Top 10 Oldest Universities in Australia: A Complete Student Guide

The oldest universities in the world are examples that heritage and legacy will always be a part of the culture for generations to come. The oldest universities in Australia have been established since the 1800s, and still continue to deliver excellence and push out graduates who accomplish excellence in their careers. This article talks about the top 10 oldest universities in Australia, along with their QS rankings, a little story about each, and what makes them truly great for each student.

Oldest Universities in Australia at a Glance

Top 10 Oldest Universities in Australia

University of Sydney:

Overview: The University of Sydney is one of the oldest universities in Australia, which is completely made of sandstone. The number one civic or moral duty it held was to open higher education that recognises an individual beyond religion or class. Ambition is an emotion that shapes social impact, leadership and academic excellence. The alumni are incredibly well known in their respective fields; they are Gough Whitlam, Catherine Livingstone and former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian. 

The University of Sydney has a long-standing reputation, but what do students think could be improved? Read this Reddit thread to explore honest opinions, common concerns, and what students would change about their university experience.

Things about the University of Sydney that you would change – r/usyd

University of Melbourne:

Overview: A university known for its research capabilities stretched out in every field. Known for its Melbourne Model that gives students a deep and broad undergraduate degree covering foundations leading to specialisations in postgraduate degrees. This is especially attractive to those who want academic flexibility and university prestige. Its alumni include Julia Gillard, Barry Humphries, Cate Blanchett and several Nobel laureates, which reinforces its standing across politics, arts and science. 

Federation University Australia:

Overview: Imagine being surrounded by koalas, eucalypts, and Vegemite on toast as you sit in the classroom at Federation University Australia. This university is known for its regional access, vocational-to-higher-ed pathways and a practical teaching style. Small classrooms and an open campus make it one of the top choices for students. The alumni include personalities of the past and present such as David Davies, an Australian artist; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, an Indian billionaire; Libby Tanner, an Australian stage and TV actress; and many more. Community connection and accessibility are at the forefront of this university.

University of Adelaide:

Overview: The University of Adelaide is located just like NYU is located in New York City, in the city centre. It commands a presence and was built when South Australia was only 40 years old. The colony looked towards a progressive future, and this is when elementary school was made compulsory for all Australian students. The new concept of education that inculcated subjects such as maths, science and modern languages was introduced, along with the classics. 

The University of Adelaide was the first university to introduce degrees to women. Ever since, this university is recognised for innovation and public leadership. Its alumni include the first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, and Australia’s first astronaut who is Australian, Andy Thomas. Students are drawn to it for health sciences, engineering, computer science and business, as well as its reputation for a supportive city-campus experience 

RMIT University:

Overview: The spirit of philanthropy is by which this university was formed. RMIT’s founder was a philanthropist and grazier, Francis Ormond. He pledged £5,000 to build a working men’s college and challenged his colleagues to follow through. The growth of Melbourne in the years after. This university was built from the back to the front, meaning the classrooms came first, and after 5 years the front of the university was finally built. 

This university brought together both men and women to create practical education the city needs. Today it is known for design, architecture, media, engineering, and applied technology. Some renowned alumni include Gillian Chung, James Wan, Travis Fimmel and Lydia Lassila.

University of Tasmania:

Overview: When an overseas scholarship fund takes place, a university can just be formed. This is exactly what happened with the University of Tasmania. The first 3 lecturers started teaching a handful of students in 1893. The parliament branded it as an unnecessary luxury. The count of female students at this institution added more fuel to the fire. However, a local lawyer, James Backhouse Walker and briefly the Vice-Chancellor defended it. By the First World War, there were thousands of students enrolled who were influenced in studying law and politics.

Today, it holds a strong reputation in marine and Antarctic studies, environmental science and creative arts, and its smaller scale appeals to students who want a more personal academic experience. Its notable alumni include writer Richard Flanagan, Antarctic scientist Jessica Melbourne-Thomas and former Tasmanian Greens leader Christine Milne. 

Swinburne University of Technology

Overview: Migrants and founders of Swinburne, George and Ethel Swinburne, founded this university with one simple goal in their mind, which was to give technical education to a sector of society who were denied further education. The first subjects in this university were woodwork, science and mathematics. In 1963, they led the way and introduced industry-based learning and from the 1970s offered degrees in engineering, accounting, chemistry and arts. 

Ever since then, it has undergone rapid change and development. Innovation, industry engagement and high-quality personalised teaching have always been the main focus of this university. International students choose this university for the hands-on training and strong employability opportunities in technology, innovation, design and aviation.

University of Queensland:

Overview: Established through official Gazetted appointments passed through the 1909 Act of State Parliament. The University of Queensland was the first university in the state and was officially founded in April 1910. 1911 was when teaching started, and 3 subjects – Arts, Science and Engineering were taught to 83 students (60 men and 23 women).

It expanded after World War 1 and soon outgrew its inner city location. Now, this is one of the oldest universities in Australia that is a member of the Group of Eight with a strong focus on research. Known for its degrees in science, medicine, business and engineering, it has produced a long list of high-profile graduates, including Quentin Bryce, Geoffrey Rush and Peter Doherty. Academic reputation, large campus at St Lucia and strong international recognition make it the ideal choice for many students worldwide.

University of Western Australia:

Overview: Residing alongside the Swan River, the land on which the University of Western Australia sits. Established as the state’s first university in 1911, for welfare and prosperity. It opened in 1913 to just 184 students. Today it welcomes 28,000 students from all over the world. For more than 100 years, this university has contributed to the cultural, economic and intellectual development of Western Australia. 

Since then, it has built a reputation and foundation in research, science, mining, business and public policy. It has created and produced names in politics and industries such as Bob Hawke, Barry Marshall, Fiona Stanley and Andrew Forrest. 

University of New England:

Overview: The story of UNE begins with David Drummond, a NSW politician and long-serving Minister for Education, who championed the idea that regional Australia deserved its own university rather than sending students to the cities. The turning point came when local grazier Thomas Richmond Forster donated Booloominbah, a 45-room homestead near Armidale, to the University of Sydney to house a new regional college. Backed by a community fundraising campaign, the New England University College opened in 1938 as a college of the University of Sydney, making it the first Australian institution of its kind established outside a capital city. It became a fully independent university in 1954.

Today, it focuses on regional education, flexible study options and distance learning, which makes it particularly attractive to students needing online or hybrid delivery. Its alumni include Chris Minns, Michele Bullock and Bernie Fraser, showing its influence well beyond regional New South Wales.

What Makes Australia’s Oldest Universities Stand Out?

• Academic reputation

The oldest universities in Australia tend to have the strongest academic reputations because they have had decades, often more than a century, to build prestige, attract top faculty, and develop respected programmes across various streams. The University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney are usually listed in the country’s top performers in global rankings, which reinforces their credibility with employers and postgraduate schools worldwide.

• Research excellence

Australia’s research system is widely recognised as world-standard, and leading older universities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and Western Australia have a particularly strong record in high-impact research across medicine, science, engineering and public policy.

• Historic campuses

The way the campuses are built speaks of the history and legacy they carry. The oldest universities in Australia often feature heritage buildings, sandstone architecture and landmark courtyards. This can be seen at the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the University of Adelaide.

• Industry partnerships

Practical learning, research collaborations and employer connections are especially visible at universities such as RMIT, Swinburne, UQ and UWA, where partnerships support internships, innovation and career-ready skills.

• Global rankings

Global rankings are another major reason students notice Australia’s oldest universities. Institutions like Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland, Adelaide and UWA regularly appear in the QS World University Rankings, helping international students compare them easily against universities in other countries.

• International student community

The oldest universities in Australia have one very amazing effect – attracting thousands of students from all over the world to witness education that has been there for decades. This means a much larger student community and a supportive environment for everyone to grow in.

• Alumni network

 University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland also have global alumni of prime ministers, business leaders and public servants. Many universities keep events and more to keep their alumni in touch even after years of graduation. 

Why International Students Choose Australia’s Oldest Universities

• Globally recognised degrees

The oldest universities in Australia are the first to be globally recognised in major global rankings. Higher education is on par with many elite universities in the world, and students pass out with degrees that will get them employed at any of the renowned companies or brands they wish to. 

• Strong employability outcomes

Australia’s graduate employment data shows that employment outcomes remain strong overall, while universities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and UWA are consistently associated with strong employability reputations. 

• Research opportunities

Older universities usually have deeper research infrastructure, more established academic networks and broader postgraduate options. This makes them especially attractive to students planning honours, master’s by research or PhD study in fields such as medicine, engineering, science and public policy. 

• Scholarships

Just like every other university, Australian universities offer a bunch of scholarships, grants and bursaries for their students. The University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne offer dedicated awards for international students based on merit and eligibility. 

• Diverse student communities

Australia is a very student-friendly country. This means students from all communities and countries migrate to study at the best universities and engage in the Australian lifestyle. This makes campus life and orientation filled with cultural introductions and friends from all over the world. 

• Modern facilities within historic campuses

One of the biggest attractions is the blend of heritage and modernity. Students can study in historic sandstone buildings or landmark campuses while still accessing contemporary libraries, laboratories, student residences and digital learning spaces.

• Extensive alumni networks

Older universities usually have more established alumni communities, which can help with mentoring, internships and job connections after graduation. Universities such as Sydney and Melbourne maintain active international alumni networks across several countries, making it easier for graduates to stay connected globally. 

Quora

If you could attend any university in Australia, which one would you pick?

Wanna know which Australian university is a student’s first choice? Read this Quora thread and find out which universities students recommend the most.

How to Choose the Right Australian University

• Course availability

You may love a certain university, but when it does not have the course you want to pursue, it won’t really matter. Research course availability and which universities offer it, along with specialisations and the type of major you’re applying for.

• University rankings

Rankings can help you compare reputation, but they should not be the only factor. Use them as a guide for academic strength, employer recognition and international visibility, then balance them against your own priorities.

• Tuition fees

Fees vary widely across universities and courses, especially for international students. Students should consider the total cost carefully, which includes the tuition, study materials and any extra charges, before shortlisting your options.

• Scholarships

Scholarships can make a significant difference to the overall cost of studying in Australia. Always check whether scholarships are automatic, merit-based or need a separate application, and confirm the deadline early.

• Location and lifestyle

The city you choose to stay in will affect the type of lifestyle you will have. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Armidale each offer a different experience, events and lifestyle. Weather, transport links, and living costs will also vary; students should consider these location prerequisites beforehand.

• Graduate employability

If you want to work in Australia or build an international career, look at graduate outcomes carefully. Employment data, industry links and employer satisfaction can all indicate how well a university prepares students for the job market.

• Campus facilities

The better and more luxurious the campus facilities, the more the student would want to be on campus and utilise these resources. We recommend you research what your chosen university has to offer. Most of them usually have modern and equipment-heavy gyms, libraries and cafeterias for a holistic and wholesome student experience. 

• Student accommodation options

The student accommodation in Australia is among the best in the world. Most of them come inclusive of utilities. On-campus or off-campus – the options are vast. However, students looking to stay close to the university should book as soon as possible, as they get booked fast. 

The oldest universities in Australia offer heritage and value to their students. Each university carries a story that students studying there can feel and be taken back to those many years. From world-class classrooms to resources and a strong alumni that keeps doors to successful careers open is what these universities are known for. And once you shortlist the university, shortlist student accommodation from UniAcco. We provide 24/7 student support with flexible lease terms and a non-complicated contract. 

Frequently Asked Questions