A further five universities ranked in the top 200, helping Australia to finish with 37 universities in the overall rankings.

“Australia boasts some of the best universities in the world and today’s results reinforce this,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“Pleasingly, Australian institutions have recorded strong results across research and industry metrics – areas our universities have always, and continue to excel in.

“COVID-19’s impact on the flow of international students to our shores is evident in the data, but we don’t expect this to have a lasting impact as our international education sector continues to recover.

“International education is a major economic driver and contributes significantly to our social cohesion, so it’s important we work back to the position of strength we held prior to the pandemic.

“Our universities make Australia and the world stronger, undertaking the research and educating the skilled workers who drive us forward economically, socially and technologically.

“We need the full support of government to continue performing these vital functions, which is why the Australian Universities Accord must deliver the funding and policy settings we need to thrive.”