Australia has emerged as a top destination for international students, celebrated for its high-quality education, research output, and globally ranked universities. While Australian institutions are known for their welcoming environment, they also maintain academic rigour that matches the best in the world. Gaining admission may be less intimidating compared to Ivy League or Oxbridge, but top Australian universities still uphold high entry standards.
In 2025, 38 Australian universities made it into the QS World University Rankings, showcasing the country’s diverse academic excellence. Among them, a few stand out for their competitiveness, selectivity, and global reputation. These universities attract thousands of applications each year, making them the hardest to get into.
What Makes a University Hard to Get Into?
Several factors define why certain universities in Australia are more selective:
- Academic Requirements – High GPA/ATAR cut-offs, strong subject prerequisites and personal statements (eg, Melbourne’s Law program requires a detailed statement).
- Limited Intake Capacity – Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry have small quotas for quality training.
- Reputation and Global Rankings – Highly ranked universities like the University of Melbourne (#13 globally) attract large applicant pools.
- High Demand for Programs – Fields like Engineering, Business and Medicine see fierce competition due to strong career prospects.
- Specialised Assessments – Courses such as Medicine require entrance exams like UCAT or GAMSAT, adding extra barriers.
Together, these factors ensure only the most prepared students secure admission.
Hardest Universities to Get Into in Australia
| University | Acceptance Rate | QS World Ranking 2025 | Top Courses |
| University of Sydney (USYD) | 30% | #18 | Medicine, Law, Business |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 30% | #19 | Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 35% | #30 | Politics, IR, Environmental Science |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | 38% | #72 | Medicine, Engineering, Biological Sciences |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 40% | #40 | Biological Sciences, Business, Engineering |
| Monash University | 40% | #37 | Health Sciences, Business, Engineering |
1. University of Sydney (USYD)
Founded in 1850, USYD is Australia’s first university and among the hardest to get into. It attracts students worldwide for programs in Medicine, Law, and Business. Its acceptance rate of 30% reflects its competitive environment. With a QS rank of 18th globally in 2025, it offers both tradition and modern innovation, producing globally employable graduates.
Fees for international students: AUD 45,000–60,000 per year.
2. University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
UNSW, located in the heart of Sydney, is a research powerhouse and a founding member of the Group of Eight. With an acceptance rate of 30%, it stands as one of the hardest universities to enter. QS ranks it 19th worldwide with top programs in Engineering, Business, Law and Computer Science.
Fees for international students: AUD 40,000–50,000 annually.
3. Australian National University (ANU)
Established in 1946 by Parliament, ANU is consistently ranked the best university in Australia and sits at #30 in QS Rankings 2025. It is globally renowned for Politics, International Relations, and Environmental Science. With an acceptance rate of 35%, it remains selective, training leaders for academia, diplomacy, and government.
Fees for international students: AUD 40,000–50,000 per year.
4. University of Western Australia (UWA)
Founded in 1911 in Perth, UWA is part of the prestigious sandstone universities and has a QS ranking of 72nd globally. It is recognized for Medicine, Engineering and Environmental Science. Its acceptance rate of 38% highlights its selectivity. UWA also offers Global Excellence Scholarships to high-achieving international students.
Fees for international students: AUD 40,000–50,000 annually.
5. University of Queensland (UQ)
Founded in 1909, UQ is a leading sandstone university in Brisbane with a QS ranking of 40th worldwide. Known for Biological Sciences, Engineering and Business. It blends strong academics with cutting-edge research. Its acceptance rate of 40% makes it competitive while still accessible to high-performing international applicants.
Fees for international students: AUD 40,000–50,000 per year.
6. Monash University
Established in 1958, Monash is the largest university in Australia but also highly competitive. With an acceptance rate of 40% and a QS global ranking of 37th, Monash excels in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Its multiple international campuses make it a truly global institution.
Fees for international students: AUD 40,000–50,000 annually.
Programmes That Are Particularly Difficult to Get Into
| Field | Universities | Overview | Acceptance Rates |
| Medicine | USYD, Melbourne, UQ, Monash | Requires high scores, UCAT/GAMSAT, and interviews | <20% |
| Law | USYD, Melbourne, UNSW | Demands high grades + personal statements/interviews | 30–40% |
| Engineering | UNSW, Monash, Melbourne | Strong maths/physics background, ATAR 90+ | Highly competitive |
| International Relations | ANU | Popular for politics & global affairs; requires strong academics | 30–35% |
| Health Sciences | Monash, UQ | Physiotherapy, Public Health, Nursing are oversubscribed | Low for specialised streams |
Strategies to Improve Your Chances of Admission
- Understand Admission Requirements – Research GPA/ATAR cut-offs, required exams and prerequisites.
- Strengthen Academic Performance – Focus on science, maths or relevant core subjects.
- Build Extracurricular Profile – Leadership roles, internships, or volunteer work add weight.
- Write Strong Personal Statements – Be authentic about your goals and program fit.
- Get Solid Recommendations – Choose referees who know your academic strengths.
- Prepare for Interviews/Exams – Practice UCAT/GAMSAT and other assessments.
- Apply Early – Meet all deadlines to improve chances.
- Diversify Applications – Apply to a mix of top-tier and accessible universities.
Conclusion
The hardest universities to get into in Australia: University of Sydney, UNSW, ANU, UWA, UQ and Monash, are renowned for their global rankings, research excellence and competitive programs. Admission requires academic strength, preparation and determination. Though challenging, studying at these universities ensures world-class education, strong aluni networks and excellent career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the hardest university to get into in Australia?
The University of Sydney (USYD) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) are considered the hardest, with acceptance rates around 30%.
2. What GPA do you need for Australian universities?
Most top universities require at least a GPA equivalent of 3.0/4.0 or a high ATAR score (90+), depending on the program.
3. Is it hard to get into medicine in Australia?
Yes, Medicine is the most competitive program, requiring UCAT/GAMSAT exams, interviews, and high academic scores, with acceptance rates often below 20%.
4. What is the acceptance rate of University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney has an acceptance rate of about 30%, making it one of the most selective in Australia.
5. What is the acceptance rate of UNSW Sydney?
The University of New South Wales admits around 30% of applicants, reflecting its high global demand.
6. What is the acceptance rate of Australian National University (ANU)?
ANU’s acceptance rate is around 35%, especially competitive for programs in Politics, IR, and Environmental Science.
7. What is the acceptance rate of University of Queensland (UQ)?
The University of Queensland has an acceptance rate of about 40%, with strong demand for sciences and business programs.
8. What is the acceptance rate of University of Western Australia (UWA)?
UWA admits about 38% of applicants, with Medicine and Engineering being its most competitive courses.
9. What is the acceptance rate of Monash University?
Monash University has an acceptance rate of 40%, though Medicine and Health Sciences are far more selective.
10. Is it easier to get into Australian universities compared to the US or UK?
Generally, yes. Acceptance rates are higher than Ivy League or Oxbridge, but top programs in Australia remain very competitive.
11. Which programs are hardest to study in Australia?
The toughest programs are Medicine, Law, Engineering, International Relations, and Health Sciences, requiring strong academics and entrance tests.
12. What ATAR score is needed for top Australian universities?
For competitive programs, students often need an ATAR of 90–99+, depending on the course and institution.
13. Do Australian universities require entrance exams?
Yes, some programs do. Medicine often requires UCAT or GAMSAT, while Law may involve additional assessments or interviews.
14. Which Australian university ranks highest globally?
The University of Melbourne ranks #13 globally (QS 2025), though not the hardest in terms of acceptance rate compared to Sydney or UNSW.
15. Is law difficult to get into in Australia?
Yes, Law programs at universities like USYD, UNSW, and Melbourne are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 30–40%.
16. What is the cheapest top university in Australia for international students?
The University of Tasmania and some regional universities have lower fees, but top-ranked Group of Eight universities are more expensive.
17. How much are international student fees in Australia?
International students pay between AUD 40,000–60,000 per year at top universities, with Medicine and Law being the costliest.
18. Is ANU harder to get into than Melbourne?
ANU is more selective with a 35% acceptance rate, but Melbourne has higher global rankings and program-specific competitiveness.
19. Can international students easily get into Australian universities?
International students with strong academics, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and required documents have good chances, though top programs are competitive.
20. Why are Australian universities so competitive?
High global rankings, strong research reputation, and demand for programs like Medicine and Engineering make Australia’s top universities selective.