UNSW ranked 12th globally for environmental and social sustainability

The highly respected QS Sustainability Rankings reviewed more than 1700 universities worldwide and ranked UNSW Sydney 12th overall.

UNSW Sydney remains one of the world’s top universities when it comes to environmental and social sustainability, according to QS, the British-based analytics and insights firm. 

QS assessed 1744 globally, with UNSW placed 12th overall. This is the third year in a row that UNSW has earned a top 20 spot in the QS Sustainability Rankings. 

The University performed strongly across the board, especially in the category of Social Impact where UNSW was ranked third globally. 

This score, which also placed UNSW first in Australia, considers the University’s Employability and Opportunities, Equality, Health and Wellbeing, Impact of Education and Knowledge Exchange. Worldwide, UNSW placed 11th for Employability, 12th for Knowledge Exchange and 15th for the Impact of Education.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said it’s gratifying to see the University’s positive societal impact reflected through these rankings. 

“We are proud to develop world-leading thinkers here at UNSW, fostering their talents and ensuring their work creates positive change for people and the planet,” he said. 

“This year, our researchers have partnered on work that’s focused on improving social outcomes and alleviating inequality. We have also focused on increasing admissions for students of all backgrounds, including those from lower SES areas.” 

“At the environmental level, UNSW is constantly seeking to reduce our operational emissions and those of our suppliers. Beyond that, our dedicated academics and scholars are developing and implementing solutions to climate change through their groundbreaking research, advocacy and engagement.”

Prof. Brungs is also the Chair of the International University Climate Alliance (IUCA), which represents almost 50 climate research universities from across 23 countries – all united by a shared vision to accelerate action on climate change. He said the Alliance, which was founded by UNSW in 2020, is driving globally coordinated collaboration to act on climate change.

“In 2025 the IUCA will continue to work closely with UN agencies, global networks and organisations that share our strategic objectives. We’ll focus on the role of universities in offering climate education and literacy; enabling health systems to be climate-resilient, low carbon and equitable; and working with partners worldwide to advance the conversation around climate and human rights.”

Professor Bruce Watson, UNSW's Pro Vice-Chancellor Societal Transformation & Equity, said the rankings demonstrate the University’s commitment to social impact and sustainability.

“Positive societal impact through our research, teaching and engagement is central to UNSW’s mission. We know that environmental and social sustainability is a top priority for our students, staff and communities,” he said. 

“These scores from QS show how, for a third year running, UNSW is one of the leading education institutions seeking to create a more equal, fair and just world.” 

QS is highly regarded for its university rankings, which are one of the most robust in the world. Now in their third year, the QS World University Sustainability Rankings provide a framework to show how universities around the globe are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges.