, applicants will find everything to ace their academics, research and even careers.  

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