Best Australian Universities to Study Physical Science Degrees (2024)
As an international student and intending student of physical sciences in Australia, the following guide will assist you in deciding on the most suitable university. The following rankings are according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Top 5 Best Australian Universities to Study Physical Science Degrees in 2024
Here’s a sneak peek at the top universities in Australia for physical sciences. Scroll down for the complete list!
Global Rank 2024 University City
1 55 Australian National University Canberra
2 =72 University of Melbourne Melbourne
3 80 The University of Queensland Brisbane
4 =82 University of Sydney Sydney
5 88 UNSW Sydney Sydney
???? Need the full rankings? Read the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Physical Sciences 2025.
What Are Physical Sciences?
Physical sciences encompass subjects such as:
Mathematics & Statistics
Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry
Geology & Earth Sciences
Environmental & Marine Sciences
Why Study Physical Sciences?
A physical sciences degree can open the way to many exciting careers. In addition to teaching and research, these skills are valuable for:
Technology & innovation
Climate change & environmental policy
Engineering & computing
Patent law & scientific research
In Australia, the majority of universities have a 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, with the opportunity for an honors 4th year. There are also specialized degrees such as Bachelor of Mathematics. A number of programs also incorporate work placements or internships to provide students with practical experience.
Full List: Top Universities for Physical Science in Australia (2024)
1. Australian National University (ANU) – Rank #55 Globally
???? Location: Canberra
???? Key Features
Provides majors in maths, astronomy, chemistry, Earth sciences, and physics.
Optional 4th-year honors program for increased specialization.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Mathematical Science offered.
High research emphasis, such as quantum optics & nuclear physics.
Graduates employed at leading companies like Google and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Thrilling field trips to destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Japan, and Vietnam.
2. University of Melbourne – Rank #72 Worldwide
???? Location: Melbourne
???? Key Features:
Established in 1853, Australia’s one of the oldest universities.
Celebrity professors, including Nobel laureate Peter Doherty.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in chemistry, physics, maths, geology, etc.
Internships & volunteer work (e.g., tutoring, Science Gallery).
Mentorship scheme linking students with industry professionals.
3. The University of Queensland – Rank #80 Globally
???? Where: Brisbane
???? Key Features:
Founded in 1909, with a particular emphasis on research.
Physical sciences divided into three schools:
Mathematics & Physics
Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Provides Bachelor of Mathematics (specialized) and Bachelor of Science (flexible).
Minors offered are astrophysics, data analytics, and chemistry.
4. University of Sydney – Rank #82 Globally
???? Location: Sydney
???? Key Features:
One of Australia’s earliest universities (established in 1850).
Eight science schools, including chemistry, physics, maths, geosciences, etc.
Fields of study are AI, renewable energy, and nanoscience.
Undergrad & postgrad options available.
5. UNSW Sydney – Rank #88 Globally
???? Location: Sydney
???? Key Features:
Students have the option to try various subjects before they pick a major in Year 2.
Choices include maths, physics, chemistry, Earth sciences, and statistics.
Research-based postgraduate degrees (thesis required).
Internships & study overseas to enhance career opportunities.
Complete Rankings (2024)
Aus Rank Global Rank University City
1 =55 Australian National University Canberra
2 =72 University of Melbourne Melbourne
3= 80 The University of Queensland Brisbane
4 =82 University of Sydney Sydney
5 =88 UNSW Sydney Sydney
6 =90 Monash University Melbourne
7= 101–125 University of Adelaide Adelaide
8= 126–150 Curtin University Perth
9 =151–175 Macquarie University Sydney
10= 151–175 Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn
11 =151–175 University of Technology Sydney Sydney
12= 151–175 The University of Western Australia Perth
13 =151–175 University of Wollongong Wollongong
14 =201–250 Griffith University Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane=14
201–250
RMIT University
Melbourne =14
201–250
University of Tasmania
Hobart=18
251–300
University of Newcastle
Callaghan=18
251–300
University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba=20
301–400
James Cook University
Cairns, Townsville=20
301–400
La Trobe University
Melbourne=20
301–400
Western Sydney University
Sydney=23
401–500
Charles Darwin University
Casuarina=23
401–500
Murdoch University
Murdoch=25
501–600
University of South Australia
Adelaide=25
501–600
Southern Cross University
Lismore=27
601–800
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst=27
601–800
Flinders University
Adelaide
What Can You Do With a Physical Science Degree?
Chemistry degree → Work in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or research.
Geology degree → Careers in mining, oil & gas, or environmental consulting.
Mathematics degree → Jobs in finance, data science, or cryptography.
Astronomy degree → Space agencies, research, or academia.
Physics degree → Renewable energy, quantum computing, or engineering.