What are Australia's Best University for your Dream Degree?

If you're trying to figure out which is the best-ranked Australian university for your degree you're in the right place - keep reading to find out!

2 years ago   •   6 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Dom Fou / Unsplash

Choosing the best tertiary education for your career goals is an extremely difficult process. This article aims to aid in this decision process by providing information on the top-ranked universities and the requirements for entry.


Top Universities for Medicine

3. Monash University

Monash Medicine is ranked the third best medical school in Australia and 40th globally, according to QS Top Universities Rankings 2023.

The Monash undergraduate medical course is a five-year programme of study with direct entry from school. Undergraduate students can also take the Bachelor of Medical Science (honours), a one-year course that provides a pathway to further study in medicine.

Entry: Prerequisites include VCE English scores of 30 and a Chemistry score of 30 in units 3 or 4. The selection process for applicants is based upon UCAT results, your ATAR (99+), and an interview process.

🔥
Need some help with your UCAT preparation? A tutor from KIS Academics can help you!

2. The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is ranked number 2 in Australia and 25th globally for Medicine by QS Top Universities Rankings 2023.

The Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney is a four-year course aimed at graduates who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are made for high school leavers who have achieved exceptional results. In such cases, these students can undertake the seven-year double-degree pathway, which combines the MD with an undergraduate degree.

Entry: Completion of the UCAT ANZ and a minimum ATAR of 99.95. Upon release of ATARs, selected candidates are invited for an interview. Candidates are also required to complete a written assessment.

There is a limited quota of 30 domestic students and 10 international students intake per year for direct pathway.

1. The University of Melbourne

Melbourne Medicine is ranked as number one in Australia and 24th globally for medicine by QS Top Universities Rankings 2023.

Melbourne Uni has the oldest and largest medical school in Australia. The University of Melbourne offers the first Australian professional entry master’s level programme. The four-year course has been created for those with an undergraduate degree in any discipline. Students will complete a year of clinical learning through a case-based teaching approach, two clinical training years and an MD research project focused on a single medical discipline.

Entry:

  1. Have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline
  2. Prerequisite studies in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
  3. Sit the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT)
  4. Submit to a multi-mini interview.

You can read more about entry into Melbourne Medical School on the University website.

Top Universities for Law

3. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is ranked as having the 3rd best Law school in Australia and 16th in the world, according to QS Top Universities Rankings 2022.

The law school offers a selection of degrees including the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), specialist master’s and graduate diplomas and postgraduate research degrees.

Entry: Minimum 99.5 ATAR or through transferring from a related course.

2. The University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales is ranked 2nd in Australia and 14th globally for law, according to QS Top Universities Rankings 2022.

Undergraduate students at UNSW study law as part of a double degree, which means they graduate with a Bachelor of Law and another non-law degree. UNSW law also offers the Juris Doctor as well as the Master of Laws and research degrees.

Entry: Selection rank (95+ ATAR + adjustment factors) + Law Admissions Test score (LAT)

⚠️
LAT requirements are changing!! Check out this article for more information!

1. The University of Melbourne

Ranked as the best university in Australia, the University of Melbourne is also ranked 1st as the best Law school in Australia by QS Top Universities Rankings 2023.

The Melbourne JD is the only degree offered by the law school that allows graduates to enter the legal profession in all Australian jurisdictions. It can also be used in many law jurisdictions across the globe.

General Entry: Consideration of academic performance in all previous tertiary studies, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and writing sample.

Guaranteed Entry: ATAR or equivalent of 99.00 or above.

🎥
Not sure what to do after High School? This video might be for you!

Top Universities for Engineering

4. The University of Sydney

USYD Engineering faculty is ranked number 5 for Australian engineering schools and 80th internationally according to QS Top Universities Rankings by Subject 2023.

It is also ranked:

  • 4th for Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
  • 4th for Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • 2nd for Civil and Structural Engineering.

Entry: The 2023 ATAR guaranteed acceptance is 90.00 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) however EAS and other learning equity schemes allow for more leeway.

3. Monash University

Monash University Engineering is ranked 3rd in Australia and 70th internationally for engineering according to QS Top Universities Rankings by Subject 2023.

It is also ranked:

  • 1st in Chemical Engineering
  • 2nd for Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
  • 4th for Civil and Structural Engineering

Entry: The 2023 ATAR guaranteed acceptance is 85.00 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and requires English, Maths and either Chemistry or Physics as a prerequisite.

2. The University of Melbourne

Melbourne Engineering is ranked 2nd in Australia and 50th globally for Engineering according to QS Top Universities Rankings by Subject 2023.

It is also ranked:

  • 2nd for Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Manufacturing Engineering in Australia
  • 3rd for Chemical Engineering in Australia
  • 2nd for Electrical Engineering in Australia

Entry: The 2023 ATAR guaranteed acceptance is 88.00 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

1. The University of New South Wales

UNSW is ranked number 1 in Australia and 49th internationally for engineering by QS Top University Rankings.

It is also ranked:

  • 1st for Civil and Structural Engineering in Australia
  • 1st for Electrical Engineering in Australia
  • 1st for Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Entry: The 2023 ATAR guaranteed acceptance is 90.00 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). A band 4 in Maths Advanced (or equivalent) is a prerequisite however physics and extension 1 maths are assumed knowledge for the course.

Conclusion

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference! For more study tips and tricks, these articles can help you:

Undergraduate Entry Pathways into Medicine in Australia: Your guide to UCAT & Med interviews
Looking to study undergraduate medicine in Australia? Welcome to part 2 of this article where we break down the UCAT exam and the follow-up interview process to help you get into the med school of your dreams in 2025!!
How to decide which University in Australia to go to?
Choosing the right university can be daunting and you might need to weigh the pros and cons for each one - let’s make it easier for you, here are three factors for you to consider when choosing the right Uni!
University: The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Australian University Experience (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
The jump from High School to University can be super daunting, so here’s a super helpful guide to help you navigate the transition and understand a little better how universities work and operate in Australia.

FAQs

How do I choose the right University?

  • Compare entry requirements, course structure, reputation, industry connections, teaching quality, and personal/campus fit.
  • Review official subject rankings, consider placement opportunities, graduate employment rates, and research outputs for your degree.
  • For more tips, this guide can help you!

How Important are Rankings?

  • Rankings indicate quality and reputation, but also look at graduate outcomes, industry partnerships, and support services.
  • Each student’s goals, degree type, and location preferences matter to. Visit campuses and speak to current students if possible!

Spread the word

Keep reading