The University of Sydney Soars in Global Rankings, Breaks into Top 20

The University of Sydney has achieved a remarkable milestone in the highly regarded 2024 QS World University Rankings, jumping an impressive 22 places to secure a spot among the top 20 universities globally. This significant rise places the university at equal 19th worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the leading educational institutions in the world.

The exceptional advancement of Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, underscores the nation’s standing among the best in the global academic landscape. Among Australian universities, the University of Sydney now shares the esteemed 19th position and ranks second in the country.

Professor Mark Scott AO, the Vice-Chancellor and President, expressed his admiration for Australian universities being acknowledged on the international stage, achieving their highest rankings to date. He noted that these outstanding results are a win not only for the higher education sector in Australia but also for universities in Sydney, affirming the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for higher education.

The QS World University Rankings are highly regarded for their comprehensive evaluation of academic institutions worldwide. This year, the rankings introduced three new metrics to reflect shifts in the sector and changing priorities of students. Notably, the University of Sydney claimed the first position in Australia for sustainability, one of the newly introduced categories. The other two new categories are employment outcomes and international research networks.

Moreover, the University of Sydney’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its cutting-edge research and engagement. With a remarkable score of 99.7 for sustainability, the university secured the top position in Australia and an impressive seventh place globally.

Professor Emma Johnston, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), expressed her delight with the results, emphasising the value of benchmarking against leading universities worldwide. She also highlighted the importance of the rankings in gaining recognition from various stakeholders, including industry partners, government entities, and prospective students.

The institution’s endeavours include the development of a low-cost battery with significantly higher energy capacity, initiatives by medical professionals to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint, successful biodegradation of hard-to-recycle plastics, and multidisciplinary projects exploring the relationship between the ocean and the global north and south.

In addition to its sustainability prowess, the University of Sydney achieved commendable rankings in other categories. It ranked 13th globally for attracting international students and 31st for academic reputation. Within Australia, the university secured first place for sustainability and international students, second place for academic reputation, and third place for employer reputation and employment outcomes.

The university’s strong appeal to international students is reflected in its perfect score of 100 for the international-student ratio. This indicator underscores the university’s commitment to providing a diverse and internationalised educational experience, enriching the learning environment for all students.

Published 1-July-2023