Recent university rankings from The QS World University Rankings and The Times Higher Education Magazine show Australian universities have slipped from last year. However, the dramatic differences between the two respected academic league tables have confused higher education institutions.
The QS World University Rankings measure the quality of research, employability of students, teaching commitment and international commitment. This year, universities from 50 countries, more than ever before, featured in the top 500.
Australian National University slipped three places to number 20, The University of Melbourne fell from joint 36 with the University of Sydney to 38. The University of Sydney is now ahead by one rank at number 37.
The University of Queensland now ranks at 43 from last year's position at 41, while University of New South Wales jumped one place higher to 46.
But Times Higher Education Magazine university rankings put The University of Sydney at 71, far behind The University of Melbourne at 36 and the Australian National University, which was ranked 43rd.
The University of New South Wales dived to 152 while the University of Queensland did not even make it into the top 200.
The difference between the two tables is down to competing methodologies. The Times rankings are based heavily on research performance, while the QS rankings use reputation surveys and student-staff ratios as important measures of a university's position.
While university rankings are important for students choosing a top higher education provider – especially for the particular faculty they are attending – these differing scores show rankings should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Students comparing courses between providers should also look at the facilities available, reputation of the teaching staff and the employability of graduates from the course when researching their options.
Compare undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from Australian universities here.