Universities with Great Science Programs in Australia

If you’re looking for a place to earn a STEM degree where you’ll feel comfortable, accepted, and motivated, go no further than Australia. Australia has a rich scientific discovery and innovation history, and its universities offer exceptional programs in various scientific disciplines.

Whether you’re interested in studying biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering, there are plenty of world-class universities that exist in this beautiful country. So continue reading as we’ll look at some of the best universities in Australia for science.

A kangaroo on a beach
In addition to great university, Australia also has some fascinating nature.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country and is known for its excellent science programs.

Located in the beautiful city of Melbourne, the university offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, as it taps into Melbourne’s essence of commercial and cultural activity.

A view of the University of Melbourne campus
The University of Melbourne is ranked by QS as the best university in Australia.

Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is a highly respected university known for its excellent research programs in science and technology. Some of ANU’s strongest STEM programs are in the fields of Geography and Geology. The university is also known for its excellent faculty, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant campus community. More Nobel Prize winners are associated with ANU than any other in Australia, thus increasing its broad appeal to prospective students.

A nighttime view of Canberra, Australia
The Australian National University is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is not just one of Australia’s oldest and most distinguished institutions but also a global leader in teaching, research, student experience, and graduate employability. The university offers undergraduate and graduate biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering programs.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities, and the university is committed to providing a supportive and innovative learning environment. So if you want to live in a beautiful city and study at a prestigious university, the University of Sydney could be the place for you.

An old building of the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney has some beautiful old buildings at its campus.

Monash University

Ranked 42nd in the QS list of the best universities in the world for the year 2024, Monash University is a highly respected university known for its excellent science programs. The university offers undergraduate and graduate biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering programs. 

Monash has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus community. Its alums are sought after for their expertise, originality, and adaptability, and this is mainly because they have access to state-of-the-art research resources while studying there. Monash University has two main campuses, Clayton and Caulfield.

River boat and skyscrapers in Melbourne
Monash University is located in Melbourne.

University of Queensland

Since its inception in 1909, The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane has provided Australians and international students with world-class learning opportunities, cutting-edge research, and fruitful partnerships.

UQ is a highly respected university known for offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Some of its most highly rated programs are in the fields of Mineral and Mining Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

A University of Queensland sign at the St Lucia campus
The University of Queensland is one of the best universities in Australia.

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is widely regarded as a premier educational institution worldwide and is a highly respected university known for its excellent science programs. Like the University of Queensland, also UNSW has very highly rated programs in Mineral and Mining Engineering and Petroleum Engineering. The university’s Civil Engineering program is also highly ranked.

When you enrol at UNSW Sydney, your three-semester academic year (UNSW3+) is structured to help you accomplish as much as possible at the university. So if you want to study a STEM course in the largest city in Australia, consider applying to UNSW.

Students studying outside on the lawn at the University of New South Wales
Studying outside will not be a problem in Australia’s climate.

University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a highly respected university known for its top science programs. Some of the most high-rated ones at UWA are in the fields of Mineral and Mining Engineering, Geology, and Earth and Marine Sciences. UWA has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus community, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities.

A nighttime view of Perth in Western Australia
The University of Western Australia is located in the buzzing city of Perth.

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a highly respected university that is known for its offering of STEM education. Some of the most highly-rated programs are in the fields of Petroleum Engineering, Mineral and Mining Engineering, Earth and Marine Sciences, and Geophysics. The university is committed to providing a supportive and innovative learning environment, and students have access to world-class facilities and research opportunities.

A gothic building at the University of Adelaide
You can feel the university’s history on the University of Adelaide campus.

University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle is a research-intensive university located in New South Wales. It was founded in 1951 as a college of the University of New South Wales, and became an independent university in 1965. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate science programs, including physics, biology, chemistry, and earth sciences majors. The university is home to the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, dedicated to researching renewable energy solutions.

A beach in Newcastle, Australia by night
In Newcastle you can go to the beach between classes.

University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a dynamic and innovative university offering various science programs. UTS strongly focuses on practical, industry-based learning and provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate science programs. UTS offers world-class forensic training at the Centre for Forensic Science, which is dedicated to forensic science research and education.

A University of Technology Sydney building at night
The University of Technology Sydney is a great university for STEM subjects.

Griffith University

Griffith University is a research-intensive institution in Queensland, Australia. Biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science majors are among the STEM programs offered at the university. Griffith has several campuses in Queensland. The Nathan and South Bank campuses are in Brisbane. They also have a campus in Gold Coast.

The Griffith Honours College and other extracurricular offerings allow students to develop professionally and personally beyond the confines of their undergraduate degree. With various employability programs and real-world industry experiences, graduates from Griffith University are prepared to succeed in today’s workforce.

The Griffith University Conservatorium
Griffith University has several campuses in Queensland.

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong, located in New South Wales, is an institution that places a strong emphasis on research. The institution provides students with a variety of opportunities to study science. Some of the most prestigious programs are in the fields of Mineral and Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemistry. The university is home to the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, which is dedicated to researching advanced materials for electronic devices.

A view of Wollongong across water
Wollongong is a seaside city near Sydney.

University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania is a research-intensive university located in Tasmania. The university offers a range of science programs, including Geophysics, Earth and Marine Sciences, and Geology. The university offers students a great learning experience at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, which is dedicated to researching marine and Antarctic science.

Beautiful nature in Tasmania
Tasmania is an island with wonderfully beautiful nature.

University of South Australia

The University of South Australia is a modern and innovative university offering various science programs. The university strongly focuses on industry engagement and provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate science programs. The university houses the Future Industries Institute, which researches advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and nanotechnology.

A view of the city of Adelaide
The University of South Australia is located in the city of Adelaide.

Conclusion

Australia is home to many excellent universities that offer exceptional science programs. The universities mentioned above provide a range of world-class science programs. Students who attend these universities will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and knowledgeable faculty members.

So, if you are interested in studying STEM programs at any of the prestigious universities in  Australia, choose the ones you’re most interested in and send your application! Once you’ve been accepted, make sure to search for available student accommodation before enrolling.

If you’re interested in studying STEM subjects in other countries, check out our articles about universities with great science programs in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the USA.