Study in Australia
Despite the new rules, Australia is still one of the best higher education systems in the world. Australia has the 3rd best higher education system in the world according to the QS System Strength Ranking, 2018 and the 8th best higher education in the world according to the Universitas21 Rankings of National Higher Education Systems 2020. It still has the best weather and the same safety levels but, as of last year, it has some new rules. So, don’t abandon your study in Australia dreams, because, contrary to the buzz, it’s not tougher for the right kind of student- just different!
The New Australia Student Visa Rules explained; what are the changes?
2024 was a year of change. First Ministerial Directive 107 (MD 107) was introduced. Then, Ministerial Directive 111 (MD 111) replaced MD 107. MD 107 was all about risk levels. Countries were put into 3 risk levels as were Australian Universities. Students applying from high-risk countries (including India) were put at a disadvantage. MD 111 replaced MD 107 in December 2024.
What is MD 111 and what are The Indicative allotments for Universities in MD 111?
MD 111 gave each university a ‘quota’ of international students that they could enroll in 2025. The plan was to enroll 270,000 international students in 2025 and this number was distributed among all higher education institutions and VET/TAFE institutions.
For 2026, the total cap has gone up to 295,000. Public universities will retain their full 2025 allotment in 2026 and may apply for increases. The individual allotment for each university and college will be announced in October 2025.
Here are all the universities and colleges popular among international students and their indicative allotments in 2025.
Read Ministerial Directive 111Indicative Allocations for Australian Universities in 2025
| CRICOS code | Provider name | Higher education indicative allocation |
|---|---|---|
| 00004G | Australian Catholic University | 1700 |
| 00120C | Australian National University | 3400 |
| 00219C | Central Queensland University | 3000 |
| 00300K | Charles Darwin University (CDU) | 2200 |
| 00005F | Charles Sturt University | 1000 |
| 00301J | Curtin University | 3500 |
| 00113B | Deakin University (Deakin) | 5700 |
| 00279B | Edith Cowan University | 3600 |
| 00103D | Federation University Australia | 1100 |
| 00114A | Flinders University | 3000 |
| 00233E | Griffith University | 3600 |
| 00117J | James Cook University | 2200 |
| 00115M | La Trobe University (La Trobe) | 4100 |
| 00002J | Macquarie University | 4500 |
| 00008C | Monash University | 10390 |
| 00125J | Murdoch University | 3500 |
| 00213J | Queensland University of Technology | 4500 |
| 00122A | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) | 6600 |
| 01241G | Southern Cross University | 1300 |
| 00111D | Swinburne University of Technology | 4500 |
| 00123M | The University of Adelaide | 3800 |
| 00116K | The University of Melbourne | 9300 |
| 00098G | The University of New South Wales | 9500 |
| 00109J | The University of Newcastle | 1600 |
| 01032F | The University of Notre Dame Australia | 700 |
| 00025B | The University of Queensland | 7050 |
| 00026A | The University of Sydney | 11900 |
| 00126G | The University of Western Australia | 3000 |
| 03389E | Torrens University Australia Limited | 2770 |
| 00212K | University of Canberra | 1500 |
| 00003G | University of New England | 700 |
| 00121B | University of South Australia | 2950 |
| 00244B | University of Southern Queensland | 850 |
| 02225M | University of Southern Queensland | 150 |
| 00586B | University of Tasmania (UTas) | 2200 |
| 00099F | University of Technology Sydney | 4800 |
| 01595D | University of the Sunshine Coast | 1200 |
| 00102E | University of Wollongong | 3600 |
| 00124K | Victoria University | 2300 |
| 02475D | Victoria University | 1300 |
| 00917K | Western Sydney University | 3400 |
| 03663C | Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd | 160 |
Indicative Allocations for some Popular Colleges in 2025
| CRICOS code | Provider name | Higher education indicative allocation |
|---|---|---|
| 03048D | Asia Pacific International College Pty Ltd | 480 |
| 03171A | Australian Institute of Business and Management Pty Ltd | 1130 |
| 03744B | Crown Institute of Higher Education Pty Ltd | 570 |
| 00301J | Curtin University | 3500 |
| 01312J | Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd | 500 |
| 02664K | Excelsia College | 510 |
| 01484M | International College of Management, Sydney Pty Limited | 310 |
| 02426B | Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd | 3170 |
| 01590J | Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd | 710 |
| 01545C | Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd | 685 |
| 03312D | Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd | 480 |
| 03535M | Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd | 620 |
| 01737F | Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd | 450 |
| 02193C | South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd | 450 |
| 01020K | UNSW Global Pty Limited | 510 |
| 00859D | UTS College Limited | 500 |
| 02044E | Victorian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd | 1090 |
| 03279M | Wentworth Institute of Higher Education Pty Ltd | 450 |
| 03663C | Western Sydney University International College Pty Ltd | 160 |
| 01505M | William Angliss Institute of TAFE | 85 |
Along with the indicative allotments, there was a new prioritization system for Australia student visa applications.
The New Prioritization System in MD 111
MD 111 also provided guidelines for a new prioritization system for Australia student visa applications. There are 2 levels of priority; high priority and standard priority.
High priority is given to your application if the university or college you were accepted into has not filled up 80% of its indicative allotment (‘Quota’).
If your university/college has filled up 80% or more of its indicative allotment, your visa application will be assessed on standard priority. Lesson to be learnt: apply early for your Australia student Visa!
Top universities of Australia
Here’s an astounding fact. Almost all Australian universities are world ranked! The top universities of Australia are a cut above the rest! Let’s find out more about studying in the best universities in the world in Australia.
Go8 Universities
The Go8 (Group of Eight) is the Australian equivalent of the Ivy League. Go8 is a group of 8 research intensive top universities of Australia. The University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, the University of Adelaide, Monash University and UNSW Sydney. What makes these the top universities of Australia? Let’s look at their positions in the world rankings first.
| Name | QS World Ranking 2026 | Times Higher Education World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | 19 | 39 |
| Australian National University | 32 | 73 |
| University of Sydney | 25 | 61 |
| University of Queensland | 42 | 77 |
| University of Western Australia | 77 | 149 |
| University of Adelaide | 82 | 128 |
| Monash University | 36 | 58 |
| UNSW Sydney | 20 | 83 |
In years past, ANU Australian National University used to be the most prestigious university in Australia but now, that mantle has been taken over by the University of Melbourne which has, for a few years now, come to be regarded as the most prestigious university in Australia and top most university in Australia ahead of ANU Australian National University.
Other Amazing Australian Universities
There are several great universities in Australia outside the Go8. Individually, they may not be the top most university in Australia, but they are top most institutions in their own right. Here are some we consider the best of the rest. These institutions shine for their innovation, industry ties, and student outcomes.
1
University of South Australia (UniSA) The university of South Australia ranks highly for its strong industry connections and practical, career-focused programs, particularly in business, health sciences, and engineering. Its research in areas like AI and environmental science earns global recognition, making it a top choice for students seeking real-world impact.
2
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) UTS is a global leader in technology and innovation, with cutting-edge facilities and a focus on creative problem-solving that lands it in the top 100 of QS rankings. Its vibrant Sydney location and strong employer reputation make it ideal for students aiming for dynamic careers.
3
RMIT University RMIT stands out for its world-class design and technology programs, ranking 18th globally for art and design in QS subject rankings. Its hands-on approach and global campuses in Melbourne and beyond prepare students for creative and technical industries.
4
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) QUT is renowned for its real-world learning and research excellence in fields like data science and health, consistently placing in the top 200 globally. Its Brisbane campus and strong industry partnerships ensure graduates are job-ready and globally competitive
What can I study? Best MBA courses in Australia
Historically, a large number of students have opted for MBA courses in Australia. The MBA was, is and shall continue to be a valuable program for students from diverse backgrounds. We studied dozens of MBA courses in Australia and grad management programs in Australia and here are some that we find the best:
The 5 best MBA courses in Australia
1
Melbourne Business School (MBS) – University of Melbourne: MBS offers a full-time MBA (1-2 years) with a skills-focused curriculum covering finance, marketing, strategy, and leadership, plus options for internships and global exchanges. It’s ranked 30th globally by QS (2025) and first in Oceania for its blend of academic rigor and practical exposure.
2
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) – University of New South Wales: AGSM’s 12-24 month MBA emphasizes career mobility and entrepreneurship, with core modules in business ethics and problem-solving, plus over 100 electives. It ranks 31st globally by QS and 79th in the Financial Times (2024).
3
University of Sydney Business School – University of Sydney: This 18-month MBA features small class sizes and a digital-era focus, integrating big data, creativity, and complex systems with core business disciplines. It’s ranked 50th globally by QS and 63rd in Financial Times (2024), with graduates earning an average of $263,275 AUD.
4
Monash Business School – Monash University: Monash’s 18-month MBA offers a global focus with intensive study modules at top Asian business schools like CEIBS and SKKU, plus industry consulting projects. It ranks 42nd in QS World University Rankings (2023) and holds Triple Accreditation.
5
UQ Business School – University of Queensland: UQ’s MBA offers flexible study options (12-24 months) with streams like Accelerated or Streamlined, focusing on leadership, strategy, and business principles. It ranks 87th globally by QS and is praised for personalized support and industry mentoring.
These Go8 MBA programs shine because they combine world-class academics with practical, industry-aligned learning. Their global rankings (all within QS top 100 or Financial Times top 100) reflect strong employability, high graduate salaries (up to $263,275 AUD), and diverse, flexible curricula.
Which is the Best IT university in Australia?
People underestimate Australia’s IT potential till they hear that WiFi and Google Maps are Australian innovations. That’s right, and IT and computer science education in Australia is also among the best in the world. We researched all Aussie universities to find the best IT university in Australia but we could not identify one university that is clearly ‘the best’ at IT, so we’ve brought you the top 5.
The 5 Best Tech Universities in Australia:
1
University of Melbourne – School of Computing and Information Systems: A global leader with over 50 years of expertise, Melbourne’s school excels in AI, cybersecurity, and software systems. Its Bachelor and Master of Information Technology programs blend theory with hands-on projects, leveraging industry ties like the Microsoft Centre. Ranked top in Australia by QS for IT. Best IT university in Australia.
2
University of Sydney – School of Computer Science: Sydney’s school offers a Master of Computer Science and Bachelor of Advanced Computing, focusing on AI, data science, and cybersecurity. With a curriculum blending theory and practice, students access cutting-edge labs and industry projects, ranking 36th globally by QS for computer science excellence.
3
University of New South Wales (UNSW) – School of Computer Science and Engineering: UNSW’s school is a leader in quantum computing and cybersecurity, offering Bachelor and Master of Computer Science degrees. With high-spec labs like the Cyber Security Suite, its hands-on approach and 4,400 researchers drive innovation, ranking it among Australia’s top for IT.
4
Monash University – Faculty of Information Technology: Monash’s faculty offers a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) and Master of Data Science, emphasizing AI, blockchain, and programming. With global campuses and industry projects, it ranks 5th in Australia for IT by QS, preparing students for tech-driven careers through practical learning.
5
Australian National University (ANU) – School of Computing: ANU’s school delivers a Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) and Master of Computing, covering software engineering and AI. Known for research and innovation, its Canberra-based program fosters critical thinking and industry collaboration, ranking high for teaching quality and citations.
Just checking Australia out? Look at other destinations too!
We understand that you may be just checking Australia out as you decide which country you want to continue your education in. At Study Unifees, we strive to provide every option to our students. Check out our study in USA, study in UK, Study in Canada and Study in New Zealand pages.