Comparison
Monash University vs University of Queensland
Monash University and University of Queensland are both Group of Eight universities, so both carry the research reputation and both sit near the top of the tuition range. The decision comes down to city, the strength of your specific course, cost, and whether you want the skilled-migration points that come with studying regionally.
Monash University is in Melbourne and University of Queensland is in Brisbane. That affects your rent and lifestyle more than almost anything else on this page: see the cost-of-living comparison below.
| Monash University | University of Queensland | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Melbourne | Brisbane |
| Group of Eight | Yes | Yes |
| Regional (migration) | No | No |
| International tuition | from A$47,000/yr | from A$45,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$82,000 to A$94,000 | A$77,000 to A$89,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Application fee | A$125 | A$150 |
| Intakes | February, July | January, February, July |
| Selectivity | Selective | Selective |
Choose Monash University if
- You want to live in Melbourne
Choose University of Queensland if
- You want to live in Brisbane
Who Monash University suits
Monash is Australia's largest university and a good fit for students who want breadth, research depth, and global mobility. It runs its own campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia, so a Melbourne-based degree can include an overseas semester without a separate exchange application. It is strong across pharmacy, engineering, medicine, and business. It is selective and large, which suits independent students more than those wanting a small-campus feel.
Who University of Queensland suits
UQ is a research-intensive Group of Eight university strong in the life sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, and engineering, with undergraduates getting early access to active research labs. Brisbane has lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne while still being a large city. UQ is selective, so it suits students with strong records who want research depth and a large, well-resourced campus.
Monash University vs University of Queensland: common questions
Is Monash University or University of Queensland cheaper for international students?
They are close. The lowest tuition on record is A$45,000 at one and A$47,000 at the other, and course choice moves the number more than the university does.
Which is harder to get into, Monash University or University of Queensland?
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, Monash University or University of Queensland?
Neither has a structural advantage. Neither is regional, so neither earns the regional study points. PR depends on your occupation, points, and the invitation rounds, not the university.
Which is more prestigious, Monash University or University of Queensland?
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 Monash University and University of Queensland?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
Go deeper
Other comparisons
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.