Central Queensland University (CQU) has been steadily climbing the ranks on the global stage, reflecting its growing reputation for quality education, impactful research, and strong graduate outcomes. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, CQU is ranked **#495 worldwidemarking a significant leap from its previous position at #590 in 2024 and breaking into the top 500 universities globally. This achievement places CQU among the world’s leading institutions, highlighting its commitment to excellence in teaching and research.
National and Regional Standing
Within Australia, CQU holds a strong position as well. It is ranked 28th nationally and is the second-highest ranked regional university in the country, underscoring its vital role in providing quality education outside major metropolitan areas. In Queensland, CQU is ranked fifth, demonstrating its prominence among the state’s universities.
Other Ranking Systems
- In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, CQU is placed within the 501st position globally, showing consistent improvement from 601st in 2023 and 801st in 2022.
- The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2024 places CQU at **#1479 worldwideranking 36th nationally and 43rd in Oceania.
- EduRank 2025 ranks CQU 34th in Australia and 1189th globally, with the university scoring in the top 50% across 135 research topics, including strong performance in sports science, hospitality, and environmental science.
Strengths Highlighted by Rankings
CQU is particularly noted for:
- Being **#1 in Australia for social equityreflecting its commitment to inclusive education.
- Ranking in the top 10 nationally for undergraduate and postgraduate employment rates and starting salaries, with undergraduate full-time employment ranked third in Australia.
- Excelling in student experience and teaching quality, placing fifth nationally for undergraduate overall student experience and teaching.
- Strong research outputs and impact, contributing to its rising global academic reputation.
Summary
Central Queensland University’s rise in global rankings to #495 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 signals its emergence as a world-class institution. Its strong national and regional positions, combined with recognition for social equity, graduate employability, and research quality, make CQU an attractive choice for students seeking a reputable and impactful university experience in Australia.