Level 1 Universities in Australia
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In each country, whether it's India or countries abroad, some universities are categorised into various tiers or levels. This article throws light on the level 1 universities in Australia for Indian students, what Level 1 universities mean, global rankings, benefits of studying in these universities, top courses and their tuition fees along with how to choose the correct university for study have been covered for reference.
Planning to study in Australia and at some of its best and top-ranking universities? You can give a thought and pursue higher education at a specific set of Australian universities, also referred to as Level 1 universities. There are also various advantages of studying in Level 1 universities in Australia. Check out the article for all related information.
What does Level 1 University Mean in Australia?
Level 1 universities or tier 1 universities as they are referred to, are usually treated as prestigious sets of institutions which have consistently ranked globally at top positions. Level 1 Universities in Australia are usually referred to as those institutions that have achieved the highest possible ranking in the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) assessment framework. This prestigious accreditation signifies that the university meets the highest standards of quality and excellence in education, research, and student support. Apparently, the Level 1 universities in Australia, are all top-rankers. Check out the details in the following sections about Level 1 universities in Australia.
List of Level 1 Universities in Australia
Following are level one universities in Australia, these universities are top-ranked, reputed and some of the oldest universities too:
- Australian National University
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Sydney
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- The University of Queensland
- Monash University
- The University of Western Australia
- The University of Adelaide
- Macquarie University
- The University of Technology Sydney
- University of Wollongong
These are 11 Level 1 universities in Australia which are top-ranking universities in Australia and globally. If interested in studying across these universities, check out why you should apply.
Why Study at Level 1 Universities of Australia?
Check out how fruitful it is for international students to study across any of the above-mentioned, Level 1 universities in Australia:
To understand them in detail, check out the following section for a detailed explanation.
Top 5 Reasons to Study at Level 1 Universities in Australia
If you are planning to study in Australia and wish to attend level 1 universities in Australia, you have enough options in terms of universities, courses and scholarships. Here are the top five reasons why Indian students should study in level 1 universities in Australia, check them out:
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1. Level 1 Universities in Australia - Top Global Rankings
Check out the global rankings of level one universities in Australia for the year 2024 as per QS and THE compiled in the table below:
| Level 1 Universities in Australia |
QS - World University Rankings 2025 |
THE - World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne |
#14 |
#39 |
| The University of Sydney |
#19 |
#61 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
#19 |
#83 |
| Australian National University |
#34 |
#73 |
| The University of Queensland |
#43 |
#77 |
| Monash University |
#42 |
#58 |
| The University of Western Australia |
#72 |
#149 |
| The University of Adelaide |
#89 |
#128 |
| The University of Technology Sydney |
#90 |
#154 |
| University of Wollongong |
#162 |
201-250 |
Globally, level 1 universities in Australia rank among the top 200 universities. These universities may differ in their ranking positions based on the ranker, yet the list of level 1 universities in Australia is similar for both QS and THE which include the above given top 10 universities in the list irrespective of their ranking position. Check out: Australian Universities Ranking 2025
2. Level 1 Part of Eminent Go8:
Known as the oldest and the most distinguished set of universities, Go8 universities in Australia or the Group of Eight is constituted of the following Australian universities:
- Australian National University
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Sydney
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- The University of Queensland
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide
These Go8 Universities of Australia are research universities that receive 71% of the grant each year under Category 1. With their research, these universities generate USD 24.5 billion every year and contribute to the Australian economy. Admissions at Go8 are moderately easy and hence, they admit around 425,000 students annually in total across all eight universities. Thus, competition may be slightly tougher but getting through these universities is still worth the effort.
3. Quality Education at Level 1 Universities in Australia
These level-one universities in Australia are recognised for their high-quality education, leading towards research. Level 1 universities in Australia have a reputation for their:
- Advanced curriculum
- Syllabi and course structure because they are designed in a modern manner
- The subject combinations are defined for understanding the industrial-level or employer-level skilling
Hence, students who study in Australia will get knowledge based on the current industry or market or employer trends. Thus, the quality of education is high and dynamic with the changing trends at level-one universities in Australia, which is one more reason why Indian students should study in Australia at these universities.
4. High Employability Rates at Level 1 Australian Universities
Level 1 universities in Australia boast about their top positions for producing highly employable graduates. As per the graduate employability data for 2022, QS ranks the following different Australian level 1 universities in this category:
| Level 1 Universities in Australia |
QS - Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|
| The University of Sydney |
#4 |
| The University of Melbourne |
#8 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
#29 |
| Monash University |
#54 |
| The University of Technology Sydney |
#62 |
| The University of Queensland |
#63 |
| Australian National University |
#79 |
| The University of Western Australia |
111-120 |
| The University of Adelaide |
171-180 |
| University of Wollongong |
181-190 |
In 2022, QS ranked only 20 Australian universities overall ranked for its graduate employability rankings. Thus, these level 1 Australian universities have proved their mettle in the employability rankings also globally, which is another reason to study at level 1 universities in Australia.
Note: The Graduate Employability Rankings have not been updated since the year 2022, thus, this is the most recent data.
5. Top Courses & Avg Tuition at Level 1 Universities in Australia
Apart from the traditional course options, like Management, Engineering & Tech, Science, Humanities and Arts related courses, level 1 universities also offer short courses in Australia. students massively apply to these courses across Go8 universities and other top universities in Australia for admission. The cost of education in Australia varies for each level of study in Australia. Check out the course level-wise fees below:
| Education Level in Australia Level 1 Universities |
Average Cost/Year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate or Bachelor Degree |
AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000 |
| Postgraduate or Master’s Degree |
AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000 |
| Doctoral or Research Degree |
AUD 18,000 - AUD 42,000 |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) |
AUD 4,000 - AUD 22,000 |
| English language studies |
AUD 300 per week |
| Short Courses |
AUD 100 - AUD 5,000 |
Overall it can be said it's a safe bet to apply to level 1 universities in Australia. They are not just high in terms of rankings, but also reputed for their high-quality education, graduate employability rates and the most respected Go8 universities.
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Q: What are Level 1 universities in Australia?
Level 1 universities in Australia are those popular and top ranked universities which have been ranked in the highest order by TEQSA - Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency which is Australia's independent nationally official quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education. Level 1 universities in Australia are in total 9 and they are:
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Canberra
- Flinders University
- The University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
Q: Which are Level 2 universities in Australia?
Universities falling under level 2 in Australia are slighlty lower in hierarchy as compared to level 1 universities as per TEQSA. These universities have high acceptance rates and admissions are easier for international students. Check out the Level 2 universities in Australia below:
- RMIT University
- The University of Newcastle
- Curtin University
- Macquarie University
- Queensland University of Technology
- Deakin University
- University of Tasmania
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Griffith University
- La Trobe University
Q: Is Deakin University a Level 1 university?
No, Deakin is a Level 2 university in Australia. Though it is a popular university, it is still categorised under level 2 universities in Australia. The level 1 universities differ from level 2 universities in Australia in terms of popularity, ranking, acceptance rate and admission processes.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?
The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.
Q: Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?
Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years.
On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).
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