Group of Eight and Australian Universities: Compared by Migration Goal

What is the Group of Eight?

The Group of Eight (Go8) is an alliance of Australia’s eight leading research universities: the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the Australian National University (ANU), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Monash University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Western Australia.

All eight rank highly internationally (in the QS World Rankings and the THE Rankings), focus on research, and are often regarded as more prestigious than other Australian universities.

What does Go8 mean in a migration context?

EOI points: A degree from any Australian university — Go8 or not — earns the same points for the Australian Study Requirement in an EOI. The Department of Home Affairs does not distinguish between a Go8 degree and a regional university degree in the points-test system.

Skills assessment: Skills assessing authorities (ACS, EA, VETASSESS and others) assess a qualification by its course content, not the reputation of the university. Some engineering programs at regional universities are recognised by EA just as well as Go8 programs.

Industry connections: Go8 universities often have wider alumni networks and industry relationships — this can affect access to internships and employment in Australia, and indirectly affects EOI points through Australian work experience.

When is a Go8 university the right choice?

Research or a PhD: The Go8 has a clear advantage in research facilities, well-known academic staff, and research funding. If your goal is a PhD or academic research, a Go8 university is the right choice.

Medicine and law: Some fields such as medicine, law and dentistry at Go8 universities carry strong reputations and excellent networks. Graduating in medicine from UNSW, Melbourne or Queensland can open different doors than graduating from a lesser-known provider.

When the qualification carries weight as an impression: Some fields (international finance, consulting) and some large employers tend to recruit more heavily from Go8 universities.

When is a Go8 university not essential?

Cost: Go8 universities are often considerably more expensive than other Australian universities. If your budget is limited, the money saved by studying at a non-Go8 university could be invested in work experience or later PR costs.

Location and regional visas: Some states run nomination programs (subclass 190/491 visas) that prioritise people living or studying in that state. Choosing a provider in a state that needs workers (for example, South Australia, Tasmania or the NT) can make the PR journey easier than studying in Sydney or Melbourne, even at a non-Go8 university.

Practical engineering and IT: Some non-Go8 universities have very hands-on IT and engineering programs, strong industry partnerships, and high graduate employment rates. This matters more than the university’s name when lodging an ACS or EA assessment.

What really matters: the program, not the ranking

For migration purposes, the most important things are:

1. A program recognised by the relevant skills assessing authority (ACS, EA, TRA and others) for the occupation you want.
2. Employment opportunities in the field — internships, placements, industry connections.
3. Location — relevant to state nomination and regional bonus points.
4. Total cost — tuition plus living expenses in that city.

A degree from a regional university plus Australian work experience in a relevant field often delivers higher EOI points than a Go8 degree with no work experience.

Other university groupings in Australia

Besides the Go8, Australia also has:

• ATN (Australian Technology Network): practice- and technology-focused universities — RMIT, UTS, Curtin, QUT and others.
• Innovative Research Universities (IRU): James Cook, Griffith, La Trobe, Murdoch, Flinders, Newcastle, Western Sydney.
• Regional universities: Deakin, Charles Darwin, Southern Cross — often in more remote areas with lower living costs.

Each grouping has its own strengths for different fields and goals. Do not dismiss them simply because they are not part of the Go8.