Griffith University vs University of Queensland

Griffith University vs University of Queensland

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Griffith University, founded in 1971, has established itself as a reputable global institution with a top-300 world ranking (QS 2026 ~#255–260; THE 2025 ~#251–300). It has a special strength in Hospitality & Tourism, Nursing, Performing Arts, Environmental Science, and Business, with its own tourism course in the worldwide top 10. The University of Queensland (UQ), established in 1909, is one of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight (Go8) universities and is ranked solidly in the global top 50 every year (QS 2026 #43; THE 2025 #53). UQ is strong in Life Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences, and worldwide known for innovative research, such as the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

General Information

Griffith University operates six campuses throughout South East Queensland and caters to around 50,000 students, with a culturally diverse student population comprising many international students. It is renowned for its innovative, industry-relevant degrees and flexible study options. University of Queensland, based in Brisbane, Queensland, boasts a massive student population of over 55,000, with over 20,000 being international students, and provides an exhaustive list of programs across all broad discipline fields. While Griffith is newer and more contemporary in approach, UQ boasts historic fame and global recognition.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Griffith University's acceptance rate is moderate at around 50–60%, and admission is heavily based on academic achievement, ATAR scores, or equivalent international scores. UQ is more competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 40%, needing higher entry standards academically (ATAR 85+ or international equivalent) and good English language proficiency. Highly competitive programs at UQ, including Medicine, Dentistry, and Law, only accept top-ranked applicants.

Research Impact & Facilities

Griffith has formed powerful clusters of research in climate change, water supply, tourism, criminology, and nursing, with niche facilities such as the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery. UQ is a world research leader with world-class institutes such as the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, and the Centre for Advanced Imaging. UQ attracts much more research funding and publishes more high-impact global research than Griffith.

Cost & Financial Aid

International student tuition at Griffith is approximately AUD $32,000–$37,000 per annum, varying with the program. UQ charges more, between AUD $36,000–$45,000 per annum. Both institutions offer scholarships to international students, although Griffith has a larger number of merit-based awards in a bid to lure foreign students, with UQ having more competitive research and academic scholarships.

Graduate Studies & Research

Griffith alumni are highly valued in tourism, hospitality, creative industries, nursing, and criminology with average graduate salaries of about AUD $70,000 (INR 38 lakh) per year. UQ alumni have greater international recognition and better employability rates, especially in STEM, law, business, and medical sciences with average salaries of about AUD $90,000 (INR 49 lakh). Griffith's alumni are strong in applied industries, whereas UQ alumni are comprised of Rhodes Scholars, Nobel winners, and leaders in academia, politics, and business.