Where to Study Neuroscience in Australia: Universities, Pathways and Entry Requirements

Australia offers world-class options for students who want to study neuroscience in Australia, from undergraduate majors through to master’s and PhD programs. Below is a concise guide to leading universities, pathways, entry criteria, costs, and how Skills Campus can support your application from start to finish.

Quick answer #

Top places to study neuroscience in Australia include:

• University of Melbourne (affiliations with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health): https://www.unimelb.edu.au
• University of Sydney (Brain and Mind Centre): https://www.sydney.edu.au/brain-mind.html
• University of Queensland (Queensland Brain Institute): https://qbi.uq.edu.au/
• Monash University (Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health): https://www.monash.edu/turner-institute
• UNSW Sydney (School of Psychology and Medicine): https://www.unsw.edu.au
• Australian National University (Eccles Institute of Neuroscience): https://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/research/centres/eccles-institute-neuroscience
• University of Western Australia (Neuroscience major): https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/undergraduate/neuroscience
• University of Adelaide (neuroscience within biomedical/medical sciences): https://www.adelaide.edu.au

Top Australian universities for neuroscience #

While many Australian universities offer neuroscience study options, these institutions are frequently recognised for breadth of coursework, lab facilities, and research output:

• University of Melbourne – Study neuroscience through science or biomedicine pathways, with access to the Florey Institute and partner hospitals. https://study.unimelb.edu.au
• University of Sydney – Strong undergraduate majors and research via the Brain and Mind Centre, with opportunities in translational brain science. https://www.sydney.edu.au
• University of Queensland – The Queensland Brain Institute supports advanced coursework, Honours, and research degrees across cellular, cognitive, and computational neuroscience. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/
• Monash University – Robust neuroscience, neurophysiology and cognitive neuroscience options, complemented by the Turner Institute and affiliated clinics. https://www.monash.edu
• UNSW Sydney – Interdisciplinary neuroscience via science, psychology, and medicine, with strong links to clinical and imaging facilities. https://www.unsw.edu.au
• ANU – Study and research with the Eccles Institute within the John Curtin School of Medical Research. https://www.anu.edu.au
• UWA – Offers a defined Neuroscience major and pathways into Honours and higher degrees by research. https://www.uwa.edu.au
• University of Adelaide – Neuroscience taught through biomedical, medical and health sciences with strong translational research opportunities. https://www.adelaide.edu.au

Other universities with relevant options include Macquarie University (cognitive and brain sciences), Griffith University, Deakin University (biomedical science with neuroscience streams), University of Newcastle, University of Tasmania (Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre), and Western Sydney University.

Undergraduate, postgraduate and research pathways #

• Undergraduate: Most universities offer a Neuroscience major within the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Typical core areas include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular neuroscience, cognition, and neuroimaging. Consider an Honours year for research preparation.
• Postgraduate coursework (Masters): Options may include a Master of Neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, or specialised master’s within biomedical/psychological sciences. These provide advanced labs, electives, and sometimes industry or clinical placements.
• Higher Degrees by Research (PhD/MPhil): Join a lab aligned to your interests (e.g., neurodegeneration, systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, neuroengineering). Strong applicants typically have Honours or a research master’s and a defined research proposal.

Entry requirements and admissions #

• Academic: For bachelor’s, Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with prerequisite subjects (often Mathematics, Chemistry and/or Biology). For master’s, a relevant bachelor’s degree; for PhD, Honours or a master’s with a research thesis.
• English language: Universities commonly accept IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic. Check specific minimums on each university’s website.
• International students: You’ll typically need a Student visa (subclass 500). Details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
• Course registration: Confirm the program is CRICOS-registered for international students: https://cricos.education.gov.au/
• Quality assurance: Australian higher education is regulated by TEQSA: https://www.teqsa.gov.au/

Costs, scholarships and funding #

• Tuition fees: International undergraduate science/biomed degrees often range from approximately AUD $38,000–$55,000 per year; master’s programs can be similar or higher depending on lab components. Domestic fees vary by CSP/fee status.
• Living costs: Budget for accommodation, transport, and health cover (OSHC for international students).
• Scholarships: Universities offer merit and research scholarships; PhD candidates may access stipends and fee waivers. See each university’s scholarships page.

Careers in neuroscience #

Graduates pursue roles in research assistantships, laboratory management, clinical trials, neurotechnology and medical devices, data science and neuroinformatics, pharmaceutical R&D, cognitive science, and pathways to clinical training (e.g., psychology, medicine). Advanced roles typically require Honours, master’s or a PhD.

How to choose the right program #

• Review core subjects and electives to confirm fit with your interests (e.g., computational neuroscience vs. molecular neuroscience).
• Check research strengths and labs (QBI, Florey, Turner Institute, Eccles Institute, Brain and Mind Centre).
• Consider availability of Honours, research projects, and industry or clinical placements.
• Assess campus location, facilities, and student support services.

Frequently asked questions #

What are the best universities for neuroscience in Australia? Leading options include the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash, UNSW, ANU, UWA, and University of Adelaide.

Can international students study neuroscience in Australia? Yes. Ensure the program is CRICOS-registered and that you meet academic and English requirements, and secure a Student visa (subclass 500).

Do I need Honours to enter a neuroscience PhD? At many universities, Honours or a research master’s is preferred or required; check specific entry rules.

Important links #

• Student visa (subclass 500): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
• CRICOS course search: https://cricos.education.gov.au/
• TEQSA (quality assurance): https://www.teqsa.gov.au/
• Queensland Brain Institute: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/
• Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health: https://florey.edu.au/
• Turner Institute (Monash): https://www.monash.edu/turner-institute
• Brain and Mind Centre (USYD): https://www.sydney.edu.au/brain-mind.html
• Eccles Institute (ANU): https://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/research/centres/eccles-institute-neuroscience

Next steps #

Choosing the right neuroscience degree in Australia is easier with expert guidance. Skills Campus can help you shortlist programs, prepare applications, optimise statements, and navigate visas.

Learn more about Skills Campus: https://skillscampus.com.au/
Speak with an education advisor: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact

Note: Program details and availability can change. Always confirm requirements on the official university website.