Top 10 Public Universities in Australia for 2026

Looking for admission in Australia? Check out the top public universities in Australia for studying in this article along with all major details about them. Also check why they are popular in this article.

Majority of the universities in Australia are government held and are called public universities. These public universities in Australia are TEQSA and AQSA accredited and known for offering quality education, high end research and good graduate outcomes. They are also top ranked not just globally but also nationally. Millions of international students apply to study at public universities in Australia.

The public universities in Australia are not just a few but more than 80% of higher institutions are government held and funded. Admissions here are competitive but acceptance rates are not very low. There is a common eligibility criteria for Indian students and their qualifications have to be in sync with ATAR in Australia. There are also multiple benefits of studying in Australia at public universities. These universities are best in terms of reputation, education and global recognition for research. If you want to know more then check out this article.

List of Public Universities in Australia 2026

Out of 37 public universities in Australia, there are 10 universities which are popular and rank within 100-150 positions. For those wanting admissions in 2026 in Australia can shortlist the following public universities based on 2026 global rankings:

Top public universities annually rank among the top 100 universities in the world. Rankings are dynamic and can change over the years. Those who shortlist universities for admission based on rankings must check for the recent ones.  

What are Public Universities in Australia?

Public universities in Australia are those that are run and administered by the government of Australia. Out of 47 universities in Australia, 37 are public universities. Majority of these public universities are ranked globally for their education, research and employment rates. To name a few UniMelb, UTS, USyd, UNSW and others are some popular public universities in Australia which are also Level 1 universities in Australia. Let us now discuss in detail about the list of public universities in Australia for prospective applicants.

Best Public Universities in Australia for Studying in 2026

There is always an advantage to studying at public universities in Australia. In this case, all the top ranking Australian universities are publicly funded. Based on the list, let us look at each of the top public universities in Australia minutely:

1. University of Melbourne

A classic sandstone university with a strong research pulse. It’s particularly known for humanities, medicine, and law. The campus feels like a mix of Hogwarts and a tech incubator with heritage buildings wrapped around cutting-edge labs. Students have access to industry networks across Victoria.

2. UNSW

Engineering and business are very popular courses, but UNSW is also known for its entrepreneurial culture. It's partnered with the best industries, which means internships aren’t a treasure hunt as they’re built into the system.

3. University of Sydney

The grand sandstone archways hide a vibrant ecosystem of arts, health sciences, business, and engineering. The University of Sydney blends old school academic prestige with modern research horsepower.

4. ANU

ANU sits in the heart of the nation’s capital Canberra, surrounded by policymakers and researchers. It’s a magnet for academics who live and breathe data, evidence, and big questions.

5. Monash University

A global giant with campuses spread across the world. Monash shines in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and international research collaborations.

6. UQ

Known for life sciences, environmental science, and business, UQ mixes a relaxed Brisbane vibe with serious academic rigour. Its research institutes keep rolling out breakthroughs.

7. UWA

UWA stands out for earth sciences, ocean studies, engineering, and life sciences. Its location gives it a unique edge, close to major mining, energy, and marine industries.

8. University of Adelaide

One of the Group of Eight, and strong emphasis on engineering, wine studies, agriculture and health sciences. University of Adelaide is known for personalised teaching and a calmer, student-friendly city.

9. UTS

UTS is modern, industry driven, and practical. It is especially respected for communications, design, engineering, and IT. The vibe: sleek buildings, startup energy, hands-on learning. Check why UTS is a popular public university in Australia.

10. RMIT

RMIT is the go-to university for design, architecture, media, aviation, IT, and vocationally oriented programs. There’s a strong global industry link, especially in design and tech sectors.

Other Public Universities in Australia

Apart from the listed public universities in Australia, there are a few more universities. These universities may not rank within 100-150 rankings globally but are popular in Australia for studying. Other public universities in Australia apart from the already mentioned ones are:

• Charles Darwin University
• James Cook University
• La Trobe University
• Macquarie University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• University of Canberra
• University of Tasmania
• Western Sydney University

There are almost 37 of them, applicants must choose their preferred public university based on the course offered at preferred Australian intake.

Why Study at Public Universities in Australia?

Studying at any public university in the world is beneficial. Those who want to study at government-funded universities in Australia can also benefit. Along with fully funded scholarships in Australia, there are many other reasons to consider, and they are as follows:

• Many public Australian universities rank in the top 100-200 universities in the world.
• Degrees from these institutions are highly valued and recognised by institutions and employers worldwide.
• All public universities in Australia offer admission in the February intake and the July intake. Some may offer admissions in the November intake.
• As government-funded entities, public universities in Australia operate under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. This ensures high educational standards and legal protection for international students throughout their studies.
• The curriculum offered at public universities in Australia is advanced and helps students gain hands on experience along with academic excellence. 
• Public universities in Australia are innovation centres which offer research opportunities across medicine, IT, and engineering fields.
• International students can work part time in Australia (up to 48 hours per fortnight) while studying. They may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) after graduation, allowing them to stay and work in Australia.
• Most of these public universities are located in popular Australian student cities that are ranked for their safety, convenience and facilities.

Based on these reasons, international students can consider shortlisting and applying for public universities in Australia. 

How to Get Admission in Public Universities in Australia?

Getting admission in public universities in Australia is based on the level of program the applicant is applying for. The admission requirements in Australia vary for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. Here is how applicants can get admission based on their level of program:

If Applying for UG Courses in Australia from India

For those applying for undergraduate courses at public universities in Australia should know these common admission requirements. These are general admission requirements for Australia and may vary based on course at the shortlisted university for admission:

• High school passing score of 65-70%*
• There are no standardised test scores (of SAT or ACT) required at Australian universities from Indian applicants.
• English proficiency scores of IELTS or TOEFL. Aim for 79-90+ TOEFL score and 6.5 IELTS band score.
• Apart from this to get admission in Australia's public university, applicants should have a good academic background.

Just like Indian insititutions use percentage or CGPA for grading, Australia uses ATAR system which assesses percentile ranking based on percentage scores.

If Applying for PG Courses in Australia from India

Indian applicants can get admission in public universities in Australia for their postgraduate courses based on their academic background and standadrdised test scores. Here are some common admission requirements for reference:

• Bachelor's score of 60-70% on average. But aim for 70% and above for higher ranking public universities to get enrollment.
• Standardised test scores of GRE for MS type courses and GMAT for business related courses like MBA.
  • Average GRE scores can vary between 300-320 and above.
  • GMAT scores should ideally be above 645.
• English proficiency test scores of IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Aim for IELTS score of 6.5 and above
  • Aim for TOEFL score of 90+
• Along with these requirements, there is a list of documents for master's in Australia which must be checked before applying.

Apart from fulfilling admission and basic eligibility requirements for studying at public universities in Australia, applicants must ensure a few more things. They must apply well in time, preferably before the proposed admission deadline. Ensure the authenticity of information because it will be beneficial for study visa processing including GS Requirements. All documents should be uploaded in the correct format and notarised if needed. By keeping these few things in mind, along with requirements, applicants can get admission to public universities in Australia.

If you are also interested in studying at public universities in Australia then sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling to seek guidance.