Best universities in Australia for computer science 2026
Discover the Times Higher Education rankings for the best universities for IT and computer science in Australia 2026.
This ranking highlights the best IT universities in Australia showcasing 30 universities excelling in teaching, research, and industry collaboration. These universities are recognised for their strong technological impact and academic expertise.
Institutions across Australia are assessed based on core criteria, including research quality, learning environment, and international outlook, helping students make informed choices.
The rankings are built on a rigorous methodology trusted by students, academics, and industry professionals worldwide.
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Top Computer Science Schools ranked in Australia 2026
| Australia Computer Science 2026 | Global Computer Science 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | 53 | University of Melbourne | 72.6 | 67.2 | 64.5 | 79.7 | 78.4 | 91.4 |
| 2 | =63 | Monash University | 69.6 | 50.9 | 48.5 | 98.3 | 90.1 | 94.5 |
| 3 | 68 | The University of Sydney | 67.8 | 48.5 | 47.5 | 98.2 | 78.3 | 96.3 |
| 4 | =78 | UNSW Sydney | 65.1 | 39.6 | 48.3 | 93.4 | 91.5 | 93.5 |
| 5 | =83 | Australian National University | 64.1 | 43.1 | 43.6 | 94.8 | 78 | 94.6 |
| 6 | 92 | University of Technology Sydney | 62.2 | 34.2 | 36.7 | 97.4 | 99.7 | 96.4 |
| 7 | 96 | Adelaide University | 59.5 | 26.9 | 38.2 | 95.3 | 99.9 | 94.9 |
| 8 | 126–150 | The University of Queensland | 54.0–55.9 | 30.8 | 29.6 | 90.3 | 74.9 | 90.2 |
| =9 | 151–175 | Deakin University | 52.0–53.9 | 29.4 | 24.4 | 91.6 | 77.5 | 95.5 |
| =9 | 151–175 | Macquarie University | 52.0–53.9 | 22 | 26.1 | 90.8 | 81.3 | 92.4 |
| =9 | 151–175 | Swinburne University of Technology | 52.0–53.9 | 25.4 | 24.5 | 94.6 | 78 | 84 |
| =12 | 176–200 | Griffith University | 49.5–51.9 | 24.6 | 20.7 | 95 | 62.3 | 95.2 |
| =12 | 176–200 | Queensland University of Technology | 49.5–51.9 | 23 | 26.5 | 92 | 77.9 | 81.8 |
| =14 | 201–250 | La Trobe University | 47.1–49.4 | 23.2 | 21.7 | 85.9 | 67.8 | 95.6 |
| =14 | 201–250 | RMIT University | 47.1–49.4 | 28.7 | 25.4 | 74.8 | 75.6 | 93.2 |
| =14 | 201–250 | The University of Western Australia | 47.1–49.4 | 18.7 | 24.3 | 83 | 73.4 | 95.8 |
| =17 | 251–300 | Charles Darwin University | 45.3–47.0 | 15.2 | 17.4 | 95.6 | 31.5 | 96.6 |
| =17 | 251–300 | University of Wollongong | 45.3–47.0 | 22.9 | 21.1 | 77.8 | 69.1 | 97.7 |
| =19 | 301–400 | Edith Cowan University | 41.5–45.2 | 15.3 | 12.8 | 83.8 | 57.1 | 84.7 |
| =19 | 301–400 | University of Newcastle | 41.5–45.2 | 18.2 | 18.2 | 79.4 | 63.5 | 96 |
| =19 | 301–400 | University of Southern Queensland | 41.5–45.2 | 16.3 | 17.6 | 82.1 | 45 | 96.8 |
| =19 | 301–400 | Western Sydney University | 41.5–45.2 | 24.6 | 19.5 | 69.4 | 66.3 | 92.5 |
| =23 | 401–500 | Central Queensland University | 38.3–41.4 | 15.1 | 12.6 | 77.3 | 35.6 | 83.9 |
| =23 | 401–500 | Curtin University | 38.3–41.4 | 18.7 | 14.5 | 65.4 | 64.6 | 94.2 |
| =23 | 401–500 | Flinders University | 38.3–41.4 | 19.9 | 20.7 | 64.6 | 53.6 | 95.3 |
| =23 | 401–500 | Murdoch University | 38.3–41.4 | 9 | 10.9 | 76.4 | 62.4 | 94.1 |
| =23 | 401–500 | University of Tasmania | 38.3–41.4 | 18.3 | 14.9 | 65.9 | 71.3 | 94.2 |
| =28 | 501–600 | Federation University Australia | 35.5–38.2 | 15.1 | 10.9 | 67.9 | 43.6 | 93 |
| =28 | 501–600 | Victoria University | 35.5–38.2 | 14.9 | 12.6 | 72.5 | 44 | 75.2 |
| 30 | 601–800 | Charles Sturt University | 30.0–35.4 | 17.5 | 10.8 | 56.1 | 47 | 75.6 |
Key Insights into the Best Computer Science Schools in Australia
- University of Melbourne is ranked in the top position as the best university for IT and computer science in Australia.
- The University of Sydney secured third place, maintaining its strong reputation in research and innovation.
- The University of Technology Sydney dropped one place to just outside the top five.
- A total of 30 universities in Australia are ranked, demonstrating the country’s diverse and competitive landscape in computer science education.
Choosing the right university in Australia for Computer Science
Computer science is one of the fastest growing industries, with new jobs and specialties cropping up all the time.
The tech sector in Australia is bolstered by investments across major infrastructure including the National Broadband Network (NBN).
A popular student destination, Australia is well known for its high-quality education as well as its broad career opportunities.
Selecting the right university is essential for a successful career in computer science. The Times Higher Education rankings evaluate institutions based on five key factors:
· Research Environment – The quality and impact of research conducted by the university.
· Teaching Quality – The learning environment, faculty expertise, and student experience.
· Research Quality – The depth and influence of academic research in the field.
· Industry Collaboration – The university’s partnerships with companies and real-world applications.
· International Outlook – The diversity of students and faculty, and global academic influence.
The table for the best universities for computer science in Australia was derived from data collected for the THE World University Rankings by subject: Computer Science. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics. For further insight and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
