Australian Universities in QS World University Rankings

In the latest 2025 QS World University Rankings, Australian universities, including those in Canberra, have seen improvements in their standings. However, due to restrictions on international students, Australian universities may face challenges in maintaining their positions in the coming years.

Among the universities ranked this year, Australian National University (ANU) stands out with a significant improvement. The university's ranking increased by four places, reaching 30th globally. It once again secured the fourth spot among Australian universities. This improvement reflects Australia's higher education sector's strong performance in global academic rankings. ANU's rise can be attributed to its excellent research quality, academic reputation, and the employability of its graduates. Over recent years, ANU has focused on enhancing academic research, fostering international collaboration, and offering cutting-edge programs that meet global educational standards. This has allowed it to continue thriving among top global institutions.

Three Australian universities have made it into the top 20 of the global rankings. The University of Melbourne ranks 13th, the University of Sydney holds the 18th position, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is ranked 19th. These three universities have long been pillars of Australia’s educational system, and their rankings in the top 20 demonstrate their ongoing academic strength. Melbourne University has made impressive strides in social sciences, business, and medicine; Sydney University and UNSW continue to excel in engineering, computer science, and business. The consistent presence of these institutions at the top showcases Australia’s continued dominance in higher education, particularly in research and innovation.

In addition, The University of Canberra (UC) has made notable progress, improving its position by 14 places and ranking 403rd globally. UC's rise reflects the growth of universities in the capital region of Australia. The university has built a reputation for offering programs in social services, education, and environmental sciences, all while increasing its international academic collaborations, which have boosted its visibility on the global stage.

However, despite the positive performance of Australian universities, especially those in Canberra, the coming years could bring significant challenges. This is primarily due to the restrictions on international students imposed by the Australian government. Since the pandemic, Australia has imposed various travel restrictions and entry limitations, particularly regarding student visas and the approval process. These factors could affect the influx of international students into the country, and such limitations might hurt the global standing of Australian universities in the long run.

International students play a critical role in Australia’s higher education system. Not only do they contribute significantly to universities’ revenue, but they also enhance the academic environment by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the classroom. Many Australian universities, including those in Canberra, rely heavily on international students from regions like Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. If the number of international students declines due to ongoing visa and entry restrictions, universities could face financial difficulties, and their global rankings may drop as well. The impact on university rankings would likely stem from reduced academic diversity, fewer international collaborations, and a less competitive environment.

As for universities like Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Australian Catholic University (ACU), their rankings have slightly declined compared to last year. CSU dropped one level, now ranking between 851st and 900th globally, while ACU fell one tier to the range of 901st to 950th. The decline in their rankings may be attributed to their heavy reliance on international students and the limited global reach of their research output. While these universities have strong local reputations, their presence on the international academic stage is not as pronounced as the top universities.

Looking ahead, the Australian government’s policy on international students will play a crucial role in determining whether these universities can maintain or improve their rankings. If the government relaxes restrictions, simplifies the visa process, and offers more scholarships or post-graduation employment opportunities, it could lead to an influx of international students, which would bolster the reputation of Australian universities worldwide. On the other hand, if the limitations on international students persist, Australian universities may struggle to retain their competitive edge in global rankings.