University of Melbourne vs RMIT University

University of Melbourne vs RMIT University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Melbourne is positioned at No. 19 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the highest for any Australian university. This is a drop from No. 13 in the previous year, but its score improved to 90.8, including very high scores in academic reputation (99.7) and employer reputation, as well as an overall positive sustainability performance. It continues to be the leading Australian university in the Times Higher Education rankings at No. 39, and in the Academic Ranking of World Universities at No. 37. In terms of subject performance, the university is ranked in the top 50 or better in the world in Arts & Humanities (23rd), Engineering & Technology (? 50), Life Sciences & Medicine (15th), Natural Sciences (? 49), and Social Sciences & Management (27th). It is also ranked in the top 20 in the world in Sports-Related Subjects, Law, and Education (038). As for RMIT University, it is ranked at No. 125 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, an improvement from No. 123 in 2025 and No. 140 in 2024, and between 251–300 in the Times Higher Education rankings globally. RMIT has a good deal of global recognition and ranking in certain fields: in QS subject rankings, the university has very good positions in Arts & Design, Architecture & Built Environment, and Communication & Media Studies, and Mathematics, and in the QS Sustainability rankings (2024), is around No. 80 in the world overall, which reflects RMIT's impact in the social (54th) and governance (31st) aspects of sustainability and strengths in applied and creative disciplines.

General Information

Founded in 1853, The University of Melbourne is a notable public research university and a founding member of Australia’s esteemed Group of Eight. Along with this distinction, the institution is renowned for its research intensity as well as its academic reputation. The university is well regarded in the higher education sector of the country. Furthermore, The University of Melbourne has a total student enrolment of 46,760, of which international students account for almost half, and it employs more than 3,500 staff members. RMIT University is a public university that stands out for its strong industry partnerships and applied education offered on its various campuses. It is also one of the largest universities in Australia, with student numbers on par with those of the University of Melbourne, and provides numerous vocational, design, technology, and creative arts courses.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The exact admission rates of these universities are not public; The University of Melbourne is a well-known research university, so its admissions are more competitive and fewer students get in, especially for majors in high demand. On the other hand, RMIT is more generous with admissions compared to the University of Melbourne, and its rates are higher, especially for its vocational and applied programs. The exact acceptance rates are not available in the data given.

Research Impact & Facilities

Much like we know the University of Melbourne for its top-notch research in all fields, like medicine, science, the humanities, and social and behavioural sciences, as a research-intensive GO8 university, it takes the top spot in research grants across Australia and performs well in global rankings. While not a member of the GO8, RMIT University has a focus on applied research in the areas of technology, design, and sustainability, and it has achieved notable international recognition in sustainability impact rankings, highlighting its strength in industry-connected and practical research.

Cost & Financial Aid

None of the materials we looked at contained full information on tuition and aid. The University of Melbourne, as a research public institution, likely follows the same tuition fee schedule as other similar institutions for both local and overseas students, and it probably also offers scholarships and support programs. RMIT also offers vocational training and has a strong international student base, and it probably offers financial and scholarship aid. However, you would need to check with their official student affairs for precise information.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

The University of Melbourne graduates enjoy its world-renowned name, solid employer reviews, and vast professional connections, particularly in medicine, law, academia, business, and research. RMIT graduates do particularly well in creative industries, design, media, and technologies, as well as with hands-on training and projects that prepare them for the work force. Whereas RMIT graduates do well in applied fields and industry locally, the University of Melbourne’s name does offer a better reach globally.