10 Best Universities in Australia for Computer Science
Australia is a great place to study computer science. There are some of the best universities in Australia for Computer Science globally. Whether you’re looking for great courses or industry connections, studying in this country has much to offer.
Students here don’t just learn theory. They get hands-on experience. They also work with the latest technology. Many universities have strong ties with big tech companies. Graduating from them can open doors to amazing career opportunities.
This article will help you understand why you might choose to study computer science in Australia. It will cover everything that makes each university stand out. Let’s dive in!
Why Study Computer Science in Australia?
Australia is a top choice for international students wanting to study computer science. Seven of its universities are among the top 100 for computer science globally. These top-ranked Australian universities offer modern facilities and a strong foundation in computer science.
Strong Industry Connections
Australian universities have strong ties with tech companies. Big names like Google, Microsoft, and IBM hire graduates from here. So, graduating in computer science can open doors to high-paying jobs.
High-Paying Jobs and Rising Demand
A computer science degree in Australia can lead to a great salary. Software professionals in Australia often fall into the top 5% of earners. The demand for tech skills is skyrocketing. Industry reports show an 8% rise in technical jobs last year alone.
Work and Scholarships for International Students
As an international student, you can also work while studying. Australia allows students to work up to 20 hours a week or 40 hours per fortnight. There are many scholarships for international students as well. For example, in 2019-2020, the government provided AUD 320 million in scholarships to international students.
A Multicultural and High-Quality Life
Also, Australia is a multicultural country. Studying here allows you to experience diverse cultures. The quality of life is high, with modern cities and beautiful landscapes.
Criteria For Australian University Rankings For Computer Science
The rankings for computer science universities in Australia are based on several important factors. We’ve mainly relied on the QS 2024-25 rankings for our ranking in this article. For example,
Academic Reputation
One of the most important factors is academic reputation. QS ranks universities based on surveys of academic peers. They look at how respected a university’s computer science program is worldwide. Universities with a strong reputation attract top faculty and students, contributing to their high rank.
Research Output and Impact
Research is another key factor. QS measures the amount and impact of each university’s computer science research. For instance, publications, citations, and how often research is used in industry. Universities that push the boundaries of technology rank higher.
Graduate Employability
Employability reflects how likely graduates are to get a job after their studies. QS considers surveys of employers who hire graduates from these programs. Universities with strong links to the tech industry and high job placement rates rank better.
Campus Facilities and Student Support Services
Universities with modern facilities and strong student support services get higher rankings. This includes access to computer labs, libraries, and career guidance. Good support systems help international students adjust and succeed, making the university more attractive.
10 Top Computer Science Universities in Australia
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top universities in Australia for computer science. All these universities stand out for their research excellence and innovative programs in CS.
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s top universities. It was founded in 1853 and is located in Melbourne, a vibrant and tech-driven city. The university ranks 41st in the world and has a strong reputation for computer science.
The School of Computing and Information Systems at UOM offers high-quality research opportunities. Students get access to modern labs, high-speed computing facilities, and industry experts. The university also has partnerships with many top tech companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
Programs Offered
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Design
- Diploma in Computing
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Computer Science
- PhD in Engineering and IT
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: AUD 58,976 per year
- Postgraduate: AUD $57,984 per year
Admission Requirements
- For a bachelor’s degree: High school completion with strong math skills.
- For a master’s degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0).
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 (overall)
- TOEFL iBT: 79–90
- PTE Academic: 58–64 (overall)
Scholarships
- Melbourne Graduate Scholarship
- Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
- Research Training Program (for research-based master’s)
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Scholarships
2. Australian National University (ANU)
Australian National University (ANU) is one of Australia’s top research universities. It was founded in 1946 and is located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The university ranks 56th in the world and has a strong computer science department.
ANU offers state-of-the-art computing labs, AI research centers, and cybersecurity facilities. Students benefit from collaborations with Google, Microsoft, and the Australian government. These partnerships provide research opportunities, internships, and hands-on projects.
Graduates from ANU have excellent career prospects. The employment rate is high, and the average starting salary is around AUD 75,000 per year.
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Computing in:
- Computer Systems
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Human-centered & Creative Computing
- Information Systems
- Intelligent Systems
- Software Development
- Bachelor of Science
Master of Computing specializations:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Computer Systems.
- Computational Foundations.
- Data Science.
- Human-centered and Creative Computing.
- Machine Learning.
- Professional Computing.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: Around AUD 50,760 per year
- Postgraduate: Around AUD 49,330 per year
Admission Requirements
Academic Qualifications:
- For a bachelor’s degree, complete high school with good grades in math.
- For a master’s degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0).
English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL: 80 (minimum)
- PTE: Overall score of 64
Scholarships
- ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship
- Research School of Computer Science Scholarship
- Australian Government Research Training Program
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a top-ranked university in Australia. It ranks 57th in the world and is located in Sydney. The university has a strong focus on technology and innovation.
UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the best in Australia. The campus has modern computing labs, AI research centers, and cybersecurity facilities. The university collaborates with Google, IBM, and Atlassian, offering students hands-on experience and internships.
Graduates from UNSW have high employment rates, with an average starting salary of AUD 78,000 per year.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Programming
- Database Systems
- Networks and Software Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Engineering
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: Around AUD 49,000 per year
- Postgraduate: Around AUD 51,000 per year
Admission Requirements
- High school completion with a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects.
- For the Master’s degree: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (out of 4.0).
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL: 80–90
- PTE: 58–64
Scholarships
- UNSW International Scholarships
- Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Scholarships
- UNSW Future of Change Scholarship
- Australia Awards Scholarships
4. University of Sydney
This university, founded in 1850, is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected institutions. The School of Computer Science is among the nation’s top institutions in the field. The university consistently ranks high globally; in 2024, it was 19th worldwide for computer science and engineering.
The university provides modern labs, research centers, and student collaborative spaces. The campus is home to high-tech labs, research centers, and partnerships with companies like Microsoft and AWS. Students have access to numerous internship opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Advanced Computing
- Master of Computer Science
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: Around AUD 57,700 per year
- Postgraduate Coursework: AUD 55,100 – AUD 58,800 per year
- Postgraduate Research: AUD 55,600 per year
Admission Requirements
- Complete an Australian Year 12 qualification
- Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma or equivalent qualification
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL: 85–95
- PTE: 58–64
Scholarships
- Sydney Talent Scholarships
- Sydney International Excellence Scholarship
- Engineering International Postgraduate Scholarship
- University of Sydney International Scholarships
5. Monash University
Monash University, located in Melbourne, is ranked 73rd globally. It is known for its strong research focus in computer science, with the Faculty of Information Technology offering innovative programs. The university collaborates with tech giants like Google and IBM, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.
Monash graduates have an impressive employment rate, and their starting salaries average AUD 80,000 per year, reflecting the demand for their skills in the job market.
Programs Offered
Undergraduate:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Data Science
Postgraduate:
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: Approximately AUD 45,000 – AUD 50,000 per year.
- Postgraduate: Approximately AUD 45,000 – AUD 50,000 per year.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements: Completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or an equivalent international qualification.
English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 79–93
- PTE: 58–64
Scholarships
- Monash International Leadership Scholarship
- Monash University Scholarships for International Students
- Monash ICT Excellence Scholarship
- Monash Graduate Scholarship
6. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
UTS is one of the leading Australian tech universities. It is located in the heart of Sydney and is a well-known school for technology and innovation. UTS has a strong computer science department that offers high-quality programs for students.
The university is ranked 73 in Australia and 151-200 globally. UTS has a modern campus with excellent facilities for computer science students. They also have a great reputation for helping students find jobs after graduation. The average salary for UTS computer science graduates is around AUD 70,000 per year.
Programs Offered
Undergraduate:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Information Technology
Postgraduate:
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Computer Science
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: Around AUD 41,000 per year
- Postgraduate: Around AUD 45,000 per year
Admission Requirements
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma with good mathematics and science grades.
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in computer science
- GPA of 2.5 or higher.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 79–93
- PTE: 58–64
Scholarships
- UTS International Undergraduate Full Tuition Scholarship
- UTS Postgraduate Research Scholarship
- UTS Global Mobility Scholarship
7. University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is in Adelaide, South Australia. It is a top university. Its computer science department is ranked 41st in the world. The university offers many computer science programs. It has strong ties with tech companies. This helps students find internships and jobs. The campus has modern labs and resources. Graduates often get good jobs with high starting salaries.
Programs Offered
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Programs:
- Master of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Cyber Security
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Data Science (Applied):
Tuition Fees:
- Bachelor of Computer Science: Around AUD $9,675
- Master of Philosophy (Computer Science): Around AUD $55,500 (annually)
- M.S. Computer Science: Around AUD $39,000 (annually)
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- Secondary education completion (equivalent to an Australian year 12 qualification)
Postgraduate Programs:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 4.5 on a 7.0 scale.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5
- TOEFL: Internet-based: Total score of 79
- TOEFL Paper-based: Total score of 577
- Pearsons: Overall 58
- Cambridge: Overall 176
Scholarships
- Adelaide Access Scholarships
- Boeing Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship
- Adelaide University China Fee Scholarship.
For more details, visit the university’s scholarships page.
8. University of Queensland (UQ)
UQ is a leading university in Brisbane, Australia. Its computer science department is highly regarded. The university offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in computer science programs. UQ is ranked 122nd globally for computer science and information systems.
The campus provides modern facilities for computer science students. UQ collaborates with tech companies. Graduates have strong employment rates and competitive starting salaries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Computer Science: A 3-year program
- Master of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Computer Science / Science
Tuition Fees
AUD 51,200.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of secondary education.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7-point scale.
- IELTS score of at least 6.5.
Scholarships
- Calboonya Legacy Information Technology and Computer Science Scholarship: Valued up to AUD 4,500, focusing on financial hardship.
- Queensland Firebirds and Blackbook.AI Computer Scholarship: Valued at AUD 5,000.
- HUB24 Regional QLD Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship.
9. Macquarie University
Macquarie University, located in Sydney, Australia, is a leading institution. Its School of Computing offers innovative computer science programs. The university is known for its research excellence and modern facilities. Macquarie collaborates with top tech companies, providing students with valuable internship opportunities. Graduates often secure employment quickly, with competitive starting salaries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Information Technology: A 3-year program
- Bachelor of Science (Computing): A 3-year program
- Master of Information Technology: A 2-year program
- Master of Data Science: A 2-year program.
Tuition Fees
AUD 38,800-39,800 on average.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor Programs:
- Academic Qualifications: Completion of secondary education.
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL iBT score of 60, or PTE score of 50.
Master Programs:
- Academic Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.
- GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- English Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT score of 79, or PTE score of 58.
10. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
QUT is a public university in Brisbane, Australia. It is known for its strong focus on technology and innovation. The university offers a Bachelor of Information Technology (Computer Science). QUT has modern facilities that support computer science students. It partners with tech companies to provide internship opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Computer Science)
Tuition Fees
International students’ annual tuition fees are about AUD 31,000 – 37,600.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a secondary education equivalent to the Australian Year 12, with a minimum ATAR/Selection rank of 70.00.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7-point scale.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0.
Scholarships
- QUT International Merit Scholarship: Provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees.
- QUT Excellence Scholarship: Offers a 50% reduction in tuition fees. Eligibility criteria apply for these scholarships.
Comparison Table of Top Australian Universities for Computer Science
| University Name | Location | Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (AUD/year) |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | BSc Computer Science, MSc Computer Science | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| Australian National University | Canberra, ACT | BCompSci, MSc Computing, Data Science | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| University of Sydney | Sydney, NSW | BSc Computing, MSc Data Science, Information Systems | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Sydney, NSW | BSc Computer Science, MSc Computer Science, AI | $42,000 – $48,000 |
| Monash University | Melbourne, VIC | BSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, Software Engineering | $38,000 – $45,000 |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | Brisbane, QLD | BSc Information Technology, MSc Data Science | $38,000 – $45,000 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Sydney, NSW | BSc Computer Science, MSc Information Technology | $37,000 – $43,000 |
| RMIT University | Melbourne, VIC | BCompSci, MSc Data Science, Software Engineering | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide, SA | BSc Computer Science, MSc Computer Science, Data Analytics | $39,000 – $45,000 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Brisbane, QLD | BCompSci, MSc Computer Science, Software Development | $38,000 – $43,000 |
Career Prospects After Graduating in Computer Science
Australia’s tech industry is booming. The demand for CS and IT professionals is growing rapidly. Between 2021 and 2026, job projections show a 40% increase in positions for database administrators, systems administrators, and ICT security specialists.
Additionally, there is a 27% rise in jobs for software and applications programmers, including roles like analyst programmers and software engineers.
The average starting salary for CS graduates is approximately AUD 76,398 in Australia. But, this figure might vary based on specific roles, the employer, or even the location. For instance, positions in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne may offer higher salaries compared to regional areas.
Potential Career Paths and Industries
Graduates in CS have a wide range of career options. Common roles include:
| Job Role | Average Salary Range (AUD/year) |
| Software Developer | $95,000-$115,000 |
| Data Scientist | $125,000 |
| Systems Analyst | $95,000-$110,000 |
| Systems Architect | $145,000-$165,000 |
| Network Engineer | $120,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $108,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $157,500 |
| IT Consultant | $90,000-$95,000 |
| Database Administrator | $117,500 |
| Web Developer | $75,000-$95,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university is better for Computer Science in Australia?
The best university depends on personal preferences and career goals. Universities like the University of Melbourne, UNSW, and ANU are top choices, offering strong programs and industry links.
How do Australian universities rank globally in Computer Science?
Australian universities consistently rank well in global Computer Science rankings. Universities like the University of Melbourne, UNSW, and ANU are ranked among the top universities worldwide for their Computer Science programs.
What are the career options for Computer Science graduates in Australia?
Graduates can expect excellent career prospects in Australia, with high demand for tech professionals in fields like software development, AI, cybersecurity, and data science. The tech industry in Australia offers competitive salaries and growth opportunities.
How can international students apply to Australian universities for Computer Science programs?
International students can apply through university websites or through a registered agent. The process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes a statement of purpose.
What is the ranking of RMIT in Computer Science?
RMIT ranks 10th in Australia and 151-200 globally for Computer Science. It is well-regarded for its programs, especially in software engineering and data science.
Is University of Melbourne good for Computer Science?
Yes, the University of Melbourne is considered one of the top universities in Australia and globally for computer science. It offers comprehensive programs, excellent research opportunities, and strong ties to the tech industry.
Conclusion
Australia is home to some of the best universities in Australia for Computer Science. Studying Computer Science in Australia opens doors to global career prospects. Universities like the University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, and others provide excellent opportunities for students to thrive in this ever-evolving field. With strong ties to industry, Australian universities can equip students with the skills needed to succeed.
