According to the 2023 Global Liveability Index, Australia boasts two cities, Sydney and Melbourne, ranked among the top ten globally, just behind Canada. This aids in the international development of Australian universities and positions Australia as an ideal study destination globally. When it comes to studying in Australia, one cannot overlook the Group of Eight (Go8), which consists of Australia’s top-tier research-intensive universities. Cyclopes is here to provide a deep dive into the world-class Group of Eight’s rankings, tuition fees, popular programs, and unique features.
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Group of Eight Rankings - Latest 2024 QS World Rankings
Often referred to as Australia’s Ivy League, the Group of Eight universities consistently rank within the top 100 globally according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, with three universities in the top 20 worldwide. Here are the 2024 QS World University Rankings for the Group of Eight:
- University of Melbourne (UniMelb): 14th
- University of Sydney (USYD): 19th
- University of New South Wales (UNSW): 19th
- Australian National University (ANU): 34th
- Monash University: 42nd
- University of Queensland (UQ): 43rd
- University of Western Australia (UWA): 72nd
- University of Adelaide: 89th
Features of the Group of Eight Universities
University of Melbourne (UniMelb)
The University of Melbourne, the second oldest in Australia, is renowned for its programs in business, law, and medicine and ranks 14th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Known for its high-quality teaching and research, especially in medicine and engineering, the university’s medical school is highly prestigious in Australia. Its arts programs are among the strongest, with accounting, management, and finance also performing well.
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University of Sydney (USYD)
The University of Sydney, one of Australia’s oldest universities, includes the influential School of Health Sciences. Ranked 19th in the 2024 QS World Rankings, it is noted for its medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and public health programs, which attract both domestic and international students. The veterinary science program is also among the best in Australia.
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Ranked 19th globally in the 2024 QS rankings, UNSW is renowned for its engineering, business, and law programs and is one of the most research-intensive universities in Australia. Its graduates are known for their favourable career prospects.
Australian National University (ANU)
Located in Canberra, ANU is outstanding in the humanities and social sciences, including political science, economics, and history, and stands at 34th in the 2024 rankings.
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Monash University
Monash, ranking 42nd in 2024, hosts Australia’s largest business school and offers a range of innovative and international programs. It’s ranked highly in pharmacy, anatomy and physiology, nursing, education, and philosophy.
University of Queensland (UQ)
UQ is noted for its significant research outputs and strong academic reputation, ranking 43rd in 2024. It excels in biological sciences, chemistry, environmental sciences, and is popular among Hong Kong students for its programs in physiotherapy, law, and psychology.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
UWA, the first university in Western Australia and located in Perth, ranks 72nd in 2024. It offers a comprehensive medical school and is well-regarded for its degrees in medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, sports science, and health.
University of Adelaide
Situated in downtown Adelaide, South Australia, Adelaide University is celebrated for its programs in medicine, science, and the arts and is a leader in innovative research. It ranks 89th globally in 2024, with 14 disciplines in the top 100 worldwide, including the top-ranked petroleum engineering and dentistry programs in Australia.
Tuition Fees for the Group of Eight
Tuition fees at the Group of Eight vary by institution, field of study (arts, sciences, business), and degree level (bachelor’s or master’s), generally ranging from A$30,000 to A$60,000 per year. Prospective students and parents should consult the universities’ official websites to get precise tuition fee figures.
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Choosing a University Based on Interests, Environment, and Costs
The Group of Eight enjoys a stellar reputation globally, not only for their academic achievements but also for offering diverse program options to meet different students’ needs. The broad range of tuition fees ensures that whether you are seeking innovative teaching or top-tier research opportunities, these universities can provide an enriching and outstanding educational and research environment. Parents and students should use the rankings as a guide and gather extensive information before choosing the most suitable university. For further information, feel free to consult with Cyclopes’ professional educational consultants.
