The figures reflect a tumultuous year for the higher education system.
According to data from the QS World University Rankings 2025, 25 of Australia’s 36 universities, or 70%, fell in the rankings. This is the third highest rate of decline in the world, after Austria (88%) and Russia (85%). The University of Melbourne, Australia’s top-ranked university, fell from 12th to 19th. The University of Sydney fell from 18th to 25th, and the University of New South Wales fell from 19th to 20th.
Notably, the declines in the rankings were mainly driven by academic and employer reputations, two factors that directly reflect international perceptions of the quality and influence of Australia’s education system. In the reputation category, 20 and 30 institutions respectively fell in the rankings. However, Australia’s performance in other indicators, such as citations per faculty and internationalisation, remained stable.
This is not just a drop in rankings, but a wake-up call about the academic reputation, development strategy, and global position of Australian universities in the context of fierce competition from the Asia- Pacific region.
Australian universities are also facing the impact of the education policies of the United States, their largest research partner. At least seven Australian universities have had their research programs suspended by the Trump administration and many others have been asked to undergo “US interest” reviews. Amid global uncertainty, the lack of clear messaging from traditional partners is threatening the ability of universities to deliver their education and research missions.
Despite the overall bleak picture, Australia still holds the fifth position globally for the proportion of its universities in the top 100, with nine universities making the list. However, five of its Go8 (Group of Eight) universities have fallen in the rankings. Education experts in the country are calling for a clearer national strategy to protect and develop knowledge.
Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Go8, warned that the signals from the global rankings were a stark reminder of the need for sustained research and funding policy, and that despite the challenges, Australia’s achievement of two universities in the top 20 and six in the top 50 was a remarkable achievement that needed to be maintained and built upon.
The QS 2025 rankings are not just a race for the top, but a true test of the adaptability, strategic direction and global reputation of Australian universities. Without proper investment and appropriate policy support, Australia’s education position will continue to falter while regional competitors are rising strongly.
It is time for Australian universities to act not only to defend their rankings, but also to assert their role in contributing to the development of global knowledge.
“Tightening international student policies, restructuring and funding cuts have severely damaged the image of Australian universities,” said Angel Calderon, an expert from the Royal Institute of Technology RMIT and a member of the QS rankings advisory board. “Since 2023, the Australian Government has continuously introduced immigration reforms such as increasing visa fees and raising English language requirements. These changes have undermined international student confidence and global competitiveness.”
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