The Group of Eight universities comprises Australia's top research-intensive universities. The universities that fall under this category are some of Australia's oldest and largest universities too. For students who want to get into the field of research, studying at one of the universities from the Group of Eight is a great opportunity. In order to provide the students with the best academic experience, they are equipped with some of the best researchers around the world.
Australia's Group of Eight consists of the world's top universities that are hand-picked based on the quality of research courses that they offer to their students. Speaking of top universities in Australia, getting into one of them needn't be a distant dream anymore.
What Does it Mean When We Say Group of Eight in Australia?
Formulated in 1999, Australia's Group of Eight comprises leading research universities - the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, the University of Adelaide, Monash University, and UNSW Sydney.
Group of Eight majorly contributes to the development of research-based education, setting a positive impact for students who want to get into the research field after studying in Australia.
An Overview of Australia's Group of Eight Universities
Always bagging the top positions in the QS world ranking, Australian universities are known for their top-notch education system and successful curriculum. The universities that come under the group of eight are among the top 150 universities worldwide.
Let's take a closer look at the prestigious universities that are a part of the Group of Eight:
| Universities | 2024 Rankings |
| The University of Melbourne | 14 |
| The University of Sydney | 19 |
| University of New South Wales | 19 |
| Australian National University | 34 |
| The University of Queensland | 43 |
| Monash University | 42 |
| The University of Western Australia | 72 |
| The University of Adelaide | 89 |
Let's take a closer look at the prestigious universities that are a part of the Group of Eight:
1. The University of Melbourne
This public university, located in Melbourne, is one of the oldest research-intensive & universities in Australia – and one of the popular options among international students. The university has five research institutes that aid in most of the research-based achievements in and around Australia.
Among the best global universities, the University of Melbourne is ranked 27th. If you are opting for a graduate research program at this university, you will be provided with expert guidance from the university's researchers.
Let's look at the research themes and the research programs offered at this university:
Research Themes
- Architecture, Building, and Planning
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Engineering
- Law
- IT and Computer Science
- Music, Performing Art, and Visual Arts
- Veterinary. Agricultural, and Food Science
PhD Programs
- Medical Biology PhD Program
- Biomedical Engineering Innovation PhD Program
- Child and Adolescent Health PhD Program
- Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program
- Mental Health PhD Program
- Neuroscience PhD Program
- Population and Global Health Graduate Program
Multidisciplinary PhD Programs
- Medical Biology
- Biomedical Engineering Innovation
- Neuroscience
- One Health
- Mental Health
- Ecology and Evolution
- Child and Adolescent Health
2. The Australian National University
Located at the heart of Australia's most liveable city, Canberra, Australian National University is one of the sought-after universities for international students. When it comes to gaining the right kind of knowledge, the university has some of the best researchers to provide you with constant support and world-class teaching.
Let's look at the popular research departments of this university:
Culture, Creativity & Societies
- Humanities
- Indigenous studies
- Social sciences
- Social structures & processes
- The arts
Environment & Sustainability
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- Earth & environmental sciences
- Energy alternatives
- Resource & environmental management
Future Security
- Food security
- Resilience & adaptation
- Secure networks
- Security policy
- Strategy & defence
Health & Medicine
- Combating diseases & conditions
- Health policy
- Mental health & cognition
- Population health
Science & Innovative Technology
- Earth sciences
- Enabling science
- Information age
- New materials & processes
- Physics & engineering
- Space sciences
Quick Read: Studying in Australia without IELTS
3. The University of Sydney
As an international student, your biggest dream might be to gain access to world-class education and a degree that can provide you global exposure. The University of Sydney is going to give you exactly the same – along with some great memories to talk about your wonderful student life. Starting from master's degrees in research to PhD programs, joint PhDs, and professional doctorates, the university has all possible research degrees for you to choose from.
Some of the research departments include:
- Agricultural and veterinary sciences
- Biological sciences
- Built environment and design
- Chemical sciences
- Commerce, management, and tourism and services
- Creative arts and writing
- History and archaeology
- Law and legal studies
- Medical and health sciences
- Language, communication, and culture
4. University of Queensland
If you would enjoy being part of a vibrant community of students from all over the world, and adapt to a multicultural environment – the University of Queensland is the right place for you. The two most popular postgraduate research programs are:
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
5. The University of Western Australia
Taking up a research degree is a big deal by itself – you will have to choose the perfect research university to pursue it. The University of Western Australia is one of the world's top 100 universities, known for its exceptional education system and research faculty. Some of the popular research courses available at the university are:
Master's Degree by Research Courses:
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Advanced Social Work
- Master of Arts (Creative Writing)
- Master of Curated Studies in Fine Arts
- Master of Forensic Science
- Master of Research (MRes)
Ph.D. and Professional Doctorates
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Audiology
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Forensic Science
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Infectious Diseases
Apart from this, the university also provides joint Ph.D. programs for students.
6. The University of Adelaide
The idea behind taking up a research course is to bring new impactful changes to the world – and that depends on the quality of education that you will be getting access to. The University of Adelaide has over 4000 research staff and students whose knowledge and efforts have contributed massively to global research.
The researchers of the university have been part of so many game-changing inventions, some of which include x-ray crystallography, insulin, penicillin, and the Olympic torch and cauldron. The university also has cutting-edge research facilities such as microscopy & microanalysis, data analytics & big data, 3D printing, Omic technologies, testing instrumentation & analysis, material characterisation & fabrication, diagnostics & analytics, and so on.
Some of the departments in which you can take up a research course at this university include:
- Agriculture, food, & wine
- Creativity & culture
- Defence, cyber, & space
- Energy, mining, & resources
- Environment, sustainability, & climate change
- Health & biotech
- Societal wellbeing
7. Monash University
Researchers are in demand now more than ever, and a research degree from Monash University can guarantee you phenomenal expertise and excellence in the field of research. Monash's community of the best researchers has contributed to the day-to-day challenges in the field of advanced research, not to mention their updated research facilities and services.
Some of the popular research degrees that you can take up at the university include:
- Monash Doctoral Program
- Joint PhD
- Research Master's degree
- Professional doctorates
8. UNSW Sydney
The UNSW Sydney has always played an important role in changing research trends by concentrating on being futuristic with their approach. The researchers at this university keenly contribute to the increasing demands in the field of research. By pursuing your research degree here, you will be able to make it to the list of successful researchers that the world is in constant need of.
Some of the research courses at the university include:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Masters by Research
- Master of Philosophy
- Joint PhD/Joint Supervision
Why Choose the Group of Eight Universities?
Building your career in the field of research has to be done right, since your knowledge is essential to change the world for the better. The research-intensive universities that come under the Group of Eight have been ranked among the top universities worldwide, and have the best research facilities and infrastructure that can truly level up your education.
How Does AECC help?
When approaching a study abroad consultancy, you would want a hassle-free process, an end-to-end consultation, and expert guidance. With AECC Thailand, you would get all of that along with the right solution that you are looking for to make your study-abroad experience a memorable one.
Contact us now to make your higher education process simpler.
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