List of Top Universities in Melbourne 2026
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List of Top Universities in Melbourne 2026

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Feb 24, 2026 17:27 IST
Seven of the eight universities in Melbourne featured in QS World Ranking Universities 2018 making it one of the most attractive study destinations in the world. The excellent quality of living, clean environment and nominal living cost make it a perfect place to live in. Melbourne is also home to some of the best-ranked universities in Australia.
Melbourne, Australia’s biggest city and one of the best livable cities in the world is also home to some of the top universities in Australia. Five of the seven universities in Melbourne featured in QS World Ranking Universities 2026 making it one of the most attractive study destinations in the world.
top universities in melbourne

Melbourne is also home to some of the best-ranked universities in Australia. Apart from this, it is also considered one of the most immigrant-friendly cities across the globe as around 40% of its population is from abroad. Its vibrant culture and the friendliness of local people also make it a preferred destination and counted among the 5 Best Student Cities in Australia for students across the world.

For those who plan to study at top universities in Melbourne can shortlist their preferred universities and apply in any of the two major intakes of Australia. The excellent quality of living, clean environment and nominal living cost makes it a perfect place to live. Plus, there are ample post study job opportunities as well for students.

There are around seven universities in Melbourne that originally started their operations in Melbourne. There are also universities that have campuses in Melbourne, but are not really the originally founded universities of Melbourne. So, choose them wisely, and know all major takeaways through this article. 

Table of contents
  • Australia Melbourne University List
  • Top Universities in Melbourne 2026
  • 5 Best Universities in Melbourne: In Detail
  • Top Universities in Melbourne for MS
  • Why Study in Top Universities of Melbourne?

Australia Melbourne University List

Selecting a university/college is one of the toughest decisions one has to take. In this article, we’ll discuss why one should study at the universities in Melbourne Australia. Here are the top universities in Melbourne:

  1. University of Melbourne
  2. RMIT University
  3. La Trobe University
  4. Monash University
  5. Victoria University

Let us look at the following sections to understand about the universities in Melbourne based on their rankings, courses and reasons to study. 

Top Universities in Melbourne 2026

The following is a list of top-ranking universities in Melbourne for 2026, Australia as per QS World Rankings and THE World Rankings:

Top Universities in Melbourne QS World University Ranking 2026 THE World University Ranking 2026
The University of Melbourne #19 #37
RMIT University #125 251-300
La Trobe University #233 251-300
Monash University #36 #58
Victoria University 741-750 401-500

The Melbourne universities ranking are dynamic and are subject to change. Thus, if considering Melbourne universities ranking, then check latest rankings and then apply for admission. Also, if you plan to study at the different universities of Melbourne, you might need details on accommodation as well. Check out the Student Accommodation in Melbourne.

Check: Australia University Rankings 2026

5 Best Universities in Melbourne: In Detail

Check out details about the best universities in Melbourne:

1. University of Melbourne

Australia’s second oldest and one of the highest-ranked universities in Melbourne is home to over 38,000 students. The university offers campus accommodation facilities to its students with 11 residential colleges. The University of Melbourne is also part of the respected group of eight universities in Australia, an alliance of Australia’s top research universities.

Undergraduate courses offered by the university are:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Oral Health
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science Extended
  • Diploma in General Studies
  • Bachelor of Agriculture
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts Extended
  • Bachelor of Biomedicine
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Design
  • Bachelor of Environments

Check out more programs at UniMelb Courses & Fees.

Expenses for the University of Melbourne:

Particulars

Amount in Australian Dollars ($)

Ensuite room with kitchenette

$21,210

Ensuite room with shared kitchen

$19,952

Registration fee (non-refundable)

$75

Enrolment fee

$265

Caution fee

$1500 (refundable)

Maintenance Levy

$300

Deposit

$2000

The room fee includes compulsory IH Graduate Student Association fees, electricity, internet, gas, and water. Apart from this, students can also use recreational facilities like a gym, library and study centre. For admission-related queries check: The University of Melbourne Admissions.

2. RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)

The university gives great importance to research and technology and also achieved a 5-star QS ranking for excellence in higher education. The current strength of RMIT is 84,000 including 13,000 post-graduate students. RMIT University has three campuses and two sites in Australia. RMIT University has two campuses in Vietnam and a research and industry collaboration centre in Spain, thus making it truly a global university. 

Expenses for the RMIT University

Particulars

Amount in Australian Dollars ($)

Monthly

$1,481

Yearly

$17,776

Post-graduate courses offered by RMIT University:

The following are some of the popular courses offered at RMIT University, segregated study area-wise:

Engineering & Technology

  • Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
  • Master of Engineering (Telecommunication and Network Engineering)
  • Master of Information Technology
  • Master of Business (Business Information Systems)
  • Master of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
  • Master of Engineering (Management)
  • Master of Engineering (Manufacturing)

Arts & Humanities

  • Master of Landscape Architecture (by coursework)
  • Master of International Urban and Environmental Management
  • Master of Fine Art
  • Master of Architecture

For admission-related queries and information, check out RMIT University Admissions.

3. La Trobe University

Founded in 1964, La Trobe University’s main campus is located in the city suburb of Bundoora and includes a sprawling 267 hectares of parkland with a wildlife sanctuary and waterways. Home to almost 36,000 students, and 700 international students from more than 110 countries, it is counted as one of Australia’s leading research universities. 

La Trobe University Popular Courses

La Trobe University courses are offered in the following areas:

  • IT and engineering
  • Law and Criminology
  • Science
  • Arts, social sciences and communications
  • Business and commerce
  • Education and teaching
  • Health

Also, check about La Trobe University Admissions for more details.

4. Monash University

Established in 195, Monash University has five campuses in Victoria (Parkville, Peninsula, Caulfield, Clayton, and Berwick). In addition, it has a graduate school in Suzhou, China, a graduate research school in Mumbai, a research and teaching centre in Prato, and one campus in Malaysia. It is the largest university in Australia. Besides being the biggest uni in Melbourne, Monash's rankings are equally top-notch. The university ranked #38 according to THE World University  2026. The presence of international students from around 170 countries makes admission to Monash University one of the most diversified universities in Melbourne.

Highlights of the Monash University:

  • Includes more than 77,000 students from more than 170 countries.
  • Ranked amongst the top 100 universities by Times Higher Education Rankings 2026.
  • Has an excellent academic staff and student ratio of 22:1.
  • Monash University courses are offered in more than 700 major areas of study.

5. Victoria University

From apprenticeships to short courses to postgraduate degrees, Victoria University courses are counted among the top universities in Australia. With seven campus libraries and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the university offers excellent research opportunities to students. More than 40,000 students from across the globe enrol in the university every year. Victoria University comprises state-of-the-art science laboratories, a training hospital, and world-class testing facilities.

Highlights of the Victoria University:

  • Seven research centres
  • Six research institutes
  • Six academic colleges

Top Universities in Melbourne for MS

For those who are aiming for top universities in Melbourne for MS, can shortlist the following:

Top Universities in Melbourne for MS 

Popular MS Programs

Est. Annual Tuition (AUD)

University of Melbourne

Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Biotechnology

AUD 44,000 – AUD 65,984

Monash University

Information Technology, Pharmacy, Data Science, Engineering

AUD 30,000 – AUD 55,700

RMIT University

Computer Science, Sustainable Energy, Architecture

AUD 38,400 – AUD 50,880

Deakin University

Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology

AUD 31,000 – AUD 45,200

La Trobe University

Business Analytics, Health Sciences, Computer Science

AUD 43,800

Swinburne University

Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering

AUD 43,930

The given fee is dynamic, and can vary. So check the official website before going ahead with the applications for MS in Melbourne universities.

Why Study in Top Universities of Melbourne?

Studying in the top universities of Melbourne offers several compelling reasons:

  • These universities are renowned for their high academic standards, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities. They provide rigorous academic programs that prepare students for global careers.

  • Degrees from top Melbourne universities are highly respected worldwide, enhancing your career prospects and opening doors to international opportunities.

  • Two universities in Melbourne, UniMelb and Monash, are also part of the prestigious Level 1 universities in Australia
  • Melbourne's universities attract students globally, that creates a culturally diverse campus environment. This exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding and enriches your educational experience.

  • These universities are hubs of innovation and research, contributing significantly to advancements in various fields. You can participate in groundbreaking research projects and collaborate with leading academics as a student.

  • Melbourne's universities have extensive networks with industry leaders, alumni, and professionals. These connections can provide internships, job placements, and mentorship opportunities invaluable for career development.

  • Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities. It offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent infrastructure, and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for students.

  • Many top universities in Melbourne offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on merit or need, making it more accessible to pursue higher education there.

Overall, studying in the top universities of Melbourne not only equips you with a world-class education but also enriches your personal and professional life through diverse experiences and opportunities.

Melbourne is a city that gives you the best of the most ranked universities, quality of life, and multiculturalism. The city is a great destination for academic experiences abroad. Thus, international applicants can consider studying in universities of Melbourne. 

For admission-related information and queries related to how to apply to Australian universities, students can get in touch with our counselling team by signing up at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply







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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is University of Queensland a good university?
A: 

Yes, University of Queensland is among the top choices of international students. As per Shiksha Popularity Rankings, University of Queensland is ranked at #59 in World and #5 in Australia. Queensland University student body features 21,000+ international students.

Q:   What is the best course to pursue at Monash University Australia?
A: 

The university stands out across several courses like Law, Business & Management, Architecture, Arts, and Engineering. However, it is considered the best university in Australia for Medicine and Health Studies.

Monash Australia ranks #1 among colleges and universities in Australia for Healthcare programs. The university ranks #2 for Nursing and #4 for Biology studies in Australia, as part of the latest Shiksha rankings.

Q:   What is the ranking of Deakin University Australia?
A: 

Deakin University is among the top choices of international students for pursuing higher education in Australia. Deakin University is ranked by top ranking authorities all over the world. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Deakin University has an overall ranking of #12 in Australia and #224 in world. Check Deakin University Australia ranking by top ranking authorities in the world:

Ranking Agency

Rank

Shiksha Popularity Ranking

#224 in world and #12 in Australia

QS World University Ranking 2026

#207

US News & World Report

#173

THE World University Rankings 2026

#201

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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i Read Full Bio
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Purna Ganguly, a seasoned professional with 16 years in the education management industry, holds a PGDM, an MA in Economics, and a PhD in Business Management. As an Associate Vice President Counselling at Shiksha St Read Full Bio
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