Studying a research degree in Australia is a popular choice, with international students making up more than 30 per cent of all research degree students across the country.
Australia’s commitment to global citizenship and innovation, together with outstanding graduate outcomes, will help you use your research in support of academic discovery for a better future.
High-quality research and development
Australian research and development (R&D) has led to important, life-changing innovations. These include the Cochlear implant, cervical cancer vaccine, Wifi, the Black box flight recorder, Google Maps and silicon photovoltaic solar cells, among many others.
Australian universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best. In 2025, five Australian universities are again in the top 100 worldwide, with two thirds of Australia’s public universities featured in the top 500 globally.
A leader in scientific research
Australia has earned a reputation as a leader in scientific research, ranking in the world's top one per cent in 15 fields of research – including space science, physics, computer science and clinical medicine.
Australia’s scientific publication scores are also among the world's highest, ranking in the world’s top four for scientific journal articles, including six key categories:
- computer science
- space science
- multidisciplinary research
- physics
- clinical medicine
- Molecular biology and genetics.
- Outstanding graduate outcomes
Australia offers strong support to research students to prepare for future employment continues. This leads to outstanding graduate outcomes, with a full-time employment rate of over 77% (2024) for international postgraduate research-level students.
Having started in 2023, the Australian Government’s A$296 million National Industry PhD Program is supporting 1,800 PhD candidates over 10 years to undertake industry-focused research projects.
Technological innovation
Australia continues to make significant advances in technological innovation, particularly in agriculture, education, financial services and health.
Entrepreneurs and academics are collaborating on important breakthroughs, including:
- blockchain in finance
- immersive simulation in education
- robotics in medical procedures, and
- The Internet of Things in agriculture.
Australia is also recognised as a world leader in silicon-based quantum computing research.
Australia is a place for highly educated workers
The research environment in Australia is strengthened by the country’s highly educated workforce – many of whom come from international backgrounds.
Australia ranks first in the OECD Talent Attractiveness 2023 for attracting and retaining highly educated workers.
Talented researchers play an invaluable role in innovation and technological progress. This strengthens Australia’s competitiveness on the world stage and offers the opportunity to learn from academics who are leaders in their field.
Universities help sustainable development
Australian universities are good global citizens, working to help solve issues such as poverty, gender inequality and climate change.
Australia’s research in sustainability and global development makes it a highly attractive partner for international collaborations. It also makes it an excellent place for international students to complete a research qualification in a related field.
In the most recent THE Impact rankings, Australia has the most top 10 universities in the world with three universities in the overall category.
Research opportunities in Australia
Pursuing a research degree in Australia can provide you with access to world-class education, innovative technologies, life-changing research opportunities and a supportive academic community.
