Group of Eight Universities in Australia: An Ultimate Guide
The Go8 universities in Australia are a coalition between 8 top-ranked and research-intensive universities. The ultimate goal of this coalition is to provide high academic and research excellence to international students.
If you desire to pursue your higher education abroad, then you should read this blog, where we have discussed the Group of Eight universities in Australia along with their advantages for Indian students, how to apply for them, and tips to improve your application.
- What is the Group of Eight Universities in Australia?
- Why are the Go8 Formed?
- Why Choose to Study at a Group of Eight Universities in Australia?
- Top Impacts of Go8 Universities
- List of Go8 Universities in Australia
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide
- Popular Courses in Group of 8 Universities in Australia
- General Entry Requirement to Study at Go8 Universities
- Documents Required for University Application
- Documents Required for University Application
- Tips for Securing Admission into Go8 Universities
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is the Group of Eight Universities in Australia?
- Go8 Universities is a collaboration between Australia’s leading research-intensive universities renowned for their academic excellence, high research output, and strong industry connections.Â
- Go8 is a company headquartered in the Australian capital, Canberra.Â
- It was established and incorporated in 1999.Â
- The Go8 universities in Australia include the following
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide
- Monash University
- University of New South Wales, Sydney
Why are the Go8 Formed?
- Following the establishment of the Ivy League in the USA (1954) and Russell Group in the UK (1994), a strong need was felt among the community of Australian higher education institutions in the 1990s to form a network or connection of top universities.
- The purpose of establishing the Group of Eight Universities in Australia was to enhance the collaboration between highly ranked and top-notch universities (such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne) in various aspects.
- The key aspects include the following.
- Fostering research and innovation by collaborating with industries and government.
- Positioning Australia as a global leader in higher education
- Working with the Australian government to secure funds for research and higher education.
- Advocate for refinements and bring uplifting changes in higher education policies by the government.
- Driving economic growth for Australia, ultimately creating opportunities for education and employment for domestic and international students.
Why Choose to Study at a Group of Eight Universities in Australia?
The following are some of the significant advantages that students get while studying at Go8 universities in Australia.
- An academic degree obtained from any Go8 university is highly respected by worldwide institutions and employers.
- International students can access networks and job opportunities through university connections.
- Go8 universities provide enriched academic experiences through state-of-the-art facilities, such as research labs and libraries.
- With the presence of 1 Lakh international students from 150+ countries, students have opportunities to immerse themselves culturally and socially.
- International students receive financial and career support services in terms of academic counselling, mentorship, and funding assistance.
Top Impacts of Go8 Universities
Let’s explore some of the top impacts that Group of Eight universities in Australia have created in various fields such as research and innovation, economy, global education, and policy making.Â
Ranked Among the Best
- According to QS World University Rankings 2025, all 8 member universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.Â
- According to Times Higher Education Ranking 2024, 6 of the 8 Go8 universities are ranked in the top 100, while all 8 universities are ranked in the top 150 globally.
High Graduate Employability
- According to Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2024, 5 of the 8 Go8 universities are ranked among the top 100 institutions worldwide for graduate employability.
- Due to the strong connection between Go8 universities and industries, international graduates of these institutes carry the skills and experience necessary for successful careers in the global job market.
Research Grant
- A Group of Eight universities in Australia accounts for over 70% of university research in various disciplines, such as engineering and technology, climate change, AI, and medicine.
- For example, the University of Queensland has created Australia’s first COVID-19 vaccine candidate and led pandemic response strategies for the healthcare sector.
Economic Growth & Job Creation
- The Go8 universities contribute approximately $66 billion annually to the economy of Australia.
- They also employed 50,000+ staff and supported 2,50,000 indirect jobs.
- Approximately 1 Lakh international students are enrolled in the Go8 universities, bringing billions of tuition fees and student expenditure.
List of Go8 Universities in Australia
- We have tabulated the Group of Eight universities in Australia along with their QS World University Rankings 2025, Times Higher Education Ranking 2024, and average tuition fees per year.Â
- The tuition fees might vary depending on the course level and academic programs.
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 13 | 39 | AUD 40,000-80,000 |
| University of Sydney | 18 | 61 | AUD 40,000-70,000 |
| University of New South Wales | 19 | 83 | AUD 40,000-75,000 |
| Australian National University | 30 | 73 | AUD 40,000-90,000 |
| Monash University | 37 | 58 | AUD 40,000-80,000 |
| University of Queensland | 40 | 77 | AUD 40,000-60,000 |
| University of Western Australia | 77 | 149 | AUD 40,000-70,000 |
| University of Adelaide | 82 | 128 | AUD 30,000-50,000 |
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s number one public research university and the second oldest university in the country, established in 1853.Â
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 13 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 39 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Engineering Medicine Law Psychology |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 40,000-80,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-44 Lakhs |
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is the first oldest public research university in Australia and a valuable member of the Group of 8. It ranks consistently among the top 50 universities in the world.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 18 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 61 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Engineering Medicine Law Psychology |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 40,000-70,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-38 Lakhs |
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales, Sydney, is one of the leading members of Group of 8. It is the number 2 public research university after the University of Melbourne.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 19 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 83 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Engineering Medicine Law Natural Sciences |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 40,000-75,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-41 Lakhs |
Australian National University
Australian National University is another leading public research university dedicated to fostering the development of academic and research excellence.Â
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 30 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 73 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Agriculture Sciences Architecture Business Management Computer Science Engineering |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 40,000-90,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-50 Lakhs |
Monash University
Monash University is recognised as a world leader in fostering teaching and research excellence. It provides approximately 150+ regular degree courses and 140+ double degree courses.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 37 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 58 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Administration & Management Political Science Law Computer Science Economics |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | USD 40,000-80,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-44 Lakhs |
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities that empowers global student communities to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 40 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 77 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Administration & Management Engineering Computer Science Natural Sciences Psychology |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 40,000-60,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-33 Lakhs |
University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia is home to a network of researchers and innovators who inspire student communities worldwide.Â
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 77 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 149 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Engineering Medicine Law Psychology |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 40,000-70,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-38 Lakhs |
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is the highest-ranked university in Southern Australia and among the top 100 in the world. Along with other Australian higher institutions, it continues to impart educational and research excellence to its student communities.
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 82 |
| Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 | 128 |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% |
| 5 Popular Programs | Business Management Political Science Law Computer Science Economics |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | AUD 30,000-50,000 or INR 16 Lakhs-27 Lakhs |
Popular Courses in Group of 8 Universities in Australia
Some of the popular courses in the Group of 8 universities are tabulated below. The availability of a particular course or degree program depends on the university.
| Discipline | Popular Programs |
|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | Psychology, Sociology, International Studies |
| Business & Management | MBA, Accounting, Economics |
| Computer Sciences & IT | CS, Data Sciences, Cyber Security |
| Education | Child Pedagogy, Adult Pedagogy, Teaching Leadership |
| Engineering & Technology | Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering |
| Law & Social Sciences | Law, Political Science, Forensic Sciences |
| Medical & Healthcare | Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing |
General Entry Requirement to Study at Go8 Universities
We have tabulated below the general entry requirements for studying at Group of Eight universities in Australia.
| Entry Criteria | For Undergraduate Courses | For Postgraduate Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Level of Education | Class XII (CBSE/ISC/state boards) | A Bachelor's degree of 3-4 years duration |
| Minimum Average Marks/Grades | 65%-80% | 60%-80% |
| Entrance Exam | STAT (Special Tertiary Admission Test) for all UG courses | GMAT/GRE (may depend on the university) |
| Minimum English Language Proficiency Score | TOEFL iBT: 79-90 IELTS Academic: 6.5-7.5 PTE: 64-80 | TOEFL iBT: 80-100 IELTS Academic: 6.5-7.5 PTE: 64-80 |
Documents Required for University Application
Depending on the institute and course, the following documents must be submitted when applying to a Group of Eight university.
- Original previous academic documents
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, etc.) or MOI certificate
- University application form
- University application fee (AUD 50-100 or INR 2,700-5,500)
- 1-2 Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
- 1-2 Letter of Recommendation
- GMAT/GRE scorecard (if required)
- 1 CV/Resume
- Work experience certificate (if required)
- Portfolio (if required)
- Passport
- Proof of funds to cover the tuition and living expenses (depending on the university)
- Health and medical fitness report
Documents Required for University Application
The application process for the Group of Eight universities in Australia is competitive for various reasons, as mentioned below.
High Academic Standards: Go8 universities commonly have strict entry requirements for international students.
Competitive Applicant Pool: The craze for Group of Eight universities is at an all-time high among international students. Due to this, the number of applicants increases every year, with respect to the limited number of seats.
High Tuition Fee: As compared to other Australian universities (non-Go8 and regional universities), the cost of study in the Group of 8 universities is relatively high, depending on the course level and academic programs.
| Tuition Fees (Go8 universities) | 40,000-80,000 per year |
| Tuition Fees (Non-Go8 universities) | 23,000-40,000 per year |
Tips for Securing Admission into Go8 Universities
It is true that securing admission into Go8 universities is very competitive, but it should not stop you from leveraging the best academic opportunities that they offer. Here are a few important tips that you can follow to enhance your chances of standing out from other applicants by following these steps.
- Right from the start, maintain a strong GPA consistently in the subjects relevant to your chosen field of study.
- Regularly participate in extracurricular activities where you can demonstrate your skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, communication, etc.
- Participate in internships, projects, and volunteer work as they provide practical experience related to your field of interest.
- Plan your finances carefully through personal savings and exploring scholarship options.
- Select the academic program that suits your interest or passion and aligns with the desired program’s prerequisites.
- Began preparing for the application process at least 12-15 months before the commencement of admission dates. This involves
- Craft a strong personal essay or statement of purpose.
- Connect with genuine recommenders who know you well to ask for recommendations.
- Research the university and program you are applying to, as it will help you answer interview questions more effectively.
- Stay updated with the university application deadlines and application process.Â
- Start applying as soon as the application window opens.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The Group of 8 universities in Australia are the epitome of academic and research excellence. It is not just a coalition between 8 universities but thousands of brilliant minds and innovative ideas that shape the world’s future.
Studying at any Go8 member university allows international students to share their unique potential with world leaders. These universities continue to rank among the best institutes in the world in 2025
FAQs
What are the benefits of Group of Eight universities?
The Group of Eight universities are world-renowned for providing valuable academic and research opportunities, access to employment through connections with the world’s leading industries and recruiters and a multicultural environment.
What is the cost of studying at the University of New South Wales for international students?
The total cost of study at the University of New South Wales is around AUD 80,000-140,000 or INR 43 Lakhs-76 Lakhs, depending on the course level, course, and duration.
Is the University of Melbourne hard to get into?
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s number 1 public research university, with an acceptance rate of approximately 70%. Getting into this university is moderately difficult, but you can enhance your admission chances by strengthening your application profile. To know more, connect with AdmitX.
What minimum academic grade is required for Indian students to get into Go8 universities?
The minimum academic grade required for Indian students to get into Go8 universities is between 65%-80% (for undergraduate programs) and 60%-80% (for postgraduate programs), depending on the university and courses.
What are the tuition fees for the University of Melbourne?
The average annual tuition fee for the University of Melbourne is around AUD 40,000-80,000 or INR 22 Lakhs-44 Lakhs, depending on the course level and programs.
