The best Australian universities for computer science
There is no official ranking of Australian universities by field of study, so "best for computer science" comes down to research reputation, industry links, and how seriously a university invests in the area.
This shortlist is the universities with a genuine reputation in computer science, with a note on what sets each apart. For the full list of every university that teaches it, plus the cheapest programs, see the computer science subject page.
- UNSW SydneyA$89,000 first-year budgetSydney, NSW. Australia's largest computer science and engineering faculty, with co-op programs and a big research output.
- University of MelbourneA$84,000 first-year budgetMelbourne, VIC. Strong across AI, machine learning, and distributed systems; the Melbourne Model routes CS through a Science or Design bachelor.
- University of SydneyA$87,000 first-year budgetSydney, NSW. Deep strength in AI, robotics, and human-centred computing.
- Australian National UniversityA$82,000 first-year budgetCanberra, ACT. Small, research-heavy school with close ties to national research institutes.
- Monash UniversityA$83,000 first-year budgetMelbourne, VIC. Large, well-resourced, with data science and cybersecurity specialisations and overseas campus options.
- University of QueenslandA$78,000 first-year budgetBrisbane, QLD. Research-intensive with strong industry links in Brisbane's growing tech sector.
How this list was built
Curated from the research strengths, specialist facilities, and industry links each university is known for in computer science. It is not a league table, and a strong department at a lower-ranked university can beat a weak one at a famous name. Check the specific program.
Other decision guides
- Most affordable universities
- Regional universities
- Multiple intakes
- Automatic scholarships
- Higher acceptance rates
- Private universities
- Group of Eight
- No application fee
- Accept IELTS 6.0
- Cheapest in Sydney
- Cheapest in Melbourne
- Cheapest in Perth
- Cheapest in Brisbane
- Cheapest in Adelaide
- Cheapest in Canberra
- Best for information technology
- Best for data science
- Best for business and management
- Best for nursing and health sciences
- Best for engineering