Ulster University vs University of Queensland

Ulster University vs University of Queensland

Ulster University is a Northern Ireland (UK) public university with several campuses. It has about 27,000 students enrolled. Its admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate 81%.Ulster has areas of strength in Biomedical Sciences, Art & Design, Built Environment, Computing, Nursing, and Social Sciences. The UK-standard graduation rate is good, and graduates secure average salaries of around INR 44,00,000 (? £41,000) in 10 years. Ulster specializes in applied research, regional development, and professional training.

The University of Queensland (UQ), at Brisbane, Queensland. It has around 55,000 students, comprising a significant international population. Admissions are competitive,with acceptance rate 40%. The University of Queensland especially in medicine, law, and engineering. UQ leading in Engineering, Medicine, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Business, and Humanities. The employability rate for graduates is high, and alumni have median salaries of approximately INR 55,00,000 (? AUD 100,000 in mid-career salary).

Overview Comparison
Ulster UniversityThe University of Queensland
Collegedunia Score4.4 Out of 106.3 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 51 The Guardian 2026
# 601 Times Higher Education 2026
# 609 QS World University 2026
# 42 QS World University 2026
# 80 Times Higher Education 2026
# 40 QS World University 2025
Subject Strength# 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
# 87 for Law by The Guardian 2026
# 68 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 75 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 61 for Law by QS World University 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -92
PG Programs -16
UG Programs -85
PG Programs -76
Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate81.0 %40.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6
PTE-55
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
PTE-64
TOEFL-87
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   18376.5
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  18376.5
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 19392 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   34960
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  45120
[For PG Program]
placement (average package)

The programs and the average salary are as follows:

Masters in Management; $68,000

Bachelor (Other): $60,000

Masters in Finance: $53,000

Bachelor of Arts: $52,000

Masters in Science: $41,000

Other Degree: $40,000 


Graduate Employability Rankings #57; Top recruiters- Aecom Corporation; RACQ; GREENCROSS; News Corp, etc.; Highest paid degrees- MBA (201,000 USD); LLM (175,000 USD); Masters in Science (91,000 USD); Masters of Arts (87,000 USD); Masters in Management (80,000 USD).


application requirements

Submit official transcripts of all previous education completed

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Complete program specific requirements

Fulfill General Entry Requirements
English language proficiency

CollegeDunia Reviews7.4/10 Read 3 reviews8.0/10 Read 25 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking-# 68 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
# 68 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
application--
exam scoresIELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 55/90TOEFL - 80/120IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 87/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -17810Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesJun 22, 2026 (Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake)
Jul 7, 2026 (Deadline for Meet conditions of your offer)
Jul 25, 2026 (Deadline of International Deposit for Fall 2026 Intake)
Aug 11, 2026 (Deadline of CAS Request for Fall 2026 Intake)
May 31, 2025 (Semester 2 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake)
Nov 30, 2025 (Semester 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUlster UniversityThe University of Queensland
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1968
1909
Student:Faculty Ratio20:1
:1
Male:Female44% Male, 56% Female46% Male, 0% Female
Location Facts

University has four distinct campuses across Northern Ireland - Belfast, Coleraine, Londonderry and Jordanstown. Courses are also delivered at branch campuses in London and Birmingham.


Located in Brisbane with three campuses. The main campus of the suburbs of St Lucia is bordered by a meander in Brisbane river to east, south, and north.


Library

Library provides various resources, learning spaces, study spaces, computer facilities, e-books, journals, publication etc.


2.17 million book titles,
158,000 journals (electronic and print)
65,000 conference papers,
20,000 theses,
165,000 physical items.


Campus Life

With four distinct campuses across Northern Ireland, it is the student experience that sets Ulster University apart. From renowned teaching inspired by world-class research, to first class resources and facilities, all within an inclusive, supportive learning environment, the university places ambition at the heart of everything it does to ensure that students excel and unleash their full potential. Ulster University Sports Services offers state of the art facilities and programmes for athletes of all ages. Sports Services membership and facilities are open to students, staff and members of the public. At Student Wellbeing the university provides many services to help students through their time at Ulster University. 


100+ research centers, 220 clubs, and society, on-campus 6-museums, music festivals, parties, film screenings, etc. 


Hostel#Derry~Londonderry campus (single room - $4560
#Coleraine campus (single - $6288
#Belfast campus (single room - $6384
-
Famous Alumni

Brian Humphries (former Cognizant CEO),

musician David Lyttle,

film producer Michael Riley

poets including Gerald Dawe, Brendan Hamill


Drew Pavlou (Australian Activist), Peter Varghese (Chancellor of UQ), Kim Wilkins (Writer), Di Farmer (Politician), Jon Coghill (Australian Drummer), Elton Mayo (Psychologist), Jack Thompson (actor). 


City Life

Coleraine is the informal capital of the Causeway Coast and has all the modern amenities you need and has great historical significance too. This thriving town is busy all year round as it plays host to many National and International visitors who come to visit the Causeway Coast. Coleraine is within a few miles of some of the worlds most impressive coastal views natural attractions and pristine beaches. A pedestrian town centre makes shopping a safe and pleasurable experience. Many of the high street chains have shops in Coleraine and the independent local businesses, cafes, restaurants and pubs are great. The two independent department stores, well loved by the locals, Moores and Dixons, provide great all round shopping for yourself or others.  Each has a restaurant and have been around for many years. The opportunities for indoor and outdoor leisure pursuits are many. The leisure centre based in town offers a complex of pools, gym, health suite, sports hall and cafe and is open 7 days. 


Weekend getaways to rainforest, waterfalls, beaches and islands, a cultural hub of art galleries and museums, sunshine weather (lack of winters), One of the top-paying cities, the unemployment rate of Queensland is 6.8%


Weather
Comparison Notes

Ulster University vs University of Queensland

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Queensland is a world-ranked university, standing at 42 in QS and 77th place in Times Higher Education, with special strengths in life sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, business, and social sciences. Ulster University, based in Northern Ireland, stands at 609 in QS and 601–800th in Times Higher Education. Ulster has a good regional reputation in nursing, biomedical sciences, business, art and design, and computing, but not as much as UQ globally.

General Information

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's top Group of Eight universities, with around 55,000 students and both Brisbane and surrounding areas campuses. It is a global power for research with international collaborations and strong global alumni. Ulster University has around 27,000 students spread across its Belfast, Coleraine, Derry/Londonderry, and Jordanstown campuses. It is a significant player in Northern Ireland's higher education sector, integrating teaching, professional practice, and applied research.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UQ is very competitive, particularly for overseas students, and is based on good grades to gain entry. Some of the popular courses like medicine, engineering, and law are especially picky. Ulster has a less competitive profile for admissions, particularly for UK and EU students, although some areas like nursing and computing are more competitive.

Research Impact & Facilities

UQ is a top-tier (R1-equivalent) research university with a global impact in medical work, vaccine development (such as the COVID-19 vaccine program), agriculture, engineering, and environmental sciences. Ulster's emphasis is on professional and applied research, with areas of strength in biomedical sciences, nursing, computing, and social policy. It generates a high contribution to regional innovation but not to the same degree as UQ's global research or funding.

Cost & Financial Aid

For overseas students, the costs at UQ vary between AUD $35,000–$47,000 per annum based on the course of study. Australian domestic students have subsidized fees underwritten by the government. Ulster is significantly lower in cost, with international undergraduate fees of £15,000–£18,000 annually, and a reduced rate for home (UK/Irish) students. Both institutions provide scholarships, though UQ's are more international in scope.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UQ graduates are very employable globally, with alumni in multinational corporations, research institutes, governments, and NGOs. Its global alumni base is one of its biggest strengths. Ulster's alumni base is more regionally focused, with strong regional placements in healthcare, education, business, and creative industries in Northern Ireland and the UK. While Ulster has strong regional employability, UQ has more international opportunities thanks to its global ranking and recognition.