Top 5 Postgraduate Universities in Australia

Over 320,000 people were enrolled in postgraduate education in Australia in 2024 (source). If you’re looking for a postgraduate course, finding the right university is key. Here’s our pick of the top 5 postgraduate unis in 2025:

#1. UTS Online: Best for online study

UTS Online is part of the renowned University of Technology Sydney. Specialising in flexible online postgraduate courses, UTS Online is Australia’s top-rated Young University. It is also recognised globally as one of the top 100 universities. 

UTS Online delivers a broad spectrum of courses online, offering students the flexibility to study remotely and combine learning with work and gaining practical experience. Online courses cover a wide range of areas, including:

• Building & Design

• Business

• Communication

• Education

• Sustainability

• Health

• Technology

Studying online offers opportunities for students of all ages from all walks of life. Tailored to busy professionals, UTS Online offers comprehensive online learning via accessible, dynamic online learning platforms. 

As well as being named Australia’s best university under 50 years old, UTS Online also has an excellent reputation among employers. 

The pros:

• Flexible, accessible, easy-to-use online learning platforms

• Rated Australia’s top young university and one of the top 100 universities internationally

• Access to ongoing student support

• Wide range of online courses

• Courses delivered by expert tutors and leaders

The cons:

• Focuses solely on online study

• No full-time courses available

#2. The University of Melbourne- Best for globally recognised graduate qualifications

The University of Melbourne is consistently rated as one of the top universities in Australia and it also features in the list of the world’s top 100 universities. For those searching for globally recognised graduate qualifications, it’s hard to beat this stalwart of the Australian education scene.

Graduates thinking about applying to the University of Melbourne have access to a diverse range of courses spanning several fields, including:

• Agricultural & veterinary sciences

• Arts, humanities & social sciences

• Architecture, building, planning & design

• Business & economics

• Education

• Engineering

• Environment

• Fine arts & music

• Health

• IT & computer science

• Law 

• Science

There are options to study full-time at the university or online. Online options include Master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and micro courses. 

Pros:

• Flexible in-person and online study options to cater to all preferences

• Broad spectrum of courses available

• Leading, globally recognised university

• Opportunity to participate in an active university life

Cons:

• Entry requirements may be stricter than other universities

• Some courses are only available in person, which may not be viable for all graduate students

• Fees may be higher than other universities

#3. Monash University- Best for course flexibility

Based in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Monash University is highly rated for postgraduate study due to its range of options. Most of the graduate courses are available either online or as full-time courses. 

Offering postgraduate study in both forms delivers ultimate flexibility for students looking to pursue further studies. For those who want to engage in campus life and experience new adventures, there’s an opportunity to relocate to Melbourne and study at one of the many campuses. For anyone wanting to study online, there are options to gain top qualifications without ever visiting the university. 

Examples of graduate courses available at Monash University include:

• Master of Teaching

• Master of Counselling

• Master of Professional Psychology

• Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis

Pros:

• Flexible online and full-time, campus-based courses

• Opportunity to engage in university life in a bustling city: Monash University is Australia’s biggest university. Studying here offers opportunities to become part of a huge but tight-knit student community.

Cons:

• More limited course options than other universities

• Some students may prefer smaller institutions

#4. The Australian National University- Best for international students

The Australian National University (ANU) is based in Australia’s cosmopolitan capital, Canberra. Famed for its international reach and impressive national and global rankings, ANU is one of the top-rated universities in Australia for undergraduate and postgraduate study. 

ANU stands out as a leading contender for international students due to its diverse student population. The university has over 17,000 students from 100 different countries. 

Postgraduate studies at ANU cover a broad spectrum of subjects with the option to focus on a single subject or combine studies via a double degree. Fields include:

• Arts, society & culture

• Business & commerce

• Engineering, computing & cybernetics

• Government, policy, Asia-Pacific, international relations

• Health & medical studies

• Law & legal studies

• Natural, physical & environmental science

Pros:

• Wide range of courses

• Option to do a single or double degree

• Become part of a diverse, international student community

• Top-rated in Australia and internationally

Cons:

• Lack of online courses

• Limited flexibility in terms of study options

#5. The University of Queensland- Best for university-life balance

Set in the heart of Brisbane within easy reach of golden beaches and lively towns and cities, The University of Queensland is an excellent place to study if you’re looking for a healthy university-life balance. 

Offering a range of postgraduate courses, including some online programmes, there’s scope to enjoy the best Brisbane and the surrounding area has to offer while gaining qualifications from one of Australia’s leading universities. 

Postgraduate programmes available at UQ include:

• Graduate certificates

• Graduate diplomas

• Master’s degrees

Study areas include:

• Agriculture & animal sciences

• Architecture, design & urban planning

• Arts, humanities & social sciences

• Business & economics

• Communication, media & experience design

• Computer science & IT

• Education

• Engineering

• Environment

• Health & medicine

• Law

• Science & mathematics

Pros:

• Full and part-time courses available

• Some online programmes available

• Leading Australian university

• Vibrant student community

Cons:

• Not all courses are available online

Final Thoughts

Postgraduate study can help you further your career, explore new opportunities and broaden your horizons. Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities for graduates, offering fantastic choices for prospective postgraduate students. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect place to study, this guide will point you in the right direction based on your needs and preferences.