Planning to study in Australia? Apply to the Go8!
The pioneers in research and education, the Group of Eight (Go8) universities are the largest and oldest educational institutions in Australia. High rankings, ample research opportunities, and strong industry connections make them a unique choice among students planning to study in Australia. Let’s explore the group of 8 universities in Australia also called Go8.
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Table of contents
What do you mean by Go8?
Economic Impact
Go8 International Connections
Reasons to study at Go8 universities
Go8 Universities
University of Melbourne
Australian National University
University of Sydney
The University of Queensland
Monash University
The University of New South Wales Sydney
The University of Western Australia
The University of Adelaide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What do you mean by Go8?
Formally incorporated in 1999, the Group of Eight (Go8) in Australia is a cluster of eight leading universities reputed for their quality education and research facilities across the world.
As a matter of fact, all Australian Nobel Prize winners have been associated with these universities, which makes Go8 a lineage of the laureates. Almost 70% of Australia’s research yields from this group of Eight and impacts the world with immense contributions in the fields of healthcare, cyber security, agriculture, and more.
Economic Impact
Go8 contributes significantly to the economy of Australia. According to a London economics report, Go8 had an economic impact of $66.4 billion each year. * Also, Go8 research adds $24.5 billion each year. * Go8 generates 50,000 jobs and supports around 73,030 jobs throughout the Australian economy. *
*Source: https://go8.edu.au/about/the-go8.
Go8 International Connections
Go8 group has international connections with universities and research institutions in Chile, France, Brazil, China (with the C9), and Germany. It also works closely with universities in the UK, Canada, the US, and Japan and is a member of GRIUN. *
*Source: https://go8.edu.au/about/the-go8.
Reasons to study at Go8 universities
The universities have ample research opportunities
Preferred by big companies, MNCs, and others in the job market
Attract competitive government-based grant funding
Internationally recognised universities
Go8 Universities
Here’s a brief overview of the Go8 universities.
University of Melbourne
Australian National University
University of Sydney
The University of Queensland
Monash University
The University of New South Wales Sydney
The University of Western Australia
The University of Adelaide
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is world-renowned for its contributions to education, research, and engagement. For the past 160 years, it has been a pioneer in research with 22 discipline-specific faculties and graduate schools and 6,500 staff members. Attracting students from 150+ countries, the university’s pedagogy is research-based and flexible. It has seven campus locations across Melbourne and rural Victoria.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 1 | 14 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 1 | 34 |
Established in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is known for its unparalleled research and education. Consistently ranking in the Global University Employability Ranking, it makes job-ready graduates with exceptional technical and interpersonal skills. 95% of the research done at the ANU is recognised and impacts industries globally.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 4 | =34 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 5 | 62 |
Established in 1850, the University of Sydney has six faculties and three schools. With students from over 134 countries in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the university is truly international. It has a library that comprises 5.2 million books, journals and e-books and runs more than 200 clubs for students.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 3 | =19 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 4 | =54 |
Having over 7,000 staff members and 52,000 students, the University of Queensland is regarded as one of the biggest institutions in Australia. Established in 1909, the university boasts of some world-renowned educators from advanced facilities such as Advanced Engineering Building, Oral Health Centre, Pharmacy Australia Centre for Excellence and Boeing Research facility. It offers truly international exposure with over 15,400 international students from 141 different countries.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 6 | 43 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 3 | 53 |
A public research university based out of Melbourne city in the state of Victoria, the Monash University offers a variety of courses and programs to choose from. It was established in 1958 and is the second oldest university in the state. A global university, it has four campuses in Victoria, one in Malaysia, a research and training centre in Italy, a graduate school in China, and a graduate research school in Mumbai. It hosts students from over 170 countries and is an esteemed institution to gain technical skills, grow as an individual and get an international perspective to eventually succeed in your career path.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 5 | 42 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 2 | 45 |
With its main campus in Sydney, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is known for its ground-breaking research and strong industry connections. Known for being the topmost preference among Australia’s eminent employers, it has more millionaire alumni than any other Australian institution. Founded in 1949, it now has eight campuses in Kensington, CBD, Randwick, Paddington, Cliff brook, David Phillips, Manly Vale, and Canberra. You can select a program in any of its eight faculties, 47 schools and 125 UNSW and external centre institutes.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 2 | =19 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 6 | 71 |
With its main campus in Perth, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is in the top 1% of universities in the world. Former Australian Prime Minister the Honourable Bob Hawke AC, and Oscar-winning artist Shaun Tan are alumni of this prestigious institution. It offers dedicated support for students and was rewarded a five-star rating by the Good Universities Guide 2018 for its low student-to-teacher ratio. The Student Guild in UWA manages over 140 clubs and societies in varied fields catering to different students’ interests.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 7 | 72 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 8 | 131 |
A prestigious institution based in Adelaide, the University of Adelaide boasts 110 Rhodes Scholars and five Nobel Laureates that well explains its quality of teaching and research training. With almost 8000 international students from 100 countries, and 200 programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, The University of Adelaide is truly a place that offers a rich and stimulating experience to its students. For its 17 Australian Laureate Fellowships, the uni has been awarded an amount of AUD 11.93 million. It was established in 1874.
Within Australia | Globally | |
QS Rankings (2024) | 8 | 89 |
THE Rankings (2023) | 7 | 88 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques 1: What are the benefits of studying in Group 8 universities in Australia?
Ans: Here are some benefits of studying at Go8 universities:
Research Excellence: Go8 universities are known for their strong emphasis on research and innovation.
High Academic Standards: These universities maintain high academic standards, ensuring quality education.
Industry Connections: Go8 universities often have strong ties with industries and businesses, providing networking and career opportunities.
Ques 2: Is Go8 like Ivy League?
Ans: The Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia and the Ivy League universities in the US share similarities as prestigious academic groups with high research standards and global recognition. However, they differ in location, historical context, number of institutions, admissions processes, and educational philosophies. While Ivy League universities have a longer history and emphasise liberal arts education, Go8 universities offer a diverse range of programs. Both groups offer top-tier education, but their distinct contexts shape their unique characteristics and strengths.
Ques 3: Are Go8 degrees recognised internationally?
Ans: Yes, degrees from Go8 universities are generally recognised globally, which can be advantageous for international career opportunities.
Ques 4: What post-graduation support services do Go8 universities provide?
Ans: Go8 universities often have career services, alumni networks, and resources to help students transition to the workforce.
If you need any assistance regarding entry to any of these Go8 universities, you can speak with our counsellors who can help with your course selection, application, offer letters, visa, and pre-departure sessions.
Talk to our Australia education experts
Updated on Sep 13, 2023
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