How to use the Good Universities Guide ratings to find the right university for you

On paper, a qualification from one university might seem more or less the same as a similar qualification from another – but when you look more closely the differences run far deeper. Where you choose to spend the next few years while you achieve your next qualification can have a massive impact on your motivation, the skills and industry connections you leave with, and the path you take after university.

It's a big decision, and one that needs a bit of research to make sure you’ve made the right choice for you. That’s where the Good Universities Ratings come in. The yearly ratings use real student data to help you compare and contrast universities across a variety of metrics and outcomes, and can help you make an informed decision based on what’s important to you.

Top performance by the University of Notre Dame in 2025

The University of Notre Dame Australia performs strongly in the Good Universities Guide ratings every year, and 2025 is no different. They received impressive 5-star outcomes in key areas that directly influence student success:

• Skills development
• Learner engagement
• Full-time employment
• Graduate salary

These outcomes highlight Notre Dame’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities that they need to excel:

"At Notre Dame, we value our students as individuals. We strive to ensure that your educational journey with us is a transformative experience that empowers you to achieve your specific career goals." - Professor Francis Campbell, Vice Chancellor.

Below, we delve deeper into exactly what each rating measures, and why it’s important to you.

Skills Development

This rating measures the extent to which students felt their course helped to improve their critical thinking skills, ability to solve complex problems, ability to work with others, confidence to work independently, written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of the field they are studying and work-related knowledge and skills.

Developing real-world skills is crucial preparation for the workforce, especially for graduates who often have to compensate for a lack of experience with a quality skillset.

Learner Engagement

Learner Engagement is based on the extent to which students felt prepared for study, had a sense of belonging at their institution, participated in discussions online or face to face and interacted with students outside of class environments.

A highly engaging learning environment fosters curiosity, creativity and a deeper connection to the subject matter - improving not only academic success, but also overall enjoyment of the university experience.

Full-Time Employment

Compares the employment rates of graduates from different universities, which allows prospective students to analyse and compare institutions based on how likely they are to secure a full-time job after graduating.

Notre Dame places a particular emphasis on this area, with Professor Francis Campbell, Notre Dame Vice Chancellor explaining:

"Our distinct emphasis on practical work placements means that as a graduate of Notre Dame you will be uniquely advantaged when it comes to your learning and your career."

Graduate Salary

The graduate salary rating compares the median salary of graduates from different universities four months after finishing.

For many students, securing a decent pay cheque straight out of university is at the top of their wish list, so being able to identify institutions that traditionally deliver on this front is very important.

In essence, choosing a university is about more than just a degree; it's about investing in a transformative experience that shapes your future. As evidenced by Notre Dame's consistently high ratings in key areas like skills development, learner engagement, and graduate outcomes, the university prioritises individual student growth and career readiness.

If you're seeking a university that values you as an individual and empowers you to achieve your career goals, Notre Dame stands out as a compelling choice. Learn about their campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney, explore their undergraduate programs and take the next step with a university that sets you up for long-term success.