Top universities in Australia for computer science | Top Universities
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Top universities in Australia for computer science

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Keshala Jayawickrama

Updated Mar 20, 2025
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University of Melbourne

The recently released QS World University Rankings by Subject features over 800 of the best universities to study computer science in the world – with more than 20 of these located in Australia

The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on five indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper, international research network and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and published work of a scientist or scholar). You can find more details about the methodology behind the subject rankings here

Read on to learn more about the top ten computer science schools in Australia this year. Alternatively, if you would like to explore the computer science schools in further detail, click here to view the full table.

Country Rank
Global Rank
University
Location
1

Country Rank

36

Global Rank

The University of SydneySydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
2

Country Rank

=37

Global Rank

Canberra, Australia
3

Country Rank

=46

Global Rank

The University of MelbourneParkville, Australia
Parkville, Australia
3

Country Rank

=46

Global Rank

Sydney, Australia
5

Country Rank

=62

Global Rank

Monash UniversityMelbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
5

Country Rank

=62

Global Rank

Haymarket, Australia
7

Country Rank

=94

Global Rank

The University of AdelaideAdelaide, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
8

Country Rank

98

Global Rank

The University of QueenslandBrisbane City, Australia
Brisbane City, Australia
9

Country Rank

=156

Global Rank

Sydney, Australia
10

Country Rank

=167

Global Rank

RMIT UniversityMelbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia

RMIT University

RMIT University

RMIT University scores particularly well in the research citations per paper indicator which is a reflection of the high levels of research taking place within the university. 

RMIT University’s computer science and information systems courses have an emphasis on programming and software development and include input from a variety of industry representatives. 

Macquarie University

Macquarie University

Macquarie University performs well in the research citations per paper as well as for its international research network, both of which are testaments to their outstanding commitment towards research.  

Notably, Macquarie University's School of Computing boasts lab facilities dedicated to cybersecurity, networking, and gaming, including a VR space and a $10 million cybersecurity hub. The school is also staffed with experts who collectively bring over 100 years of industry experience. 

University of Queensland (UQ)

The University of Queensland (UQ)

The University of Queensland (UQ) scores impressively in the indicator for research citations per paper, showcasing their global reputation for research. 

UQ's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science stands at the forefront of computer science, IT, and electrical engineering. With a dedicated focus on teaching excellence and cutting-edge research, the school inspires students, graduates, teachers, and researchers to innovate technology and address global challenges. 

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide particularly excels in the research citations per paper indicator.

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is the third oldest university in Australia. The School of Computer Science at the university provides a diverse array of computer science courses, enabling its students to tailor their studies towards their respective career paths. 

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) scores excellently for their international research network, research citations per paper and H-index, with its programmes being constantly updated to reflect developments in research and technology. 

The university has strong connections with industry professionals through its teaching and learning, research and consultation. These partnerships allow UTS to give its computer science courses a more practical element, which helps improve graduate employability. 

Monash University

Monash University

Monash University stands out as a recognised global leader in research, earning a high score in the international research network indicator as well as for research citations per paper. 

Monash University’s computer science course teaches students problem-solving, programming and analytical skills, as well as how to apply these in the real world. The university’s international outlook means that students will also be able to benefit from research collaborations, global partnerships and a range of opportunities oversees. 

The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

University of New South Wales (UNSW) has 4,400 researchers who are world leaders in quantum computing and, as a result, UNSW scores exceptionally well in the H-Index indicator. 

Computer science students of UNSW benefit from getting the opportunity to use all the latest technologies in high-spec labs, including a Digital Investigation Lab and a Cyber Security Suite. 

The University of Melbourne

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne excels across all indicators, demonstrating comprehensive success in research, academic achievements, and graduate employability.  

The School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne boasts over 50 years of experience, establishing itself as an international leader in teaching and research. Over this period, the school has played a pioneering role in commissioning Australia's first computer, managing initial internet connections, and consistently staying at the forefront of innovation. 

Australian National University (ANU)

ANU

Australian National University (ANU) excels across all indicators, particularly securing an impressive score for research citations per paper. 

The university continually updates its computer science degrees to address future challenges, enhancing the employability of its graduates. 

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney performs well for the research citations per paper indicator and the number of H-index citations, showcasing the university's research-oriented approach, aiming to address significant societal challenges. 

The majority of the university’s courses are accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and teach fundamental principles and practical skills in computing. The university also has strong links to industry professionals, including Microsoft, IBM and CISCO, as well as having a purpose-built centre with advanced facilities, including access to Dell EMC’s Artemis 3 supercomputer

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject: Computer Science and Information Systems, the university with the best computer science course in Australia is the University of Sydney, which is ranked 36th in the world. 

Australia is recognised as a fairly strong location for computer science studies, with its top universities often ranking among the world's top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject: Computer Science and Information Systems. Some universities even excel in specific indicators securing indicator-wise rankings in the top 10. However, it's essential to note that other countries also offer excellent computer science programmes. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences.  

You can explore the complete list of universities offering computer science programmes here to make an informed decision based on your unique preferences and priorities. 

The cost of a computer science course in Australia can vary depending on the university, the specific programme, and whether the student is an international or domestic student. On average, for international students, tuition fees for computer science courses can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. Domestic students usually pay significantly lower tuition fees, and there might be additional costs for textbooks, materials, and living expenses.  

It's advisable to check the official websites of the specific universities or contact their admissions offices for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the cost of computer science courses in Australia. 

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