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CQUniversity’s impact recognised in global SDG ranking

11 June 2024
Decorative image featuring CQU and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings logo. Logos are combined with image of three CQU graduates wearing regalia and holding testamurs. Two are smiling as the look towards the camera while the other has their back to the camera.
CQUniversity has ranked equal 52nd in the world as part of the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 - up from 74th position in 2023

CQUniversity has achieved its highest ever result in a global university ranking system that assesses the performance of institutions against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The University ranked equal 52nd in the world as part of the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, up from 74th position in 2023.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance measure that directly assess university performance against the SDGs. 

There are 17 SDGs, with participating institutions required to submit data on at least three, plus the mandatory Partnerships for the Goals category in order to receive an overall ranking.

Each SDG has a series of metrics that are used to evaluate the performance of the university on that SDG. 

CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp said that the result was a terrific outcome for the University and reflects the institution’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and sustainability. 

“These rankings have been in operation for six years and each year CQUniversity has steadily improved its standing. 

“Placing equal 52nd this year is a momentous achievement, especially since more than 2,100 universities participated in the 2024 assessment,” said Prof Klomp. 

As part of the 2024 rankings, CQUniversity was assessed against 12 of the 17 SDGs and was ranked in the top 15 universities worldwide against three SDGs (ninth for SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, 13th for SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals and 14th for SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing). 

CQUniversity also placed in the top 100 against a further five SDGs including SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 14 Life below Water.


Four women stand in a group having a conversation with the Cairns esplanade in the background.
Staff members from CQUniversity's Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Skills (STEPS) course in Cairns. STEPS provides a pathway for students from non-traditional backgrounds to enter higher education

Professor Klomp attributed this performance to CQUniversity participating, coordinating, and leading a range of activities that align to the UN SDGs.

“CQUniversity’s new Strategic Plan 2024-2028, We Change Lives, sets out the University’s important role as an agent of profound social impact, by recognising that the University must embrace and play a role in the collective global pursuance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Behind this is our vision and belief in the transformational power of education when it comes to creating life-changing opportunities and making our regions better.

“The University’s Top 10 ranking against SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, aligns with our ongoing determination to expand participation in higher education and training among under underrepresented groups, reduce access barriers to our campuses and online spaces and increase First Nations student and staff representation. 

“CQUniversity has in place strategies to support these objectives through outreach programs, accessible spaces and systems, high quality student support and equity services and through the delivery of applied research projects that support community and industry development.”

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 come on the back of other positive rankings results for CQUniversity, including a Top 500 ranking in the recent QS World University Rankings, and performing among the top universities in Australia in the Graduate Outcomes Survey and the Employer Satisfaction Survey.