Top 5 Universities in Melbourne 2025

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria and Australia’s second-largest city, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live and study, thanks to the prestigious universities in Melbourne, Australia. Recognized by the Mercer Quality of Living report, Melbourne is celebrated as one of the world’s most livable cities. Despite the high cost of living in Melbourne, it attracts a large international community, with nearly 45% of its population being students from around the globe. 

Renowned for its diverse culture, Melbourne is an ideal destination for students seeking world-class education, affordable living options, and exciting career opportunities. Its welcoming community and well-connected infrastructure make it a hub for young learners. 

The city offers an unparalleled lifestyle with vibrant cultural events, iconic festivals, and buzzing nightlife. Students can explore Melbourne’s eclectic eateries, bustling shopping districts, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks, ensuring a perfect balance between academics and leisure. Whether you’re looking to study, network, or simply soak up the energy of a dynamic city, Melbourne has it all! 

As per QS World University Rankings, these are the 5 top universities in Melbourne: 

University of Melbourne

Ranked #13 in the world  

Acceptance Rate: 70% -80% 

The University of Melbourne is one of the top universities in Melbourne and is considered the second oldest university in Australia. It is in the Parkville suburb- a leafy area adorned with historical buildings. It is a 160-year-old institution having over 54,00 students, and 41% are international students from +150 countries. 

The University of Melbourne was founded in 1853 to educate students to make an impact in the world. Along with subject-driven teaching, they offer education that inspires, challenges, and stimulates students to choose the right career to contribute to society. 

Top 5 QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025 in Melbourne University 

Monash University

Ranked #37 in the world 

Acceptance Rate: 40% 

Monash University is a young, global public research university that’s 60 years old. It is based in Melbourne, Victoria, with a global reach and campuses spread across Victoria, Europe, and Asia. The university has a diverse community of 86,000 students from around the globe. 

Monash University was founded in 1958 to provide research excellence and teachings and continues to be consistently ranked globally. The university is contributing to positively impacting the world’s global challenges – social insecurities, climate change, or supporting communities 

Top 5 QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025 in Monash University 

RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)

Ranked #123 in the world 

Acceptance Rate: 22% 

RMIT is a public research university that’s grown from being a technical institute to providing education in arts, technology, and trade. The main campus is in the northern part of the city. It has been bringing education to the working people of the city and is home to over 97,000 students, both on domestic and international campuses. 

RMIT University was founded in 1887 as a Working Men’s College and today stands in the top 200 among the world’s universities. It has three campuses based in Australia, 2 in Vietnam with research collaboration centers out of Spain, and over 200 university partnerships with over 42 countries. 

Top 5 QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025 in RMIT University 

Deakin University

Ranked #197 in the world 

Acceptance Rate: 75% 

Deakin University is a public university in Geelong, Australia. It is one of the first universities in Australia to specialize in providing distance learning education. The university boasts of its research excellence with its research initiative, and its research was rated at or above the global standard in the ERA ratings. 

Deakin University was founded in 1974 as a small institution. Since its merger with the other two schools in Victoria, it has become one of the best universities in the western side of the state. It has over 16,000, out of which 11878 are international students from worldwide. 

Top 5 QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025 in Deakin University 

As of the latest available data, Deakin University has demonstrated strong performance in several academic disciplines. Here are the top 5 subjects based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject: 

Swinburne University of Technology

Ranked #291 in the world 

Acceptance Rate: 66% 

The Swinburne University of Technology is a world-class public research center making impacts through science, tech, and innovations. It is in Hawthorn, a vibrant and cultural metropolitan area only 7km away from the center. There are three campuses in the east of Melbourne and a fourth one in Malaysia. They have started campuses in Sydney and Vietnam, too, and are working to have a global reach.

 Swinburne University of Technology was founded in 1908 to provide technical education to people otherwise denied education. The university holds high-quality teaching over 100 years of history. This makes them stand out as leaders in education in the field of STEM subjects.

Top 5 QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025 in Swinburne University of Technology 

Accommodation in Melbourne for International Students

Melbourne offers a wide range of student accommodation options tailored to the needs of international students, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay. From purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) with modern amenities like study spaces, gyms, and communal lounges to shared apartments and homestays, there’s countless affordable accommodation in Melbourne for students. 

Popular student-friendly neighborhoods like Carlton, Brunswick, and Southbank are conveniently located near major universities and public transport, making commuting easy. Many student accommodation Melbourne also foster a sense of community, providing opportunities for students to connect and build friendships while adjusting to life in a new city.