10 Best Universities in Brisbane

Welcome to the sunny side of Australia! Brisbane is home to many students and various universities. Students from all over the world travel to this lovely city to study and prosper in their careers. Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Brisbane River, this dynamic metropolis boasts a plethora of top-notch universities that cater to every academic passion. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the arts, delve into the sciences, or pursue a business career, the universities in Brisbane cater to a wide range of disciplines and interests. Let us help you in that search by giving a list of the top 10 universities in Brisbane with their fees, popular courses, and more!

Benefits of studying in Brisbane

1. World-class education institutions: Brisbane is home to several prestigious universities and educational institutions known for their academic superiority and diverse range of courses. Institutions like the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, and Griffith University attract students from all over the world.

2. Diverse range of courses: Brisbane offers a wide variety of academic disciplines and courses, catering to different interests and career paths. Whether you're interested in business, engineering, sciences, arts, or any other field, you're likely to find a suitable program.

3. High-quality of life: Brisbane consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys. The city boasts a pleasant climate, beautiful natural surroundings, and a friendly atmosphere. It is a safe and relatively affordable city to live in, especially when compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

4. Job opportunities: Brisbane is a major business and economic hub, with a thriving job market. The city's growing economy offers numerous employment opportunities for students, both during their studies and after graduation.

5. Networking and internships: Brisbane's proximity to various industries allows students to connect with potential employers and participate in internships and work placements. This hands-on experience can be invaluable for future career prospects.

Top 10 Universities in Brisbane

These universities in Brisbane will open a lot of opportunities for you. They will help you develop holistically, and job opportunities are also thriving in the city. So, here is the list of the best universities in Brisbane which will help you fulfil your dreams.

1. Torrens University Australia

QS Ranking: 3,425
Intakes: February, June, September
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Fees: AU$ 28,000 to AU$ 42,000 per year
Tests Required: English language tests
Popular Courses: Business and Commerce, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Nursing, Hospitality and Tourism, and Education and Teaching.

Torrens University is an Australian international private university with various campuses all over the country, but obviously one in Brisbane (why would we even add it then?) Founded in 2013, Torrens University is one of the newest universities in Australia; it was built  20 years after the last university in Australia. This Brisbane university is one of the best in the country, as it is QS globally, ranked 801-1000 and 43rd nationally; they also have a graduate employment rate of 90%. Some notable alumni include Sophia Thakur, Laura Nix, and Benjamin Bannister.  Torrens University Australia offers a great campus and facilities. It is known for giving students practical skills that are valued by employers greatly. 

2. Australian Catholic University

QS Ranking: 801-1,000
Intakes: July, August, November 
Tests Required:  English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Fees: AU$ 28,880 to AU$ 40,080 per year
Popular Courses: Education and teaching, Nursing, Business, Psychology, and Social Work.

Australian Catholic University is a public university in Australia with various campuses all over the country, one in Brisbane. Opened in 1991, the Australian Catholic University has just grown in size and popularity. ACU has a graduate employment rate of 95%, making it one of Brisbane's best universities. Some notable alumni here include Tim Fischer, Martin Foley, and Francis Sullivan. Australian Catholic University provides excellent campuses and facilities. The university is committed to values-based education and offers programs that emphasise ethical and social responsibility, preparing students for meaningful careers.

3. James Cook University

QS Ranking: 415
Intakes: February, July
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Fees: AU$ 32,280 to AU $48,960 per year
Popular Courses: Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Engineering, and Business and Management.

James Cook University is a Brisbane university that was founded in 1961 and has a rich history! It is one of the oldest universities in all of Queensland and one of the best as well. It has multiple campuses as well, with one being in Singapore! They also have a graduate employment rate of 57%. This Brisbane college also has some notable alumni that include the likes of Cathy O'Neil, Michael Denton, and Craig Walsh. James Cook University offers outstanding campuses and a strong focus on tropical and environmental research, making it a leader in the field of marine and environmental sciences.

4. University of the Sunshine Coast

QS Ranking: 1,001
Intakes: August, March
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 66%   
Fees: AU$ 24,000 to AU$ 40,000 per year
Popular Courses: Business, Nursing and midwifery, Psychology, Engineering, Computer science, and Law.

Founded in 1994, the University of the Sunshine Coast is one of the best colleges in Brisbane due to various reasons! The university lies in North Brisbane and provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This Brisbane college boasts a graduate employment rate of 89%. In the 2020 Student Experience Survey, UniSC was ranked within the top five universities in Australia for teaching quality and in the top six for the overall student experience. Some notable alumni are also like Ashley Gentle, Lisa Curry, Steven Bradbury, and James Ashby. The University of the Sunshine Coast boasts modern campuses and a commitment to sustainability. It provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning in a beautiful coastal setting.

5. Bond University

QS Ranking: 567  
Intakes: January, May, September
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Fees: AU$ 27,740 to AU$ 30,560 per semester
Popular Courses: Business and commerce, Medicine and health sciences, Law, Architecture, Criminology, and Sports science.

The name is Bond, Bond University (couldn't resist the pun). This college in Brisbane was founded in 1987 and was named after Mr Alan Bond, who founded the college! They also boast an impressive employment graduate rate of 64%. Known for its innovative teaching methods, modern facilities, and focus on employability. Bond University is the James Bond of the universities in Brisbane! Notable alumni include Jennifer Hawkins, Sam Stosur, Michael Klim, and Malcolm Turnbull. Bond University features a stunning campus and prides itself on personalised education, small class sizes, and a fast-track, intensive academic calendar.

6. Federation University Australia

QS Ranking: 1265  
Intakes: July, November, March
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Fees: AU$ 24,800 to AU$ 32,200 per year
Popular Courses: Nursing, Education, Information Technology, Commerce, and Science.

The Federation University Australia is a public university all over Australia with one campus in Brisbane. Established in 1870, Federation University Australia gained popularity and became one of the top universities in Brisbane and all over the country, with many applying there. This Brisbane college is renowned for its wide range of courses, student support, and the college's strong links to various industries! Due to their links, the university boasts an impressive graduate employment rate of 87%. Some notable alumni here include the likes of Daniel Andrews, Tim Pallas, and Fiona McLeod. Federation University Australia offers a mix of regional and urban campuses. It's known for its strong emphasis on industry engagement and practical learning.

If you want a quick summary on the best colleges in the city, then our webstory on the best universities in Brisbane will do exactly that!

7. Central Queensland University

QS Ranking: 591-600 
Intakes: July, August, September, October
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Fees: AU$ 24,000 to AU$ 34,000 per year 
Popular Courses: Nursing, Engineering, Digital media, Information Technology, and Business

Next on our list is the renowned Brisbane University, Central Queensland University, also known as the CQUniversity. Founded in 1967, this university gained popularity and became famous throughout the country for its social innovation, flexible study options, industrial partnerships and more! They also boast a superior 89% graduate employment rate. A few notable alumni from CQUniversity include Dr Catherine Ball, Dr Bokarina A. Q. Abdullah, Lisa Curry AO, and Peter Shaddock. Central Queensland University has a network of campuses, a strong regional focus, and a commitment to providing students with opportunities for practical experience in various fields.

8. Griffith University

QS Ranking: 243
Intakes: January, June, September
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 50%  
Fees: AU$ 31,000 to AU$ 47,000 per year
Popular Courses: Nursing, Criminology, Law, Business, Exercise Science, and Engineering.

Probably one of the most famous universities in Brisbane and throughout Australia. Established in 1971, Griffith University opened its doors by bringing environmental science and Asian studies to Australia for the first time. This Brisbane university has won over many students due to its innovative approach to education and research! Some notable alumni include Tim Nicholls, Cameron Smith, and Sallyanne Atkinson. They also have a graduate employment rate of 94%. Griffith University offers state-of-the-art campuses and a focus on research and innovation. It's well-regarded for its comprehensive programs and industry partnerships.

9. Queensland University of Technology

QS Ranking: 217
Intakes: September, January, May, June
Tests Required: English language tests and GMAT for MBA
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Fees: AU$ 31,000 to AU$ 44,000 per year
Popular Courses: Business, Visual design, Business administration, Engineering, Law, and Architecture.

The Queensland University of Technology is a Brisbane college that is known throughout the world, and many students flock to QUT for all the amenities the college provides, like its strong focus on research and education, modern amenities, and global outlook. They have a graduate employment rate of 68%! Some notable alumni here include Andrew Demetriou, Cameron Smith, Sophie Monk, and Robert J. Brown. Queensland University of Technology provides modern campuses and a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. It's a leader in research and offers a wide range of programs.

10. University of Queensland

QS Ranking: 50
Intakes: November, May 
Tests Required: English language tests
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Fees: AU$ 31,000 to AU$ 61,000 per year
Popular Courses: Business, Engineering, Science, Arts, Law, Biomedical sciences, and Psychological science.

The University of Queensland is undoubtedly one of the best universities in Brisbane. Being amongst the oldest universities in Brisbane and pretty renowned internally, too, this esteemed university is known for its first-in-class facilities, high education quality across several subjects and a lot more! Established in 1909, the university continues to grow and improve, making it one of the best universities in Brisbane to pursue education from! Ian Frazer, Peter Doherty, Anastasia Palaszczuk and Quentin Bryce are amongst some of the popular names in the world who studied at this prestigious university. With an excellent employment rate of 71%, this university is also known for its prestigious campuses, world-class research and determination and commitment to offering a well-rounded education to the students.

Here is our list of some of the best universities in Brisbane you could enrol in and enjoy a wonderful student life! If you are looking for a place to stay in Brisbane, let amber take care of that need! Now that you know the best universities in Brisbane, how about the best universities in Australia?