RMIT achieves strong global rankings results

RMIT achieves strong global rankings results

RMIT has continued to rise as a global leader, with further advances in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

The University moved up 24 places to 330th, building on the rapid progress achieved in this schema in recent years, with an overall increase of 157 places since 2016.

RMIT Executive Dean (Academics & Students) Professor Rick Bennett said these latest results highlight RMIT’s extensive local, national and international collaborations, multidisciplinary research and strong industry connections. 

“As a global University, we focus on developing local Vietnamese and international collaborations and partnerships to have a real impact on our communities,” he said. 

“By working so closely with industry, we ensure that our University is well positioned to respond quickly and effectively to a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, as well as prepare our students for life and work within this landscape."

More than 2,000 universities are ranked in the ARWU each year out of more than 19,000 institutions globally, with the best 1,000 universities published.

ARWU uses six objective indicators to rank world universities, including the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals; highly cited researchers selected by Clarivate Analytics; articles published in Nature and Science; articles indexed in Sciences Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index; and per capita performance.

This latest ranking improvement follows the recent release of the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) where RMIT had seven subjects ranked in the top 100 this year.

RMIT also performed strongly in the 2020 CWTS Leiden Ranking, which ranks the world’s top research-intensive universities. The University moved up 21 places to be ranked 293rd globally on proportion of international publications and was ranked 225th on proportion of top 5% publications, up 120 places from 2019.

Story: Kate Milkins, Angel Calderon and Lisa Humphries

26 August 2020

Share

  • International
  • Research
  • Community
Engage

Related news

6G mobile network illustration

In the 6G era, distance won’t protect your devices anymore
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 02 Apr 2026

As 6G networks become a reality, everyday devices like smartwatches and smart locks may suddenly become reachable from anywhere. RMIT’s Dr James Kang explains why this shift matters for your security.

Three students sitting on a lawn at RMIT Vietnam

What makes international studies a rising choice for today’s youth?
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 31 Mar 2026

Amid global integration and expanding international career opportunities, International Studies is emerging as a strong option for those who want to transform their interests into capabilities and build enduring careers.

Global ranking reputation remains strong for RMIT

RMIT retains #1 in Australia for Architecture/Built Environment and Art & Design
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 26 Mar 2026

For the third year in a row, RMIT has ranked 1st in Australia for both Architecture/Built Environment and Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

A scholasrhip winner with family

RMIT invests in research future with 65 PhD scholarships
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 18 Mar 2026

RMIT Vietnam has committed AUD 8 million to 65 PhD scholarships in 2025, its largest ever doctoral investment and the first year in which every available scholarship place was filled.

Load more +