The top universities in Australia for student satisfaction are led by Avondale University, Bond University, and the University of Divinity. They excel in creating supportive, engaging, and high-quality educational environments.
Other top performers include Edith Cowan University, the University of the Sunshine Coast, the University of New England, and Deakin University. All have strong student support services and innovative learning approaches to enhance the overall student experience.
| Rank | University | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avondale University | 87.9% | 78.0% |
| 2 | Bond University | 86.3% | 80.6% |
| 3 | University of Divinity | 81.8% | 88.7% |
| 4 | Edith Cowan University | 82.7% | 79.3% |
| 5 | University of the Sunshine Coast | 80.6% | 83.1% |
| 6 | University of New England | 80.1% | 78.4% |
| 7 | Deakin University | 78.5% | 78.8% |
| 8 | CQUniversity Australia | 78.2% | 76.6% |
| 9 | Torrens University | 77.8% | 77.1% |
| 10 | Swinburne University of Technology | 77.5% | 77.2% |
| 11 | Griffith University | 78.2% | 74.8% |
| 12 | University of Notre Dame Australia | 77.2% | 76.2% |
| 13 | University of Southern Queensland | 75.7% | 78.1% |
| 14 | Flinders University | 77.0% | 73.4% |
| 15 | Charles Sturt University | 73.9% | 79.1% |
| 16 | University of Queensland | 76.2% | 74.2% |
| 17 | University of South Australia | 76.8% | 72.4% |
| 18 | Australian Catholic University | 76.5% | 72.4% |
| 19 | University of Western Australia | 75.8% | 73.2% |
| 20 | University of Newcastle | 74.2% | 75.5% |
| 21 | Australian National University | 75.6% | 72.6% |
| 22 | University of Canberra | 74.8% | 74.1% |
| 23 | University of Adelaide | 75.8% | 72.0% |
| 24 | Macquarie University | 74.4% | 72.6% |
| 25 | James Cook University | 73.7% | 73.8% |
| 26 | Queensland University of Technology | 72.3% | 76.3% |
| 27 | University of Technology Sydney | 72.0% | 76.7% |
| 28 | Curtin University | 74.2% | 72.1% |
| 29 | Murdoch University | 72.6% | 74.0% |
| 30 | Victoria University | 72.8% | 73.4% |
| 31 | University of Tasmania | 75.4% | 67.8% |
| 32 | Federation University Australia | 71.5% | 75.1% |
| 33 | La Trobe University | 71.9% | 74.0% |
| 34 | Southern Cross University | 70.1% | 77.4% |
| 35 | University of Wollongong | 73.6% | 70.2% |
| 36 | Monash University | 71.3% | 73.0% |
| 37 | RMIT University | 70.7% | 72.4% |
| 38 | Charles Darwin University | 70.6% | 71.8% |
| 39 | University of New South Wales | 68.5% | 75.9% |
| 40 | University of Western Sydney | 72.2% | 68.0% |
| 41 | University of Sydney | 69.3% | 68.4% |
| 42 | University of Melbourne | 67.3% | 70.7% |
Updated: 22 May 2024
Source: Student Experience Survey
University Ratings Measures
The table reports the percentage of students who rated their overall educational experience positively. It includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students from all Australian universities.
The ratings are based on a single question in the Student Experience Survey (SES), which asks students to evaluate their overall educational experience. This measure helps compare student satisfaction across different institutions.
Higher percentages indicate a more positive overall student experience at those universities. The table serves as a benchmark for universities to understand and improve their educational offerings.
Australia’s Top Unis for Students
Avondale University
Avondale University tops the list with 87.9% undergraduate and 78.0% postgraduate satisfaction. These figures are well above the national averages of 74.4% and 74.8%. Avondale’s small size and recent university status contribute to a strong sense of community.
Bond University
Bond University has high satisfaction rates with 86.3% for undergraduates and 80.6% for postgraduates. Known for personalised education and small class sizes, Bond consistently outperforms national averages.
University of Divinity
The University of Divinity excels with 81.8% undergraduate and 88.7% postgraduate satisfaction. Specialising in theology, it provides a supportive and close-knit academic environment, far exceeding national averages.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University scores 82.7% for undergraduates and 79.3% for postgraduates. These ratings are above the national averages, reflecting ECU’s focus on student support and practical courses.
University of the Sunshine Coast
The University of the Sunshine Coast has 80.6% undergraduate and 83.1% postgraduate satisfaction. Its welcoming campus and innovative learning spaces contribute to these above-average ratings.
University of New England
The University of New England rates 80.1% for undergraduates and 78.4% for postgraduates. UNE’s flexible learning options and strong student engagement drive these high satisfaction levels.
Deakin University
Deakin University scores 78.5% undergraduate and 78.8% postgraduate satisfaction. These figures are above the national averages, thanks to Deakin’s strong support services and focus on employability.
About the Student Experience Survey
The Student Experience Survey (SES) evaluates higher education students in Australia. It includes both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students. Over 175,000 undergraduates and 65,000 postgraduates are surveyed annually.
Most recently, 141 institutions participated, including all 42 universities and many non-university higher education institutions (NUHEIs). The survey is conducted online via email and SMS invitations.
SES results help improve teaching and learning outcomes. The data informs the ComparED website, aiding prospective students. Findings are reported in national and methodological reports, helping institutions and policymakers enhance the student experience.
Unfiltered Student Opinions
Student reviews and ratings are also available in the Student Reviews section of Uni Reviews. This open forum allows students and graduates to post reviews or comments about their university experiences.
Readers can gain insights from these unfiltered opinions, which discuss both the pros and cons of attending different universities. The section encourages fair and balanced reviews, offering different perspectives on what to expect from various institutions.
We do, however, suggest you take the reviews with a grain of salt due to sampling bias. The comments section tends to attract frustrated students looking to vent or otherwise make their grievances known. In contrast, overall ratings based on official surveys are generally positive.