
Australia has 44 universities, including 39 public universities and 5 private universities. Monash University in Victoria is the largest university in Australia, with over 60,000 students. In contrast, Bond University in Queensland is the smallest, with just over 6,000 students. The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a selection rank used by all Australian universities as one of their methods of admission. International students are included in the Department of Education's annual student dataset, and their enrolments are counted separately through the Provider Registration and International Students Management System (PRISMS) database.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of universities in Australia | 44 |
| Number of public universities in Australia | 39 |
| Number of private universities in Australia | 5 |
| Largest university in Australia | Monash University, Victoria (over 60,000 students) |
| Second-largest university in Australia | RMIT University, Victoria (approximately 57,000 students) |
| Third-largest university in Australia | University of Sydney, New South Wales (about 54,000 students) |
| Smallest university in Australia | Bond University, Queensland (a little over 6,000 students) |
| Second-smallest university in Australia | University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland (approximately 10,700 students) |
| University with the third-fewest students in Australia | Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory (just over 10,800 students) |
| University with the most undergraduate students in Australia | Monash University, Victoria (over 46,000 undergraduate students) |
| University with the second-most undergraduate students in Australia | RMIT University, Victoria (more than 45,000 undergraduate students) |
| University with the third-most undergraduate students in Australia | Curtin University, Perth (approximately 36,000 undergraduate students) |
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What You'll Learn

University admission requirements
Australia has a total of 50 higher education institutions, some of which are located in the most student-friendly cities globally. The largest university in Australia in terms of student numbers is Monash University, with over 60,000 students, while the smallest is Bond University, with a little over 6,000 students.
Application Process
The application process for international students interested in securing a spot at an Australian university involves several steps:
- Choose your course and education provider.
- Submit an enquiry to the institution of your choice to research the courses they offer.
- Check the academic and English language entry requirements to ensure you are eligible. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may need to consider a foundation course.
- Apply.
- Have your application processed.
- Accept the offer by carefully reading the letter and checking any conditions that may apply. You may be required to pay tuition fees at this stage.
- Prepare for departure.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees in Australia vary but generally include:
- Completion of secondary education or foundation program.
- Meeting minimum entry scores and subject prerequisites.
- English language proficiency (some countries are exempt).
- Submission of official academic transcripts and final grades.
- Official certified translations if documents are not in English.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements are critical when applying to study in Australia. It is essential to check the criteria and ensure you qualify for a student visa before applying. The University will provide an admissions package with information to help with your journey to Australia, including visa requirements.
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Largest universities by student number
Monash University is the largest university in Australia, with around 60,000 students, 46,000 of whom are undergraduates. Monash has the highest number of undergraduate students in the country, followed by RMIT and Curtin University. Monash also has the highest number of total students enrolled, with approximately 59,000 full-time equivalent students. Of these, 35,897 are international students.
The University of Melbourne is the second-largest university in Australia, with around 57,000 students. It is also the university with the highest number of postgraduate students, with over 26,000. The University of Sydney is the third-largest university in Australia, with about 54,000 students. It is followed closely by the University of New South Wales, with a total student population of around 52,000.
The University of Sydney's Camperdown/Darlington campus is likely the largest in Australia, housing most of the university's 72,517 on-campus students. The Parkville campus is the flagship campus for the University of Melbourne, with the vast majority of its 68,747 on-campus students studying there. About 85% of students are based at Parkville, equating to approximately 58,000.
Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus in Sydney is the primary location for its 38,405 on-campus students. It likely accommodates about 90% of Macquarie’s total student body, placing around 34,000 students on-site. The largest single school or faculty in Australia appears to be the College of Business and Law at RMIT University, with approximately 23,743 students enrolled.
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Student visa requirements
Australia is a popular destination for international students, with the Australian Government Department of Education and Training reporting annually on the number of applications, offers, and acceptances to undergraduate university courses. The Department of Home Affairs also provides data on the number of student visas granted, which is often a good indicator of future commencements.
To study in Australia as an international student, you will need to obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Here are the requirements and steps you need to follow to apply for a student visa:
- Financial Capacity: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs associated with your studies, including travel, course fees, and living expenses. The current requirement is proof of at least AUD $29,710 in savings.
- Health Insurance and Examination: All international students are required to have adequate health insurance, known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You may also need to undergo a health examination to meet the student visa health requirement and prove that you are in good health before entering Australia.
- Character Assessment: You will be asked to answer questions about your character and past conduct. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to provide a police background check to meet the character requirements.
- Study History: If you have previously studied in Australia on a different visa, you will need to provide details of your study history and explain your reasons for now applying for a Student visa.
- Application Form and Documents: You will need to complete the online application form using ImmiAccount. Gather all the required documents, including proof of financial capacity, health insurance, and any other relevant information.
It is important to note that you do not need an agent to lodge your student visa application. However, if you require professional immigration assistance, you can seek help from a registered migration agent or a legal practitioner. The Department of Home Affairs website provides comprehensive information on student visa requirements and the application process.
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Student exchange programs
Australia is home to several universities with large student populations, such as Monash University, which has over 60,000 students, and the University of Sydney, which has about 54,000 students. With such a significant higher education sector, Australia offers numerous student exchange programs that provide valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and academic development.
One notable organization facilitating student exchanges is Student Exchange Australia New Zealand, a not-for-profit entity operating in all Australian states and territories. This organization assists students in applying for high school exchange programs in various countries, including the USA, Canada, and Europe. They offer short programs of 2-3 months, during which students can live with a host family, attend a local private school, and immerse themselves in a new community. These short-term exchanges can foster independence and adaptability, providing a unique and enriching educational experience.
For those seeking longer-term exchange opportunities, the Fulbright Program, managed by the Australian-American Fulbright Commission in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates, offers educational and cultural exchange between Australia and the United States. The Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, as part of this initiative, sends approximately 800 American scholars and professionals to around 130 countries annually for lecturing and research purposes. Additionally, the Fulbright-Hays Program provides grants to American pre-teachers, teachers, administrators, pre-doctoral students, and postdoctoral faculty, fostering international educational engagement.
Beyond these opportunities, the U.S. Department of State offers a range of programs for non-U.S. citizens wishing to visit the country for cultural, educational, or professional exchanges. These programs aim to strengthen the relationship between the United States and other countries, including Australia, and promote mutual understanding. With such a diverse array of student exchange programs available, Australian students have numerous avenues to explore international education and gain valuable global perspectives.
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Undergraduate student numbers
There are 44 universities in Australia, 39 of which are public and 5 are private. Monash University in Victoria is the largest university in Australia in terms of student numbers, with over 60,000 students. Of these, 46,000 are undergraduate students. Monash is followed by RMIT University, also in Victoria, with approximately 57,000 students, 45,000 of whom are undergraduates. The University of Sydney in New South Wales is the third-largest university, with about 54,000 students, though the number of undergraduates is not specified.
The smallest university in Australia is Bond University in Queensland, with just over 6,000 students. The University of the Sunshine Coast, also in Queensland, is the second-smallest, with approximately 10,700 students, and Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory has just over 10,800 students. Again, the number of undergraduates at these smaller universities is not specified.
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a "selection rank" used by all Australian universities as one of their methods of admission. The ATAR indicates a student's overall position in relation to the student body across the state. International students are included in the Department of Education's annual students dataset, and the Department also provides a rolling monthly summary of international student enrolments.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 44 universities in Australia, 39 of which are public and 5 are private.
Monash University in Victoria is the largest university in Australia in terms of student numbers, with over 60,000 students. The smallest university is Bond University in Queensland, with a little over 6,000 students.
Students who have completed Australian state curricula are granted a state-specific Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). All universities use the ATAR-based "selection rank" as one of their methods of admission, along with past study, work experience, and other considerations.
Yes, international students are included in the Australian Department of Education's annual student dataset. The Department also provides monthly summaries of international student enrolment data.


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