Southern Cross tops Australia rise in QS World University Rankings

Southern Cross is now 576th overall in the QS rankings, making it the University’s best result to date: an improvement of around 80 places on last year and a jump of 200 places since 2020.

QS has also honoured Southern Cross University’s achievement with its ‘Most Improved – Oceania’ Award which recognises institutions showing improvement in their ranking over a five-year period. Oceania comprises Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The result coincides with the University’s 30th anniversary and shows Southern Cross gaining momentum nationally and internationally.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Tyrone Carlin said the University’s new ranking of 576 out of 1,503 participating global institutions was testament to the combined efforts of Southern Cross academics, researchers and staff.

“The highly respected QS rankings consider all aspects of a university’s performance – teaching, research, course profile, student, community and employer considerations. As well as Southern Cross University’s continued excellence in research innovation, we’re meeting global challenges head-on and driving meaningful social and economic impact for the regions we call home and beyond,” said Professor Carlin.

“This is delivering on the University’s purpose and values, which are at the heart of all we do and strive to do. Our core strengths in sustainability allow us, as a small regional university, to move among global leaders in research and learning.”

Sustainability is an area of particular strength for Southern Cross University, where research has been clustered for impact, and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Southern Cross researchers work in these Impact Clusters to deliver unique and innovative solutions for industry and our communities in the Northern Rivers of Australia and beyond.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg is in Washington DC to receive the ‘Most Improved – Oceania’ Award from QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter during the QS EduData Summit 2024.

“It’s a privilege to be able to accept this award for Southern Cross University,” said Professor Spongberg.

“Being recognised as Oceania’s most improved university in the QS rankings – given the size of the region, and the fact we’re a young, regional university – is a great reflection on the quality of our teaching and the global impact of our research.”

Since placing in the QS rankings for the first time in 2018 (801-1000 band), Southern Cross has been on a steady upward trajectory. Five years ago, the University was ranked in the 751-800 band (QS WUR 2020). Last year it reached the 651-660 band (QS WUR 2024).

This outstanding QS outcome marks back-to-back ranking achievements. Last month Southern Cross University placed 100th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking 2024.

Find out more about the QS World University Rankings 2025.

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