What is the Group of Eight (Go8) Universities in Australia?

Australia has been, for several years, a dream destination for aspiring researchers and academicians, especially in its Group of 8 universities. The Go8 universities in Australia, as the name suggests, is a set of the top universities renowned for their leading research-intensive universities.

Among these top universities are popular names such as the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland and many more. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Go8 universities in Australia.

What is the Group of 8 Universities in Australia?

The Group of 8 or Go8 is a company that was established in 1999 with its Directorate based in Canberra, the capital of Australia. The Go8 was established with the motive of influencing the development and delivery of long-term sustainable national higher education and research policy while creating “elite international alliances and research partnerships”, the official website states.

The Go8 universities in Australia consist of the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, the University of Queensland and Monash University.

Top Go8 Universities in Australia

Listed below are the Group of 8 Universities in Australia that international students should consider when shortlisting universities for their higher studies in the country. The Go8 universities in Australia are the best and the top-rated universities in the country and the world, which is evident from their mention in several global university ranking lists. Here’s a gist about each of the Go8 universities in Australia.

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Australian National University

Recognised for its unparalleled research and education, the Australian National University offers a range of research-oriented courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university had been established in 1946, with the vision and motive of providing the best research and education across some of the more vital disciplines.

University of Melbourne

Recognised as the number 1 university by Times Higher Education, receiving the 8th position in the graduate employability ranking globally and being recognised as the 34th best university in the world, the University of Melbourne is dedicated to facilitating research that solves the social and economic and environmental challenges of the world.

University of Sydney

With over 170 years of expertise in challenging traditions, the University of Sydney has been one of the oldest universities in the country. This Go8 university in Australia offers students several research-oriented programmes with valuable facilities and infrastructure to back the research work of the students.

University of New South Wales

Housing 7 faculties, 47 schools, 63,000+ students and 7,000+ staff, the University of New South Wales has been one of the top schools for international students. With ample research opportunities across a wide range of subjects to numerous facilities, centres and infrastructures to facilitate such research, UNSW is one of the best choices for aspiring researchers.

University of Queensland

Striving for excellence through the “creation, preservation, transfer and application of knowledge”, the University of Queensland is recognised as one of the leading research and education universities in the country. Recognised by several different ranking institutions as one of the best in the country, the University of Queensland also offers a broad range of scholarships and other research opportunities, including professional development training, to prospective researchers.

Monash University

Describing itself as a “modern, global, research-intensive university”, the university has taken strides to address the challenges of climate change, and geopolitical security and help a range of communities thrive, both locally and internationally. Monash University has set up four campuses across the globe, including one in Mumbai, to help the leaders of tomorrow to gain the necessary technical skills, grow as an individual and have an international outlook on their professional journey.

University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia boasts of setting students up for a career with infinite potential, with the help of their global partnerships and curriculum. The university has been ranked and recognised for the quality of teaching, award-winning teachers and demand from aspiring students. The University of Western Australia has also been recognised for having the best Graduate Employability in Western Australia as well.

University of Adelaide

One among the Go8 universities in Australia, the University of Adelaide has been ranked and is recognised to have the best Graduate Employability in South Australia. The university offers ample research opportunities across a number of academic disciplines including agriculture, environment, health & biotech and many more.

Eligibility to Study at Go8 Universities in Australia

For those planning to pursue their higher studies at any one of these reputable Go8 universities in Australia, they must first meet the eligibility criteria. While each university will individually define the minimum requirements to be enrolled in the courses, there are certain criteria that need to be satisfied when applying to any one of the Go8 universities in Australia.

• Academic Transcripts: All courses offered by these universities will require applicants to submit report cards or academic transcripts of the applicant’s performance in the previous academic programme.

• English Language Proficiency Tests: Since English is the language of communication in Australia, international applicants must submit either an IELTS, TOEFL or any other accepted language proficiency test score at the time of application. Each college and course will define the minimum language proficiency scores required to be eligible for admission.

• Entrance Exam Scores: Much like a number of the best universities in the world, the Go8 universities in Australia will also require their applicants to submit entrance exam scores such as GMAT and GRE for admission to a multitude of graduate programmes.

• Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation will be required for a number of courses, especially the graduate programmes offered by the Go8 universities in Australia. Therefore, request 2-3 people to write a letter of recommendation for you before you start your application process.

• Statement of Purpose: Being highly demanded, the Go8 universities will require all applicants to submit at least 1-2 SOPs, outlining the applicant’s motive behind applying for the course and their future goals. Be sure to design your SOP specifically for the course and college you wish to study at.

• Work Experience Certificate: For various graduate programmes, especially an MBA, applicants may be required to submit a work experience certification outlining their previous job profile and their achievements and projects.

It should be noted that the parameters defined above are generic and is a must for most courses offered by the Go8 universities in Australia. However, each university and course will individually define intricate requirements, based on the course objectives and project requirements. Therefore, carefully go through the admission requirements for your desired course at the desired Go8 university in Australia.

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Why Study at Go8 Universities in Australia?

Much like the Ivy League schools in the USA, the Go8 universities in Australia are at the pinnacle of higher education in the country. These universities not only offer the best courses but are among the top 100-150 universities in the world, overall. Along with some of the more recognised degrees, its partnerships with countries, universities and organisations around the world, make these Go8 universities a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity for many students. Here are some reasons why choosing one of the Group of 8 universities in Australia is the right choice for you:

• Globally Ranked Universities: From QS to Times Higher Education ranking lists, the Go8 universities in Australia are mostly ranked within the top 100 universities in the world. In other words, apart from education, these universities have excelled in research, graduate employability, and much more.

• Focused on Research: With a focus on enhancing and developing higher education sustainably, these universities on an annual basis spend and receive billions of dollars. In other words, research students and academicians have ample opportunities to fund their research and make an impact on society.

• Economical Impact: The Go8 universities in Australia have been one of the major contributors to the Australian economy, wherein Go8 consistently has an economic impact of AUD 66.5 billion every year.

Specifically for aspiring researchers in the world, choosing any one of the Group of 8 universities in Australia will be the right choice, as these universities not only focus on enhancing research opportunities but also help facilitate research opportunities at a global level through their partnerships and collaborations with other institutions and organisations across the globe.

Understanding why studying in Australia’s top universities is the best bet for international students is extremely crucial to deciding the success of each candidate. Therefore, it is important to not only research the universities but to also research the graduate employability of the candidates after studying in Australia as well as the future prospects 10 years down the line.