Jun 1, 2026 – 2.01pmThe University of NSW is leading the pack nationally in the latest global university rankings, bucking a trend where most Australian institutions have gone backwards as they struggle to keep up with the international research race.As in 2025, four Australian institutions made the top 100 in the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) but two of the top-performing universities dropped further down the list, painting an overall picture of decline as experts warn underfunding is eroding the higher eduction sector.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles