World class education

Subject rankings

Australian universities are also ranked in the top 50 worldwide in a diverse range of subjects (study areas).

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Australia features in the top 50 worldwide across Engineering and Technologies, Life Sciences and Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.

Australian universities also rank among the world’s top 50 in 9 out of the 11 subject rankings - and in the top 100 across every subject category – in the Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Rankings by Subject. These results highlight the diverse academic strengths of Australia's higher education sector and its high academic standards.   

Future Skills rankings

Australia is a global frontrunner in equipping students with the skills needed for the future of work, according to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025.  This achievement highlights the strength of Australia’s tertiary education system and its ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of emerging industries.  

Reputation rankings

The THE World Reputation Ranking is the world’s largest survey measuring academic reputation among academic experts. In 2025, Australia has six universities in the top 100 and ten in the top 200 worldwide. 

Impact rankings

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities globally against their achievement towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs). In the latest rankings, Australia has the most top 10 universities in the world with four universities in the overall category.  

Globally recognised qualifications

Australian qualifications create global career opportunities.

Graduates of Australian courses are in demand. Employers in Australia and worldwide know that Australian qualifications are current, industry-relevant and of a world-class standard. Australia is proud to have already supported over three million international alumni to achieve graduate and career success.

An exciting history of innovation

Australian education providers encourage their students to think big and achieve their goals.

Among Australia’s international alumni are leading scientists, designers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists and humanitarians – all helping to change the world for the better.

The work of researchers at Australian providers has benefited millions worldwide, from the discovery of penicillin to the development of the cervical cancer vaccine, Wi-Fi, the Cochlear implant and so many more life-changing innovations.

Australian universities and other education and training providers are hubs of innovation in for Australian community, with three Australian cities listed among the world’s top 100 smart cities globally in 2024. This is measured by technological infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, transport and mobility systems, energy efficiency and public services. 

In life sciences and biomedicine, Australia is also home to four of the world’s top 25 life innovation clusters, that is, clusters built around universities and involving hospitals and companies in the commercialisation of research.

Visit our research opportunities in Australia page if you would like to learn more about completing a research higher degree or research project.  

A highly regulated system

Australia’s international education system is strictly regulated, with laws and regulations to protect the rights of all international students.

In Australia, there is a system of quality control and government accreditation to help ensure you have the best possible study experience.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates courses delivered by Australian education and training providers. It also enables different countries to recognise your qualification.

Every course offered to international students by an Australian higher education provider, vocational education and training provider, Foundation college, ELICOS provider or school must meet the Australian Government’s strict quality standards, accreditation and requirements for delivery. 

Special laws in Australia protect the rights of international students. These are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). The ESOS Act helps to ensure international students in Australia receive a high-quality education in a safe and fair environment. 

Find out more about your legal rights and protections as an international student in Australia.  

Support while you study 

The Australian Government and education providers work together to support international students.  

Australian education providers at all levels have dedicated staff members to look after your welfare and well-being as an international student.

These dedicated staff, often called ‘international student advisers’, are available to help answer any questions you have as an international student. Many cities and towns also have dedicated international student hubs and centres.

Find out more about all available provider, government and local state and territory student support services.