The Australian National University (ANU) continues to uphold its reputation as one of Australia’s leading institutions and a globally recognized university. In 2025, ANU remains firmly positioned among the top universities both nationally and internationally, reflecting its commitment to research excellence, quality education, and impactful innovation.
ANU’s Global Standing
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, ANU is ranked 30th worldwide, marking it as one of the elite universities globally and placing it within the top two percent of universities in the world. This impressive ranking reflects ANU’s strengths across multiple indicators including research impact, graduate employability, sustainability, and international collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 places ANU at 73rd globally, a slight dip from 67th in 2024, but still maintaining a strong position among the world’s best universities. THE’s evaluation highlights ANU’s solid research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.
ANU’s Position in Australia
Within Australia, ANU ranks as the 4th best university according to THE’s 2025 national rankings, following the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Sydney. This ranking is based on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as teaching quality, research environment, research output, industry connections, and international outlook.
| Australia Rank 2025 | University | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Melbourne | 78.4 |
| 2 | Monash University | 73.8 |
| 3 | University of Sydney | 73.7 |
| 4 | Australian National University | 70.7 |
ANU’s strong research environment and industry engagement contribute significantly to its national standing, along with a high international outlook score, reflecting its global partnerships and diverse student body.
Highlights Behind the Rankings
- Research Excellence: ANU is renowned for its impactful research, consistently producing high-quality work that influences policy and innovation.
- Sustainability Leadership: ANU made a remarkable leap in sustainability rankings, moving into the top 30 worldwide, driven by ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions through renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
- Graduate Employability: The university scores well for graduate outcomes and employer reputation, a testament to the quality of education and skills imparted.
- International Collaboration: ANU excels in fostering global research partnerships and attracting international students and staff.
What These Rankings Mean for Students
For prospective students, ANU’s rankings signal a university that offers:
- Access to world-class faculty and research facilities
- A diverse and vibrant academic community
- Strong career prospects through industry connections
- Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and global networks
The Australian National University remains a top-tier institution in Australia and the world in 2025, consistently ranking among the best for its research, teaching, and sustainability efforts. Whether you are a domestic or international student, ANU’s standing assures a high-quality education and a vibrant environment to grow academically and professionally