As the proverb says, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” journalism uses reporting, investigation, and storytelling to help the public understand events and issues. It is a broad field with career paths across print, broadcast, audio, video, and digital media. International students can study journalism and related media and communication programs in Australia.
Several Australian universities offer journalism or closely related media and communication degrees. Let’s take a look at the top universities in Australia to study journalism!
Top Schools Offering Journalism Programs in Australia
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is ranked first in Australia in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. It offers a Bachelor of Arts major in Media and Communications as well as postgraduate journalism programs, including the Master of Journalism. These programs develop skills in researching, analyzing, and presenting news across text, audio, video, and photo formats while examining the principles and practices of contemporary journalism.
Students in the Master of Journalism may complete a capstone placement and professional project under industry-standard supervision. International students can also search the university’s official scholarship database for awards for which they may be eligible. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and coverage vary by award.
2. University of Sydney
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
- Meet University of Sydney Scholars: Read stories of students studying at Sydney, including Dany from Cambodia and Minh-Hieu from Vietnam
The University of Sydney‘s Bachelor of Media and Communications provides professional training in media production and develops skills in written news and feature journalism, audio and video production, social media, and public relations. The degree also covers contemporary legal and ethical issues and incorporates studio-based learning and an internship opportunity.
At the postgraduate level, the Master of Media Practice offers training relevant to multiplatform journalism and digital content work, with electives such as interviewing, online journalism, podcasting, audio design, and video production. Ph.D. research supervision is also available in Media and Communications. The university additionally has a broad arts and social sciences alumni community that includes graduates working across writing, media, filmmaking, public policy, and related fields.
3. Monash University
Monash University is ranked third in Australia in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Its School of Media, Film and Journalism offers undergraduate journalism study through the Bachelor of Media Communication and the Bachelor of Arts, as well as the Master of Journalism and graduate research opportunities in journalism and related fields.
The Bachelor of Media Communication includes a journalism specialization that combines theory with practical work across digital, audio, video, and print platforms. The Master of Journalism develops investigative, ethical, interviewing, research, and storytelling skills. Eligible undergraduate students may also complete a professional placement with a host organization in the news media industry. Monash provides broader career and employability services, including career advice, industry experiences, networking opportunities, and professional-development resources.
4. University of Queensland
“Knowledge leadership for a better world” is the vision of the University of Queensland (UQ). UQ was established through a 1909 Act of the Queensland Parliament and was officially founded in 1910. Its Bachelor of Journalism emphasizes production, editing, creative storytelling, and reporting across online, broadcast, written, and social media formats.
The Bachelor of Journalism includes courses such as Journalistic Investigation, Video Journalism, and International Journalism and Mass Communication. UQ also states that students can undertake internships through partnerships with major national and international media outlets. At the postgraduate level, UQ offers a Master of Communication with fields such as Strategic Communication and Communication for Social Change. These are communication fields rather than specializations within the Bachelor of Journalism.
5. University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is based in Australia and has additional campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. Its current journalism option at the Wollongong campus is the Bachelor of Communication and Media with a Journalism major. For international students commencing in 2026, UOW lists indicative total tuition of AUD 108,864 for the standard three-year course. Tuition is reviewed annually and may increase during the period of study.
UOW’s journalism major provides hands-on training in journalism, converging media, digital communication, and multimedia storytelling. The university offers international scholarships with different eligibility and coverage conditions. For example, the limited UOW Future Leaders Scholarship for eligible 2026 applicants offered a 100% tuition-fee reduction for up to four years, subject to its selection criteria, eligible-course rules, and application period. Research scholarships may separately include tuition support, living allowances, or stipends for eligible higher degree research students.
6. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is ranked 19th globally and first in Australia for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its Bachelor of Communication in Journalism emphasizes practical writing, reporting, and multimedia production across print, broadcast, and online formats. Students can also participate in internships, newsroom simulations, and live media projects.
QUT also offers the Master of Digital Communication. Sonit HongTholly from Cambodia was profiled by Global Scholarships as an Australia Awards scholarship recipient who planned to pursue this degree to “enhance my ability to craft innovative communication strategies in Cambodia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Her profile lists professional experience in journalism, creative writing, photography, video production, and social behavior change campaigns and describes her goal of applying digital communication skills in Cambodia.
FAQs: Journalism in Australia
Is Pursuing a Degree in Journalism Abroad Worth It?
Studying journalism abroad, especially in a multicultural country such as Australia, can expose students to different media systems, audiences, and perspectives. However, the value of the degree depends on the program, practical experience, professional network, work rights, and local labor market. A journalism degree can support careers in reporting, digital content, audio, video, communications, and related fields, but it does not guarantee employment in Australia or elsewhere.
With journalism and media programs at the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of Queensland, the University of Wollongong, and QUT, prospective students have several options to consider. Compare current curricula, tuition fees, scholarship conditions, campus locations, and practical-learning opportunities before applying.
We hope this article has shown you some of the places where you can begin studying journalism in Australia. Also, take a look at our Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students!
