UNSW Leads Australian Universities in Global Rankings

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has risen to become Australia's highest-ranked university in a global survey, driven by its world-leading solar technology research. However, the country's overall academic performance is slipping in an increasingly competitive international landscape.

Only 4 Australian institutions made it into the top 100 of the 2025 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR). UNSW climbed from 99th to 52nd place while the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney dropped in the rankings. The Australian National University moved back into the top 100. Despite some positive individual results, more than half of Australia's universities fell in position, raising concerns about long-term performance and global competitiveness.

UNSW's significant rise has been linked to its innovative work in photovoltaic technology. The university has led solar research since launching a solar lab in 1974. It made major advancements in solar cell efficiency, especially in passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology, which helped cut global solar panel costs by nearly 50%. The university also performed strongly in education quality and research output, although it recorded a decline in graduate employability ratings.

These results highlight growing challenges for Australia's higher education sector. Unlike many countries, Australian universities rely heavily on international student fees to fund research. This dependence increases their vulnerability to changes in government policy, including new restrictions on student visas. If public funding continues to fall behind global standards, Australia's position in academic innovation may weaken.

Source: Australian Financial Review, Times Higher Education, Centre for World University Rankings, Study Australia