Comparison
Griffith University vs Queensland University of Technology
Neither Griffith University nor Queensland University of Technology is in the Group of Eight, so both tend to be more affordable and more teaching-focused than the sandstone universities. The choice is mostly about city, the specific program, and cost.
Both are in Brisbane, so cost of living is roughly the same. The comparison is really about the universities themselves.
Griffith University's main campus counts as regional for skilled migration, which adds points on the skilled visa points test and opens the 491 and 190 nomination pathways. If permanent residence is part of your plan, that is a real advantage.
| Griffith University | Queensland University of Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Group of Eight | No | No |
| Regional (migration) | Yes | No |
| International tuition | from A$36,000/yr | from A$36,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$68,000 to A$78,000 | A$68,000 to A$78,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Application fee | A$50 | A$55 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Competitive | Competitive |
Choose Griffith University if
- You want the regional skilled-migration points
Choose Queensland University of Technology if
- Automatic entry scholarships appeal to you
Who Griffith University suits
Griffith spans Brisbane and the Gold Coast and is strong in health, environmental science, criminology, and the creative arts, including a well-regarded film school and conservatorium. The Gold Coast campus offers a beach-city lifestyle with lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne. It suits students who want a mid-sized comprehensive university with good industry links and a choice of campus settings.
Who Queensland University of Technology suits
QUT builds mandatory industry placements into most undergraduate degrees, closer to a co-op model than a traditional university, so it suits students who want work experience embedded in their study. It is strong in creative industries, urban planning, engineering, and health. Its campuses are in central Brisbane, which has lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne while still being a state capital.
Griffith University vs Queensland University of Technology: common questions
Is Griffith University or Queensland University of Technology cheaper for international students?
They are close. The lowest tuition on record is A$36,000 at one and A$36,000 at the other, and course choice moves the number more than the university does.
Which is harder to get into, Griffith University or Queensland University of Technology?
They are broadly similar on selectivity. Entry depends far more on the specific course than on the university, so check the requirements for the program you want.
Which is better for permanent residence, Griffith University or Queensland University of Technology?
Griffith University has the edge for a PR plan: its main campus is in a designated regional area, so studying there earns regional points and opens the 491 and 190 nomination streams. Neither guarantees PR; that depends on your occupation and points.
Which is more prestigious, Griffith University or Queensland University of Technology?
Both sit in a similar tier. Prestige is not a strong tie-breaker here; look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
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Tuition figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database, and selectivity is a band, not an official rate. This is general information, not admissions advice.