Western Sydney University Ranked #1 Globally for Impact in Times Higher Education Rankings
Western Sydney University has once again been named the #1 university in the world for impact by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings – for the fourth consecutive year. This global ranking assesses how universities are driving progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as climate action, gender equality, sustainable communities, and quality education.
Championing Access, Diversity and Equity in Higher Education
At Western Sydney University, two-thirds of students are the first in their family to attend university. Many come from refugee or disadvantaged backgrounds, bringing with them powerful stories of resilience, ambition, and hope. Their success shows the transformative power of education, with positive ripple effects across families, communities, and countries.
A Global Leader in Sustainability and Innovation
WSU is deeply aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, embedding them into everyday campus life, research, and community initiatives. Our campus network is fully powered by 100% GreenPower-accredited electricity, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
Our flagship environmental project, EucFACE (Eucalyptus Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment), is Australia’s largest climate change research facility, based at our Hawkesbury campus. It simulates future CO₂ levels to study the impact of climate change on native forest ecosystems – producing world-leading research that shapes environmental policy.
Creating Global Impact Through Community Programs
Western’s international initiatives, such as the MARVI project in India, train local women as groundwater knowledge leaders. These women – known as Bhujal Jaankars – help their communities make informed agricultural decisions based on water availability, promoting female leadership and sustainable water use.
Empowering Women and Girls in STEM
WSU is a hub for gender equality in education, welcoming students from over 170 cultures and countries. Through programs like WiSE (Women in STEM Education), we support women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These graduates are now leading key infrastructure projects like the Western Sydney International Airport and the Sydney Metro transforming our region and beyond.
Why This Ranking Matters
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess how over 2,300 universities in 130 countries address global challenges. Unlike traditional rankings that focus on reputation or research income, this ranking reflects real-world outcomes — how universities change lives, support communities and build a sustainable future.
At Western Sydney University, we are proud to lead by example. Our commitment to inclusion, sustainability and social justice is embedded in everything we do.