Introduction
The QS World University Rankings for 2025 have been released, showcasing the exceptional performance of Australian universities in education and research. Here are the key highlights and detailed analysis:
Overview of QS Rankings
The QS World University Rankings, published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds(QS), are highly anticipated each June. These rankings assess global higher education institutions based on three main criteria: global reputation, academic output quality and impact, and degree of internationalization. As a trusted international authority, QS rankings are closely followed by educators and students worldwide. Let’s dive into the performance of Australian universities in the 2025 QS rankings!
QS Ranking Criteria
2025 QS Ranking Weightings:
The 2025 QS rankings criteria remain consistent, with the standout feature being the 15% weight on “Global Employer Reputation,” which evaluates the employability and influence of universities through employer surveys. Another key indicator, “Academic Peer Review,” accounts for 30% of the ranking. This involves surveys sent to global academic authorities to list top schools in their research fields. QS rankings largely rely on third-party objective evaluations, making them one of the best ways to understand a university’s standing.
| Indicator | Weightings |
| Academic Reputation | 30% |
| Employer Reputation | 15% |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | 10% |
| Citations per Faculty | 20% |
| International Faculty Ratio | 5% |
| International Student Ratio | 5% |
| International Research Network | 5% |
| Employment Outcomes | 5% |
| Sustainability | 5% |
2025 Australian Universities QS Ranking Analysis
Australia continues to thrive as a top study destination, particularly as the global education landscape shifts. In 2023, Australia’s stable international stance made it a preferred choice for students, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne ranking among the most livable globally. As of 2023, Australian universities have significantly improved, with nearly 30 institutions in the top 300 globally. Notably, all members of the “Group of Eight” are within the Top 100.
QS Star Ratings
For a comprehensive understanding of university performance in specific areas, the QS Star Ratings system evaluates institutions based on over ten criteria, including social responsibility, inclusivity, teaching quality, and facilities. This star rating system is not a ranking but a means for universities to identify strengths and weaknesses, with “Five Star+” being the highest rating.
2025 QS Rankings for Australian Universities
Here are the rankings of Australian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025:
| University | QS Ranking | QS Star Rating |
| The University of Melbourne | #13 | |
| The University of Sydney | #18 | |
| The University of New South Wales | #19 | |
| Australian National University | #30 | |
| Monash University | #37 | |
| The University of Queensland | #40 | |
| The University of Western Australia | #77 | |
| The University of Adelaide | #82 | |
| University of Technology Sydney | #88 | 5 Stars+ |
| RMIT University | #123 | 5 Stars+ |
| Macquarie University | #133 | 5 Stars+ |
| University of Wollongong | #167 | 5 Stars+ |
| Curtin University | #174 | 5 Stars+ |
| The University of Newcastle, Australia | #179 | |
| Deakin University | #197 | |
| Queensland University of Technology | #213 | |
| La Trobe University | #217 | 5 Stars+ |
| Griffith University | #255 | |
| Swinburne University of Technology | #291 | |
| University of Tasmania | #293 | |
| Flinders University | #336 | |
| University of South Australia | #340 | 5 Stars |
| Western Sydney University | #384 | 5 Stars |
| University of Southern Queensland | #396 | 5 Stars |
| University of Canberra | #403 | |
| Murdoch University | #436 | 5 Stars |
| James Cook University | #445 | 5 Stars |
| Central Queensland University | #495 | 5 Stars |
| Edith Cowan University | #516 | |
| Southern Cross University | #576 | |
| Bond University | #587 | 5 Stars |
| Charles Darwin University | #621 – 630 | |
| Victoria University | #741 – 750 | |
| Charles Sturt University | #851 – 900 | 5 Stars |
| Australian Catholic University | #901 – 950 | |
| University of New England Australia | #1001 – 1200 | |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | #1001 – 1200 | |
| The University of Notre Dame, Australia | #1401+ |
With nine universities in the Top 100, Australia has shown significant improvement, emphasizing its top-tier faculty, resources, and educational quality. If you’re considering studying in Australia, fill out the form on the right for immediate consultation. 🙂