The ranking of universities in Australia: it’s one of the first things prospective students research when they consider what institution they eventually want to call their alma mater.
According to the Australian Financial Review's Best University Ranking, The University of Queensland (UQ) is Australia's top university. On a global scale, QS World University Rankings 2026 ranked UQ 42 in the world. Not too shabby, considering there are 43 universities in Australia, and over 25,000 universities around the globe.
But while rankings are important, there’s so much more to UQ’s reputation than can be encapsulated in a number. From the opportunities you’ll gain through the university’s global connections, to what you’ll learn from its passionate and engaging lecturers, UQ has a lot to offer future university students.
If you’re asking ‘what is The University of Queensland known for?’ or ‘what can The University of Queensland offer me?’, here's a succinct list that’ll help you get a realistic view of why UQ should be on your preference list for tertiary study.
Discover why over 340,000 excellent minds have chosen to study at UQ.
Globally connected
Global connectedness is a big priority for UQ. We have graduates in 190 countries around the world and offer exchange opportunities for our students with 130+ exchange partners across over 30 countries. But our global connections reach beyond the student experience.
We partner with leading international research institutions, government organisations, sponsors and industries to create positive change. We’re working with the Technical University of Munich in Germany to sustainably manufacture bio-based herbicides and with the American International Health Alliance and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve public health initiatives across Ethiopia.
We know innovation comes from collaboration, and by reaching out internationally, we can combine the world’s greatest minds to create a cleaner, healthier and happier future for everyone.
Discover UQ’s global partnerships
Teaching excellence
UQ is Australia’s most-awarded university for teaching excellence. Our lecturers and tutors are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing inclusive and engaging learning experiences for all their students.
UQ teachers are adaptable, approachable and future-focused. They want to not only teach you, but also challenge you, and prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career. Our teachers aren’t afraid to tackle the big issues, incite discussion and spark curiosity. They’re constantly looking ahead to provide you with skills that will help you excel in jobs that don’t even exist yet.
UQ's outstanding teachers are part of the reason why we continue to perform so favourably in the QS world university rankings by subject. Notably, in 2025 we ranked 2nd in the world for sports-related subjects, 6th for engineering – mineral and mining, 6th for petroleum engineering and 15th for agriculture and forestry, and environmental sciences.
If you want to learn from the best, and be inspired in the process, UQ is the place for you.
St Lucia's famous Great Court is a favoured spot for student study sessions and relaxing between classes.
Highly employable graduates
According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, UQ produces the most employable graduates out of all the Queensland universities. In fact, 81% of UQ's (undergraduate) graduates secured full-time employment 4-6 months after completing their studies in 2023, according to QILT's Graduate Outcomes Survey. Employers continually favour UQ graduates as they know they’re adaptable problem-solvers equipped with a range of transferrable skills.
UQ has an entire team dedicated to assisting students with their career development. At UQ, we’ll help you:
- map out a clear career path
- find internship opportunities
- build your professional network
- stand out amongst other graduates
- achieve your career goals.
From personalised careers advice to recruitment training and preparation resources, we have everything you need to transition confidently from university to employment and secure your dream career.
Increase your employability at UQ
Notable alumni
The University of Queensland’s notable alumni include a Nobel laureate, two Fortune 500 company CEOs, an Academy Award winner and countless leaders in government, industry and the arts. From actor Geoffrey Rush to former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, our graduates have had a huge impact nationally and globally in various industries and sectors.
UQ graduates have represented Australia at Eurovision and at the Olympics. They’ve invented needle-free vaccines and heart stents, shaped the Australian media landscape, led the nation towards key political change and amplified women’s voices in business.
UQ alumni create change, and you can too.
Be inspired by UQ’s notable alumni
UQ’s Heron Island Research Station, where we’ve been conducting groundbreaking coral reef research and education for more than 70 years.
World-class facilities
How would UQ students and graduates create change without the world-class facilities that help them to learn, experiment and develop? Our groundbreaking learning and research spaces enable students to embrace their curiosity to transform the world around them.
At UQ, we own 675 buildings, including 527 timetabled teaching spaces and 2259 laboratories. Our libraries have over 2.21 million electronic and print book titles and over 178,000 journals. We also have modern student accommodation, focused study areas, art and history museums, open green spaces for socialising and Olympic-level sporting facilities.
But our reach extends far beyond Brisbane, with a teaching and research centre in the Great Barrier Reef, a wildlife centre in Grandchester and seismograph stations around South-East Queensland.
At UQ, you’ll have access to these state-of-the-art facilities, and more, to help you excel.
Explore UQ’s campuses and facilities
Find out more about undergraduate or postgraduate study at UQ.
