The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has just been ranked the best university in Australia, historically overtaking the University of Melbourne. UNSW placed 19th in the world according to the 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and was the only Australian university to make the top 20.

This is the first time a NSW university has claimed the country’s top spot.

The QS World University Rankings are one of the most respected performance indicators of tertiary education providers. 8,808 institutions underwent comprehensive evaluations based on research and discovery, employability and outcomes, learning experience, global engagement and sustainability.

While only 1,504 universities are included in the published results, UNSW excelled, ranking first of the 37 Australian universities evaluated. UNSW ranked first in employment outcomes (scoring 97.4/100) and sustainability (98/100) and third for reputation among employers and the diversity of international research partnerships (94.3 and 96.9 respectively).

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said “we are excited to be number one because it allows us to do more, have more impact, more influence and access to more networks. It gives our talented staff and students even greater opportunities to have a positive impact on the world”.

“To be recognised as a global top 20 university for the fourth consecutive year and now the number one university in Australia is a testament to UNSW’s commitment to delivering a world-class education for our students and an environment where high-quality research and innovation thrive”.

Most Employable Graduates

Part of UNSW’s success comes from its performance in the employment sector. QS World University Rankings indicate which institutions produce the most job-ready graduates based on employment outcomes and employers’ perceptions of universities. These rankings are becoming increasingly important as students weigh up the cost of tertiary study, questioning the value of a degree within a scarce job market and outsourcing of graduate roles to artificial intelligence.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience, Professor Sarah Maddison says, “at UNSW, we are committed to providing industry-engaged learning, along with the opportunities, support and real-world experiences for our students that help them develop the skills, confidence and connections to thrive throughout their careers”.

Last year, the University of Melbourne scored 97.4/100 for employer reputation and 98.3/100 for employer outcomes according to the QS World University Rankings.

Global Leader in Sustainability

UNSW ranked first in Australia and seventh globally for their sustainability efforts. UNSW Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement Professor Verity Frith said, “our strong performance in sustainability demonstrates our determination to help address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges while fostering a more equitable and inclusive society”.

The 2026 QS Rankings gave the University of Melbourne a score of 98.2/100 for sustainability. 

UNSW on-campus sustainability, UNSW

“Sustainability is not only about protecting our planet, it’s also about creating opportunities and improving outcomes for people and communities everywhere. Cultivating world-class thinkers to address society’s greatest social and sustainability issues is at the core of the UNSW strategy" says Professor Frith.

Shock for the University of Melbourne

For the last three years, the University of Melbourne has held Australia’s number one spot in the QS University Rankings. Until the 2027 rankings are published, it won’t be known what caused this shock upset for the country’s ‘#1 Ranked University’.  

This is the first time UNSW has claimed the top spot in Australia’s QS World University Rankings. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox said “these results reflect the quality, influence and growing recognition of UNSW’s remarkable research community” adding that “this achievement belongs to our researchers, professional staff, students, alumni and partners, whose talent, dedication and ambition continue to extend the reach and impact of our research around the world”.

Image Source: UNSW