MELBOURNE, June 18, 2025 – The University of Melbourne has once again proven its academic mettle, securing the 19th spot globally in the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings released today.
Australian Academic Leader
The University of Melbourne maintains its stronghold as Australia’s top-ranked university, excelling in key areas like academic reputation and employer desirability.
- Maintains top position in Australia across major rankings.
- Strong scores in employer reputation and employment outcomes.
- High academic reputation, recognized globally.
The University of Melbourne continues to shine, with the latest rankings solidifying its position as a leading institution, notably excelling in academic reputation and producing highly sought-after graduates. The QS World University Rankings assess thousands of universities worldwide, scrutinizing research, employability, global engagement, and sustainability.
The 2026 rankings saw the University of Melbourne achieve an overall score of 90.8 out of 100, marking a 1.9-point increase, with improvements in seven of the nine ranking indicators. Notably, the university holds the number one spot in Australia for Employer Reputation, Academic Reputation, and sustainability.
QS Ranking Indicators Improved:
- Overall Score: 90.8/100 (+1.9 points)
- Improvements in 7 out of 9 ranking indicators
The rankings highlight considerable improvements in Employer Reputation (97.4) and Employment Outcome scores (98.3). This recognizes the university’s success in preparing graduates for the workforce. In a landscape where job prospects heavily influence student choices, the University of Melbourne climbed to 35th globally in employment outcomes.
The university’s Academic reputation also soared to 99.7,the highest in Australia. This illustrates the global esteem in which the institution is held by academics worldwide.
Academic Reputation:
- Score: 99.7 (Highest in Australia)
- Reflects global recognition among academics
Sustainability and Global Impact
The Sustainability indicator assesses universities’ effectiveness in tackling environmental and social challenges through research, education, and engagement. The University of Melbourne maintains its leading position in Australia, ranking 9th worldwide for sustainability.
Furthermore, the University of Melbourne is the only Australian university to rank in the top 50 globally across all broad subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, announced earlier this year.
Professor Emma Johnston, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, said:
“The University of Melbourne remains Australia’s highest ranked university and within the top 20 in the world. This highlights our sustained commitment to high quality education and research,and I am immensely proud to see the work of our university community recognised,including as the leading institution in Australia for academic reputation,employer reputation and sustainability.”
“As employment outcomes continue to be a key driver of student choice,we have significantly improved our global standing in this category which is a reflection of the value employers place on our graduates and the real-world impact of a University of Melbourne education.”
“We’re proud to stand alongside the strong performance of many institutions across the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the vitality of the higher education sector in our region.”
“as part of this dynamic region, we understand the importance of collaboration to advance education and research. We’re engaged in joint research initiatives and international partnerships designed to tackle complex regional and global challenges, innovation and the expansion of educational opportunities for the benefit of our communities.”
Recent Research Initiatives
Spotlight on Research Impact:
- New blood test for rapid diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
- Studies on the psychological impact of climate-related disasters.
- establishment of the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation.
- Atlantic Fellows program supporting Indigenous and Pacific changemakers.
The University of Melbourne continues its commitment to impactful research with several ongoing initiatives:
- Researchers have announced a new blood test that can rapidly diagnose rare genetic diseases in babies and children. This will eliminate the need for costly and invasive procedures and allow families earlier access to treatment.
- A recent study found that repeated exposure to climate-related disasters leads to increased levels of psychological distress,depression,and anxiety.
- The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation has been established,aiming to address challenges to cultural heritage,including climate change and global conflicts.
- The university is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program, supporting mid-career Indigenous and Pacific changemakers.
Delving Deeper: The University’s Impact on Employment adn Beyond
The University of Melbourne’s success in the 2026 QS World University Rankings,especially concerning its Employer Reputation and Employment Outcomes scores,underscores a critical question: How does the university actively prepare its students for the workforce,and what does this mean for their future careers? This commitment to facilitating career-ready graduates is more than just ranking; it reflects a dedication to producing professionals equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving global job market.
The university recognizes the importance of equipping students wiht not just academic knowledge, but also the practical skills and industry connections needed for success. These practical skills include strong interaction,critical thinking,and problem-solving abilities,developed through a comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences.
The improvements in Employer Reputation (97.4) and Employment Outcome scores reflect the university’s strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This includes collaborations on research projects,internships,and mentorship programs. Students benefit from these connections in several ways:
- real-World Experiance: Internships and placements provide hands-on experience, translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills.Students gain workplace experience and develop essential professional networks.
- Networking Opportunities: Events,career fairs,and guest lectures connect students directly with potential employers. These interactions can open doors to job opportunities.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The university regularly updates its curriculum to reflect the latest industry trends and needs. this ensures that graduates possess in-demand skills and knowledge.
What makes University of Melbourne graduates so highly sought-after by employers? The university’s focus on academic excellence, coupled with a robust career development program fosters well-rounded individuals able to succeed in complex environments.
How does the university help students prepare for their careers? The University of Melbourne provides robust career services, including resources for resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies, along with fostering robust industry partnerships.
this focus extends beyond preparation, into a robust support system, including the Career and Employability services offered by the university, further solidifying the University’s role in preparing graduates for their job search and professional futures.
The University of Melbourne’s impact extends beyond its own walls.It actively contributes to the global knowledge economy via research, innovation, and education. This impact is reflected in its high scores in Academic Reputation and sustainability. the institution continually invests in innovative research initiatives, such as the new blood test for genetic diseases [[1]] and studies on the psychological effects of climate disasters, as mentioned previously, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to tackling global challenges. This dedication to research gives students access to cutting-edge knowledge and shapes graduates into tomorrow’s leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of career support does the University of Melbourne provide?
A: The university offers a wide range of career services, including resume workshops, interview practice, career fairs, and networking events.
Q: How does the university’s global ranking affect employment prospects?
A: A high ranking, along with a strong employer reputation, considerably enhances graduates’ job prospects by signaling academic excellence and employer desirability.
Q: Does the university offer any programs focused on sustainability?
A: While the institution has a high score for Sustainability, specific programs vary; students should investigate the university’s website to view a comprehensive list of available programs.
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