Rise in rankings brings new opportunities for University of Adelaide

Thursday, 12 September 2019

Today’s release of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2020 has seen the University of Adelaide rise once again, now ranked 120th in the world – and 7th in Australia.

The University of Adelaide has increased 15 places on last year’s THE ranking, which means the University has now risen in each of the major world rankings throughout the year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said an increase in world rankings brings with it many opportunities for the University of Adelaide, and for the State.

“We’re pleased to see that the University of Adelaide has improved in almost every indicator: from the quality of our teaching to the high regard in which our research is held,” Professor Rathjen said.

“All of the major rankings show that the University of Adelaide is a leading member of a world-class global community, which helps to create the best possible outcomes for our graduates. The University of Adelaide is also top in the State in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

“Being in this leading position means our rankings act as an attractor: for the best and brightest students, for the best scholars and researchers, for global collaboration with industries, governments and other universities. Our rankings will further assist the University of Adelaide to bring the world to South Australia, and South Australia to the world.

“This year, the University of Adelaide has launched its new strategic plan, Future Making, which charts a bold and exciting future ahead for our University and for its role as an active participant in the State. Our University is gathering momentum, with a sense that we are moving towards even greater achievements and opportunities,” Professor Rathjen said.

Speaking from the launch of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Brooks said: “It’s very pleasing to see ongoing increases this year for the University of Adelaide in each of the international rankings systems.

“None of the rankings is perfect – they all have their own methodologies and approaches – but each gives its own sense of how a university is regarded.

“Today’s Times Higher Education ranking gives the University of Adelaide a very high score – one of the best in the world – for research citations, showing that the quality of our research output is very highly regarded internationally.

“The rankings also show that the University of Adelaide is a strong performer in engaging with industry. We will continue to attract key industry partners in research across our strategic priority areas, which align with the State’s needs. Our industry partners will help guide our curriculum developments, and will provide a critical link between our students and the world of work,” Professor Brooks said.

He said the latest ranking also confirmed the University of Adelaide as among the world’s leaders for its international outlook.

“Our continued success in the world rankings will help support the State Government’s agenda to boost international education in South Australia. It will enable us to attract top talent from around the world, including scholars and researchers, who will educate and train the State’s best and brightest students, and conduct world-leading research for the benefit of industry and the community,” Professor Brooks said.

Professor Rathjen said: “With increasing global competition year-on-year, it can be difficult for universities to keep rising in the ranks, especially when they are already close to the top. This is one reason why our latest world ranking is welcome news for the University of Adelaide, and for our students, staff and alumni.”

The University of Adelaide is the highest-ranked university in South Australia across all three of the major global rankings:

• QS World University Rankings: 106 – up from 114
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings: 120 – up from 135
• Academic Ranking of World Universities: 137 – up from 139

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