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The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne Ranking Page

Melbourne, Australia

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395
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#33
Rank(QS Top Universities)
Government
University Type

The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, holding the #13 spot in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It also ranks #39 in Times Higher Education (THE) and #27 in the U.S. News & World Report.

Renowned for its top-tier programs, the University of Melbourne excels in areas like business and law. The university operates across multiple campuses, providing world-class education and research opportunities. 

With a focus on academic excellence and global impact, it continues to attract students from around the world.

The University of Melbourne Rankings 2024-25

The University of Melbourne's rankings below in QS, U.S. News, and THE show its dedication to a student-centered environment that encourages both intellectual growth and practical skills, making it a great choice for your career-focused education.

Here’s an overview of The University of Melbourne’s achievements and rankings over the years:

Ranking Agency2023 2024 2025 
QS World University Rankings331413
US News & World Report27N/A27
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025343739

The shifting rankings of the University of Melbourne can be visualized through the following graph:

The University of Melbourne has experienced notable movements across major ranking agencies. In the QS World University Rankings, it advanced from #33 in 2023 to #14 in 2024 and further to #13 in 2025, reflecting its strong academic performance and employer recognition.

Times Higher Education (THE) rankings have shown a gradual decline from #34 in 2023 to #37 in 2024 and #39 in 2025. This downward trend suggests growing global competition and evolving evaluation criteria affecting its placement.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Melbourne at #27 in both 2023 and 2025, with no ranking available for 2024. This consistency highlights the university’s strong research impact and faculty expertise on a global scale.

Despite these ranking variations, the University of Melbourne remains a top-tier institution with a solid international reputation. Now, let’s examine how its individual subjects perform in various rankings.

Subject-Wise Ranking of The University of Melbourne

The rankings of the University of Melbourne vary based on factors such as research output, teaching excellence, and student outcomes, with each ranking system giving different emphasis to these aspects.

Here’s a summary of the university's subject-specific rankings.

QS Subject Rankings

The QS World University Rankings by subject place the University of Melbourne at #9 globally in 2025.

Its top-ranked fields include Sports-Related Subjects (#9), Law and Legal Studies (#10), and Medicine (#18), reflecting its strong academic reputation and industry recognition.
QS rankings assess universities based on academic reputation, employer perception, faculty-to-student ratio, research impact, and international diversity.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Melbourne rank in the 2024 QS rankings:

SubjectQS WUR Subject - 2024
Business and Management Studies45
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence 26
Engineering and Technology49
Law and Legal Studies10
Medicine18
Sports-Related Subject9

THE (Times Higher Education) Subject Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings place the University of Melbourne at #39 globally in 2025. 

Its top-ranked subjects include Law (#11), Clinical & Health (#20), and Education (#16), demonstrating its academic strength in these fields.

THE rankings evaluate universities based on teaching quality, research impact, international outlook, and industry collaborations.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Melbourne rank in the 2025 THE rankings:

SubjectTHE Ranking for the Year 2025
Arts & Humanities48
Business & Economics40
Clinical & Health20
Computer Science50
Education 16
Engineering 69
Law11
Life Sciences35
Physical Sciences79
Psychology25
Social Sciences56

Ready to begin your journey to Australia? Transform your aspirations into reality with upGrad’s flexible Study in Australia courses and career-focused programs designed for your success!

U.S. News Subject Rankings

The U.S. News rankings position the University of Melbourne at #27 globally and #1 in Australia in 2025. 

Among its top-ranked programs, Psychology (#10), Immunology (#20), and Biology & Biochemistry (#47) stand out for their research excellence and faculty expertise.

The U.S. News rankings consider academic reputation, research output, faculty resources, and global collaborations.

Here’s how different subjects at the University of Melbourne rank in the 2025 U.S. News rankings:

SubjectU.S News Ranking of the Year 2025
Artificial Intelligence137
Biology & Biochemistry 47
Computer Science71
Economics & Business45
Immunology 20
Mathematics152
Neuroscience & Nanotechnology182
Physics 99
Psychology10

The University of Melbourne’s subject rankings showcase its strong academic performance across multiple fields, helping students identify the best programs for their aspirations. 

Now, let’s look at additional rankings that reflect its global standing.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

In addition to traditional rankings like QS, there are also QS WUR, QS Sustainability, and U.S. News rankings that offer valuable insights into university performance. Here’s how the University of Melbourne excels in these rankings:

Ranking AgencyRanking DescriptionRanking in the Year 2025
QS WUR Ranking By SubjectRanking based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research citations in specific academic subjects.9 
QS Sustainability Ranking
  • Ranking based on universities' efforts towards sustainability.
  • It also covers environmental, social, and economic aspects.
9
Best Global Universities in Australia/New Zealand
  • Top-ranking universities in the Australia/New Zealand region.
  • It considers global research, academic reputation, and more.
1
Best Global Universities in AustraliaThe highest-ranking university in Australia, evaluated based on factors like academic performance and research.1

The 2025 rankings reaffirm the University of Melbourne’s academic excellence. 

It ranks #9 in the QS WUR Ranking by Subject, showcasing strength across disciplines, and #9 in the QS Sustainability Ranking, highlighting its commitment to environmental, social, and economic initiatives.

Regionally, it holds the #1 position in both the Best Global Universities in Australia/New Zealand and Best Global Universities in Australia rankings, underscoring its research impact and international reputation.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the university’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

The University of Melbourne: Excellence and Achievements

The University of Melbourne not only excels academically but also offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, cultural experiences, and global networking opportunities.

Now, let's take a look at the university's key achievements.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

The University of Melbourne is widely acknowledged for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement. It holds strong national and international recognition, highlighting its commitment to academic and professional growth.

Here’s a closer look at the University of Melbourne's key recognitions and awards:

CategoryDescription
Melbourne Global, Place and Community Excellence AwardsFor leadership in global engagement and community-building.
Melbourne Research Excellence AwardsFor high-impact research and building a world-leading research community.
Melbourne Professional Excellence AwardsFor outstanding contributions by professional staff in enhancing administrative practices.
Melbourne Teaching Excellence AwardsFor exceptional contributions to teaching and student learning across disciplines.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering community engagement through various initiatives that support diverse causes, from arts and culture to student diversity.

Here are some of Melbourne's key contributions to the community and the cultural scene:

CategoryDescription
Excellence in Community-based InitiativesRecognises programs that influence public debate and create societal impact.
Excellence in Building Student DiversityHighlights initiatives that diversify the student cohort and enhance the student experience.
Patricia Grimshaw Award for Mentor ExcellenceRecognises excellence in mentoring University colleagues, focusing on support and knowledge sharing.
Arts and CultureOffers galleries, theatres, music venues, and international festivals like MIFF and the Comedy Festival.
SportHosts major sporting events, including the Australian Open, AFL, Formula 1, and more.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

The University of Melbourne hosts a range of events to promote diversity and inclusivity. Here’s a look at some of the key events celebrating diversity and culture at the University of Melbourne.

CategoryDescription
Diversity and InclusionCelebrating LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and diversity.
Cultural and Religious CelebrationDiwali celebration with music, dance, and cultural performances.
Students ClubsOver 200 clubs for academic, cultural, recreational, and professional engagement.

Also Read: Top Universities in Melbourne for International Students (For 2025)

Want to know more about Universities & Colleges in Melbourne? Check out Universities & Colleges in Melbourne programs to make the right decision for your future!

Now, let’s analyze the relationship between rankings and acceptance rates.

The University of Melbourne: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

The University of Melbourne has a competitive acceptance rate of about 70%, with high demand for its top-ranked programs in Business, Medicine, and Engineering. 

These sought-after courses, especially Business, ranked in the top 40 globally by QS 2025, draw applications from students worldwide, contributing to the university’s selective admissions process.

Course THE University Rank 2025Acceptance Rate
Business4070-80%
Engineering 6940%-70%
Clinical & Health2070%
Humanities 4870%

After examining the varying acceptance rates for different programs at the University of Melbourne, let's take a closer look at the ranking methodologies in detail.

Ranking Methodologies

QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report are the foremost university ranking systems that are widely recognized for evaluating university performance. 

These rankings assess various factors like academic reputation, research quality, and global presence to determine the positioning of universities worldwide.

Here’s an overview of the criteria used in these ranking systems.

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings assess universities based on global employer perception, academic impact, and research output. 

These rankings rely on extensive surveys from employers hiring graduates, faculty citations, and international student enrollment. Institutions with strong research influence, industry connections, and diverse student bodies tend to rank higher.

Here are the key factors considered in the QS World University Rankings:

Focus AreaIndicatorsWeightage 
Research and DiscoveryAcademic Reputation 30%
Citations per Faculty 20%
Employability and OutcomesEmployer Reputation15%
Employment Outcomes5%
Global Engagement International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Research Network5%
International Student Ratio5%
International Student Diversity0%
Learning Experience Faculty Student Ratio10%
Sustainability Sustainability5%

These criteria offer insights into key areas such as educational quality, research contributions, global presence, and employability.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings assess universities based on research citations, teaching quality, and faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring a strong academic environment. 

They also measure international student enrollment, faculty diversity, and industry funding, reflecting a university’s global reach and partnerships with businesses.

Here are the specific criteria used in THE rankings:

Focus AreaIndicatorsWeightage
Teaching Teaching Reputation15%
Staff-to-student ratio4.5%
Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio2%
Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio5.5%
Institutional income2.5%
Research EnvironmentResearch reputation18%
Research income5.5%
Research productivity5.5%
Research QualityCitation impact15%
Research strength5%
Research excellence5%
Research influence5%
International OutlookProportion of international students2.5%
Proportion of international staff2.5%
International collaboration2.5%
Industry Industry income2%
Patents2%

These factors help provide a well-rounded assessment of a university’s educational and research strength, as well as its global and industry ties.

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News rankings evaluate universities based on measurable outcomes such as first-year student retention, six-year graduation rates, and the number of full-time faculty per student. 

They also factor in average student loan debt, institutional spending per student, and faculty qualifications to assess how well universities support academic success and financial accessibility.

Here are the criteria used in U.S. News & World Report Rankings:

Focus IndicatorsWeightage
Graduation Rates16%
First-year retention rates5%
Graduation rate performance10%
Pell graduation rates5.5%
Pell graduation performance5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad5%
Borrower debt5%
Peer assessment20%
Financial resources8%
Faculty salaries8%
Full-time faculty3%
Student-faculty ratio4%
Standardized tests5%

These rankings highlight the universities’ ability to provide excellent education and deliver strong outcomes, using indicators like employability and industry connections.

Now, let’s explore how upGrad can assist you in studying at the University of Melbourne.

How Will upGrad Help You?

The University of Melbourne helps students and professionals advance their academic knowledge and career development through expert guidance, industry-focused programs, and adaptable learning paths. 

With foundational courses designed to build core knowledge, you can seamlessly transition into specialized fields such as AI, machine learning, and data science.

Additionally, the study abroad program at the University of Melbourne offers students the following benefits:

  • Expert Guidance: Gain insights from academic professionals and industry experts who provide tailored advice to help you excel in your field.
  • Industry-Focused Programs: Acquire hands-on, real-world skills through courses that are aligned with the latest industry demands and trends.
  • Adaptable Learning Paths: Flexible study options, including online courses and personalized schedules, allow you to balance your studies with other commitments.
  • Career Development: Access career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities to support your journey towards your ideal career.

Here are some study abroad opportunities offered by upGrad at the University of Melbourne for a world-class learning experience:

Conclusion 

The University of Melbourne is ranked between 10 and 40 in the QS World University Rankings and 30 to 40 in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. While its rankings have been stable over the past few years, this shows consistent global standing.

Domestically, the university holds a strong position within Australia, but further improvement in global rankings would elevate its international reputation. 

With prestigious programs such as Law (#11), Clinical & Health (#20), and Education (#16) in THE rankings), the university is widely respected in these disciplines.

When selecting a university or program, it’s important to consider program-specific rankings. Given the University of Melbourne’s current standing, strengthening its global rankings, particularly in high-demand fields like business, will continue to make it an attractive choice for interested students.

Similar Reads:

The University of Melbourne: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

The University of Melbourne Courses & Fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which university offers stronger research output: the University of Melbourne or Western Sydney University?

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Melbourne holds the 13th position globally, making it the highest-ranked university in Australia. Melbourne’s superior research impact is reflected in its high position in global citation and faculty rankings. In contrast, Western Sydney University ranks 375, reflecting a significant gap in academic reputation, faculty expertise, and research output.

What is the University of Melbourne’s position in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings compared to Charles Sturt University?

In the 2024-25 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings, the University of Melbourne is ranked 27th globally, reinforcing its international reputation. On the other hand, Charles Sturt University holds a ranking of 933rd, highlighting Melbourne’s dominance in research impact and global collaboration. 

How does the University of Melbourne's faculty expertise compare to Victoria University?

The University of Melbourne is ranked 39th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, emphasizing its excellence in teaching and research. Comparatively, Victoria University is placed in the 801-1000 band, indicating Melbourne’s strong lead in global influence and academic performance.

How does the University of Melbourne’s reputation for graduate employability compare to Southern Cross University?

The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the top universities globally for graduate employability, reflecting strong industry connections and career outcomes. In contrast, Southern Cross University, which ranks in the 1200+ range, struggles with global employer reputation and post-graduation employment rates.

Which university is more globally recognized: the University of Melbourne or Federation University Australia?

The 2024-25 ARWU Rankings place the University of Melbourne at 37th worldwide, recognizing its research output, faculty quality, and academic influence. Meanwhile, Federation University Australia falls into the 1200+ range, indicating Melbourne’s far superior academic standing and global reach.

How competitive is the University of Melbourne in Australia’s higher education sector?

The University of Melbourne consistently holds the #1 position in Australia across major global rankings, including QS, THE, and ARWU. It surpasses other top institutions like the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Sydney, reflecting its leadership in research, teaching, and graduate employability.

Is the University of Melbourne a member of the Group of Eight?

Yes, the University of Melbourne is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities. It competes closely with Go8 institutions like the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland but remains the highest-ranked among them in most global rankings.

How does the University of Melbourne perform in specific subject rankings?

The University of Melbourne ranks among the top 50 globally in multiple disciplines, including medicine, law, business, and engineering. For example, in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, it ranks:

  • 14th in Law (ahead of Monash University, ranked 34th)
  • 18th in Education (surpassing the University of Sydney, ranked 25th)
  • 27th in Business & Management (significantly ahead of the University of New South Wales, ranked 38th)

These rankings highlight Melbourne’s academic strength and research excellence in key fields.

What is the University of Melbourne’s position in the CWTS Leiden Ranking?

In the 2024-25 CWTS Leiden Ranking, the University of Melbourne is ranked 33rd globally, emphasizing its high-impact research and scholarly influence. It performs significantly better than Macquarie University (ranked in the 300+ range), demonstrating its superior research productivity and academic citations.

How does the University of Melbourne compare to leading universities in the Asia-Pacific region?

The University of Melbourne is one of the highest-ranked institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, often surpassing universities from China, Japan, and Singapore. For example:

  • Higher than the University of Tokyo (ranked 28th in QS 2025)
  • Ahead of the National University of Singapore (ranked 19th in QS 2025)
  • Outperforms Tsinghua University in research influence (THE 2025 ranking)

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