Why Australia Remains a Top Destination for International Students in 2026
It is very important to consider different factors when you want to find out the most reliable schools in 2026. In 2026, Australia is still one of the best three countries for studying globally and is in close competition with the US and Canada. According to the Australian Department of Education, the total number of students coming from different parts of the world and enrolling in the country has risen to more than 713,000 in 2024, thus the country is making a good comeback after the pandemic. The best schools in Australia are no doubt the top universities in Australia for international students.
ALSO READ: Schengen Study Visa 2026: Your Complete Guide to Studying in Europe from Nigeria | Ileiwe
Why study in Australia?
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World-class universities consistently ranking top 1% globally
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Post-study work pathways (2–6 years depending on degree)
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Safe, multicultural cities
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High graduate employability
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Strong salary prospects
For Nigerian and African students, Australia offers a blend of quality education, employability, and global exposure with many institutions actively welcoming African talent through competitive scholarships and simplified admission pathways.
In this guide, we highlight the best universities in Australia for international students, including top Ileiwe partner schools where you can enjoy a smooth, guided application process and increased chances of admission.
What Makes a University “Best” for International Students?
When choosing the right school in Australia, international students look at:
Global Rankings (QS & Times Higher Education)
Student Support & International Services
Graduate Employability
Research Strength
Campus Diversity
Tuition Affordability
Work & Internship Opportunities
Location (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart, Darwin, etc.)
The universities below excel in all these areas.
Top Australian Universities for International Students (2026)
These are the top Australian universities for overseas students that are supported by rankings, research, reputation, and global employability with a focus on Ileiwe education partner institutions.
1. University of Western Australia (UWA)
Location: Perth
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
QS World Ranking 2025: Top 90 globally
UWA is among the Group of Eight (Go8) prestigious universities in Australia that are recognized for their cutting-edge research, high employability, and up-to-date learning facilities. With Perth offering one of the most attractive post-study work visa conditions in Australia, UWA has become a leading option.
Top Courses:
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Engineering & Mining
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Medicine & Health
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Data Science
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Business & Finance
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Environmental Science
Why It’s Great for International Students:
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High graduate salary outcomes
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Strong research opportunities
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Safe and student-friendly city
2. University of Adelaide
Location: Adelaide
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Prestige Level: Group of Eight (Go8)
The University of Adelaide is known for its exceptional research, clinical sciences, AI, and engineering. Adelaide also provides less expensive living costs which is a great attraction for international students.
Top Courses:
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Medicine
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Engineering
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Agriculture & Wine Science
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Cybersecurity
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Law
Why International Students Choose It:
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Affordable city
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High research reputation
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Excellent post-study pathways
3. University of South Australia (UniSA)
Location: Adelaide
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
QS Rank: Top 300
UniSA is one of Australia’s most modern universities, ranking #1 in Australia for graduate employability (QILT Survey 2024).
Best For:
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Business
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Health Sciences
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Architecture & Urban Planning
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Media & Communication
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Aviation
Highlights:
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Industry-integrated programs
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Work placements & internships
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Strong support for international students
4. RMIT University
Location: Melbourne
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Reputation: Tech & design powerhouse
RMIT is Australia’s #1 school for design, creative industries, and technology innovation.
Top Courses:
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IT & Cybersecurity
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Engineering
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Fashion & Design
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Architecture
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Business & Marketing
Why Students Love It:
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Innovation-focused learning
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Huge internship opportunities
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Melbourne is ranked the #1 student city in Australia
5. Deakin University
Location: Melbourne & Geelong
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
QS Ranking: Top 200
Deakin is known for world-class laboratories, strong industry partnerships, and exceptional support services for international students.
Top Courses:
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Nursing
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Allied Health
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Business & Analytics
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IT
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Creative Arts
What Makes Deakin Stand Out:
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High student satisfaction
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Excellent campus environment
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Strong employability
6. La Trobe University
Location: Melbourne
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Known For: Public health, nursing, business
La Trobe is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide with outstanding research output and strong global partnerships.
Key Courses:
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Public Health
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Biomedical Science
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Business
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Education
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Data Science
7. Central Queensland University (CQU)
Location: Queensland
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Strength: Affordable tuition & high employability
CQU is one of the most diverse universities in Australia, offering flexible entry pathways ideal for Nigerian students transitioning abroad.
Best Courses:
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Nursing
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Project Management
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IT
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Business
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Professional Accounting
8. Murdoch University
Location: Perth
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Best Known For: Health, veterinary sciences, engineering
Murdoch has a very multicultural campus and generous scholarships for Africans.
9. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Location: Perth
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Why It Stands Out:
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One of Australia’s top universities for practical, industry-focused education
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Strong engineering and creative arts faculties
10. Flinders University
Location: Adelaide
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Top Courses:
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Medicine
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Nursing
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Public Health
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Psychology
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Information Technology
Flinders is one of the Best Schools in Australia in 2026 and known for innovation and modern research facilities.
11. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Location: Darwin
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Why It’s Recommended:
CDU offers strong post-study work visa opportunities due to being in a regional area with high labour demand.
12. University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Location: Hobart
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Highlight: Regional post-study visa advantages
UTAS, one of the Best Schools in Australia in 2026, offers world-class maritime, ocean, environmental, and health sciences programs.
13. Western Sydney University
Location: New South Wales
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Known for strong industry placements, innovation hubs, and multicultural diversity.
14. Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Location: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
ACU, also one of the Best Schools in Australia in 2026, is a top choice for students pursuing health sciences and education.
15. University of New England (UNE)
Location: Armidale
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
UNE is known for flexible learning options and strong agricultural programs.
16. Le Cordon Bleu Australia
Location: Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney
Ileiwe Partner: Yes
Global leader in:
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Culinary arts
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Hospitality management
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Food entrepreneurship
Graduates enjoy global mobility and high industry demand in one of the Best Schools in Australia in 2026.
Why Choose Ileiwe Education to Process Study in These Top Australian Universities?
Ileiwe partners with top-ranked institutions and provides:
Free & expert study abroad counseling
Fast admission processing
Visa guidance from experienced consultants
Help with scholarships & funding
Course selection tailored to your future career
Settlement support (accommodation & travel prep)
Students who apply with Ileiwe enjoy priority support, reduced errors, and stronger success rates.
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Your Australian Dream Starts With the Right School
The right Australian university to attend will largely determine the success of your education and career progression. Finding guidance through this crucial decision is possible as it is not a case of you alone having to manage it.
Ileiwe has created collaborations with top-tier Australian universities to offer students the best academic programs, scholarships, and simplified enrollment processes.
Whether it be Engineering, Medicine, IT, Business, Creative Arts, or Culinary Studies, there is an incredible pathway waiting for you, and Ileiwe can help you get there.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Speak to an Ileiwe Consultant Today for free – https://ileiwe.com/appointments/
Visit: www.ileiwe.com
