Western Sydney University records big rise in international rankings

Western Sydney University has recorded a big leap in the latest QS World University Rankings, confirming the University's increasing global profile and renewed focus on research with international impact.

Western Sydney University has moved up 100 places to be placed in the world's top 600 universities, despite a host of new universities joining the ranking system this year.

The University's growing international reach was highlighted by significant improvements in the International Student and International Faculty categories.

Also recognised was the improved research output of Western Sydney University academics, with dramatic increases in citations of the University's research publications.

The QS World University rankings consider universities' performance across six indicators, selected to reflect research impact, commitment to high-quality teaching, internationalisation, and global reputation amongst both academics and employers.

Western Sydney University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, says the result is an endorsement of the University's renewed focus on global engagement and research with impact.

"The data from the QS World University Rankings 2016 demonstrates how Western Sydney University continues to improve its international presence and engagement," says Professor Glover.

"Our research is being cited in ever increasing numbers by our peers across the world, with an almost 50 per cent increase in citations over the past year in all categories, from Arts and Humanities to Natural Sciences.

"This result is a testament to our researchers and staff, and on behalf of the University I congratulate them for the result."

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6 September 2016

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer