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. They have consistently been featured among the top universities in the world for international and national students. 

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 and fostering elite international alliances and research partnerships. The Go8 Directorate is based out of Canberra, Australia, and is headed by Vicki Thomson, 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 Medical and Health Services research. 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 total admissions of Australian universities. Thus, these are elite institutions to study in Australia.

List of Go8 Universities in Australia

Here are the eight universities that fall under the eight universities in Australia (Go8 Universities in Australia). Detailed information about each university and 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. 

Why Study at Go8 Universities in Australia?

There are multiple reasons to consider studying in Australia. But if planning to apply to any Go8 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 of the research-related activities in Australia.

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

Go8 Universities Australia 2025-26 World Rankings

The following is a list of group of 8 universities ranking for the year 2025-26 based on QS and THE ranking 2025 agencies in the table below for reference:

Find additional details about the Group of eight universities in Australia based on ranking trends and popular subjects at: Australia University & Subject Ranking.

Everything About Group of Eight Universities in Australia

Let us discuss in detail about each of the universities that are a part of the group of eight in this section: 

1. The Australian National University (ANU)

Established in 1946, ANU is an open research university and a group of eight universities in Australia. It started the undergraduate degree program in 1960 after integrating with Canberra College. The university was organised into four centres: 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 the University Council maintains.

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

Check: The Australian National University – Courses

2. The University of Melbourne (Unimelb)

Founded by Hugh Culling Eardley Childers in 1853, UniMelb is the second oldest university of higher education and research, plus a part of group of eight universities in Australia. It is ranked among the top universities in Australia. The University of Melbourne is committed to offering more practical experience beyond structured learning. Being one of the most progressive research universities, it boasts an excellent staff that makes discoveries and conducts groundbreaking research.

The premises include 11 academic institutions, including research institutes such as the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research, and the Grattan Institute. University students can explore various subjects before selecting a specific area of interest within their field.

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:

Read: The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) – Courses

3. The University of Sydney (USyd)

Established in 1850, the University of Sydney is a leading research university recognised as one of the world's top universities. In addition, it is among the group of eight universities in Australia. 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 at the university.

The university features undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including professional, specialist, and liberal studies degrees. The courses are divided into subjects: 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 better understand the curriculum. The following is a list of top courses:

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

4. The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Established in 1949, the UNSW is an open research university that was developed to meet the new demands of the growing technology. Initially, it was known as the New South Wales University of Technology. Later, it became a part of the group of eight universities in Australia. Notably, the university gained its statuary status in 1949 by the Parliament of New South Wales, Sydney. After gaining this status, funds were provided for the construction of buildings on campus. The classes started a year later, with 46 students enrolled. 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, including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Art and Design, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Engineering and Science. The university offers a wide range of courses, allowing students to choose subjects according to their area of interest. Additionally, experienced faculty members ensure that students acquire the best practical knowledge in their respective fields. Check out some of the popular courses in the table below:

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

5. 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. Also, it is an integral part of the group of eight universities in Australia. 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 has six faculties, eight globally recognised 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:

Check: The University of Queensland (UQ) – Courses

6. Monash University

Founded in 1958, Monash University is an Open University with research institutes located in other countries, including Italy (Prato), India (Mumbai), and China (Suzhou). Monash University has several departments: the Department of Forensic Medicine, the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, and the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. This open university is also part of a group of eight universities in Australia.

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).

Read: Monash University – Courses

7. The University of Western Australia (UWA)

Established in 1911, the University of Western Australia is one of the eight group of universities in Australia. The are of UWA spans an area of 160 acres of land. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs. Additionally, it offers specialisation courses that complement the curriculum of the selected 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).

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

8. The University of Adelaide

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is a public university recognised as one of Australia's oldest and a member of the Group of Eight universities in Australia. The university comprises 5 campuses of which North Terrace is the main campus. All five campuses are situated close to restaurants, cafes, medical stores, and many other shops that provide necessities to the students. Additionally, the North Terrace campus offers accommodation for both students and faculty members. The campus also comprises the famous Barr Smith Library.

The university's academic curriculum is categorised into five faculties: the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Mathematics, the Faculty of Professions, and the Faculty of Sciences. These faculties encompass various schools that offer students a wide range of subjects to choose from, tailored to their field of interest.

Check: The University of Adelaide – Courses

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Go8 Universities Australia

Almost all Australian Universities, including the group of eight universities in Australia, 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, certificates, and final exam transcripts (mark sheets or report cards). 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. Please refer to the university's website for the specific eligibility requirements for the course.
• Suppose you are applying for an MBA or a higher education degree, such as a doctoral program. In that case, 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 should include career goals, interests, extracurricular activities, reasons for choosing the particular stream, and how the student plans to manage financially during their stay in Australia.
• A letter of recommendation (two are recommended) from the person who has taught the student or knows them professionally, highlighting the student's strengths and weaknesses and explaining why they would excel in the chosen field, should also be provided.

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

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