The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading universities, consistently achieving high rankings both nationally and internationally. In 2025, UNSW’s reputation continues to soar, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact, and graduate employability.
UNSW’s National and Global Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2025: UNSW is ranked 19th globally and holds a strong position as one of Australia’s top universities. This ranking marks a significant rise from #43 in 2022, showcasing UNSW’s rapid growth and enhanced global presence.
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: UNSW is placed at 83rd worldwide and ranks 6th in Australia. Although slightly lower than previous years, it remains firmly within the top 100 universities globally, highlighting consistent performance in research, teaching, and international outlook.
- U.S. News & World Report Global Rankings 2025: UNSW ranks 36th globally, improving from 37th in 2023-24, underscoring its growing research reputation and academic influence.
UNSW’s Standing Within Australia
In the Australian context, UNSW is generally ranked among the top four universities, alongside the University of Sydney, Australian National University, and the University of Queensland. According to QS and THE rankings, UNSW is often placed as:
- 4th or 5th in Australia overall, depending on the ranking system
- 1st in Australia for graduate employability, reflecting the university’s strong industry connections and career-focused education.
Subject-Specific Excellence
UNSW shines in several academic disciplines, frequently ranking among the world’s best:
- Law & Legal Studies: Ranked **#1 in Australiand 12th globally by QS, UNSW Law & Justice is renowned for its research, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
- Engineering & Technology: UNSW is placed within the top 25 worldwide for Engineering and Civil Engineering, with special strengths in Petroleum Engineering (#10) and Mineral and Mining Engineering (#2).
- Computer Science: The university holds a top 25 global ranking, reflecting its cutting-edge research and industry engagement.
- Business and Management: UNSW ranks highly in business disciplines, consistently featuring in the top 50 globally.
Factors Behind UNSW’s High Ranking
UNSW’s impressive rankings stem from several key strengths:
- Research Impact: High citation rates and influential research output across multiple fields.
- Graduate Employability: Strong partnerships with industry ensure graduates are job-ready and highly sought after.
- International Diversity: High proportions of international students and faculty contribute to a rich, global learning environment.
- Sustainability Leadership: Ranked 3rd in Australia for sustainability efforts, UNSW integrates environmental and social responsibility into its mission.
UNSW Sydney is firmly established as a top-tier university both in Australia and globally. Its 2025 rankings—19th in QS World University Rankings, 83rd in THE, and 36th in U.S. News—reflect its academic excellence, research prowess, and commitment to student success. Whether you’re interested in law, engineering, business, or computer science, UNSW offers a world-class education backed by a prestigious reputation that continues to grow.