The University's reputation and rankings
Internationally recognised research and academic staff
The University of Melbourne has a 150-year history of leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning. As a University of Melbourne student, you will become part of a dynamic collegial environment with a distinctive research edge. Our researchers are at the forefront of international scholarship in fields as diverse as human rights law, telecommunications and medical research.
Among our many scholars of international standing are two winners of the Nobel Prize:
- Professors Peter Doherty for Physiology and Medicine; and
- Professor Sir James Mirrlees for Economic Science.
A Nobel prize was also awarded in 2007 to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Professor David Karoly (an internationally recognised climate change expert) was a member of this panel.
For more about the University's reputation, history and research achievements, see the University at a glance, or read more about the activities of our high-achieving academic staff.
International Rankings
We review many global rankings to track our international performance. Our consistent, strong performance in these rankings puts us at the forefront of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
THE World University rankings, 2009
A widely known ranking that continues to evolve and measures many different aspects of a University. Regard for the University among employers and academics remains very strong.
- No. 6 in the world for the employability of its graduates
- International colleagues rank the University of Melbourne at No. 20 (Peer review ranking)
- Only Australian university to rank in the top 30 in all five core subject areas (Arts & Humanities; Engineering & IT; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences), with three subject areas ranked in the top 20
- Overall ranking No. 36 (equal)
- More information: The Times Higher World University Rankings | Melbourne Newsroom
Academic Ranking of World Universities, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2009
In this long-standing ranking the University has been placed among the top 100 research institutes worldwide for the seventh year in a row. Three Australian universities were ranked in the top 100 in 2009.
- No. 6 for the Asia-Pacific region
- No. 75 worldwide
- More information: Academic Ranking of World Universities
The Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT), 2009
The Higher Education Evaluation & Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) university ranking is well regarded for its rigorous methodology. It evaluates and ranks the performance of scientific papers published by scholars of the world's top 500 universities.
The University improved its position in this ranking in 2008 and 2009.
- No. 51 in the world (up from 58 in 2008)
- No. 4 in the Asia Pacific, No. 1 in Australia
- More information: HEEACT
Global Business School rankings, 2009
Economist Intelligence Unit MBA rankings, 2009
- No. 1. full-time MBA program in Asia and Australia, No. 17 in the world
- Highest ever ranking for an Australian Business School (Melbourne Business School)
Financial Times Business School Rankings, 2009
Overall measure of standing:
- No. 2 in Australia
- No. 42 in the world
- More information: Financial Times