Comparison
Monash University vs UNSW Sydney
Monash University and UNSW Sydney 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.
On the lowest tuition on record, Monash University (from A$47,000 a year) is the more affordable, below UNSW Sydney (from A$51,000). Tuition varies widely by course, so price your specific program.
Monash University is in Melbourne and UNSW Sydney is in Sydney. That affects your rent and lifestyle more than almost anything else on this page: see the cost-of-living comparison below.
| Monash University | UNSW Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Melbourne | Sydney |
| Group of Eight | Yes | Yes |
| Regional (migration) | No | No |
| International tuition | from A$47,000/yr | from A$51,000/yr |
| First-year budget | A$82,000 to A$94,000 | A$88,000 to A$101,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Application fee | A$125 | A$150 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Selective | Selective |
Choose Monash University if
- Lower tuition matters (from A$47,000 vs A$51,000)
- Automatic entry scholarships appeal to you
- You want to live in Melbourne
Choose UNSW Sydney if
- You want to live in Sydney
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 UNSW Sydney suits
UNSW leans harder into engineering and the built environment than most of the Group of Eight, with co-op and industry-placement tracks built into several degrees, and it is also strong in business and law. It runs a trimester calendar, so the academic year is structured differently from most universities. It is selective and in Sydney, so it suits strong applicants with the budget for the city.
Scholarships at Monash University and UNSW Sydney
Published tuition is the starting point, not what everyone pays. These are the published scholarships on record for each university, checked against each university's own page. Eligibility usually depends on your academic results and country, and amounts change by intake, so confirm on the linked page before you compare costs.
- Monash International Merit Scholarship at Monash University: AUD 15,000 per year for the degree (2026 awards onward), 20 awarded each yearAssessed with your course application
- UNSW International Scholarships at UNSW Sydney: 20% tuition contribution (International Student Award); larger competitive awards need an applicationNeeds a separate application
Monash University vs UNSW Sydney: common questions
Is Monash University or UNSW Sydney cheaper for international students?
Monash University is generally cheaper, from A$47,000 a year against A$51,000. Add cost of living: Melbourne and Sydney differ, mostly on rent.
Which is harder to get into, Monash University or UNSW Sydney?
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 UNSW Sydney?
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 UNSW Sydney?
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 UNSW Sydney?
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.