This selection of Australian research institutes largely comprises universities, reflecting the significant role higher education plays in the country's research landscape. These institutions, such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University, provide education and conduct research across various disciplines, addressing global challenges. UNSW attracts diverse international students, while RMIT University specializes in technology, design, and applied research with strong industry engagement. The University of Sydney focuses on research excellence and inclusive education, and The University of Queensland is committed to knowledge leadership and impactful research.
A notable pattern among these institutions is their widespread geographical distribution across Australia's major cities. While several are based in Melbourne and Sydney, others are found in Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, indicating a decentralized approach to research and higher education infrastructure across the continent.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Melbourneunimelb.edu.au
Provides high-quality education and research addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges with strong community connections. |
21,904 | |||
| 2 |
Monash Universitymonash.edu
Leading research-intensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses with a global presence and significant impact beyond academia |
21,673 | |||
| 3 |
University of Sydneysydney.edu.au
Top Australian university focusing on research excellence and inclusive education, supporting diverse students and advancing knowledge globally. |
20,284 | |||
| 4 |
UNSWunsw.edu.au
Offers over 300 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programs, attracting diverse international students, part of leading research university networks. |
17,791 | |||
| 5 |
The University of Queenslandalumni.uq.edu.au
A globally renowned university with a commitment to knowledge leadership, quality teaching, and impactful research to drive positive change in society |
16,935 | |||
| 6 |
RMIT Universityrmit.edu.au
Global university specializing in technology, design, enterprise, professional education, applied research, and strong industry and community engagement. |
14,580 | |||
| 7 |
University of Technology Sydneyuts.edu.au
This dynamic and cosmopolitan university prepares graduates for a borderless workplace through its diverse and rich learning environment, recognized for excellence in teaching. |
10,093 | |||
| 8 |
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)qut.edu.au
University offering applied courses and research with a global outlook, serving 50,000 students and strong graduate employment rates. |
9,879 | |||
| 9 |
Curtin Universitycurtin.edu.au
An internationally focused university with campuses in multiple countries, connecting students to industries and organizations globally, emphasizing real-world issues and job readiness |
9,451 | |||
| 10 |
The University of Western Australiauwa.edu.au
An Australian research university known for excellence, innovation, and enterprise, located on a picturesque campus in Perth along the Swan River |
8,751 | |||
| 11 |
Macquarie Universitymq.edu.au
A forward-thinking university dedicated to solving real-world problems through collaboration with students, academics, industry, and society |
8,022 | |||
| 12 |
The Australian National Universityanu.edu.au
Leading national institution for research and education excellence featuring world-class staff and facilities on a vast parkland campus for global learning. |
7,653 | |||
| 13 |
La Trobe Universitylatrobe.edu.au
Academic community advancing health, science, and technology through research, education, and real-world impact in hospitals and laboratories. |
7,270 | |||
| 14 |
Western Sydney Universitywesternsydney.edu.au
Australian educational institution in Western Sydney, offering academic excellence, research-led programs, and global focus to make a positive impact in communities |
6,951 | |||
| 15 |
University of Newcastlenewcastle.edu.au
University offering flexible degrees, supporting diverse students, partnering with industry, and addressing global challenges through research and community engagement. |
6,843 | |||
| 16 | 6,817 | ||||
| 17 |
Swinburne University of Technologyswinburne.edu.au
Higher education provider offering diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational courses, research, and international campuses focused on science, technology, and innovation. |
6,766 | |||
| 18 |
University of Adelaideadelaide.edu.au
A world-class research and higher education institution in a top liveable city, known for academic excellence and a diverse, high-achieving community |
6,561 | |||
| 19 |
Flinders Universityflinders.edu.au
Leading Australian university focused on excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement with campuses across multiple regions. |
5,835 | |||
| 20 |
Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technologyflinders.edu.au
Utilizing cutting-edge research, we offer innovative solutions to address Australia's energy, health, security, and environmental challenges |
5,785 | |||
| 21 |
University of Wollongonguow.edu.au
A modern and innovative institution focused on academic excellence, research, and teaching, with a global presence and commitment to making a tangible difference |
5,654 | |||
| 22 |
Victoria Universityvu.edu.au
A top-ranked university offering inclusive education through innovative VU Block Model, industry connections, research excellence, and global sports science leadership |
5,325 | |||
| 23 |
CQUniversitycqu.edu.au
A leading Australian university offering a wide range of education and training options, with a focus on practical, industry-aligned courses and strong graduate outcomes |
3,803 | |||
| 24 |
Murdoch Universitymurdoch.edu.au
A global university in Western Australia offering inclusive education, research, and innovation to students and staff from around the world |
3,750 | |||
| 25 |
Matermater.org.au
A longstanding organization dedicated to improving community health by combining expertise in healthcare, education, and research, with a focus on empowering individuals for better well-being |
3,732 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 26 |
University of the Sunshine Coastusc.edu.au
A forward-thinking university empowering individuals to create change in their communities through education, research, and fostering opportunities for all students |
3,135 | |||
| 27 |
Charles Darwin Universitycdu.edu.au
Higher education provider offering flexible, online learning with strong ties to First Nations communities and research aligned with sustainability goals. |
2,390 | |||
| 28 |
University of New England (AU)une.edu.au
An Australian public university offering flexible study options, on-campus experience, innovative online teaching, and research excellence, actively engaged in partnerships and communities |
2,349 | |||
| 29 |
Afyon Kocatepe Universityedu.tr
Turkish public higher education institution, offering diverse academic programs through faculties, institutes, schools, and research centers. |
1,765 | |||
| 30 |
Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)mcri.edu.au
Leading child health research institute in Australia, dedicated to preventing and treating childhood conditions through research, clinical care, and genetic testing |
1,490 | |||
| 31 |
ANSTOansto.gov.au
A large public research organization in Australia, specializing in nuclear science and technology, hosting international collaborations and providing access to landmark infrastructure |
1,439 | |||
| 32 |
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)dst.defence.gov.au
A national agency applying science and technology to protect Australia, providing advice, innovative solutions, and technical support for defense and national security |
1,237 | |||
| 33 |
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)wehi.edu.au
Bringing together global researchers to make life-changing discoveries in cancer, infectious diseases, developmental disorders, and healthy ageing through long-term collaboration |
1,099 | |||
| 34 |
Cerebral Palsy Alliancecerebralpalsy.org.au
Leader in cerebral palsy research, advocacy, and assistive technology innovation, striving for greater inclusion and advocating for change globally |
1,098 | |||
| 35 |
The Kids Research Institute Australiathekids.org.au
Researching, discovering, and applying knowledge to improve the health, happiness, and development of children and young people through preventative treatment and cures. |
991 | |||
| 36 |
UNSW Business Schoolunsw.edu.au
A leading business school in the Asia-Pacific region, equipping students for long-term success through career-focused education and industry engagement |
825 | |||
| 37 |
QIMR Berghoferqimrb.edu.au
Leading translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health, and chronic disorders Collaborating with clinicians to improve health through diagnostics and treatments |
745 | |||
| 38 |
Australian Institute of Marine Scienceaims.gov.au
Australia's leading marine research agency, specializing in biodiversity, climate change impacts, water quality, and ecosystem health for sustainable tropical marine resource management |
741 | |||
| 39 |
Geoscience Australiaga.gov.au
Provide scientific expertise and technology to understand Australia's geology and geography, supporting national opportunities and challenges with diverse partnerships. |
727 | |||
| 40 |
UNSW Canberraunsw.edu.au
An academic institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology, as well as research opportunities |
692 | |||
| 41 |
Garvan Institute of Medical Researchgarvan.org.au
Pioneering medical research institute focused on understanding genes and molecular processes to develop treatments and cures for widespread diseases |
684 | |||
| 42 |
The George Institute for Global Healthgeorgeinstitute.org
A medical research institute focused on finding better treatments, transforming primary care, and improving health in disadvantaged communities worldwide |
683 | |||
| 43 |
Burnet Instituteburnet.edu.au
An Australian medical research institute focused on life-changing research and health programs in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, striving for a better, fairer, healthier world |
658 | |||
| 44 |
Orygenorygen.org.au
Focus on early intervention, research, education, and policy advocacy to improve mental health outcomes for young people and families. |
608 | |||
| 45 |
TOBB Ekonomi ve Teknoloji 脺niversitesiedu.tr
a private foundation university established in Ankara, notable for its cooperative education program providing students with a year of work experience. |
593 | |||
| 46 |
Australian Council for Educational Researchacer.org
A leading educational research center that creates and promotes research-based knowledge to improve learning for learners, professionals, and institutions worldwide |
543 | |||
| 47 | 531 | ||||
| 48 |
The Floreyflorey.edu.au
Leading brain research institute in the southern hemisphere, tackling major brain and mind challenges through excellent research, partnerships, and empowering workplace |
511 | |||
| 49 |
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institutebaker.edu.au
Health and medical research institute in Australia focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, conducting community studies and translating discoveries into clinical practice |
470 | |||
| 50 |
Menzies School of Health Researchmenzies.edu.au
An independent institute specializing in Indigenous and tropical health research, collaborating with partners to improve health and wellbeing locally and globally |
462 | |||
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Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Australia
- The largest companies in Australia 5,556
- Multinational companies in Australia 1,184
- Retail chains in Australia 577
- Financial services firms in Australia 483
- Critical infrastructure operators in Australia 450
- Education providers in Australia 402
- Healthcare providers in Australia 397
- Professional services firms in Australia 377
- Financial Services companies in Australia 373
- Government Administration companies in Australia 351
- Public sector organisations in Australia 326
- Manufacturers in Australia 320
- Companies with a mobile app in Australia 305
- Publicly traded companies in Australia 299
- Hospitals and Health Care companies in Australia 297
- Corporate groups and holding companies in Australia 280
- E-commerce companies in Australia 247
- Retail companies in Australia 243
- Companies with in-house R&D in Australia 235
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Australia 215
- Consulting firms in Australia 210
- Non-profit Organizations companies in Australia 190
- Hotel and hospitality groups in Australia 188
- Construction companies in Australia 186