When talking about universities in Australia, it is likely you would have come across the term “Group of Eight” (or “Go8”, for short). Established in 1999, this coalition represents Australia’s most historic and highest ranked research-intensive universities. It is comparable to the UK’s Russell Group, which comprises the island country’s leading research-intensive universities.
Australia with its vibrant, multicultural community; wonderful climate; quality of life; and great job opportunities, is a popular study destination amongst international students. If Australia is your destination choice to pursue your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, you might be interested to learn more about this highly acclaimed group of universities. Worried about where to start? Fret not, we have you covered with everything you need to know about the Group of Eight.
Group of Eight (Go8) Universities — World Ranking
Time and again, the Go8 universities are consistently ranked the highest in Australia by QS World University Rankings. Their rankings globally do not disappoint either — with seven out of eight Go8 universities among the world’s top 100, meanwhile all eight are ranked in the top 150.
University | World Ranking |
Australian National University (ANU) | 27th |
University of Melbourne | 37th |
University of Sydney (USYD) | 38th |
University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 43rd |
University of Queensland (UQ) | 47th |
Monash University | 58th |
University of Western Australia (UWA) | 93rd |
University of Adelaide | 108th |
Benefits of Studying in a Group of Eight (Go8) University
The Go8 with its diverse student community makes up one third of Australia’s total international students. Australia is the country of choice for many Malaysian students — making Malaysia one of the top 5 contributors of international students.
These universities are major contributors to the Australian economy. International students from the Go8 support some 73,030 jobs throughout Australia.
Go8 universities are amongst the most trusted globally for producing employable graduates. This is good news for international students who hope to remain in Australia for work or residency. International students are eligible to remain in Australia for 2 to 4 years following the completion of their studies, with the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) — which provides ample time for students to secure a job and gain points to qualify for permanent residency (PR).
General Entry Requirements for Group of Eight (Go8) Universities
Academic Requirements:
ATAR | 70 |
GCE A Levels | Aggregate score of 6 in best 2, 3 or 4 subjects (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) | 25 |
Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) | Aggregate score of 6 in best 3 subjects; 5 in best 4 subjects (A=7, A-=6, B+=5, B=4, B-=3, C+=2, C=1) |
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) | Aggregate score of 5 in best 4 or 5 subjects (A1=1, A2=2, B3=3, B4=4, B5=5) |
*Admissions to Go8 programmes are on a competitive basis, hence meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
*Requirements vary across universities, faculties, and courses. For inquiries on the specific requirements, contact Excel Education.
Language Requirements:
IELTS | Total score of ≥6.5
|
TOEFL PB | Total score of ≥550
|
TOEFL IBT | Total score of ≥79
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Pearson Test of English | Overall score of ≥58
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Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall score of ≥176
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Cambridge C2 Proficiency | Overall score of ≥176
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*Requirements vary across universities, faculties, and courses. For inquiries on the specific requirements, contact Excel Education.
What Are The Group of Eight (Go8) Universities?
Australian National University (ANU)
Founded in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is a public research university based in the city of Canberra, the country’s capital. ANU is valued as one of the best in Australia, owing to its rank as first in the country and 27th globally. It represents the only university to ever have been founded by the Parliament of Australia.
With a wide range of subject areas at ANU (Engineering & Computer Science; Business & Commerce; Arts, Society & Culture; Law & Legal Studies; Natural, Physical & Environmental Sciences; Health & Medical Studies), you are sure to find the programme of your choice and excel here.
ANU is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) | Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics | Bachelor of Science (Geography) |
Duration | 3 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) |
Intake | |||
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of Melbourne
Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is the second oldest university in the country, and the oldest in Victoria. It is a public research university with a total of seven campuses located throughout the state of Victoria: Parkville (their main campus), Southbank, Burnley, Creswick, Dookie, Shepparton, and Werribee. The university is a member of the international Universitas 21 network.
The University of Melbourne prepares its students to enter the workforce by granting them access to outstanding industry partnerships, community volunteering, and/or additional mentoring and workshops. Notable alumni include Julia Gillard (former Prime Minister of Australia), Professor Elizabeth Blackburn (Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine), and Professor Ian Hector Frazer (part of the research duo that developed the HPV vaccine).
The University of Melbourne is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Biomedicine | Bachelor of Science (Geography) | Bachelor of Commerce |
Duration | 3 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) |
Intake | February, July | February, July | February, July |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of Sydney (USYD)
The University of Sydney (USYD) was established in 1850, making it Australia’s first and oldest university. This public research university is ranked first in Australia and fourth globally by QS for graduate employability.
Their main Camperdown/Darlington campus was rated as being one of the world’s most beautiful universities, alongside Oxford and Cambridge. It houses Sydney Medical School, and Faculties of Arts, Science, Education & Social Work, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Economics & Business, Architecture, and Engineering. USYD also has several satellite campuses and other facilities located throughout the state and country, as well as in France and Greece.
USYD prides itself on its diverse and talented international student community. They recently launched an award for eligible international students to receive a 20% contribution to their tuition fees. For more information, reach out to us for a free consultation.
USYD is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) | Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) | Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) |
Duration | 3 years (full-time) | 4 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) |
Intake | February | February | February |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) was established in 1949 as “New South Wales University of Technology” initially. It was later rebranded to UNSW in 1958. The public research university is a member of the international Universitas 21 network — which promotes student mobility, student employability, researcher engagement, and educational innovation.
UNSW comprises seven faculties: Law, Art & Design, Business School, Art & Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Science. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, which offers students the option to pursue their area of interest.
UNSW is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining) | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) | Bachelor of Commerce/Law |
Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 4 years (full-time) | 5 years (full-time) |
Intake | February, May, September | February, May, September | February, September |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of Queensland (UQ)
Established in 1909 by the Parliament of Queensland, the University of Queensland (UQ) is a public research university. Its main campus (St Lucia campus) is located in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland; whilst its other campuses (Gatton campus and Herston campus) are situated throughout the state.
The university has a strong research focus in science, medicine and technology. It comprises more than a hundred research-focused institutes — the Institute for Molecular Bioscience; Boeing Research and Technology Australia Centre; the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; and the UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation. UQ is the final Australian member of the international Universitas 21 network.
UQ is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (Honours) | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Mining Engineering | Bachelor of Environmental Science |
Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 4 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) |
Intake | February | February, July | February, July |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
Monash University
Monash University is a public research university founded in 1958 in Melbourne, Victoria — the second oldest university in the state. The university has four campuses throughout Victoria (Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, and Parkville), with a dynamic network of teaching locations in Malaysia, Italy, India, and China. It is the largest Australian university, with a presence across three continents.
Students can select from a diverse range of courses in the following subject areas: Art Design & Architecture; Arts; Business & Economics; Education; Engineering; Information Technology; Law; Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences; Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Science.
The Monash University Malaysia campus is a preferred choice for Malaysians and fellow international students hailing from across Asia alike, for its affordable fees and international qualifications awarded. Not sure if you can bear moving to a different continent? Students at the Malaysia campus can opt for a transfer to their respective Victoria campus, from their 2nd year of study onwards. Contact Excel Education today for a free consultation session.
Monash University is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | Bachelor of Education (Honours) | Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) |
Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 4.25 years (full-time) | 4 years (full-time) |
Intake | February | February | February, July |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia (UWA) was established in 1911 by the Parliament of Western Australia. The public research university is the oldest university in the state. Its main campus (Crawley) is located in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia; meanwhile its secondary campus (Albany) and other facilities are situated throughout the state.
UWA produces alumni that excel in various professions, most strikingly in science and medicine; business; and politics and government. Notable alumni include Nobel Laureates, Barry Marshall and Robin Warren; Australians of the Year, Fiona Stanley and Fiona Wood, former CEO of British Airways, Sir Rod Eddington; and former Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke.
UWA is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Mining Engineering | Bachelor of Biomedical Science – Anatomy and Human Biology | Bachelor of Science – Sport Science |
Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) | 3 years (full-time) |
Intake | February, July | February, July | February, July |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is a public research university founded in 1874 in the capital of South Australia. It is the third oldest university in the country. There are three campuses located in South Australia (main campus North Terrace, Waite, and Roseworthy), and another in Victoria (Melbourne campus). The university is also in a partnership with a Singaporean educational institution (Ngee Ann Academy).
Adelaide is a top choice for many students as it is ranked as Australia’s most liveable city, and the third most liveable city in the world. The university’s research strengths include engineering, mathematics, science, medical & health sciences, agricultural sciences, artificial intelligence, and the arts. Students have the opportunity to choose among an extensive array of subjects to study based on their field of interest.
The University of Adelaide is highly ranked for the following courses:
Course | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum) | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining) | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 4 years (full-time) | 5 years (full-time) |
Intake | February, July | February, July | February |
Indicative Fees | |||
For more information on course structure, entry requirement, duration, fees and scholarship availability offered, contact us!
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About The Author
Amanda Goon
In pursuit of lifelong learning. When I’m not talking science, you can find me in the studio dancing, the kitchen baking, or nose deep in a good book.