Studying abroad comes with its challenges and considerations. What country you choose to study overseas plays an integral part in your role in your academic career. This is why when you pick a destination for your studies abroad, you must consider factors such as student culture, lifestyle, student community and growth opportunities. 

Recently, Australia has managed to top the list of most famous study-abroad destinations for international students. It ranks third for the most popular study-abroad destinations in the English-speaking world. According to the EIU’s liveability index, Melbourne and Sydney are ranked as the fourth most livable cities in the world.

Let’s find out what the land of Kangaroos, host of some of the most gorgeous landscapes and manager of the world’s highly sought-after educational institutions, has in store for international students. Australian universities fall under all three levels. In this blog, we will discuss all the necessary details about the level 1 universities in Australia.

What are level 1 universities?

Australia hosts 34 public and four private universities, divided into three levels and tiers. Their levels keep shifting due to changes in their infrastructure, placement scores and performance throughout the year. Level 1 universities are some of the country's most prestigious and highly-ranked universities. The group of 8 (Go8) also falls in the list of level 1 universities. Although the ranks keep shifting, level 1 universities are consistently among the QS top 100 list due to the laudable research facility and unmatched educational curriculums. 

The graduates of Level 1 universities have the highest placement rates worldwide.

Why choose level 1 universities?

Global Recognition: Level 1 universities in Australia are not just nationally acclaimed but also globally recognised. Their graduates have a competitive edge in the job market at home and abroad. All the level 1 universities have managed to rank in QS world rankings, further solidifying their global reputation.

Vibrant Culture: Level 1 universities in Australia are known for their diverse and inclusive student communities. Hosting a large number of international students, these universities provide a platform to interact with students from different backgrounds and explore various cultures, schools of thought, and perspectives, enriching the overall learning experience.

Strong Research: Level 1 universities understand the importance of a strong research background in building a solid and impressive portfolio. That's why they provide excellent opportunities for all their students to engage in research during their studies. Moreover, These universities have strong links with industry giants, providing their graduates with valuable internship experiences. This emphasis on research and industry connections is sure to inspire and motivate you during your academic journey.

List of level 1 universities

1. The University of Melbourne:

The University of Melbourne is a public university located in the state of Victoria. It is the second oldest university in the country and is ranked number one and 14th worldwide. Standing tall on Australian grounds for 160 years, the university hosts 54,000 students, which accounts for 40% of the international student body. These students have access to over 100 research centres and internship opportunities.

Tuition fees and Scholarships:

Tuition fees range from AUD 36,000 to 79,000, depending upon the course of choice. Postgraduation and masters cost around AUD 50,000. Students can also gain 1000 scholarships based on merit and need that are open to all students of the University of Melbourne.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Every student must have a high school diploma, IB degree, CBSE, or equivalent from any institute recognised by the Australian Education Ministry. Every course has a minimum CGPA requirement.
• For a post-graduate degree, students must possess a bachelor-level degree from a recognised
• Some courses may require their applicants to submit test scores for the GRE/GMAT or previous work experience for PHd.
• International students may be required to submit proof of English language Proficiency. Different universities may need tests like the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE or the Duolingo test.

   Key focuses:

1. Business
2. Law 
3. Medicine 
4. Engineering
5. Computer Science
6. Health and Humanities

Admissions Process:

• All students must begin their research a year before the intake
• Download the online course catalogue from the website to choose your course
• You must apply online with an application fee of 120 AUD
• After you successfully secure a seat in the university, you can apply for a scholarship.
• Ensure that you make accommodation arrangements before you start regular classes on campus.

2. The University of New South Wales:

The UoNSW is another one of the level 1 universities in the country. The founding member of the prestigious Go8 group is known for its top-notch educational curriculum and trailblazing research facilities. The university’s engineering and law faculty is among the best in the country. The university has always emphasised firmly to their students that they build strong connections with people in big industries. The university provides them with opportunities to do so through research, collaboration and internships. 

This trait has resulted in the university being named the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable University in 2022.

Fees and Scholarships:

The tuition fee ranges from 46,000 to 61,000 AUD on average. Many scholarships are available, such as the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship, the Australia Global Award, the UNSW, the Global Academic Award, and the International Student Award.

Eligibility Criteria:

• For a bachelor’s degree, every applicant must have a 12-year qualification, an Australian 12-year education, a high school diploma, IB, or equivalent.
• All students must have the minimum CGPA requirement set by the university.
• They must present proof of English Language Proficiency. They can show the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo test scores.
• The requirements for the postgraduate degree are a master's degree, relevant research work, or previous work experience in the relevant field.

Offered Courses

The university is famous for its courses among six faculties,

• Arts, Design and Architecture
• Engineering
• Law and Justice
• Medicine and Health
• Science 
• UNSW Business School

Application Process:

After researching for the desired courses, all students must apply online for the degree, 

Along with the application, you must pay an application fee of $120 AU

Once the submission process is complete, you can track the application process online

3. The University of Sydney:

The University of Sydney has built its reputation on pioneering many things, most prominently being the first university in the country to admit women to Australian institutions. The university has maintained its reputation for pioneering a robust educational curriculum, a research-focused environment, and a space where critical thinking is cherished. Being the 3rd best university in the country doesn’t come quickly; actions are required to help maintain that position. And the institution has worked to get there. It is because of such efforts that the institute has gained not only national but international recognition as well. And has been ranked 19th in the world rankings.

The member of the prestigious Go8 group has consistently secured a position among the top 50 best universities in the world. The university pays great attention to its research and internship programs, so its graduates have the highest employability rates nationwide and worldwide.

Fees to be paid and scholarships to be hunted

Tuition fees vary depending on courses and their durations. The fee for a student studying at the University of Sydney AU is 40,000 to 72,000. The cost may fluctuate depending on the type and duration of your degree and the presence of a research component. 

Students are the university’s most significant asset, and the university ensures that suitable investments are made in them. This is why the university has introduced numerous scholarships for its students to take advantage of. These include the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Programme, the Vice Chancellors International Scholarship Scheme, and the Sydney International Students Award.

Eligibility Criteria:

The university, too, follows the general eligibility criteria:

• Twelve years of education, equivalent to Australian 12 years, and the  CGPA requirement set by the university.
• Some universities may have specific course requirements for their students. For example, medical universities require students to have biology, chemistry and physics as their core subjects in their 12th year. 
• You can check the different course requirements on the university’s website.
• For the postgraduate degree, relevant research/ work experience is required.
• Since Australia is English-speaking, international students must present test scores for the standard language proficiency tests.

Faculties:

The university is popularly known for the following courses.

1. Arts and Social Science
2. Engineering
3. Medicine and Health
4. Faculty of Sciences
5. Architecture
6. Business 
7. Music 
8. Law
9. Computer Science
10. Technology

Students can pick hundreds of courses for bachelor's, master's, and PhD from any of the faculties.

Eligibility Criteria:

-12 years of education

- Proficiency in English

-Minimum CGPA set by the university

- Previous work or research experience in a relevant field

Admissions Process:

• Pick the course you desire
• Confirm the eligibility
• Gather your documents
• Pay the AUD 150 application fee
• Apply online

4. The Australian National University

Founded in 1946, the Australian National University became the country's intellectual powerhouse in the post-war era. With a keen focus on research and innovation, the university worked to make Australia’s potential known to the world. It called the names of 6 noble laureates and 49 Rhodes scholars, its faculty, and graduates. Along with a membership of the Go8 group, the university is also the only Australian university in the International Alliance for Research Universities. The University hosts around 18,000 international students annually, making the university culture quite vibrant and diverse.

Another thing that makes the university so desirable is its location, in the heart of the country's capital, the Caribbean. The smallest city in the country is just a few hours' drive away from Sydney and other leisure points. Students can easily have a weekend getaway in the snow or the sea by driving for two hours from the university.

Fees and scholarships:

The university's annual fee is around 46,000 to 56,000 AUD. In addition, the university offers 200 merit and need-based scholarships to its students. The common names are the Tuckwell Scholarship and the Chancellors International Scholarship. Many departments also offer the Academic Merit Scholarship.

Faculties:

The university has seven colleges that offer over 80 undergraduates and over a hundred postgraduate programs. The seven colleges are 

1. ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
2. ANU College of Asia and Pacific
3. ANU College of Business and Economics
4. College of Engineering, computing and cybernetics
5. ANU College of Health and Medicine
6. ANU College of Law
7. ANU College of Science

Eligibility 

To be eligible to study at ANU, all students must

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college to enrol in the master's program.
• Twelve years of education is required to be eligible to enroll in the bachelor's program.
• Have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or 80 band score in TOEFL 
• Relevant work or research experience for the post-graduate program

5. Monash University

Monash is ranked as the second-best university in the country. The university, named after the famous World War 1 general, elevates the progressive nature of Melbourne, Victoria. The university has a strongly built research faculty. Monash has managed to maintain a robust global presence by building campuses in diverse locations, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, and China.

Due to its global popularity, Monash hosts thousands of international students annually on its main campus in Australia. Monash’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Australian Synchrotron research centres are highly famous among the research faculty. 

Tuition fees and scholarships:

The annual tuition fee for a full degree at Monash University is AUD 38,000 to 60,000, depending upon the course. However, courses like medicine and veterinary are more expensive and could cost around AUD 95,000. 

The university also offers its students various scholarships based on merit and need.

 Eligibility:

The general eligibility criteria for the university are as follows:

• Satisfactory results in the 12th year
• Language proficiency proof with a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS, 79 for TOEFL and 58 in PTE.
• GRE or GMAT for some courses.

Courses offered

Monash offers 140+ courses to its undergraduate students and 170+ courses to its postgraduate students. Among the following schools

• Art, Design and Architecture
• Arts 
• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Information technology
• Medicine and Health Science
• Nursing
• Sciences
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

6. The University of Queensland:

Established in 1909 between the bustling markets, scenic landscapes, and parklands of Brisbane, Queensland, the University of Queensland is highly known for its research and educational methodologies in all six of its research faculties. The university maintains its membership in the Go8 Group and is ranked 40th globally. The University’s research facilities have contributed commendably to biomedicine, neurology, nanotechnology, and bioengineering. The university's famous research institutions are the Queensland Brain Institute and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. 

In recent years, the university has significantly contributed to the causes of HIV, cervical cancer, and COVID-19 and the development of highly portable human magnets.

The University has also produced a large number of Nobel laureates and scholars and has held the highest number of teaching awards among Australian universities.

Fees and scholarships:

The average tuition fee for Australian universities is AU $42,000 - AU $55,000 per year, with tuition fees slightly higher for courses like medicine. The university also offers various scholarships, such as the Graduate School Scholarship, Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship, Brooks Travelling Scholarship, and McCready Memorial Scholarship.

Offered areas of study:

UoQ has more than 120 undergraduate and 170+ graduate courses in store. 

• Agriculture and animal sciences
• Architecture design and urban planning 
• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Business and Economics
• Communications, Media, and Experience Design
• Computer Science and IT
• Education
• Engineering
• Environment 
• Health and Medicine
• Law
• Science and Mathematics

Applications Process:

Here is a general application process to Apply at UoQ

• Choose the program of your choice
• Cross-check the entry requirements
• Review the admission requirements
• Check your financial options
• Check if you match the eligibility requirements
• Pay the application fee of AU $150
• Apply online
• Respond to the offer letter.

Eligibility 

To be eligible to study at UoQ, all students must

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college to enrol in the master's program.
• Twelve years of education is required to be eligible to enrol in the bachelor's program.
• Have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or 80 band score in TOEFL 
• Relevant work or research experience for the post-graduate program
• You may have to take the GRE or GMAT for a few courses.

7. University of Western Australia:

The University of Western Australia is among Perth's beautiful sunny beaches and stunning parks. Since its establishment in 1911, the university has managed to secure a position in Go8 while maintaining its reputation as the leading research university in the country. Due to its location, the university has played a notable role in conserving the environment and ocean life. Due to its unmatched research population, the university ranks among the top 1% of the world’s universities for its unmatched excellence in all 43 fields it offers to its students.

The university has played an essential role in research and development in the environment and resource sectors. The most popular institutions working on development and research are the Oceans Institute and the Energy and Minerals Institute. The university has partnerships and collaborations with famous institutions worldwide, the most notable being University College London.

Fees and Scholarships:

The annual fee for the University of Western Australia ranges from AU$ 38,000 to AU$ 49,5000 

While a few courses cost slightly more, such as the medical course, which costs around AU $89,000.

Students at the UWA can enjoy merit-based scholarships ranging up to AU $48,000 during their academic degree.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college to enrol in the master's program.
• Twelve years of education to be eligible to enrol in the bachelor's program.
• A minimum of 75% in the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Aggregate Rank) and 24% in IB.
• The University of Western Australia recognises many international degrees with a certain score.
• Have a minimum required IELTS or  TOEFL band score 
• Relevant work or research experience for the post-graduate program
• You may have to take the GRE or GMAT for a few courses.

Courses offered:

• Architecture and Design
• Business and Commerce
• Data and Computer Science
• Education
• Engineering
• Health and Biomedical Science
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Law
• Music and Fine Arts
• Natural and Physical Sciences
• Psychology

Application Process:

Start by picking the course of your choice and filling out the application forms correctly. Once you're done, you can apply along with an application fee of AU $150.

8. The University of Adelaide:

Founded in 1878, the University of Adelaide had two significant goals: to shape tomorrow's leaders and fight against a society that reinforces inequality. This is why, like its predecessors, the University of Adelaide also took the step to admit women to all its courses on an equal basis to men. This member of the Go8 group has managed to produce five noble laureates and hundreds of Rhodes scholars.

Located in the heart of the bustling city of Adelaide, the university offers its students a happening study-life balance. Whether they want to relax in the gorgeous gardens or wish to unwind at a festival on the weekend, everything is within their reach. But this isn’t it; the university also fosters an environment for academic and career success by providing excellent opportunities for research and development. Two of their most famous research institutions are the Robinson Research Institute and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. The University also collaborates with the Australian Space Agency and has been working intensively on astronomy and space research.  Due to its commitment to research, the university manages a solid 180 million dollars for research per annum.

Fees and Scholarships:

The average annual tuition fee for the university ranges from AU $40,000- AU $50,000. The university offers numerous scholarships to its students, some of which are 

• Global Citizens International Scholarship
• Alumni International Scholarships
• Global Academic Excellence 50% International Scholarship
• Articulation Partner International Scholarship
• Australia for ASEAN Scholarship
• Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Outstanding Indian Students

Eligibility Criteria:

• 12 years of education, high scores in core subjects
• Proof of English Language Proficiency via test score of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE
• Students can also apply for a three-year degree after completing their foundation year at an Australian university.
• Medical Programs may require students to take entry tests
• Admissions in a few master's or PhD courses require previous work/ research experience.
• Australian Nationals need to apply through SATAC (South Australian Tertiary Academic Center)
• International students can apply online.

Application Process:

The application process for

• Check the required course
• Match the requirements
• Make a PDF of all your documents
• Students applying for the post-graduate program must also look for a supervisor before applying.
• Apply before deadline

Documents needed for application:

• Copy of all academic transcripts
• Test scores for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE 
• Copy of your passport or visa
• Payment of AU $150 for application fee

Courses offered:

The University offers a total of 400 degrees for undergraduate and postgraduate aspirants in the following careers:

•  Agriculture, food, and wine
• Creativity and Culture
• Defence, Cyber, and Space
• Engineering, Mining, and resources
• Environment, sustainability and climate change
• Health and Biotechnology
• Societal well being
• Stem

9. The University of Technology Sydney:

Established in 1988, the University of Technology Sydney is the country’s most practice-based and research-driven university. The university, however, was not always a university. Its roots long way back to the 1930s when it was a cluster of colleges and different institutions. In the 1980s, the university decided to merge all its educational institutions and form a modern university that would meet all the requirements of the contemporary education system. The university has also gained popularity and global recognition due to its unique approach towards research and innovation.

Another perk of being a student at UTS is its strategic location. The university stands in the middle of Sydney’s Central Business District, with beautiful and spacious buildings that can fit all the quintessential student life facilities. The buildings also hold the honour of being designed by famous architects. Due to its cutting-edge curriculum, the university has gifted the world with some renowned entrepreneurs, journalists and business figures. The university also cares for its international students, so it has developed an international students support team to provide support, guidance, and assistance to international students.

Fees and Scholarships:

The university charges around AU $35,000 to $50,000 per year. UTS also offers multiple scholarships, such as the UTS International Students Scholarship, which aims to give financial relief to talented international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible to study at the university, all students must:

• Hold a high school diploma or a degree equivalent to the Australian 12-year
• A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
• Previous work or research experience
• Proof of English language proficiency. Students can present test scores for any of the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo tests.
• Some students may be required to present their GRE/GMAT results.

Application Process:

The application process for

• Check the required course
• Match the requirements
• Make a PDF of all your documents
• Students applying for the post-graduate program must also look for a supervisor before applying.
• Apply before deadline

Documents needed for application:

• Copy of all academic transcripts
• Test scores for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE 
• Copy of your passport or visa
• Payment of AU $150 for application fee

Courses Offered:

• Business
• Finance Management
• Marketing
• Communication
• Arts and Design
• Information Technology
• Cyber Security
• Arts and Design
• Social Sciences

Conclusion:

To conclude, all the country's level 1 universities, including the prestigious Go8 universities group, are focused on academic excellence and research. Each university is known for its commitment, culture, and educational curriculum. These universities have worked to make education not only excellent but also easily accessible to every student in the world, whether through an exchange program or via the help of a fully funded scholarship.

Institutions are the golden tickets for academic success. Hence, when choosing an educational institute, it is imperative that you focus not just on academics but also on the culture and the opportunities that linger with it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are level 1 Universities in Australia?

Level 1 universities are top-ranking universities in Australia. Usually, the Go8 falls in the level 1 category. These universities promise quality education, facilities, and talented faculty. The University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales and the University of Monash are some of the level 1 universities in Australia.

1. What is the success rate of a level 1 university visa in  Australia?

Given these universities' reputations, the university visa success rate is as high as 87%. However, students must ensure that they meet all the country's visa requirements.

2. How much band is required to get admission to level 1 universities in Australia?

To get admission to level 1 universities in the country, a student must have an IELTS minimum band score between 6 and 7. However, the requirements can change depending on the university. 

3. Can international students work while studying at level 1 universities?

Yes, all international students are allowed to work while studying in Australia. Students are allowed to work part-time for 24 hours per week during their studies. 

4. What are the tuition fees for studying in Australia?

The average fee for studying in Australia ranges between AUD 24,000 and AUD 45,000 for undergraduate studies. Postgraduate or master's would be a little more expensive.

5. What is the cost of living for students studying in Australia?

The cost of living for students studying in Australia would be around AUD 8000 to 12,000 AUD a month. This includes the cost of living, rent, transportation, food etc.