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Australia is a top destination for students worldwide, renowned for its high-quality education, cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes. Among its many attractions are its universities, some of which are steeped in history and tradition. These institutions have been at the forefront of academic excellence for generations, providing world-class education and facilitating groundbreaking research.
In this blog, we will explore some of Australia’s oldest universities, understanding their rich histories, notable achievements, and enduring legacies that continue to shape the country’s academic landscape.
Oldest Universities In Australia
Australia boasts approximately 43 universities, many of which are recognised among the top 100 universities globally. In this section, we will examine some of the most prestigious and oldest universities in Australia and highlight their contributions to education and research.
The University Of Sydney
Image Source: The University of Sydney Website
The University of Sydney (USYD) is a prominent public research university in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania.
This university offers various undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes. USYD strongly focuses on research, with over 70 research centres tackling significant global challenges. The University of Sydney is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and great campus life, which supports a diverse student community.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| The University of Sydney | Sydney | 1850 | 30% | 18 |
The University Of Melbourne
Image Source: The Australian Website
The University of Melbourne is a well-known public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia’s second-oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. This university has an entrepreneurship arm called the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and an accelerator programme for start-ups. The University of Melbourne is a leading research institution in Australia, and it is associated with numerous institutes and research centres, including the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the Melbourne Business School.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| The University of Melbourne | Melbourne | 1853 | 70% | 13 |
Federation University Australia
Image Source: The Federation University Website
Federation University Australia (FedUni) is a public university in Victoria, Australia. Established in 1870, it is the fourth oldest university in Australia. It is a dual-sector institution providing higher education and vocational education (TAFE) courses.
Students can pursue healthcare, education, computational science, engineering, commerce, arts, and sciences degrees. The university also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and other research programmes. Known for its comprehensive educational approach, FedUni combines academics with practical skills, preparing students for diverse career paths.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| Federation University Australia | Ballarat | 1870 | 48% | 791-800 |
The University Of Adelaide
Image Source: The University of Adelaide Website
The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is one of Australia’s oldest universities. It is recognised for its significant contributions to education and research.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and health. Its student population is diverse, with students coming from over 100 countries. The University of Adelaide continues to play an important role in shaping the educational landscape in Australia and is committed to innovation, research, and academic excellence.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| The University Of Adelaide | Adelaide | 1874 | 75% | 82 |
RMIT University
Image Source: RMIT University Website
RMIT University, officially known as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, was founded in 1887. It is a public research university that has grown to become one of the largest tertiary institutions in Australia.
RMIT offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various fields, including art and design, engineering, business, and social sciences. It is particularly renowned for its design and technology programmes. The university is known for its strong industry connections and ranks well in employability metrics.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| RMIT University | Melbourne | 1887 | 22% | 140 |
University Of Tasmania
Image Source: Trip Advisor Website
Established in 1890, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) is one of Australia’s oldest universities. It is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and education in various fields.
UTAS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, sciences, engineering, health, and marine studies, with particular acclaim for its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. The university’s commitment to sustainability is globally recognised, having ranked first in climate action according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Tasmania | Hobart | 1846 | 22% | 293 |
Swinburne University Of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology, established in 1908, is a public research university in Melbourne, Australia.
Swinburne offers a wide range of study programmes in fields such as commerce, healthcare, teacher education, law, engineering, aviation, architecture, performing arts, and various other areas, including arts and sciences. It also provides Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research programmes and vocational education courses.
The university is known for its industry connections, offering students authentic workplace experiences and career pathways through partnerships with leading Australian and global organisations. Swinburne graduates are known for their entrepreneurial and enterprising mindset, and they are ready to make a lasting impact in their future careers.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Hawthorn | 1908 | 70% | 258 |
The University Of Queensland (UoQ)
Image Source: The University of Queensland Website
The University of Queensland (UoQ) established in 1909, is a public university in Queensland, Australia. It is one of the oldest universities in Australia and is recognised as one of the six sandstone universities.
UQ offers various academic programmes, including associate, bachelor, master’s, doctoral, and higher doctorate degrees across various disciplines. The university provides a versatile student life with over 190 affiliated clubs and societies, extensive sporting facilities, and various student support services. It is consistently ranked higher and is recognised for its graduate employability and research performance.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| The University of Queensland (UoQ) | St Lucia | 1909 | 40% | 40 |
The University Of West Australia
Established in 1911, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is the state’s oldest university and a prominent member of Australia’s “sandstone universities.” As a public research institution in Perth, UWA is part of the prestigious Group of Eight, which includes the country’s top research-intensive universities. It is one of only two Australian universities in the Worldwide Universities Network.
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and health. It also offers assured pathways for high-achieving students in fields such as medicine and law.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | Crawley | 1911 | 38% | 72 |
University Of New England, Australia
The University of New England, Australia, was the first university established outside the state capital of Australia. UNE strongly emphasises distance education and has developed a reputation for high-quality teaching and research, particularly in regional and rural contexts.
The university offers over 200 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across various disciplines, including arts, business, education, health, law, and science. Its student body comprises about 26,000, with a significant portion studying online.
| University | Town | Founded | Acceptance Rate | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of New England, Australia | Armidale | 1996 | 70% | 1001-1200 |
In conclusion, Australia’s old colleges are remarkable testaments to the nation’s rich educational heritage and architectural beauty. These institutions, steeped in history, have contributed significantly to the academic landscape and played an essential role in shaping their communities’ cultural and social fabric.
FAQs
What is the oldest university in Australia?
The University of Sydney (USYD), established in 1850, is the oldest public research university in Australia and Oceania. It is located in Sydney.
Which is the cheapest university in Australia?
These are some of the cheapest universities in Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast University of Southern Queensland, Charles Sturt University, Federation University Australia, Southern Cross University and Australian Catholic University.
Which university is ranked 1st in Australia?
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, the University of Melbourne is the top university in Australia.
What is the hardest university to get into in Australia?
Some of the most challenging universities to gain admission to in Australia include the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Western Australia, and the University of Melbourne.
What is the toughest degree in Australia?
Psychology involves extensive research and the study of the human mind and its functions, which makes it a demanding and arguably one of the most challenging degrees in Australia.
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