The Best Universities for Economics in Australia (2026)

Australia is home to some of the world’s top universities for studying Economics, combining rigorous quantitative training, cutting-edge research, and strong links to government, policy bodies, and industry. With leading institutions like the Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), University of Sydney, University of Queensland, and Monash University consistently ranked among the best globally, Australia is an ideal destination to pursue a degree in Economics.

When I looked at economics programmes across Australia, a few key aspects really caught my attention: the rigor and breadth of coursework, the quality and impact of faculty research, strong ties to government, finance, and industry, plentiful internship and placement opportunities, and the level of support available for both domestic and international students. In this guide, we’ll examine how Australian universities compare in 2026 and explain how the rankings are constructed, so you can identify the best universities for economics in Australia and make an informed choice about where to study.

There are many reasons why someone might want to study Economics at a university in Australia. Here are just a few:

• Australia is renowned for its excellent educational standards. Many of its universities are ranked among the top in the world, providing cutting-edge curricula and access to leading economists. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive and contemporary education in economics.
• With strong research infrastructure and investments in higher education, Australia provides ample opportunities for Masters students to engage in pioneering research under the guidance of experienced academics. This is especially advantageous for those aiming towards a PhD or a career in research.
• Australia offers an exceptional quality of life with its vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, cultural diversity, healthcare quality, and general safety, making it not only an excellent place to study but also a wonderful place to live during your academic journey.
• Studying in Australia offers an international outlook on economic issues. Courses often include case studies from around the world, preparing students for careers in globalised markets by understanding diverse economic systems and challenges.

The following tables give the 10 best Australian universities for Economics, according to global and local university rankings. It can show you which Australian universities are amongst the best in the world and help you compare institutions on an international level.

This information is based on the latest rankings tables, researched and published by Times Higher Education, QS and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Each ranking system uses its own methodology, with different factors having more or less influence on a university's result.

For more information on using international rankings as a postgraduate, see our guide.

The Times Higher Education rankings are strong in academic focus and diverse teaching metrics, but do not include employer-specific metrics. Additionally, the rankings may not include all specialist institutions.

The QS World University Rankings are designed to meet the needs of prospective students, with more weight given to student-centric metrics such as staff/student ratio, international recruitment and employer opinion. The rankings are balanced between qualitative and quantitative data, but give less weight to research than some other rankings.

The ARWU rankings reflect the presence of elite academics and the future academic success of graduates. However, they do not directly assess the quality of education at a university or take into account other aspects of university performance.

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