Western Sydney University ranked among top 20 universities globally for social and economic impact

Western students at Graduation

Western Sydney University has been ranked 1st in the world for its work to address gender equality, and 2nd for reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education, according to the inaugural Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, released today.

Overall, the University achieved a ranking of 11th – placing it in the top 20 universities worldwide, and the highest ranked university in Australia.

The University Impact Rankings are a new initiative by the highly-influential Times Higher Education (THE) organisation, which measured more than 450 universities from 76 nations for their social, ecological and economic impact and commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs).

In addition to its world-leading scores for SDG 5 Gender Equality and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Western Sydney University also ranked 13th globally for SDG 4 Quality Education, and 34th for SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the University is very proud of its work to help address many of the Greater Western Sydney region’s – and indeed the world’s – most pressing challenges.

“As one of a small group of Australian universities that became a signatory to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we are deeply committed to tackling issues such as improving access to education and addressing inequality,” said Professor Glover.

“Not only are we undertaking research both locally and globally that is helping transform the communities in which we live, we are also developing many programs and new curriculum initiatives that are helping our students understand the complex global challenges we face and inspiring them to become the next generation of innovators, thought leaders and civic-minded citizens.

“We are particularly pleased that our work to open up access to higher education and promoting aspirational pathways for students – something that is so central to the University’s mission – has received such a high distinction, along with our long-established equity and diversity policies that are embedded in the University to promote inclusiveness and workplace diversity and flexibility.

“I congratulate the University community on these impressive results. We look forward to continuing this vital work across the University and helping to make a positive difference in both our local and global communities.”

For more information about the Rankings, please visit the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings website (opens in a new window).

ENDS

4 April 2019

Amanda Whibley, Acting - Director, Corporate Communications