Group of 8 Universities in Australia

Australia boasts a wide collection of universities, each with unique strengths, but the Group of Eight (Go8) refers to a set of the top 8 Australian universities.

As a prestigious coalition, the Go8 prides itself on being inclusive, having welcomed over 100,000 international students from 200 countries. These universities educate over half of Australia's doctors, dentists, and veterinarians, as well as more than 40% of the country's engineering graduates.

Moreover, the Go8 enrols one-third of all postgraduate students in Australia, making it a significant contributor to advanced education in the country. 

List of Group of Eight Universities in Australia

Australia offers numerous benefits for international students, making it an attractive destination for higher education. The Group of Eight (Go8) universities, known for their excellence in research and education, play a significant role in this appeal.

In addition to being known for its commitment to developing sustainable national higher education and research policies, the Go8 also focuses on international alliances and research scholarships. 

Tips to Get Permanent Residency in Australia:

• Choose the Right Course: Opt forcourses in high-demand fields that are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Gain Relevant Work Experience: Work experience in Australia in your field of study can enhance your PR application.
• Achieve High English Proficiency: Strong English language skills, demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, can improve your PR eligibility.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration policies and PR pathways to ensure you meet all requirements.

The University of Melbourne

Known for its high academic standards, innovative research, and vibrant campus life, the University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive education that is recognised globally.

• Research Excellence: A leader in research and innovation, contributing significantly to global knowledge.
• Diverse Student Body: Home to students from over 150 countries, fostering a multicultural learning environment.
• Comprehensive Support Services: Extensive support for international students, including career guidance and personal development programs.

Acceptance Rate:   Approximately 70%, indicating a selective but accessible admission process.

Courses Offered:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Business.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Science: AUD 45,000 per year
• Bachelor of Arts: AUD 35,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 90,000 for the entire program
• Doctor of Medicine: AUD 82,000 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: High school diploma with specific subject prerequisites, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79).
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores for certain programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94).

Notable Alumni:

• Julia Gillard: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Elizabeth Blackburn: Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
• Germaine Greer: Prominent feminist and writer

UNSW Sydney

As a member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UNSW Sydney offers world-class education and is committed to making a positive impact both locally and globally.

• Strong Industry Connections: Partnerships with leading companies and institutions, offering students practical experience and networking opportunities.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Known for its research output in fields like engineering, medicine, and business.
• Comprehensive Student Support: Extensive services for international students, including academic support, career services, and health and well-being resources.

Acceptance Rate:   Approximately 30%, indicating a competitive admission process.

Courses Offered:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in diverse fields such as Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Arts & Social Sciences, and Science.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 47,760 per year
• Bachelor of Commerce: AUD 44,880 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 90,750 for the entire program
• Master of Data Science: AUD 47,760 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores for certain programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94).

Notable Alumni:

• Scott Morrison: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• David Gonski: Prominent businessman and philanthropist
• Daniel Mookhey: Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council

The University of Sydney

Established in 1850, it is Australia's first university and is known for its stunning campus, innovative teaching, and strong research output.

• Historic and Prestigious: Oldest university in Australia with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
• Extensive Global Network: Partnerships with over 250 universities worldwide, offering numerous exchange and collaboration opportunities.
• Vibrant Campus Life: Over 200 student clubs and societies, state-of-the-art facilities, and a multicultural environment.

Acceptance Rate:   Approximately 30-35%, reflecting competitive admissions.

Courses Offered:

• Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Medicine and Health, Science, Law, and more.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Science (Medical Science): AUD 48,500 per year
• Bachelor of Commerce: AUD 46,500 per year
• Master of Data Science: AUD 49,000 per year
• Master of International Business: AUD 48,500 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores for certain programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94).

Notable Alumni:

• Gough Whitlam: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Germaine Greer: Influential feminist author and academic
• Michael Kirby: Former Justice of the High Court of Australia

The Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU), established in 1946, is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia.

• Research Excellence: ANU is renowned for its research capabilities and contributions, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and science and technology.
• Highly Qualified Faculty: The university employs some of the world's leading researchers and educators.
• Strategic Location: Situated in Canberra, ANU benefits from close connections with the Australian government and international embassies, providing unique opportunities for policy and diplomatic studies.

Acceptance Rate:   Approximately 35%, indicating competitive admissions.

The University of Adelaide

Courses Offered:

• Diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Law, Science, and more.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of International Relations: AUD 43,000 per year
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 47,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 48,500 per year
• Master of Public Policy: AUD 45,500 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80).
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores for certain programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94).

Notable Alumni:

• Kevin Rudd: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Julia Gillard: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Brian Schmidt: Nobel Laureate in Physics and current Vice-Chancellor of ANU

Monash University

Monash University, established in 1958, is a leading Australian university known for its research excellence, innovation, and comprehensive range of courses.

• Research Innovation: Monash is renowned for its pioneering research in fields such as medicine, engineering, and business.
• Global Presence: Monash has campuses and centres in Malaysia, China, India, and Italy, providing a truly international education experience.
• Student Support: Extensive support services for both domestic and international students, including career advice, academic support, and well-being services.

Acceptance Rate:  Approximately 40%, making it a competitive university.

Courses Offered:

• Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties such as Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Law, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Science.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): AUD 74,000 per year
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 44,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 45,000 per year
• Master of Data Science: AUD 42,000 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79).
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores for certain programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94).

Notable Alumni:

• Simon McKeon: Former Australian of the Year and philanthropist
• Sharan Burrow: General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation
• Daniel Andrews: Premier of Victoria

The University of Queensland

Founded in 1909, the University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions.

• Research Excellence: UQ is renowned for its high-impact research across various fields, including science, engineering, and social sciences.
• Global Recognition: UQ consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, reflecting its international reputation for academic and research excellence.
• Stunning Campus: The main campus is set in picturesque surroundings with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant student community.

Acceptance Rate:  Approximately 50%, making it a selective institution.

Courses Offered:

• Comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties including Arts, Business, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Medicine: AUD 72,000 per year
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 44,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 45,000 per year
• Master of Environmental Management: AUD 40,000 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 87).
• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor's degree, GRE/GMAT scores for some programs, and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 87-94).

Notable Alumni:

• Ian Fraser: Renowned immunologist and inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine
• Peter Doherty: Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
• Quentin Bryce: Former Governor-General of Australia

The University of Western Australia

Established in 1911, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a prestigious research university located in Perth, Western Australia.

• Research Focus: UWA excels in research across various disciplines, with strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.
• Beautiful Campus: The campus is renowned for its heritage buildings, expansive gardens, and proximity to the Swan River.
• Industry Links: UWA has strong ties with various industries, providing students with opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and employment.

Acceptance Rate:  Approximately 50%, reflecting its selectivity in admissions.

Courses Offered:

• UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties including Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Health and Medical Sciences, Law, and Science.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Medicine: AUD 75,000 per year
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 43,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 44,000 per year
• Master of Environmental Science: AUD 40,000 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with good academic results, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 85).
• Postgraduate: Relevant undergraduate degree, GRE/GMAT scores (for some programs), and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 85-100).

Notable Alumni:

• Dame Joan Sutherland: Renowned opera singer
• Tim Winton: Award-winning Australian author
• Malcolm McCusker: Former Governor of Western Australia

The University of Adelaide

Founded in 1874, the University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and most esteemed institutions.

• Research Excellence: Known for its cutting-edge research, especially in science, technology, and medical fields.
• Cultural and Social Hub: The campus is situated in the heart of Adelaide, a city known for its festivals, cultural events, and quality of life.
• Global Recognition: University of Adelaide consistently ranks among the top universities globally, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Acceptance Rate:  Approximately 40%, reflecting its competitive admissions process.

Courses Offered:

• The University of Adelaide offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including Arts, Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, and Sciences.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor of Computer Science: AUD 43,000 per year
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): AUD 43,000 per year
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): AUD 45,000 per year
• Master of Data Science: AUD 43,000 per year

Requirements for All Courses/Degrees:

• Undergraduate: Completion of secondary education with strong academic performance, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 85).
• Postgraduate: Relevant undergraduate degree, GRE/GMAT scores (for some programs), and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 85-100).

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Fiona Wood: Renowned burns specialist and researcher
• Tim Flannery: Prominent scientist and environmental advocate
• Peter Fisher: Former CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Takeaway

The Go8 universities play a significant role in shaping the nation's academic and professional future, educating 425,000 students—over a quarter of all higher education students in Australia—and graduating about 110,000 quality graduates annually. They attract 160,000 international students from around 200 countries, with one in three of Australia's international students choosing a Go8 institution.

Ready to take the next step towards studying at one of Australia's prestigious Go8 universities? Contact AECC today to start your journey toward a world-class education and unlock exciting opportunities in Australia. Your dream university is just a step away—let's make it happen together!