Top universities fall in latest rankings

“Some of Australia’s top universities have fallen in the 2026 Centre for World University Rankings as the federal government was warned against ‘devaluing’ science and research. Research is the largest part of the rankling system, as it’s weighted at 40 per cent, with education (25 per cent), employability (25 per cent) and faculty (10 per cent) following. The University of New South Wales was ranked best in Australia and Oceania for the second year in a row and was ranked 52nd globally. The University of Melbourne followed at 64th. The Australian National University fell three spots to 93 from 90, and the University of Sydney fell from 94th spot to 100th. The University of Queensland retained its spot at 103, while Monash University jumped three spots to 113 in the global rankings. The University of Technology Sydney also jumped to 308 from 314. The University of Western Australia fell to 160 from 151 and the University of Adelaide slipped two spots to 115th. Most improved was Deakin University, which moved up nine places, and the university that fell the most significantly was the University of Tasmania at 13 places. Overall, 14 Australian universities climbed the ladder, 21 fell and four were unchanged from last year. Centre for World University Rankings president Dr Nadim Mahassen warned the federal government of underfunding research, causing the “devaluation of science and education as public goods.” “Australian universities are struggling to deliver high-quality education, attract and retain talent, and produce quality research at scale,” Dr Mahassen said. “This is not just an academic problem but a national one because the erosion of Australia’s higher education system undermines scientific development, innovation, and the country’s long-term future.” The US-based Harvard University ranked first in the world for the 15th year in a row, and Stanford and MIT ranked in the top 10. The UK’s Cambridge and Oxford universities also made the top 10.

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