
Our rankings
Our University's proud history of achievement has led to strong outcomes in international university rankings. Together and as individuals, we are among the world’s best.
Our performance on the world stage
The University of Newcastle continues to build its global reputation for being one of the world's most prestigious universities.
Among the world’s best
Our remarkable students, researchers and educators continue to impress with stories of success within the region and on the national and world stage. Our rankings recognise the excellence achieved at our university.
QS World Rankings
First compiled in 2004, the QS World University Rankings currently ranks 1,500 of the world's finest universities.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings our University ranked equal 179 in the world.
Over the past five years we have consistently ranked in the world’s top 200 universities, a testament to our University’s commitment to being a world-leading university for our regions, offering an exceptional student experience, innovation in teaching, and excellence in research.
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which act as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The University's results in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a significant achievement for our staff, our University, our partners, for the communities we serve and the world at large. In the face of challenge and disruption, we can be proud that we are among the most impactful universities in the world striving for a better future for all and for the planet.
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education World University Ranking’s evaluate universities across the world according to indicators including teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.
The University of Newcastle in 2024 ranks in the top 201-250 Universities in the world. These results are a testament to the University’s continued commitment to excellence and high-quality research, teaching and partnerships.
Good Universities Guide
5 star ratings
Ranking amongst the top 20% of results in the country we received multiple 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide 2022 edition.
The Good Universities Guide rates the performance of Australian universities on a broad range of indicators and examines the educational experiences and outcomes of graduates.
To receive five-star ratings in any category, a university needs to score amongst the top 20% of higher educations in the category. In overall results the University of Newcastle has achieved a five-star rating in four areas. The first is in postgraduates going into full-time employment which looks at the proportion of graduates who were employed full-time four months after completing their course. The second area is in the category of Social Equity. This is an indication of the proportion of domestic students who come from low socioeconomic or disadvantaged backgrounds. The third area is for staff qualification, looking at the proportion of staff holding a masters or doctoral degree. Our fourth five-star ranking is in postgraduate graduate salary where the median salary of our graduates is compared to different universities.
These are rankings worth celebrating in-line with our Strategic Plan and the commitment to help develop life-ready graduates who are community-minded, resilient and ready for work.
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
QILT surveys over 2 million students and graduates of different institutions and study areas to help inform student’s study choices. QILT data helps us to benchmark the University's progress towards achieving its strategic objectives for our students in Looking Ahead, including:
- to deliver a first-rate student experience within courses
- nurture a stronger culture of performance oriented on quality and excellence
- produce well-rounded graduates that are work-ready, able to succeed in a contemporary economy and community-minded with a sense of responsibility for those around them
Shanghai Rankings
Shanghai Rankings considers every university that has any Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, Highly Cited Researchers, or papers published in Nature or Science. In addition, universities with a significant amount of papers indexed by Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) are also included.
In total, more than 1800 universities are actually ranked by ARWU every year and the best 1000 are published.
Shanghai Rankings grade both Academic Rankings of world Universities, and Global Rankings of academic subjects.
Excellence in Research (ERA)
The Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative is an evaluation of research quality in universities by the Australian government. We're proud that our researchers are among the world's best. The significance of our research is reflected in the latest Excellence in Research Australia assessment, which awarded the University the highest possible '5' rating across 22 research fields, placing us in the top eight Australian universities for research quality 'well above world standard'.

Our stories

A life purpose born from mother’s trauma
Every day in Ethiopia 27 to 33 women die due to birth-related complications. Teketo Tegegne has made it his life’s purpose to protect new mothers and future generations.
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Tackling concussion
A game-changing collaboration aimed at reducing the risk of concussion in sport is set to transform the way footy is played.
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A leap of faith
Citizen scientists are teaming up with University of Newcastle researchers leading Australia’s effort to prevent the extinction of precious amphibians.
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The next big thing in energy that’s already here – Hydrogen
Greenest ride? Why this hydrogen fuel produced from thin air and sunshine is sure to rev you up.
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The sperm discovery that’s set to both create and save lives
Aiding cancer research and helping to solve major issues with male fertility? It’s all in a day’s work for the humble sperm.
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The op-shop funding global cancer research
Tucked away in Rutherford, New South Wales, lies an unassuming second-hand store whose dedicated volunteers have quietly raised millions for Hunter researchers combating cancer.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.