With the recent release of QS University World Rankings 2026, dozens of Australian universities have seen their positions in the global rankings slip.
Despite this, Australia still stands out globally as an education leader by retaining two universities in the top 20 and a further six in the top 50.
Read on to find out more about the QS rankings and how they have impacted Australian universities.
What are the QS rankings, and how do they work?
Since 2004, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University World Rankings have been considered one of the most highly-regarded university ranking systems.
Their methodology uses a series of weighted metrics to determine each university’s ranking. Some of the metrics they consider include research and discovery, employability and outcomes, learning experience, global engagements, and sustainability.
To determine the rankings, QS collects a range of data from 16.4 million academic papers as well as insights from over 151,000 academics and 100,000 employees.
For a more comprehensive look at the inner workings of the QS and other university ranking systems, check out our article on what’s actually behind university rankings.
Notable Australian results
The 2026 results show 25 of Australia’s 36 ranked universities (69 per cent) saw a drop in ranking, a decrease only exceeded by Austria (88 per cent) and Russia (85 per cent).
Seven Australian universities increased their ranking from 2025.
Australia’s highest-performing university, the University of Melbourne, dropped six places from 13th to 19th, narrowly remaining in the top 20.
Excititing, the 2026 QS rankings are the first time Adelaide University has appeared on the list, debuting at 82.
The University of Sydney, Australia’s previously second-highest-performing university, fell seven places to 25th. Meanwhile, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), dropped one place to 20th, taking the place as second second-highest performing Australian university and holding onto a top 20 position.
Monash University also gained one position, moving from 37th to 36th, while the Australian National University. However, all three remained within the top 50.
What do these ranking changes mean for international students?
Australian Universities can still hold their own on the world stage
While there has been a noticeable shift in the rankings, Australia has been able to maintain its place as a global leader in education, with two universities in the top 20 and six universities in the top 50.
Australia remains one of only five countries globally to have at least two universities ranked in the top 20, which makes it an attractive option for international students.
A wake-up call for Australian Universities
These results have also been called a “wake-up call” for universities by Angel Calderon, Director of Strategic Insights at RMIT and a member of the rankings advisory board. She added, “Our universities must adapt by providing quality education to the communities they serve if they want to remain competitive, relevant and boost national productivity.”
CEO of QS, Jessica Turner, also highlighted areas of concern.
“Universities are calling for sustainable research funding models and greater policy certainty around international education,” Turner said.
These changes could lead to some significant positive outcomes for international students.
