University of Queensland: Rankings, Acceptance Rate & Costs

You’ve likely seen the University of Queensland on ‘best in Australia’ lists. Beyond the rankings, UQ offers a global #42 spot in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (QS Top Universities (global higher education ranking body)) and a top graduate employability ranking in Australia, with an estimated acceptance rate of 40–45% (Yocket (international education platform)).

Global ranking: #42 in QS World University Rankings 2026 (QS Top Universities) ·
National ranking: #1 in Australia for sports-related subjects (QS Subject Rankings (global subject ranking)) ·
Graduate employability: Ranked #1 in Australia (UQ Official Rankings Page) ·
Acceptance rate: Approximately 40–45% (estimated) (Yocket) ·
Campus location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Five key data points, one pattern: UQ combines top-tier global rankings with strong graduate outcomes, but its selectivity and costs demand careful planning. Here’s the breakdown.

Is The University of Queensland a good university?

Short answer: yes, by nearly every objective measure. UQ is a founding member of Australia’s Group of Eight, a coalition of the country’s most research-intensive universities (Wikipedia (Group of Eight description)). Its global reputation is built on consistent performance in international rankings and graduate employment outcomes.

Global and national rankings overview

• QS World University Rankings 2026 places UQ at #42 globally (QS Top Universities).
• UQ ranks #1 in Australia for graduate employability (UQ Official Rankings Page).
• It is among the world’s top 50 research universities, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ShanghaiRanking Consultancy (global academic ranking body)).

Graduate employability record

UQ’s graduate employability ranking—#1 in Australia and #57 globally in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2025—reflects strong industry connections and a career-focused curriculum (QS Employability Rankings). Graduates report high starting salaries, particularly in engineering and health fields.

The implication: If “good” means strong rankings, high employability, and deep research capability, UQ delivers. The catch is that these strengths come with competitive admission and above-average tuition.

What is the rank of The University of Queensland?

Four major ranking systems place UQ in the global top 100. The most cited figure is the QS 2026 rank of #42, but other indices paint a similar picture.

QS World University Rankings 2026 (specific figures)

• UQ is ranked #42 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (QS Top Universities).
• In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, UQ sits at #70 (Times Higher Education (global rankings publisher)).

Subject-specific rankings (sports, etc.)

• UQ is #1 in Australia and #2 globally for sports-related subjects (QS Subject Rankings).
• It also ranks in the top 50 for veterinary science, agriculture, and environmental sciences (QS Subject Rankings).

The pattern: UQ’s global standing is strongest in research output and specific disciplines, not just overall brand. Applicants targeting sports science or ecology will find world-leading programs.

Is University of Queensland an Ivy League?

No—but the question is more common than you’d think. The term “Ivy League” refers specifically to eight private universities in the northeastern United States. UQ is not one of them.

Definition of Ivy League

• The Ivy League is a US athletic conference comprising Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale (Wikipedia (Ivy League definition)).
• UQ is a public university in Australia, not a private US institution.

Similarities with Australian Group of Eight

• UQ belongs to the Group of Eight (Go8), Australia’s coalition of leading research universities, which functions as a prestige group comparable to the Ivy League in domestic context (Wikipedia (Group of Eight description)).
• Like Ivy League schools, Go8 universities attract top students and research funding, and they dominate national rankings.

The trade-off: While UQ isn’t an Ivy League member, it enjoys similar prestige within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. If your goal is a globally recognized credential for a career in Australia or Asia, UQ holds comparable weight to many top US public universities.

Is Queensland university hard to get into?

Moderately hard. The estimated acceptance rate of 40–45% places UQ in the “selective” category for Australian standards, but not as competitive as Melbourne or Sydney.

Acceptance rate and selectivity

• UQ acceptance rate is estimated around 40–45% (Yocket). Some sources suggest 70% (Studies Overseas), but the lower estimate is more frequently cited and aligns with UQ’s public nature.
• Domestic undergraduate admission relies on ATAR scores, with competitive programs requiring ATARs of 90 or above (Wikipedia).

Admission requirements for domestic and international students

• International students need equivalent academic qualifications (e.g., A-levels, IB) and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band) (UQ Future Students (official international admissions)).
• Some programs, such as medicine and physiotherapy, have additional entrance exams and interviews.

What this means: Getting into UQ is achievable with strong grades and preparation, but it’s not a sure bet. Students should apply to multiple schools and have backup options.

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

For international students at UQ, the total annual cost—tuition plus living expenses—typically ranges from AUD 50,000 to AUD 75,000. Here’s how it breaks down.

Tuition fees at UQ for international students

• Undergraduate international tuition at UQ ranges from AUD 30,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (University Living (student accommodation platform)).
• For postgraduate programs, fees can range from AUD 32,000 to AUD 50,000 annually (University Living).
• Study abroad semester fees (2027): A$13,680 for 4 courses, A$10,260 for 3 courses (UQ Study Abroad Official Fee Page).

Cost of living in Brisbane

• Living costs in Brisbane are estimated at AUD 20,000–25,000 annually, including accommodation, food, and transport (University Living).
• Brisbane is generally more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around AUD 1,500–2,000 per month.

Why this matters: A three-year undergraduate degree at UQ could cost a total of AUD 150,000–180,000. That’s a serious investment—but scholarships (available from UQ and external sources) can reduce the burden. UQ offers merit-based International Excellence Scholarships covering 25–50% of tuition (UQ Scholarships (official)).

For a prospective international student deciding between UQ and another top Australian university, the choice is not just about rankings. It’s about whether the program, location, and cost align with your career goals. Brisbane offers a lower cost of living than Sydney, and UQ’s strong industry links in health, science, and engineering mean graduates are well-positioned for employment.

For an Indian student targeting an Australian degree with global recognition, the implication is clear: apply early, prepare a competitive application, and budget for AUD 60,000–75,000 per year, or secure a scholarship to reduce the burden.