Click here to see the top universities in Australia in 2018.

Those looking to study in Australia are definitely not short of study options, if the 33 universities in Australia ranked within the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15 are anything to go by.

Whether you’re interested in the high-brow culture of Sydney’s famous opera house in New South Wales, the hilarity of Melbourne’s yearly comedy festival in Victoria, the surfing community of Queensland’s main city Brisbane, or the calmer environment of capital city Canberra, Australia has something to offer every student.

Read on for an overview of the top universities in Australia by state and territory, based on the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15 and the QS Best Student Cities 2015.

Top universities in New South Wales

The most populous of all Australia’s regions and the fifth largest by area, New South Wales is home to eight ranked Australian universities. The cities of Wollongong, Newcastle and Armidale are each home to at least one of these, but the largest collection of internationally ranked universities in New South Wales is located in Sydney, the state’s capital and the world’s fourth best city for students according to this year’s QS Best Student Cities. Home to 20% of Australia’s entire population, Sydney offers iconic scenery, spotless beaches and plenty of open space. Two universities in Sydney, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, are members of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), an assembly of leading research-intensive Australian universities.

The top universities in New South Wales are:

1.  University of Sydney (37= in the world; 3^rd in Australia)

2.  University of New South Wales (48^th in the world; 5^th in Australia)

3.  Macquarie University (254= in the world; 9^th in Australia)

4.  University of Newcastle (257= in the world; 10^th in Australia)

5.  University of Technology, Sydney (UTS, 264^th in the world; 11^th in Australia)

6.  University of Wollongong (283= in the world; 12^th in Australia)

7.  University of Western Sydney (651-700 in the world; 27= in Australia)

8.  University of New England (701+ in the world; 29= in Australia)

Top universities in Victoria

Although equal in size to the entirety of the UK, Victoria is actually Australia’s smallest state. Of its population of 5.8 million, 70% live in the city of Melbourne, a city which this year came second in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, ahead of London and beaten only by Paris. As well as world-class comedy, Melbourne offers a fine array of cuisine fit for any self-confessed foodie and enough major sporting events (such as the Grand Prix and the Australian Open) to keep the celebratory mood going all year round. Of Melbourne’s six internationally ranked universities, the University of Melbourne and Monash University are members of the Go8. To see how the University of Melbourne compares with Australia’s number one institution, the Australian National University (ANU), visit this article.

The top universities in Victoria are:

1.  University of Melbourne (33^rd in the world; 2^nd in Australia).

2.  Monash University (70^th in the world; 6^th in Australia)

3.  Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT, 304^th in the world; 14^th in Australia)

4.  Deakin University (360= in the world; 19^th in Australia)

5.  La Trobe University (401-410 in the world; 20= in Australia)

6.  Swinburne University of Technology (481-490 in the world; 24= in Australia)

7.  Victoria University (701+ in the world; 29= in Australia)

Top universities in Queensland

Located in the northeast, Queensland is Australia’s second largest region and third largest by population. Brisbane is the state’s capital, but over half of the population lives in less urban parts – a direct contrast to Victoria where the main cities are more concentrated. Queensland sees around eight to nine hours of sunshine a day, perfect for active students wishing to dive, surf, swim and explore the depths of the famous Great Barrier Reef. Notably, James Cook University in Townsville is located close to a central part of the reef, while further south-east towards the Gold Coast is Bond University, boasting proximity to a fantastic coastline, thriving tourism and an abundance of theme parks. The University of Queensland is the state’s only Go8 member.

The top universities in Queensland are:

1.  University of Queensland (43= in the world; 4^th in Australia)

2.  Queensland University of Technology (QUT, 285= in the world; 13^th in Australia)

3.  Griffith University (324= in the world; 15^th in Australia)

4.  James Cook University (JCU, 350^th in the world; 18^th in Australia)

5.  Bond University (471-480 in the world; 22^nd in Australia)

6.  University of Southern Queensland (701+ in the world; 29= in Australia)

Top universities in Western Australia

Taking up almost a third of the country’s terrain, Western Australia is Australia’s largest state by area and the fifth largest by population. A hefty chunk of the state is known as ‘the outback’, meaning that unless you’ve got a four-wheel-drive and plenty of supplies, exploring the terrain can be difficult. Towards the north of the state, an area known as The Kimberley features unspoiled white beaches and azure-blue waters, while in the south the ‘Golden Outback’ region offers huge wildflower meadows and insights into the “gold rush” era. If you’re looking for the urban jungle, you’ll probably want to consider Perth, the city where the majority of Western Australia’s population resides – and another Australian entrant in the QS Best Student Cities index. Combining a relaxed beach culture and fast-paced entertainment scene, Perth offers three internationally ranked universities, including Go8 member the University of Western Australia.

The top universities in Western Australia are:

1.  University of Western Australia (89^th in the world; 7^th in Australia)

2.  Curtin University (331= in the world; 16^th in Australia)

3.  Murdoch University (551-600 in the world; 24= in Australia)

Top universities in South Australia

The driest state in the country, South Australia is also known as a chief exporter of fine wine. Despite the region’s aridity, South Australia has much to offer in terms of scenery and nature, as well as rich cultural heritage. If the South Australian Outback or the Flinders Ranges don’t do it for you, try the state’s capital city, Adelaide, which is often referred to as the arts capital of Australia, having a great output of live music, artistic events and festivals to keep the young community busy. The University of Adelaide is the only Go8 member in the region.

The top universities in South Australia are:   

1.  University of Adelaide (100^th in the world; 8^th in Australia)

2.  University of South Australia (UNISA, 333^rd in the world; 17^th in Australia)

3.  Flinders University (481-490 in the world; 23^rd in Australia)

Top universities in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT, or Australian Cap ital Territory, is not actually a state of its own but rather a territory of the Commonwealth of Australia within the region of New South Wales. The ACT is home to the nation’s capital city, Canberra, which in turn is home to two internationally ranked universities. These include Go8 member, Australian National University (ANU), which is also the highest-ranked of all universities in Australia, currently placed at joint 25^th in the world. To compare this institution with Australia’s second highest ranked university, the University of Melbourne, visit this article.

The top universities in ACT are:

1.  Australian National University (ANU, 25= in the world; 1^st in Australia).

2.  University of Canberra (651-700 in the world; 27= in Australia)

Other top universities in Australia

Two remaining Australian regions, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, each offer one Australian university ranked within the world’s top 600 of the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15. Perhaps most famously known for the abundance of wildlife found within its many national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Areas, Tasmania is an island off the south-east corner of the mainland. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory is one of the largest and sparsest regions in the country, with a tropical climate and a capital city named after famous naturalist Charles Darwin.

Here are the best of the rest:

1.  University of Tasmania (401-410 in the world; 20^th in Australia) – Tasmania

2.  Charles Darwin University (551-600 in the world; 24^th in Australia) – Northern Territory

Click here to discover the top universities in New Zealand in 2020.

Eight top universities in New Zealand feature among the world’s best in the 2016-2017 edition of the QS World University Rankings®, all of which are ranked in the global top 450. Read on for more information on each of these…

1. University of Auckland

Consistently ranked in the global top 100, the University of Auckland is the highest ranked of these top universities in New Zealand, up one place this year at 81^st. It also achieves 5+ stars in the QS Stars opt-in rating system, attaining five stars in every category. It’s located in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and is the country’s largest university, educating more than 40,000 students spread across six campuses.

2. University of Otago

Ranked 169^th this year, the University of Otago is the oldest of these top universities in New Zealand, having been founded in 1869. It’s located on the South Island in the city of Dunedin and has around 20,600 students enrolled. Otago’s beautiful architecture and gardens have led it to be included among lists of the world’s most beautiful universities.

3. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is ranked joint 214^th in the world this year, sharing this spot with the US’s Georgetown University. Originally founded in 1873 as Canterbury College, it’s located in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, and has about 14,900 students, of which over 1,000 are from outside New Zealand. 

4. Victoria University of Wellington

The highest ranked university in New Zealand’s capital (Wellington), Victoria University of Wellington is placed joint 228^th this year, sharing this position with two other institutions. Established in 1897, it has around 21,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries.

5. University of Waikato

Ranked 324^th in the world in 2016, the University of Waikato is located mainly in the city of Hamilton on the North Island, with another campus in Tauranga. It was founded in 1964 as the first university in New Zealand to be designed from a blank canvas, and has a total of 12,300 students.

6. Massey University

Massey University is ranked joint 340^th this year and has campuses in Palmerston North, Wellington and Auckland. It’s the highest-ranked university in New Zealand for agriculture and forestry, as well as the only university in the country to offer degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience.

7. Lincoln University

Climbing 30 places this year is Lincoln University, up from joint 373^rd to joint 343^rd in 2016. It’s the oldest agricultural tertiary university in the Southern Hemisphere, originally founded in 1878 as a school of agriculture, and specializes in improving New Zealand’s land-based knowledge, wealth and productivity.

8. Auckland University of Technology

Also up this year is Auckland University of Technology (AUT), climbing from 481-490 to 441-450 this year. Although originally founded as Auckland Technical School in 1895, it only recently gained university status (in 2000); making it the youngest of these top universities in New Zealand, as well as the fastest-growing. 

**Click here to view the top universities in Australia in 2020.

There are 35 Australian universities now ranked among the world’s best in the 2016-2017 edition of the QS World University Rankings® – two more than in last year’s edition. Six of these are in the top 100, while a further nine are in the top 300. Read on to find out the positions of the top universities in Australia this year, including information on each of the top 10.

1. Australian National University (ANU)

Australian National University is ranked 1^st in Australia and 22^nd in the world this year, and is located in Canberra, the country’s capital. The only university to be created by the Parliament of Australia, ANU is home to over 22,500 students and counts six Nobel Laureates among its alumni and faculty.

2. University of Melbourne

Retaining its positon of 42^nd in the world, the University of Melbourne is the second-oldest university in Australia (founded in 1853). Its alumni community includes four Australian prime ministers, and it’s also been associated with nine Nobel Laureates.

Trying to decide between Melbourne and ANU? Click here to read a comparison of these two top Australian universities.

3. University of Sydney

Ranked 3^rd among Australian universities and joint 46^th in the world along with New York University in the US, the University of Sydney is Australia’s first university, founded in 1850. It’s particularly strong in the fields of law, education, medicine, accounting and finance.

4. University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales is ranked joint 49^th in the world this year and is a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research universities. UNSW is located in Sydney and has produced more millionaires than any other Australian university.

5. University of Queensland (UQ)

Ranked joint 51^st in the world this year, alongside the UK’s University of Warwick, the University of Queensland is primarily located in the state capital of Brisbane. It’s another founding member of the Group of Eight and is renowned for research innovations, recently including vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer.

6. Monash University

Located in Melbourne, Monash University climbs two places this year to now rank 65^th. It’s named after the prominent Australian general Sir John Monash, and has around 70,070 students currently enrolled, of which 26,200 come from outside Australia.

7. University of Western Australia (UWA)

Located on the opposite side of Australia in Perth, the University of Western Australia is ranked joint 102^nd in the world in 2016-2017. A Group of Eight member, UWA’s campus is highly regarded for its beauty.

8. University of Adelaide

Ranked 125^th in the world this year, the University of Adelaide is the third-oldest of Australian universities and has five campuses throughout the state of South Australia, as well as one campus in Singapore.

9. University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

The University of Technology, Sydney climbs 25 places to rank 193^rd in the world this year. It is a member of the Australian Technology Network, a group of five Australian universities with a heritage of working closely with industry.

10. University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong also improves its rank this year, climbing from joint 243^rd to 218^th. Located in the coastal city of Wollongong in New South Wales, it has around 32,200 students currently enrolled.

More top universities in Australia…

11. University of Newcastle – ranked joint 245^th in the world, up from joint 256^th.

12. Macquarie University – ranked joint 247^th in the world.

13. RMIT University – ranked joint 252^nd in the world, up from joint 273^rd.

14. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – ranked 276^th in the world.

15. University of South Australia (UNISA) – ranked joint 288^th in the world.

16. Curtin University – ranked joint 306^th in the world.

17. Griffith University – ranked 336^th in the world.

18. James Cook University (JCU) – ranked joint 340^th in the world.

19. Deakin University – ranked 355^th in the world.

20. University of Tasmania – ranked joint 370^th in the world.

21. La Trobe University – ranked joint 386^th in the world.

After the top 400, the remaining universities do not receive a precise rank but are ranked in a range, starting with 401-410, up until 701+.

The Australian universities that share these ranges can therefore be considered equal to the others in that range – click here for a more detailed explanation.

22. Swinburne University of Technology – ranked 441-450 in the world.

23. Bond University – ranked 461-470 in the world.

24. Murdoch University – ranked 501-550 in the world.

The next four top universities in Australia are all ranked in the 551-600 range:

=25. Charles Darwin University

=25. Flinders University

=25. University of Canberra

=25. Western Sydney University (a good leap from last year’s ranking of 651-700).

29. Central Queensland University – a new entrant this year, ranked 601-650 in the world.

30. Victoria University – ranked 651-700 in the world.

The five remaining top universities in Australia are all ranked in the 701+ range:

=31. Australian Catholic University (new entry to the rankings this year).

=31. Charles Sturt University

=31. Edith Cowan University (ECU)

=31. University of New England

=31. University of Southern Queensland

Sponsored by NUI Galway

From its position on the Atlantic edge of Europe, Galway combines the energy of a young and diverse population with the authenticity of a place steeped in history and tradition. Reputed as a safe, young and student-friendly city, Galway is Ireland’s fastest-growing city, especially in the high-tech sector…  Be charmed by its medieval streets or its jaw-dropping countryside. Whether you love the buzz of the city or prefer the great outdoors, Galway has something for everyone. Discover six reasons to move to Galway for your studies now.

1. Galway is the ‘friendliest’ and ‘most charming’ city.

The New York Times dubs Galway “Ireland’s most charming city”, as it is “compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants”. The US Travel + Leisure Magazine has voted Galway the “world’s most friendly destination”  and The Condé Nast Traveler magazine has announced that Galway has been voted in the top six friendliest cities  in the world! These reviews probably won’t come as a surprise to many, given the thousands attracted to the city’s many festivals throughout the year, including the summer’s Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Races, the Galway World Oyster Festival and many more!

2. Galway is changing the world!

Come to Galway and be inspired by what you can discover! From the depths of the ocean floor to outer space, the research taking place in Galway is changing the world. According to multinational media body Thomson Reuters, NUI Galway boasts more of the world’s most influential scientific minds than anywhere else in Ireland – with four of its professors earning the distinction.

NUI Galway’s reputation for impactful research is growing internationally, and the university has the highest success rate in Ireland for European Union research funding, through the Horizon 2020 program.

3. Galway has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2020.

Galway has long been renowned as a cultural hub, with world-class festivals and world-renowned artists calling the city home.

In recognition of its love of culture, Galway has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2020. Galway looks forward to welcoming the world to its city and exploring its shared creativity and culture. Don’t miss the biggest celebration of culture that Ireland has ever seen!

4. Galway is the most international city in Ireland.

From its location on the edge of Europe, Galway has always excelled at reaching out to the world. Today it’s Ireland’s most international city, with one-in-five Galwegians born outside Ireland. This adds energy and interest to the city streets throughout the year.

Galway’s biggest university attracts more international students than anywhere else – with over 3,000 students coming to study each year from overseas. NUI Galway has student exchange programs with over 200 international universities around the world, and a global community of staff – 35% are from overseas, coming from 45 countries worldwide.

5. Galway is a leader in med-tech and a global research hub.

Don’t let Galway’s medieval streets fool you – it is a global hub for the medical technology industry. Eight of the world’s top ten med-tech companies are based here, and the medical devices designed and made in Galway are saving lives all over the world.

NUI Galway’s new €30 million Biomedical Science Building is home to 300 scientists and researchers, working in areas such as regenerative medicine, stem cell research, cancer biology, and biomaterials.

6. Galway is the best micro-city in Europe.

Galway may not be Ireland’s biggest city, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to global business. The Financial Times has named Galway as Europe’s Micro City of the Year, and praised Galway’s business-friendliness.

While the city is big enough to have all of the services you need, Galway is small enough to feel intimate. It won’t take long before you’ve picked your favorite spots, and the city starts feeling like home.

The Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, whose ‘Reclining Nude’ recently sold at Christie’s for $170,405,000, was commonly known among Parisians as ‘Modi’ – a pun on his name’s resemblance to the French maudit (i.e. cursed). Living up to his nickname, Modi died at 36 of tuberculosis, sans un sou and possibly in a garret.

Don’t be maudit like Modi – choose a creative career that pays while you’re still alive to reap the benefits! Contrary to popular belief, careers in the creative industries can actually be very lucrative, if you have the right contacts, skillset and know where to look. Here are five of the highest-paid creative jobs you should consider before reaching for that bottle of absinthe…

1. Creative director

The payslip: According toPayScale.com, creative directors in the US have high average starting salaries of roughly US$44,000, with average US$83,000 earnings of a year. The figure can rise up to US$163,000, depending on employer, industry and bonus packages.

The job: Creative directors conceptualize creative projects in graphic design, media, music or advertising.  

Entry routes: To become a creative director, you would need to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or marketing, build a slick portfolio of your work, and gain five to seven years’ experience of working in-house or for an agency on packaging, brochures, online advertising, et cetera. A postgraduate degree in animation, product design or visual communications could help you market yourself to employers, increase your earning potential and round out your skillset in areas related to marketing, web design and multimedia design.

2. Art director

The payslip: Art directors in the US initially start on around US$40,200 and earn on average US$61,000 – tough some reach the US$94,000 benchmark depending on their city, experience and skillset. Knowledge of user interface design can be a massive earnings booster.

The job: Art directors manage design staff to execute a concept outlined in a brief. While creative directors rely on their experience, intuition and artistic flair, art directors need strong technical expertise and project management skills.

Entry routes: You would need a qualification in a relevant area which, depending on your industry, could be anything from photography to architecture to interior design. Alongside this, you would need to build experience working for art departments, initially as an arts department assistant and progressing gradually to the role of art director.

3. Senior graphic designer

The payslip: Senior graphic designers in the US earn on average US$56,000, while, at the top end of the pay scale, designers with extensive experience and a rounded skillset can make as much as US$81,000!

The job: Graphic designers create graphics for brands using a variety of media and software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop for commercial purposes.

Entry routes: To become a graphic designer, you would need to study graphic design at university and build up a portfolio of your work. Typically, you would kick-start your career as a trainer designer in an agency or in-house and work your way up.

4. Animator

The payslip: The average animator in the US earns about US$50,200, though salaries can rise up to US$79,700 with time and a more advanced skillset.  

The job: Animators create cartoons by hand, motion capture animation or digitally, in both 2D and 3D for the web and presentations. Knowledge of Photoshop and animation software such as Flash or Morpheme is of course absolutely vital.

Entry routes: To become an animator, you would need to complete an animation course to develop the requisite technical skills, build your portfolio and complete as much work experience as possible.

5. Game designer

The payslip: Video game designers start on around US$38,000 a year and earn on average US$58,300, though salaries can stack up to US$96,400 depending on experience.

The job: Game designers work for gaming companies in an office or studio alongside programmers and artists to guide the artistic direction and programming of a video game. They may contribute to the development of gameplay, storyline, user interface, characters and game rules.

Entry routes: A common pathway into game design is to undertake a course in game design or information experience design at university and complete work experience, before securing an entry-level role in a gaming company, probably starting out as a tester, and working your way up.

Watch the video above to discover the top 10 universities in the world for 2016-17 – based on the results of the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017. This year’s edition features over 900 of the world’s top universities, assessed on six performance indicators.

Video by Kai Song for TopUniversities.com

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**This article is based on the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17 results. Click here to find out the top universities in Germany in 2020. 

The launch of the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017 sees 43 German universities rank among the world’s best, including 15 entries in the global top 250. One of the world’s most popular study destinations (increasingly so!), Germany offers high class education at low costs. While the two top universities in Germany are both located in the Bavarian city of München (Munich), capital city Berlin also holds its own as an education hub. Read on to discover the top universities in Germany this year, starting with a look at the top 10.

1. Technische Universität München

Retaining its position of 60^th in the world and 1^st among German universities for the second time in a row, Technische Universität München is a member of TU9, an association of the nine oldest, largest, and most prestigious technical universities in Germany.

2. Ludwig-Maximilians - Universität München

Fellow Munich-based institution Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München climbs from 75^th to joint 68^th place this year to now rank second in Germany, and is one of the country’s oldest and largest institutions.

3. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Previously ranked 1^st among German universities in 2014, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg is now ranked 72^nd in the world and 3^rd in Germany. The oldest university in the country, founded in 1386, it’s based in the south-west city of Heidelberg.

4. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Retaining 4^th place amongst the top universities in Germany this year, the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, usually shortened to KIT, is now ranked joint 98^th in the world and is known for its high quality of international research work.

5. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

The highest-ranked university in Berlin this year is Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, up five places in the world ranking to place joint 121^st. The university is particularly well-respected for its education in the arts and humanities.

6. Freie Universität Berlin

Staying in Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin ranks joint 123rd in the world this year, and is internationally known for its research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural/life sciences.

7. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen is a technology-focused university which ranks 146^th in the world this year. It maintains close links to industry and is the largest technical university in Germany, with around 43,700 students.

8. Universität Freiburg

Ranked 163^rd this year, Universität Freiburg was founded in 1457 and has a long tradition of education in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

9. Technische Universität Berlin

New to the German top 10 this year, Technische Universität Berlin climbs from 178^th to joint 164^th in the world this year, and is a TU9 member which is considered particularly strong for its engineering programs.

10.  Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen also climbed in the rankings this year – from joint 173^rd to 167^th. The university is noted for its medicine, natural sciences and humanities degrees.

The remaining top 20 universities in Germany are…

11. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen – ranked joint 177^th in the world.

12. Technische Universität Dresden – ranked joint 210^th in the world, up from 227^th last year.

13. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn – ranked 231^st in the world.

14. Universität Hamburg – ranked 232^nd in the world.

15. Technische Universität Darmstadt – ranked joint 247^th in the world.

16. Universität Stuttgart– ranked 263^rd in the world.

17. Universität Frankfurt am Main – ranked joint 264^th in the world.

18. Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg – ranked joint 272^nd in the world, up 20 places from last year.

19. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster – ranked joint 294^th in the world.

=20. Universität Köln – ranked joint 347^th in the world.

=20. Universität Ulm – ranked joint 347^th in the world.

And the rest…

After the top 400 universities, the QS World University Rankings groups universities in ranges, from 401-410, up to 701+. Click here for more information.

22. Universität Konstanz – ranked joint 352^nd in the world.

23. Universität Jena – ranked joint 363^rd in the world.

24. Leibniz Universität Hannover – ranked joint 400^th in the world.

25. Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz – ranked 401-410 in the world.

26. Universität Mannheim – ranked 411-420 in the world.

=27. Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg – ranked 421-430 in the world.

=27. Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel – ranked 421-430 in the world.

29. Universität Bremen – ranked 441-450 in the world.

30. Ruhr-Universität Bochum – ranked 451-460 in the world.

31. Technische Universität Braunschweig – ranked 471-480 in the world.

The following universities are ranked in the 501-550 range, and are therefore joint 32^nd in Germany:

=32. Universität Leipzig – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=32. Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=32. Universität Bayreuth – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=32. Universität des Saarlandes – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=32. Universität Regensburg – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=37. Philipps-Universität Marburg – ranked 551-600 in the world.

=37. Technische Universität Dortmund – ranked 551-600 in the world.

A further three universities are ranked 601-650 in the world, and are therefore joint 39^th in Germany:

=39. Universität Bielefeld – ranked 601-650 in the world.

=39. Universität Duisburg-Essen – ranked 601-650 in the world.

=39. Universität Düsseldorf – ranked 601-650 in the world.

=42. Justus-liebig-Universität Gießen – ranked 651-700 in the world.

=42. Universität Rostock – ranked 651-700 in the world.

Find out more about studying in Germany with our complete guide. 

This article is based on the 2016/17 edition of the QS World University Rankings. Click here to find out the top universities in Canada in 2020.

The launch of the latest QS World University Rankings® sees 26 Canadian universities feature among the world’s best. This includes three top universities in Canada in the worldwide top 50, with a further 10 in the top 300. Read on for more information on the top universities in Canada this year, starting with the top 10.

1. McGill University

Holding on to the top spot among these top Canadian universities for the second consecutive year is McGill University, falling six places this year to rank 30^th in the world. Located in Montréal, McGill has around 40,000 students enrolled, of which 25% are international. It has the highest number of Rhodes scholars and Nobel Prize winners among any Canadian university. 

2. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto edges closer to its rival McGill, climbing two places this year to rank 32^nd in the world. Located in Canada’s largest city, the university contributes CA$15.7 billion to the Canadian economy per year and is famed for its research innovations, including the discoveries of insulin and stem cells.

3. University of British Columbia

Up five places this year, the University of British Columbia now ranks 45^th in the world and retains its position of third amongst the top universities in Canada. Located in Vancouver and Kelowna, the university’s student body of 61,100 includes 13,200 international students from 155 countries.

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is up two places this year to rank 94^th in the world. Located mainly in Edmonton, the university currently enrolls 38,700 students from 147 countries and has a major impact on the economy of Alberta, being the province’s fourth-largest employer.

5. Université de Montréal

Consistently the highest-ranked francophone Canadian university, the Université de Montréal is placed 126^th in the world this year. One of Canada’s major research centers, it has almost 67,000 students, including 9,300 internationals.

6. McMaster University

Retaining its position of joint 149^th in the world this year (alongside the US’s Emory University), McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, on a scenic 300-acre campus, and is particularly renowned for its medical school.

7. University of Waterloo

Ranked joint 152^nd this year with IIT Bangalore, the University of Waterloo is also located in Ontario. It’s a member of the U15 group of research-intensive Canadian universities, and is particularly famed for its cooperative education (co-op) programs.

8. University of Calgary

Up one place in the top 10 and now ranking within the global top 200 at joint 196^th (with Sweden’s Stockholm University), the University of Calgary is the birthplace of a range of important inventions, including the neurochip.

9. Western University

Previously called the University of Western Ontario, Western University is ranked 198^th this year and is located in London (not the UK one!), Ontario. It has an enrolment of about 28,400 students, representing 117 countries around the world.

10. Queen's University

Ranked joint 223^rd in the world, Queen’s University is located in Kingston, Ontario and is one of Canada’s oldest institutions, established in 1841 – 26 years before Canada itself was founded. The university holds more than 3,500 acres of land throughout Ontario.

The remaining top universities in Canada…

11. Simon Fraser University – ranked 226^th in the world.

12. Dalhousie University – ranked joint 283^rd in the world.

13. University of Ottawa – ranked joint 291^st in the world.

14. University of Victoria – ranked joint 325^th in the world.

15. Laval University – ranked 372^nd in the world.

16. York University – ranked 451-460 in the world.

17. Concordia University – ranked 461-470 in the world.

18. University of Saskatchewan – ranked 471-480 in the world.

The following three universities are ranked in the 501-550 range, and joint 19^th in Canada (click here for more information):

=19. Université du Québec – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=19. University of Guelph – ranked 501-550 in the world.

=19. University of Manitoba – ranked 501-550 in the world.

22. Carleton University – ranked 551-600 in the world.

23. Université de Sherbrooke – ranked 601-650 in the world.

=24. Memorial University of Newfoundland – ranked 651-700 in the world.

=24. University of Windsor – ranked 651-700 in the world.

26. Ryerson University – ranked 701+ in the world.

Find out more about studying in Canada with our complete guide.

Want to get a degree with the flexibility of being able to study anywhere and anytime you like, fitting your studies in alongside other commitments? There are ever-increasing opportunities arising to study online. So if you’re ready to get started with your distance learning, but need some help with funding, check out this selection of scholarships for online students...

Scholarships to study online offered by universities

• American University Online Program Scholarships – All admitted students are automatically considered for the scholarships they’re eligible for, such as the online Master of Public Administration and Policy.
• Berklee Online Music Scholarships – 16 online scholarships of almost US$1,500 each are available for current students of the online school of the Berklee College of Music.
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Welch Scholarship – All new part-time or online students of the Master of Public Health (MPH) will be awarded the $20,000 Welch Scholarship.
• University of Edinburgh Online Distance Learning Scholarships – Various postgraduate scholarships for online students to study part-time at the UK’s University of Edinburgh. There are currently many medical scholarships listed among these.
• University of Manchester Scholarships for Online Master of Public Health – Scholarships for online students from Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda which cover all tuition fees, course materials and examinations for the online MPH degree. Among the requirements is at least two years’ relevant work experience.
• Penn State World Campus Scholarships – Various undergraduate scholarships to study online at Pennsylvania State University’s ‘World Campus’ (online campus). 
• University of London LLM Scholarships – Offered in partnership with Canon Collins Trust, postgraduate scholarships are available for students from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe or Zambia to complete a Master of Laws degree by distance learning. Four scholarship winners will receive full exam and tuition fee waivers. Applicants must be working either full- or part-time and be able to commit at least 10 hours a week to studying.
• Washington State University ASWSU Global Scholarship – Online scholarships for new and returning students of Washington State University’s global campus, based on both academic merit and financial need. 
• Western Governors University Scholarships – Various online scholarships to study at bachelor’s or master’s level, some of which are offered in partnership with other organizations.

Scholarships to study online offered by other organizations

• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships – Online scholarships for citizens of developing commonwealth countries to study a master’s degree via distance learning, which includes largely internet-based courses. Courses are either offered in partnership with universities in developing countries, or delivered directly from UK universities.
• E-Learning Instructional Design & Learning Technologies Scholarship program – Scholarships for US citizens who possess a minimum of five years of post-high school work experience and have been accepted to an eligible US-based online program (related to eLearning Design/Development, Instructional Design or Learning Technology).
• Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program – Scholarships for online students from the US enrolled in an accredited online degree program in the country. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Open Colleges Photography Scholarship – Merit-based scholarships in which the first-place winner receives a cheque from Open Colleges to cover the complete value of the cost of their online photography course. The second-place prize is a cheque for half of the cost of your course, while the third-placed entrant receives a cheque for the quarter of the cost.
• Online Study Australia Scholarship for Online Learners – A scholarship prize of AU$2,000 is available for a foreign or Australian student who is either currently studying online is planning to undertake online study with a university or college. To enter, you need to write 200 words or less on a theme related to studying online.
• UNICAF Scholarships – Scholarships for online students of any nationality to complete online courses through the UK’s University of South Wales, the US’s Marymount California University and the Cypriot University of Nicosia.