Reflections on Twenty Years of Australian Universities World Rankings
By Frank Larkins
Twenty years have passed since three of the most well-known schemes for world university rankings were first published in 2003-2004. Australian universities have featured prominently in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Times Higher Education and Quacquarelli Symonds schemes since their establishments. A review of outcomes analysed here reveals that Australia has consistently had six universities in the top 100 world ranked universities with all but one maintaining or improving their standing over the past decade. The number of Australian universities ranked had increased to more than 30 by 2024 as extended ranking lists were published. The impact of rankings on university strategic planning and future challenges are discussed.
Professor Emeritus Frank Larkins is an Honorary Professorial Fellow of the Melbourne CSHE and School of Chemistry at The University of Melbourne.