Level 1 Universities in Australia for Indian Students - Rankings, Fees
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Like any other country, Australia also categorises universities under tiers or levels. This article throws light on the Level 1 universities in Australia for Indian students, what Level 1 universities mean, their global rankings, benefits, top courses and tuition fees, along with tips to choose the right Level 1 university.
In Australia, Level 1 is the highest quality education acclaimed as per three critical national systems. Within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), Level 1 is the starting point for post-secondary education, representing a Certificate I that provides foundational skills for entry-level work or community participation. In terms of visa assessment, it denotes "low-risk" status for both countries and institutions. This also includes the elite Group of Eight universities, which allows for streamlined student visa processing and fewer document requirements.
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?
- List of Level 1 Universities in Australia
- Why Study at Level 1 Universities of Australia?
- Top 5 Reasons to Study at Level 1 Universities in Australia
- Admission Requirements for Level 1 Universities in Australia
- Is It Worth Studying at Level 1 Universities in Australia?
- Level 1 Universities in Australia FAQs
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 that 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. 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
The 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 11 Level 1 universities in Australia are top-ranking universities globally. If you want to study across these Level 1 universities, check out why you should apply.
Why Study at Level 1 Universities of Australia?
Studying at Level 1 universities in Australia is a different experience altogether. Check out how fruitful it is for international students to study across any of the above-mentioned Level 1 universities in Australia:
- Level 1 universities in Australia are an excellent set of universities recognised globally for their education.
- Degrees from Level 1 universities in Australia are known for offering quality education with specialised courses.
- The majority of them offer fully funded scholarships in Australia to Indian students for studying.
- The exposure to part time jobs in Australia followed by full time opportunities are equally good.
Apart from these, Level 1 universities in Australia are also known globally for some of their key features. These are as follows:
To understand them in detail, check out the following section.
Top 5 Reasons to Study at Level 1 Universities in Australia
If you plan to study in Australia and wish to attend level 1 universities in Australia, you have enough options for universities, courses and scholarships. Here are the top five reasons why Indian students should study in level 1 universities in Australia; check them out:
1. Level 1 Universities in Australia - Top Global Rankings
Check out the global rankings of level one universities in Australia for the year 2026 as per QS and THE compiled in the table below:
| Level 1 Universities in Australia |
QS - World University Rankings 2026 |
THE - World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne |
#19 |
#39 |
| The University of Sydney |
#25 |
#61 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
#20 |
#83 |
| Australian National University |
#32 |
#73 |
| The University of Queensland |
#42 |
#77 |
| Monash University |
#36 |
#58 |
| The University of Western Australia |
#77 |
#149 |
| The University of Adelaide |
#82 |
#128 |
| The University of Technology Sydney |
#96 |
#154 |
| University of Wollongong |
#184 |
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 annually and contribute to the Australian economy. Admissions at Go8 are moderately easy; hence, they admit around 425,000 students annually across all eight universities. Thus, competition may be slightly tougher, but getting through these universities is worthwhile.
3. Quality Education at Level 1 Universities in Australia
These level-one universities in Australia are recognised for their high-quality education, with a focus on 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 studying in Australia will learn based on current industry market trends or employer expectations.
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 consistently rank among the top for producing highly employable graduates. As per the graduate employability data for 2025, THE ranks the following different Australian level 1 universities in this category:
| Level 1 Universities in Australia |
THE - Employability Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| The University of Sydney |
#62 |
| The University of Melbourne |
#44 |
| Monash University |
#108 |
| The University of Technology Sydney |
#157 |
| The University of Queensland |
#95 |
| Australian National University |
#32 |
In 2025, THE ranked only 09 Australian universities for its graduate employability rankings, out of which only 06 Level 1 universities made it to the list. 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.
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 offer short courses in Australia. Students apply for admission to these courses across Go8 universities and other top universities in Australia. The cost of education in Australia varies for each level of study. 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 |
Thus, level 1 universities in Australia are top-rankers, highly reputed, offer quality education, have good graduate employability rates and home to the well-known respected Go8 universities as well.
Admission Requirements for Level 1 Universities in Australia
The admission requirements for level 1 universities in Australia vary per course and university. However, there are a few common admission criteria and minimum requirements that usually accepted by all. Check out their admission requirements for a quick reference:
| Level 1 Universities in Australia |
Popular Courses Offered |
Entry Requirements for Admission |
Avg Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne |
Engg, Medicine, Business, Arts, Health Sciences |
AUD 36,000 – AUD 79,000 |
|
| UNSW Sydney |
Engg, Law, Business, Medicine, Science, Arts |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; work experience for some PG |
AUD 46,000 – AUD 60,640 |
| University of Sydney |
Law, Medicine, Nursing, Arts, Engg, Business |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; portfolio for creative fields |
AUD 40,000 – AUD 72,000 |
| Australian National University (ANU) |
Int’l Relations, Engg, Science, Law, Arts |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; some courses need professional experience |
AUD 43,000 – AUD 56,000 |
| Monash University |
Biomedicine, Business, Law, Health, Engg, Education |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; prerequisites for select courses |
AUD 38,900 – AUD 95,000 |
| University of Queensland (UQ) |
Medicine, Business, Data Science, Environmental Sciences |
QLD Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; min. academics required |
AUD 41,120 – AUD 51,200 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) |
Business, Medicine, Law, Marine Biology, Engg |
Year 12 equivalent; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 38,200 – AUD 85,800 |
| University of Adelaide |
Medicine, Engineering, Arts, Sciences, Business |
Class XII / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 40,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
IT, Nursing, Accounting, Law, Business |
Year 12 equivalent; IELTS 6.5+; portfolio/work exp. for some PG |
AUD 38,000 – AUD 45,000 |
| Macquarie University |
Business, IT, Law, Arts, Medicine, Media |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; GPA cut-offs for some courses |
AUD 37,900 – AUD 83,700 |
| Deakin University |
Business, Health, Engg, Law, Arts |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 32,000 – AUD 47,000 |
| University of South Australia (UniSA) |
Business, Engg, Data Science, Arts, Medicine |
Year 12 equivalent; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 28,800 – AUD 41,600 |
| University of Canberra |
Health, IT, Education, Business, Arts |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 30,000 – AUD 40,000 |
| Bond University |
Business, Law, Health, IT, Media |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+; work exp. for some PG |
AUD 20,000 – AUD 30,000 per trimester |
| Australian Catholic University (ACU) |
Education, Health Sciences, Arts, Business |
Year 12 / UG degree; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 22,000 – AUD 35,000 |
| RMIT University |
Design, IT, Engg, Media, Business |
Year 12 equivalent; IELTS 6.5+; portfolio for some courses |
AUD 30,000 – AUD 47,000 |
| University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) |
Env. Sciences, Business, Education, Health |
Year 12 equivalent; IELTS 6.5+ |
AUD 24,000 – AUD 32,000 |
This is a basic admission requirement for Level 1 universities in Australia. Applicants must check the official websites and based on their courses, check admission requirements before applying.
Is It Worth Studying at Level 1 Universities in Australia?
Yes, it is definitely worth studying at Level 1 universities in Australia. Reason being, the level 1 universities are globally recognised for their education. have a good reputation and are known for their high-end research. These universities also help international students in securing placements across popular industries and companies within and outside Australia. Students who get through the admission requirements of Level 1 universities, should definitely consider studying there and gain global study exposure.
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Level 1 Universities in Australia FAQs
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.
Professor Barry Marshall and Professor Robin Warren are the Nobel Laureates of the University of Western Australia. Both of them have been awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Also, in 2024, Professor Barry Marshall was honored with China's most prestigious awards. this recognition was for his work promoting scientific and technological co-operation between China and Australia.
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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: