The University of Auckland has attained its highest position in more than ten years in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR), marking a significant milestone for academic and research excellence.

In the latest rankings, the University has ascended to 65th place globally, a notable improvement from its 2024 ranking of 68.

This upward trajectory underscores the institution's commitment to academic prowess despite the challenges of recent years.

Comparatively, the University held the 85th spot globally in 2019.

Over 1,500 tertiary institutions worldwide underwent evaluation across 106 locations, with eight representing New Zealand.

The University of Auckland emerged as the sole New Zealand university within the top 100, surpassing 95.7% of institutions worldwide.

Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the dedication of both staff and students.

She emphasised the University's collaborative approach to research, forming networks with various stakeholders to address societal challenges.

"Our sustained improvement in rankings reflects our commitment to research excellence and our efforts to forge global partnerships," Freshwater remarked.

Key areas of improvement contributing to the University's enhanced ranking include sustainability, citations per faculty, employer reputation, and international research network (IRN).

Notably, the University scored an exceptional 99.7 points out of 100 for sustainability.

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, highlighted the significance of nearing the top 50 universities globally, emphasising the institution's excellence across diverse disciplines.

The QS World University Rankings are revered for their thorough methodology, evaluating universities based on multiple performance indicators such as academic and employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, and research impact.

Recent additions to the methodology, including metrics emphasising sustainability and global research engagement, align closely with evolving educational priorities.

Freshwater underscored the University's commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators, aligning with the institution's strategic plan, Taumata Teitei.

"As we look ahead, our focus remains on equipping graduates to make meaningful contributions to society by fostering strong connections between research, industry, and the community," Freshwater stated.

Earlier this year, the University of Auckland also demonstrated excellence in the QS Subject Rankings, with ten subjects ranking within the top 50 globally, further solidifying its standing as a leading institution in academic achievement.