La Trobe University has cemented its position as global leader in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rating, ranking second in Australia and seventh in the world for Global Equality and second in Australia and third globally for Good Health and Wellbeing.
All six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) submitted by La Trobe placed in the world's top 50, with three ranked in the top 10 for Gender Equality, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Reduced Inequalities.
The rise in ranking for Gender Equality (from ninth last year) reflects La Trobe's sustained, whole-of-institution approach to advancing gender equality across multiple initiatives. Together these initiatives are aligned with La Trobe's inaugural Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Framework 2025-2030, which provides a clear, institution-wide roadmap to address systemic barriers and build on inclusive culture.
The significant rise of 24 places to secure the world's third place for Good Health and Wellbeing and second in Australia, underscores the strength of La Trobe's continued investment in Health Innovation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the results highlighted the University's commitment to delivering real-world impact.
"These rankings recognise the depth of La Trobe's contribution to improving health outcomes, advancing gender equality and reducing disadvantage, both in our regions and globally," Professor Farrell said.
"While we celebrate La Trobe's number-two ranking in Australia for Gender Equality, we know there is more to do and remain committed to advancing equity and inclusion for all.
"Our rise into the global third position for health is a powerful endorsement of our Health Innovation Strategy, which has seen an investment of $170 million to date and is driving research, partnerships and workforce development to meet the needs of communities."
THE Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables measuring universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, assessing performance across research, outreach and stewardship.
La Trobe ranked in the world's top 50 in all six SGS submitted:
- SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing: third place globally, up from 27 in 2025. Second in Australia, an increase from seventh position.
- SDG5 Gender Equality: Seventh place globally, up from 46. Number two in Australia up from nine.
- SDG10 Reduced Inequalities: largest improvement by 68 places to 10th position globally.
- SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation: 14th place globally, up from 53.
- SDG2 Zero Hunger: 30th place globally.
- SDG13 Climate Action: 39th place globally, up from 92.
Building on the THE Impact Rankings momentum, La Trobe's Research and Innovation 2030 Strategy, and 30-year Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan are guiding future initiatives to support sustainable development and lead positive societal change.
The rankings build on La Trobe's positive results released last week in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, where the University retained its position in the world's top 250 universities and was recognised as a strong player in Employer Reputation and International Research Partnerships.
