The University of Auckland has been named #1 in New Zealand and #152 in the world in the prestigious Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025.
There were 2,092 global institutions ranked this year from 115 countries and regions, up 185 from the 1,907 the previous year. But Waipapa Taumata Rau now sits in the top 7.3% of universities in the world, up slightly from the top 7.9% in 2024.
The University of Auckland is now ranked at =152 (=150 last year) but its relative position has improved, given the growth in the number of universities evaluated, the University said in a statement.
“Maintaining our position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings amidst growing global competition is a testament to the resilience, innovation and dedication of our entire University community,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dawn Freshwater.
“It underscores our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and research impact on a global scale.”
The University is the only New Zealand university in the top 200 universities worldwide; all others in Aotearoa are ranked 350+.
Auckland University also showed improvements in several areas, including its Teaching rank and Research Environment, and showed a strong performance in International Outlook, at 150th in the world.
“Maintaining our position in these rankings reflects the excellence and innovative thinking of our research community at the University of Auckland, at a time when investment in public-good research is declining,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Frank Bloomfield.
“This recognition also highlights the impactful nature of the work produced by our academics and students, who continue to drive global knowledge and discovery. It emphasises our commitment to fostering a research environment that not only enhances academic excellence but also addresses the most pressing challenges facing society today.”
Globally, the top five universities in Australia have dropped places, while a number of well-funded universities in Asia have risen.
Earlier in the year, the University was ranked in the top 1 percent in the world in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for sustainability.
Each university is judged in five categories covering the core missions of all world-class, global universities:
Teaching (the learning environment)
Research Environment (volume, income and reputation)
Research Quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence)
International Outlook (staff, students and research)
Industry Income (income and patents)
Read more about the rankings here.
