Sydney’s UNSW overtakes University of Melbourne in global rankings for first time

The vice-chancellor of the University of NSW, Prof Attila Brungs, said the institution was ‘excited to be number one in Australia’ in the QS World University Rankings. Photograph: Richard Freeman/UNSW View image in fullscreen The vice-chancellor of the University of NSW, Prof Attila Brungs, said the institution was ‘excited to be number one in Australia’ in the QS World University Rankings. Photograph: Richard Freeman/UNSW Sydney’s UNSW overtakes University of Melbourne in global rankings for first time University of New South Wales ranks 19th in QS World University Rankings, with nine Australian universities achieving record-high positions Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The University of New South Wales has overtaken the University of Melbourne for the first time in a prestigious world university rankings list. UNSW ranked 19th in the QS World University Rankings, an improvement of one place for the Sydney university on last year’s result and 30 places since 2017. UNSW was particularly commended for its employment outcomes, sustainability, reputation and international research partnerships. University of Melbourne (UoM) continued a downward trajectory, however, falling from 19th to 22nd in this year’s iteration, after falling seven spots from 2024’s ranking of 12th. UNSW was among 58% of previously ranked Australian institutions that improved their standing this year, with nine achieving record-high positions. Top 10 universities in Australia 2027 Comparatively, 12% of US universities and 21% of UK universities improved. The QS World University Rankings 2027 evaluates more than 1,500 institutions across 106 countries and territories. MIT in the US retained the top position for a 15th year, while Imperial College London and Stanford University were joint second. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email Some 37 of Australia’s 43 recognised universities were ranked this year – the highest number ever. The vice-chancellor of UNSW, Prof Attila Brungs, said the university was “excited to be number one in Australia because it allows us to do more, to have more impact, more influence, and access to more networks”. “It gives our talented staff and students even greater opportunities to have a positive impact on the world,” he said. PhD student Maxim makes $18 an hour to research children’s cancer – it’s barely above Australia’s poverty line Read more The UoM interim vice-chancellor, Prof Glyn Davis, said the university remained focused on “strengthening our global partnerships, advancing excellence in teaching and research, and ensuring our students are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world”. The CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Jessica Turner, said Australia’s immediate gains came with longer-term warnings , pointing to heightened visa costs and rising application refusals to international students, coupled with low student satisfaction. “With 21 universiti