Central Queensland University (CQU) has been steadily climbing the ranks in both national and global university standings, reflecting its growing reputation for quality education and research in Australia.
CQU’s Position in Global and Australian Rankings
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, CQU is placed at **#495 globallymarking a significant improvement from its position at #551 in 2024. This rise demonstrates the university’s strengthening academic profile and research impact on the international stage.
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 also recognize CQU’s progress, ranking it around **#501 worldwideup from #601 in 2023. THE highlights CQU’s strengths in research quality, teaching environment, and industry collaboration, with scores of 83 for research quality and 43.9 for industry income, showing the university’s commitment to impactful research and practical engagement.
At the national level, CQU is ranked approximately 34th to 36th among Australian universities by various ranking bodies including Shiksha and EduRank. This places it solidly within Australia’s mid-tier universities, known for providing accessible education and strong regional engagement.
Subject-Specific and Research Rankings
CQU performs well in several academic disciplines, ranking in the top 50% globally across over 130 research topics. Notable areas include sports and exercise science, hospitality and hotel management, environmental science, business, psychology, and engineering. The university also ranks within the top 300 globally for sports science and hospitality management, indicating specialized strengths in these fields.
Reputation and Impact
CQU’s reputation is bolstered by its focus on practical and industry-relevant education, which is reflected in its solid international outlook score of 70.3 in THE rankings. The university’s alumni impact and non-academic prominence are still developing but show positive trends as CQU expands its global connections and research output.
Summary
Central Queensland University is emerging as a reputable institution both in Australia and internationally. With a global QS ranking of #495 and a THE ranking near #501, it is recognized for quality teaching, impactful research, and strong industry links. Nationally, it is ranked in the mid-30s among Australian universities, making it a competitive choice for students seeking a university that balances academic rigor with practical opportunities.
For prospective students and researchers, CQU offers a solid academic environment with growing global recognition, particularly in applied sciences and professional disciplines.