Level 1 Universities in Australia: Acceptance Rates, Cost, and Courses 2026

Did you know that 9 universities in Australia rank within the QS global top 100? This places Australia among the world’s leading destinations for high-quality higher education.

While there is no official label, Level 1 universities in Australia generally refer to the country’s top research-intensive institutions, most of which are part of the Group of Eight (Go8). These universities consistently appear in global rankings, contribute a large share of Australia’s research output, and attract strong international enrolments. In 2024, over 180,000 Indian students studied in Australia, according to Study Australia.

For Indian students, choosing a Level one university in Australia offers recognised degrees, lower institutional visa risk, and stronger graduate outcomes. Many of these universities are located in major cities with good student support, work opportunities, and post-study pathways.

This guide breaks down what Level 1 universities mean, why they matter for Indian students, and what to expect for the 2026 intake, including rankings, admissions, scholarships, and outcomes.

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A Level 1 University in Australia is an institution classified as low risk under Australia’s student visa framework and known for strong academic credibility.

• Immigration perspective: The Department of Home Affairs considers these universities low risk due to high visa approval rates, low refusal levels, and consistent student compliance.
  
• Academic perspective: Most Level 1 universities are research-intensive and globally ranked. Many are part of the Group of Eight (Go8) and appear in the QS or THE global top 100–150.
  
• Why this matters for Indian students: Since 30 September 2024, India has been a Level 2 (Moderate Risk) country. Applying to a Level 1 university typically results in lower visa scrutiny and streamlined documentation, though checks can still occur.

Did you know that with a perfect score on your entrance exams, you could be studying alongside the top 2% of the world’s brightest minds? 

This list of Level 1 colleges in Australia is known to typically offer multiple intakes throughout the academic year. The main intakes are:

• February/March Intake
• July Intake
• October Intake

Here is a list of Australia Level 1 universities, renowned for academic excellence and attracting talented students worldwide, including from India. Level 1 colleges in Australia, also including the Group of Eight (Go8), are Australia’s top-tier institutions, renowned for academic excellence, world-class research, and global recognition.

Here is a list of Top Level 1 Universities in Australia.

Conversion rate used: 1 AUD = ₹58.74

(Source: QS World Rank 2026)

Now, let’s explore the details of the Level 1 universities in Australia.

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a leading Level 1 university in Australia and the most recognised Level 1 university in Melbourne. It ranks 19th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is known for strong research output and employer reputation.

The university enrolls 50,000+ students from 150+ countries and is located in Australia’s largest job market, making it attractive for students planning post-study work.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of Melbourne:

Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is Australia’s oldest university and a leading Level 1 university in Australia. It ranks 20th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is widely recognised for research strength, employer reputation, and academic breadth.

The main campus is located in Camperdown/Darlington, close to Sydney’s CBD, giving students access to Australia’s largest professional job market and internship ecosystem.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of Sydney:

The University of Sydney offers a comprehensive and enriching academic experience, combining historical significance with modern facilities and a vibrant urban setting.

Founded in 1949, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a leading Level 1 university in Australia, known for strong industry links and research-driven teaching. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UNSW is ranked within the global top 20, reflecting its strength in engineering, business, and technology-focused disciplines.

UNSW’s main campus in Kensington, Sydney, is close to the CBD and major employment hubs, making it a popular choice for students planning internships and post-study work.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of New South Wales:

UNSW offers a dynamic and innovative environment, ideal for students seeking to make a global impact.

Founded in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is a Level 1 university in Australia, based in Canberra. It ranks 32nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is best known for its strength in research, public policy, international relations, and science. ANU has produced more Nobel laureates than any other Australian university, underlining its research-led focus.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the Australian National University:

ANU provides a unique blend of academic rigour and cultural richness, making it an excellent choice for students interested in research and global affairs.

Founded in 1958, Monash University is a major Level 1 university in Australia and one of the largest Level 1 universities in Melbourne. It ranks 36th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is known for strength in engineering, biomedicine, and applied research.

Monash is home to key national research facilities, including the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Australian Synchrotron. It also has an extensive international presence, with campuses in Malaysia, China, India, and Italy, offering global exposure beyond Australia.

Let’s look at some of the key features of Monash University:

Monash University offers a comprehensive and globally connected academic experience, ideal for students seeking diverse opportunities in this Level 1 university in Melbourne.

Founded in Brisbane, the University of Queensland (UQ) is a leading Level 1 university in Australia, ranked 40th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. University of Queensland courses are known for strong research integration, industry collaboration, and applied learning, particularly across business, engineering, science, and management disciplines.

Its main St Lucia campus, located along the Brisbane River, supports a wide range of University of Queensland courses through large-scale research infrastructure and close links to Brisbane’s growing regional job market. This setting is especially relevant for students planning post-study work and long-term migration pathways.

Let’s look at some of the key features of The University of Queensland (UQ):

Founded in 1911, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is Western Australia’s oldest university and a Group of Eight member. It ranks 77th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is recognised for research-led programs and strong industry engagement, particularly in science, engineering, and environmental studies.

Located in Perth, UWA offers a regional study advantage with lower living costs and access to post-study work and migration benefits under current settings.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of Western Australia (UWA):

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is Australia's third oldest university and a member of the Group of Eight. Ranked 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is known for its strong research output and commitment to student success. Located in Adelaide, the university provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of Adelaide:

Macquarie University, established in 1964, is a leading public university in Australia. Ranked 138 in the QS world ranking, Macquarie is one of the Level 1 universities in Sydney alongside the Go8. Macquarie offers a bustling campus life in Sydney's North Ryde district, providing a dynamic environment for academic and personal development. With alumni like the comedian Adam Hills and Albania’s former Minister of Environment & Water, Tanya Plibersek, the university has a vast and strong alumni network.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the Macquarie University:

Students are offered more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Macquarie University across 12 diverse fields of study. You can choose from over 40 stand-alone bachelor’s degree options, a range of double degree combinations, and upwards of 80 postgraduate coursework and research programs.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is home to more than 51,000 students from across the world. It offers more than 340 graduate and undergraduate courses across multiple majors. Ranked 96 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, UTS is recognized as a Level 1 university in Sydney.

Let’s look at some of the key features of the University of Technology Sydney:

The university boasts an impressive alumni network, including Oscar-winning sound engineer Ben Osmo and ABC journalist Clare Blumer.

Choosing the right university depends on your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences.

Not all universities in Australia are the same. Level 1 colleges in Australia are the top-tier, globally recognised institutions, often part of the Group of Eight (Go8), with strong research, high rankings, and excellent career opportunities. Level 2 universities are reputable but slightly lower-ranked, offering good programs, flexible options, and more affordable tuition.

Here’s a quick comparison between Level 1 and Level 2 universities in Australia:

Any one university from this Australia Level 1 university list is perfect if you want global recognition and high-paying career options, while Level 2 universities are great if you want flexibility and lower costs without compromising on quality.

The admission process for Level 1 universities in Australia is structured, competitive, and largely standardised across institutions. While requirements vary by course, the overall flow remains the same for most Indian students.

Identify suitable Level 1 universities and programs based on eligibility, budget, rankings, and career goals.

Entry requirements vary by course but usually include:

• Academic scores (Class 12 or bachelor’s degree)
  
• English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  
• Program-specific tests, such as GRE, GMAT, or portfolio, if required
  

Most universities ask for the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
  
• English test scorecard
  
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  
• CV or résumé
  
• Letters of recommendation (mainly for postgraduate courses)
  

Applications are submitted through the university’s official online portal or through centralised systems like the University Admissions Centre (UAC) for select institutions.

Application fees typically range between AUD 50 and AUD 150 (₹2,700–₹8,200 approx.), depending on the university.

Some programs may include interviews, additional tests, or portfolio reviews as part of the evaluation process.

Successful applicants receive either a conditional offer or an unconditional offer, depending on whether all requirements have been met.

After accepting the offer, students apply for the Australian student visa (subclass 500) using :

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  
• Proof of financial capacity (if requested)
  
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  
• Genuine Student (GS) statement as per Home Affairs guidelines

Start the application process 10–12 months in advance, especially for Level 1 universities and competitive programs. Always check course-specific requirements on the official university website, and keep financial documents ready even if they are not requested initially, as visa officers can ask for them later.

Also read: Australia Study Visa Requirements: Age Limit, Documents & Funds.

Studying at a Go8 university, or any other Level 1 colleges in Australia, gives you access to strong research facilities, professors who are leaders in their fields, and close ties with industry. For Indian students, this often translates into better job opportunities, longer post-study work options, and degrees that are valued worldwide. Here’s why these top-tier universities are the preferred choice for Indian students:

Universities included in the list of Level 1 universities in Australia are assessed as low risk by the Department of Home Affairs. This is based on visa approval rates, low refusal trends, and strong student compliance. For Indian students, applications linked to these universities are generally viewed as more credible than those linked to higher-risk providers.

Since 30 September 2024, India is classified as a Level 2 (Moderate Risk) country. When you apply through a Level one university in Australia, financial documents or English test scores may not be required at the time of visa lodgement. You must still meet these requirements for university admission, and Home Affairs can request documents later if needed.

Universities on the Australia Level 1 university list, including many Go8 institutions, offer India-focused scholarships in Australia. Examples include UNSW’s India Future of Change and UQ’s India Global Leaders Scholarship. These typically cover 25% to 50% of tuition fees and are competitive, with early applications strongly recommended.

Level 1 colleges in Australia have strong employer links in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and consulting. Students benefit from structured internships, career fairs, and employer-led projects. Salary outcomes vary by role and location, but employer recognition is generally stronger at these institutions.

Graduates from Level 1 universities in Australia for international students are eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under current rules. Studying at a Level 1 university in a regional city such as Adelaide, Perth, or Wollongong may provide additional post-study work duration and migration advantages, subject to policy at the time of application.

Learn more about studying in Australia.

Conclusion

This concludes the list of level 1 colleges in Australia. Choosing the right university in Australia can shape not just your education, but your career and lifestyle. Australia assessment Level 1 universities, especially the Go8, offer unmatched global recognition, top-tier research, and strong industry connections, making them the go-to choice for ambitious students. They come with higher tuition and living costs, but the return on investment in terms of career opportunities, international exposure, and alumni networks is often worth it.

Ready to start your Australian adventure? LeapScholar is your guide to making it happen! With over 1,500 experts, we connect you with the perfect program, scholarship opportunities, and visa guidance. Don’t wait! Book a free consultation today!

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