Queensland universities top most-improved list
While Queensland universities have been named some of the country’s most advanced institutions in widely accepted global rankings, the country’s tertiary sector has generally received short notice.
Gold Coast’s private Bond University rises 73 places in rankings QS World University Rankings 2027It claims the title of Australia’s most advanced.
The university credits this leap in part to high teacher-student ratios, a “vibrant” campus environment and the close-knit community of its approximately 6,200-strong student body.
“We continue to invest in areas where student interest and workforce needs are strongest, including business, healthcare, law, digital transformation and artificial intelligence,” a spokesperson said.
education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds It measures nine key factors, ranging from research impact, facilities and employment conditions to learning outcomes.
More than 1,500 institutions worldwide are ranked.
Following Bond, CQ University rose 63 places in the 2026 rankings, while Griffith rose 38 places.
The rankings of 11 institutions across Australia fell; These include Queensland University of Technology, which dropped 14th place globally and one place nationally.
The university in Brisbane’s Australian ranking has been eclipsed by Griffith’s, which is among the country’s top 15 universities on the QS list for the first time.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans said the university’s results reflected the “real-world impact of a Griffith education” as well as academic outcomes.
“Griffith’s research shows a strong upward trend, and this is reflected in our global development.
“in the rankings,” he said.
The University of Queensland was the highest ranked in the state; 42nd worldwide and sixth in Australia.
Nationally, the University of Melbourne has been ousted from the top spot by the University of NSW and QS has warned the Australian industry against complacency.
Despite the looming threats, QS CEO Jessica Turner said: including artificial intelligence – 21 Australian institutions improved their global rankings for 2027, demonstrating “real confidence on the world stage”.
“The rankings also highlight areas where further progress is needed,” he said.
“Compared with some global peers, Australia is a less strong performer on teaching capacity and graduate outcomes.”
Turner said the sector must continue to invest in student experience, skills and employability.
Concerns about the cost of student visas and Decline in acceptance rates of students from abroad He added that it could undermine the global success of the sector.
“At a time when international education is more competitive than ever, maintaining this momentum will also depend on ensuring Australia remains an accessible and welcoming destination for international students and researchers.
“Their contributions extend far beyond campus life, strengthening research, innovation, economic growth and Australia’s global connections.”
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