Best Universities for Finance in Australia: Courses, Rankings and Fees

Australia has become one of the most attractive destinations for students wanting to study finance. The country is home to some of the world's top business schools, a strong and stable economy, and thriving financial hubs such as Sydney and Melbourne. Finance graduates here enjoy opportunities in banking, consulting, investment management, fintech, and accounting.

This guide will help you explore the best universities for finance in Australia, their rankings, courses, fees, scholarships, admission requirements, and career prospects.

Top 10 Best Universities for Finance in Australia

University of Melbourne

• Why Choose: Consistently ranked as Australia's No.1 university for business and economics. It has strong links with global banks, consulting firms, and the CFA Institute.
• Specialisations: Corporate finance, investment management, financial modelling, fintech.
• Fees: AUD 45,000 – 52,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Melbourne is a financial hub with opportunities in banking, accounting, and fintech.

UNSW Sydney

• Why Choose: Renowned for its finance and accounting programs, UNSW's Business School boasts global recognition and a CFA affiliation.
• Specialisations: Master of Finance, Master of Financial Technology (FinTech), risk management, quantitative finance.
• Fees: AUD 44,000 – 50,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Sydney is Australia's largest financial centre, offering abundant networking and internship opportunities.

University of Sydney

• Why Choose: One of the oldest universities with a strong global reputation in commerce and finance. Known for cutting-edge research and industry collaboration.
• Specialisations: Finance, banking, business analytics, and global financial markets.
• Fees: AUD 46,000 – 53,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: The Central Sydney campus is conveniently located near banks, hedge funds, and financial services companies.

Monash University

• Why Choose: Ranked among the top 1% globally, Monash offers practical, research-backed finance degrees and excellent employability.
• Specialisations: Banking & finance, corporate treasury, investment banking.
• Fees: AUD 42,000 – 48,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Located in Melbourne with strong links to Australia's finance industry.

Australian National University (ANU)

• Why Choose: Known for academic rigour and global reputation in economics and finance. Ideal for students aiming for high-level research or policy careers.
• Specialisations: Financial economics, corporate finance, risk analysis, global capital markets.
• Fees: AUD 45,000 – 49,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Canberra's policy and government focus helps students interested in economic advisory or central banking.

Macquarie University

• Why Choose: Home to Australia's largest Applied Finance program and a strong connection with the Sydney financial district.
• Specialisations: Applied finance, financial risk management, fintech.
• Fees: AUD 40,000 – 46,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Situated in Sydney, the city is close to major banks, insurance companies, and trading firms.

University of Queensland (UQ)

• Why Choose: UQ's Business School is globally accredited and offers research and practical learning with strong employer links.
• Specialisations: Investment, portfolio management, financial technology.
• Fees: AUD 43,000 – 48,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Brisbane boasts a thriving finance and tech ecosystem, complemented by lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

RMIT University

• Why Choose: Strong industry-focused programs and modern finance labs. Ideal for students seeking to transition into practical roles quickly.
• Specialisations: Finance, financial planning, quantitative analysis.
• Fees: AUD 38,000 – 45,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Melbourne location with good networking in fintech and banking.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Why Choose: Career-oriented programs with strong industry ties. UTS is well-known for its internships and work-integrated learning programs.
• Specialisations: Corporate finance, investment management, fintech innovation.
• Fees: AUD 39,000 – 46,000 per year.
• Located in the Heart of Sydney's business district, ideal for internships and part-time work.

Deakin University

• Why Choose: Affordable yet well-ranked with practical, industry-aligned finance programs.
• Specialisations: International finance, financial planning, business analytics.
• Fees: AUD 35,000 – 43,000 per year.
• Location Advantage: Melbourne and Geelong campuses with lower living costs and good access to jobs.

Why Study Finance in Australia?

Australia is a global financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region and offers:

• World-class business schools: Many Australian universities consistently rank among the top 100 globally.
• Industry accreditation: Degrees are often aligned with professional bodies like CPA Australia, CFA Institute, ACCA, and CA ANZ.
• Strong economy: Australia's banking and investment sector is robust, with high demand for skilled professionals.
• Post-study work rights: International students can stay and work in the UK for 2–4 years after completing their studies.
• Global employability: Australian finance degrees are recognised worldwide, making it easier to work in other countries.

Overview of Finance Education in Australia

Finance programs in Australia are designed to combine theory with practical application and strong industry links.

• Bachelor of Finance or Commerce (Finance major): Typically, 3 years, covering investment analysis, corporate finance, risk management, and financial modelling.
• Master of Finance: 1–2 years, aimed at graduates wanting to specialise further or switch into finance careers.
• MBA with Finance Specialisation: 1.5–2 years, combining management with advanced finance.
• Accreditation: Many programs are recognised by CPA Australia, CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, CA ANZ, and ACCA.
• Teaching style: Case studies, real-world projects, Bloomberg trading rooms, internships, and networking events with leading banks and consulting firms.

Course Structure for Finance Degrees in Australia

Bachelor's in finance/commerce

A bachelor's degree in finance or commerce with a major in finance in Australia typically takes three years of full-time study. The first year focuses on fundamental business and finance principles, including accounting, economics, statistics, and business law.

As students' progress, they delve deeper into core finance subjects, including corporate finance, investment and portfolio management, derivatives, risk management, and financial modelling. Many universities allow students to specialise in areas like international finance, financial planning, fintech and digital finance, sustainable finance, or wealth management.

Master of Finance / Master of Applied Finance

A master's degree in finance or Applied Finance is a popular choice for students aiming to advance their careers or switch into the finance field. These programs typically last one to two years, depending on the individual's prior academic background and experience.

The curriculum combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical skill-building. Core modules usually include financial analysis and valuation, corporate financial strategy, quantitative finance, advanced investments, and econometrics. Students can then specialise in areas such as fintech and financial technology, risk management, global financial markets, sustainable finance, or computational finance with Python/R.

MBA (Finance Specialisation)

For professionals aiming for leadership roles in finance, an MBA with a Finance specialisation is an excellent choice. These programs last 1.5 to 2 years and blend core business training, such as strategy, leadership, marketing, and corporate governance, with advanced finance subjects, including corporate treasury, mergers & acquisitions, venture capital and private equity, international banking, and risk management.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

• Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with strong grades in mathematics and English.
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or higher, or equivalent TOEFL score.

Master's Degree

• Recognised bachelor's degree in finance, commerce, business, or related field.
• IELTS 6.5–7.0 (TOEFL 90+).
• GMAT is required for some MBA programs.

Documents:
Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), updated resume, academic transcripts, and proof of funds.

Cost of Studying Finance in Australia

Living in Sydney or Melbourne is more expensive due to high rent and transport costs, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and regional cities can be more affordable.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Australia Awards Scholarship – Full tuition + living support for high-achieving international students.
• Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship – Partial fee waivers for top students.
• UNSW International Merit Scholarship – 25–50% tuition discount.
• Sydney Scholars Award – Merit-based awards for postgraduate students.
• Monash International Leadership Scholarship – Tuition fee coverage for outstanding achievers.
• Many universities also offer departmental merit or need-based aid for finance students.

Career Scope & Salaries After Studying Finance in Australia 

Industries: Banking, investment management, consulting, fintech, insurance, accounting, and government financial services.

Post-study work rights: Graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows 2–4 years of work experience, opening pathways to Permanent Residency (PR).

Visa & Post-Study Work Options

• Student Visa (Subclass 500): For full-time courses.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): 2–4 years post-study work rights depending on degree level and location.
• PR pathways available through the Skilled Occupation List for finance-related roles.

Tips to Build a Successful Finance Career in Australia

• Gain additional certifications, such as CFA, CPA, and FRM, for improved employability.
• Network early using LinkedIn, career fairs, and university finance clubs.
• Take internships during your program to gain hands-on experience.
• Strengthen skills in financial modelling, Excel, Python, and data analytics.
• Attend guest lectures and events hosted by leading banks and consulting firms.

Challenges for International Students

• High living costs in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Intense competition for top finance roles (especially investment banking).
• Adapting to workplace culture and networking in Australia.
• Visa rules require careful planning for post-study work and PR.

How to Apply

1. Research and shortlist universities based on rankings, specialisations, and fees.
2. Prepare documents (SOP, LORs, transcripts, resume, IELTS/TOEFL scores).
3. Submit applications via university portals and pay the application fee.
4. Attend interviews or provide GMAT scores if required.
5. Receive and accept an offer letter.
6. Arrange finances and apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Conclusion

Studying finance in Australia opens doors to a world-class education, global career opportunities, and a strong post-study work pathway. Universities such as the University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, and the University of Sydney lead with academic excellence and industry connections, while Monash, ANU, Macquarie, UQ, RMIT, UTS, and Deakin offer flexible, career-driven programs across various budgets.