Australian universities have boosted their international standing but regional universities have tumbled in the latest annual global rankings.
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The University of Melbourne was the highest rated Australian institution taking 13th spot on the QS World University Rankings 2025, up one place.
The University of Sydney also fared well, rising to number 18 while the University of New South Wales maintained its 19th spot.
Australian National University in Canberra rose four places to 30, while Monash University in Melbourne came in at 37, up five places. The University of Queensland rounded out the top 40, up three places.
The top regional university was the University of Wollongong at number 167, down five places. It was followed by the University of Newcastle which was ranked at number 179, although it dropped five ranking spots.
Deakin University rose to 197 after ranking 233 in 2024. LaTrobe University came in at 217 rising from 242 in 2023.
The University of Canberra improved its ranking by 14 places to reach an equal 403rd position.
University of Wollongong acting vice-chancellor and president professor David Currow said the rankings reflect dedication and hard work of staff across UOW's network of campuses.
"The latest QS World University rankings underscore our ongoing commitment to excellence in research and sustainability," Professor Currow said.
"The University's remarkable performance in Research Citations is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the impactful research being conducted at UOW. These research streams address global challenges and contribute significantly to the advancing new knowledge."
Categories considered for an overall score include sustainability, academic and employer reputation and international students' ratio.
The QS World University Rankings top spot went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the 13th year followed by the Imperial College of London and the University of Oxford.
In total, 38 Australian universities received a ranking, including nine that placed in the top 100 and three in the top 20.
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said he was proud to see the University's continued rise in global rankings.
"It's terrific to see the University of Melbourne continue to improve and be globally recognised for its high-quality education and research," Professor Maskell said.
Australian universities scored highly on an international students' indicator, but QS CEO Jessica Turner said this could change in coming years because of the federal government's crackdown on the number of international student arrivals.
"Australia has announced tighter regulations for international student visas to manage the rising influx of migrants. These include stricter English language proficiency and financial proof requirements, a new 'genuine student test,' and a higher visa fee," Ms Turner said.
"These measures may prompt several thousands of prospective students to look beyond Australia, impacting a $48 billion export sector that relies heavily on international student fees to fund research and maintain its cutting-edge status.
This year's ranking is the largest ever, featuring over 1500 universities across 105 higher education systems. The United States is the most represented country or territory, with 197 ranked institutions, followed by the United Kingdom with 90 and China with 71.