child holding a globe, THE World University Rankings for 2020.

Australian Universities Shine in THE World University Rankings for 2020

THE World University Rankings for 2020 include 11 Australian universities.

Driven by a new wave of research funding and an influx of international students, Australian universities have performed better than ever before in the THE World University Rankings for 2020.  In fact, a record 11 Australian universities have entered the top 200 of this year’s rankings, up from last year’s nine.

Australia now has more top-200 institutions than any other country aside from the US, UK, and Germany.  Additionally, Australia is the third-most improved territory (behind China and Hong Kong) over the last five years.  Australia also holds the record for the most-improved university with the University of Canberra rising 376 places since 2016.

Australian universities have improved their average scores in 12 out of the 13 categories that determine the rankings.  They have done particularly well in the measures that include citation impact, research environment, and international outlook.  Interestingly, these findings coincide with concerns that Australia is too dependent on foreign enrollment.  Data shows that Australia has a higher percentage of international students than any other jurisdiction, aside from Luxembourg.

However, Australian university representatives and presidents insist that the high rates of international enrollment are a positive thing.  They explain that foreign student recruitment has allowed Australian universities to create a better infrastructure to fund large-scale research.  They also note that, while Australia’s location and climate are a draw to many international students, the most important factor driving international enrollment is academic and research excellence.

Here’s what you need to know about Australian universities performing exceptionally well in the THE World University Rankings for 2020.   Looking for a consulting firm with experience working with salary, legal, and other human resources issues?  Then don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at McKnight Associates, Inc.  We are ready to offer you hands-on human resources consulting for colleges, universities, medical centers, and organizations of all sizes.