The University of Melbourne has been ranked 19 in the world in the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, released today.
This result maintains the University's standing as the top ranked institution in Australia across the three major rankings: QS (19), Times Higher Education (39) and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (37).
The QS World University Rankings is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, evaluating thousands of universities from around the world on a range of indicators related to research, employability and outcomes, global engagement and sustainability.
The University of Melbourne scored 90.8 out of 100 overall in the 2026 rankings, an increase of 1.9, with improved scores in seven of the nine rankings indicators. The University of Melbourne ranked number 1 in Australia for Employer Reputation, Academic Reputation and Sustainability.
These latest rankings included a notable improvement in the University of Melbourne's Employer Reputation (97.4) and Employment Outcome score (98.3), recognising the University's success in producing highly sought-after graduates. At a time when employment outcomes continue to be a key driver of student choice, the University of Melbourne saw an improvement to 35th place globally.
The University's Academic Reputation also increased to 99.7, the highest in Australia. This indicator demonstrates the high esteem in which the institution is held by academics around the world.
The Sustainability indicator also considers how effectively universities are addressing the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges through their research, education, operations, and engagement. The University of Melbourne retains its position as the leading Australian institution, ranked 9th in the world for sustainability.
The University of Melbourne is also the only Australian university to have ranked in the top 50 globally in all broad subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject announced earlier this year.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston 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."
Examples of recent work include:
- University of Melbourne researchers announced development of a blood test capable of diagnosing rare genetic diseases in babies and children, which will eliminate the need for costly and invasive procedures and give families earlier access to treatment.
- A recent study by University of Melbourne researchers found that repeated exposure to climate-related disasters leads to increased levels of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, highlighting the importance of understanding these public health implications to inform effective recovery strategies and disaster planning policies in a climate-affected world.
- The University of Melbourne announced the establishment of the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation which aims to address the growing challenges to cultural heritage, including climate change, global conflicts, and mass migration. The institute will focus on transforming the cultural health of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region by conducting interdisciplinary research, offering education and training, and providing conservation services. Collaborating with Indigenous and Pacific communities, the institute seeks to preserve and protect cultural legacies for future generations.
- The University of Melbourne is currently accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program. This fellowship seeks mid-career Indigenous and Pacific changemakers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations who are committed to driving positive social change.
The QS World University Rankings methodology is available here.
