The Australian National University (ANU) has recorded its lowest ranking to date in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2027, marking a challenging period for several Australian institutions. ANU fell to 77th place, down from a previous joint 73rd position, amid ongoing internal turmoil and reputational issues.
The annual rankings, released this week, reflect a mix of advances and setbacks for Australian universities. The University of Melbourne maintained its position as the highest-ranked institution in the country, climbing three places to tie for 34th globally. This marks 15 consecutive years as Australia’s top university, a feat acknowledged by acting vice-chancellor Professor Jane Gunn, who attributed the outcome to the university’s research quality, education standards, and international partnerships. Melbourne’s placement places it ahead of renowned institutions such as King’s College London and the London School of Economics.
The University of Sydney also gained ground, rising two spots to 51st, while seven other Australian universities improved their positions. The University of Queensland rose seven places to 73rd, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) climbed four places to 75th. Both Macquarie University and RMIT achieved their highest-ever rankings in the global list.
However, six Australian universities slipped down the rankings, with the University of Adelaide experiencing a notable drop from 133rd to 141st. The institution, formed this year following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, has yet to reach the global top 100. Experts caution that falling enrollments could impede efforts to improve its standing. The University of Technology Sydney declined from 145th to 152nd, the University of Western Australia dropped to 173rd, and Southern Cross University fell out of the top 500 entirely.
Times Higher Education noted that while Australia’s leading universities continue to advance, institutions lower in the rankings appear to be stagnating. The country’s overall score declined slightly, attributed to decreases in research productivity, the ratio of doctorates to staff, student-to-staff ratios, and research strength.
ANU’s ranking decline coincides with a series of controversies since 2024, including governance disputes, budget cuts, and scrutiny over its handling of antisemitism cases on campus. The university has also faced significant financial challenges, with interim vice-chancellor Rebekah Brown revealing a loss of approximately A$100 million in international student revenue and donations since late 2025. This financial impact reflects concerns over the institution’s tarnished reputation, which led to high-profile leadership resignations, including vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell and former chancellor Julie Bishop.
The global rankings also highlight broader trends, particularly the growing influence of Asian universities. China’s Tsinghua University climbed closer to the global top 10, surpassing ETH Zurich and becoming Asia’s highest-ranked institution, underscoring what Times Higher Education described as a “historic realignment of academic power from West to East.” Phil Baty, the organization’s chief global affairs officer, emphasized the permanent shift in the global higher education landscape.
Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight, Australia’s coalition of leading research universities, pointed to the significance of these results in illustrating profound worldwide changes. She emphasized the rapid ascent of Asian universities due to long-term investment in research, talent development, and innovation. Thomson warned against complacency, noting that Australia must remain strategically engaged in advancing research capabilities and international collaborations to maintain its competitive position in the evolving global academic environment.