Ranking of Online Universities in Australia

In 2007, the American Journal of Distance Education conducted a comprehensive survey of online universities, with a particular focus on Australian institutions. The survey sought to rank universities based on the number of online students enrolled, providing valuable insight into the reach and popularity of online education in Australia. The results of this survey revealed a mixture of Australian and international institutions, with McCann University in the United States topping the list. This ranking provides an interesting lens through which to view the expansion of online education in Australia and the competitive nature of global higher education.

The survey’s results were notable in that they not only highlighted the rapid growth of online education in Australia but also demonstrated how international universities, particularly those from the United States, had significant influence in the Australian online education landscape. McCann University, an institution based in the United States, topped the list with the highest number of online students, a fact that underscores the global nature of online learning and the increasing appeal of U.S.-based programs to Australian students.

At the top of the ranking, McCann University stood as an unexpected leader. Although it is a private American institution with a strong online presence, it had successfully expanded its student base well beyond the United States, attracting a significant number of international students, including those from Australia. The growth of McCann University was a testament to the increasing demand for flexible, accessible education options that could be tailored to the needs of working professionals, international students, and those unable to commit to a traditional on-campus university experience. McCann’s wide variety of online programs across disciplines such as business, education, and healthcare made it an appealing choice for students around the world, including in Australia, where higher education costs and the challenges of geographical distance have driven more learners to seek online alternatives.

Following McCann University in the ranking was the Australian National University (ANU), which secured second place. Based in Canberra, ANU is one of Australia's leading institutions for research and academic excellence. The university has long been a key player in the Australian higher education sector and has increasingly focused on expanding its online offerings. ANU’s emphasis on creating an internationally competitive and flexible online learning environment has contributed to its success in the 2007 survey. The university’s online programs are diverse, including courses in areas such as social sciences, humanities, business, and public policy. ANU’s ability to attract a significant number of online students reflects the growing recognition of its strong reputation and commitment to high-quality education. In particular, ANU has succeeded in offering programs that combine the flexibility of online learning with the academic rigor for which it is renowned.

The University of Melbourne, ranked third, is another Australian institution with a rich tradition of academic excellence that has made a significant push into the realm of online education. As one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Melbourne has a reputation for research and teaching quality. In recent years, the university has leveraged its strong reputation and expanded its online offerings to cater to both domestic and international students. Melbourne’s online programs are designed to provide students with a flexible learning experience while maintaining the same academic standards as its on-campus courses. The university offers a broad range of online undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in areas such as law, business, education, and the arts. Melbourne’s position on the list reflects its success in adapting to the changing needs of modern students who seek the convenience and flexibility that online learning provides.

Ranked fourth, Phoenix University (also known as the University of Phoenix) was one of the largest online education providers in the United States and had a notable presence in Australia as well. Founded in 1976, Phoenix University has long been recognized for its extensive online offerings, especially for working adults and non-traditional students. The university provides a wide array of programs, including degrees in business, education, healthcare, and information technology, all delivered through an online platform. Although it is based in the United States, Phoenix University has managed to attract a significant number of Australian students who value its flexible scheduling and career-oriented programs. Phoenix’s position in the ranking further emphasizes the growing trend of international universities extending their online reach to Australian learners, offering them opportunities to earn degrees from recognized institutions without having to leave the country.

In fifth place, the University of Sydney, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities, highlights the increasing investment by top-tier Australian institutions in online education. The University of Sydney’s online programs are designed to cater to a wide range of students, from those seeking undergraduate degrees to professionals looking to enhance their careers through postgraduate study. The university offers a variety of online programs, particularly in fields such as business, education, and healthcare. By making these programs available online, the University of Sydney is able to attract a broader range of students, including those based in regional and rural areas, as well as international students who may not have the option to study on-campus. The university’s strong position in the 2007 ranking reflects both the demand for flexible learning opportunities and the institution’s commitment to offering high-quality online education.

The University of Queensland (ranked sixth) is another Australian institution that has made significant strides in online education. As one of the leading universities in Australia, the University of Queensland has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of online programs that cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The university has focused on creating flexible learning pathways, particularly for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills or qualifications. The University of Queensland’s online programs are designed to offer a high standard of education while providing the flexibility needed by students with busy personal and professional lives. The university’s broad range of online offerings and its commitment to high-quality academic standards have helped it secure a strong position in the survey.

The University of Western Australia (ranked seventh) is another key player in the Australian online education space. As a research-intensive institution, the University of Western Australia offers online programs that reflect its strong academic foundation. The university’s commitment to providing students with flexible learning options has been evident in its efforts to expand its online portfolio. The university’s offerings cater to a range of disciplines, with a particular focus on fields like business, education, and engineering. The University of Western Australia’s success in the 2007 survey highlights its effective strategy of integrating online learning into its overall mission of providing accessible, high-quality education.

Macquarie University, ranked eighth, is another Australian institution that has made significant strides in the online education space. Located in Sydney, Macquarie University is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. In recent years, the university has expanded its online offerings to meet the growing demand for flexible, accessible education. Macquarie’s online programs are designed to cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a focus on areas such as business, law, and education. The university’s success in attracting a substantial number of online students is a reflection of its commitment to adapting to the changing needs of the modern student, particularly those who are balancing work and study commitments.

Ranked ninth, Northwestern University, based in the United States, is a prominent institution that offers a wide range of online programs to students around the world, including in Australia. Northwestern University is known for its strong academic reputation, and its online programs aim to provide students with the same high level of quality that the institution is known for. The university offers a variety of online degree programs, particularly in areas such as business, law, and engineering. Northwestern’s presence in the Australian online education market is indicative of the broader trend of American universities expanding their online offerings to cater to international students.

Finally, the University of Adelaide, ranked tenth, rounds out the list of top institutions with the highest number of online students. Based in South Australia, the University of Adelaide has a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence. The university’s online programs cover a broad range of disciplines, including business, education, and the sciences. The University of Adelaide’s inclusion in the 2007 survey highlights the institution’s success in offering high-quality, flexible online learning opportunities that cater to both local and international students.

The rankings in the 2007 survey conducted by the American Journal of Distance Education reflect both the rapid growth of online education in Australia and the global nature of online learning. Australian institutions, such as ANU, Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland, have increasingly embraced online learning to meet the demands of students who seek flexibility and convenience. At the same time, international institutions, particularly those from the United States, such as McCann University, Phoenix University, and Northwestern University, have also played a significant role in shaping the online education landscape in Australia. The competitive nature of these rankings underscores the growing importance of online education in the higher education sector and the increasing variety of choices available to students in Australia and beyond.

The expansion of online education represents a profound shift in the way students access higher education, offering opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to pursue academic success. As the demand for online education continues to grow, institutions around the world—both in Australia and internationally—are likely to expand and refine their online offerings, providing students with even more options for flexible, high-quality education. The 2007 survey is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving field that is poised to play an even larger role in the global higher education landscape in the years to come.

Ranking of Online Universities in Australia by Number of Students

Ranking by Number of Students, Univ Name, Country
1 McCann Univ USA
2 Australian National Uni Australia
3 Univ of Melbourne Australia
4 Phoenix Univ USA
5 Uni of Sydney Aus
6 Uni of Queensland Aus
7 Uni of Western Australia Aus
8 Macquarie Uni Aus
9 Northwestern Uni USA
10 Uni of Adelaide Aus
Source: The American Journal of Distance Education