Australia's Universities See Mixed Results in QS World University Rankings 2026
The QS World University Rankings 2026 has revealed a mix of achievements and setbacks for universities in Australia. Twelve Australian institutions have made the top 100 globally for international faculty, while a quarter of ranked Australian universities feature in the top 100 overall. However, 24 out of 36 Australian universities saw their positions drop this year.
Australia's international student ratio indicator saw five universities score perfect scores. However, the country faced declines in several areas. 29 universities dropped in Employment Outcomes, 28 in Employer Reputation, and 25 in International Faculty. Despite these drops, Adelaide University made its debut in the rankings at joint 82.
In the Asia-Pacific region, seven out of eight New Zealand universities climbed in the rankings, and 70% of Malaysian universities improved their positions. Meanwhile, Vietnam aims to have five universities in the top 500 by the end of the decade, with representation jumping from six to 10 in 2026.
The University of Chicago, located in the United States, leapt to 13 from 21, becoming the only institution from a single country to enter the top 20 this year. China remains the third most represented country, with 72 institutions in the rankings. While Australia faces some declines, it continues to perform well in international faculty representation, with 12 universities in the top 100.
