Queensland’s top university has tumbled three places in the globe’s top research university rankings, while every other university has retained or improved its position.

The University of Queensland slipped to equal 80th in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and sixth in Australia, after UNSW Sydney jumped ahead.

Brisbane universities QUT and Griffith University remained the state’s second and third highest-ranked universities in the state, with Griffith rising back into the global top 300.

The University of Queensland remains the state’s top institution. Credit: Jamila Toderas

The 2026 rankings shunted Griffith up to equal 14th in Australia.

Despite slipping from its 2025 ranking of 77 in the world, UQ vice-chancellor Deborah Terry said the university ha

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