April 28, 2015
The Group of Eight (Go8) has yet again cemented itself as a globally-recognised premier group of Universities in the “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015” listings released today.
Go8 universities do consistently well in the rankings across institutions and fields. More than 80% of fields across the Go8 are ranked in the global top 100. In six fields, at least one Go8 university makes the global top 10. Within Australia, Go8 universities have all but two of the top rankings by field.
Incorporated in the ranking is the view of more than 40,000 employers, with Go8 universities standing out from the pack and producing exceptional graduates via their high quality programs.
“It is gratifying to see that our commitment to excellence in higher education and research is reflected in high praise from industry,” said Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “Employers rank all Go8 universities in the top 140 institutions globally. Such a reputation is not built overnight, or even over a year. It is the outcome of our commitment to excellence and our decades of experience in delivering skilled graduates that meet the needs of industry.
“The Go8’s results are commendable and we are justifiably proud of them, however we must not lose sight of the fact that it is the future that counts. The important thing is to ensure that we not only maintain our position, but improve in the world rankings. The rest of the world is certainly not standing still.”
Ms Thomson said that the Go8, like all Australian universities – despite Australia receiving the global bronze medal for its QS results – faced significant challenges into the future.
“In fact in the present funding climate the last thing we can afford to do is be satisfied by those rankings,” she said. “We face difficult funding challenges into the future, challenges which have the potential to damage our quality outcomes. We cannot allow that to occur.
“At the same time, the rise of universities in China, Singapore and Hong Kong shows a determination to be world ranking leaders. Already we see that determination in action: China’s Tsinghua University has the same number of top subject rankings as our University of Melbourne.”
Ms Thomson said she hoped that in acknowledging Go8 rankings, Government and Opposition would recognise what is at risk and find a bipartisan way forward for funding Australia’s higher education sector.
“We have achieved great things, but they are at risk unless long-term sustainable funding for the sector is delivered,” she said.
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
