Surabaya Campus Helps Boost WSU's World Sustainability Ranking

Western Sydney University (WSU) has placed third in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, becoming one of only two Australian universities in the global top 10. The achievement also reflects the university’s contribution through its international campus network, including in Surabaya. The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 is a global ranking that assesses more than 1,600 universities based on their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assessment covers various aspects, from research and teaching to campus operations, institutional policies, and community engagement. Vice-Chancellor and President of WSU, Professor George Williams AO, said this year’s results reaffirm the university’s commitment to creating impact for society. ‘This ranking is important because it assesses the real actions of universities in promoting equality, inclusiveness, and meaningful change in people’s lives,’ Williams said. WSU has a strong track record in the rankings. Before securing third place in the 2026 edition, the university held the top position for four consecutive years. Williams noted that rising standards in the ranking have encouraged more universities across various countries to strengthen their contributions to sustainability and social impact. This commitment is reflected in the integration of the 17 SDGs into education, research, and operational activities, an approach also applied at WSU’s international locations, including Indonesia. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation at WSU, Professor Ian Anderson, said the principle of sustainability has become part of how the university conducts education, research, and other initiatives. In this year’s ranking, WSU placed second globally for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), third for SDG 15 (Life on Land), fourth for SDG 13 (Climate Action), and seventh for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The university also recorded improved rankings for SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). WSU serves a region with high diversity, including the largest urban Indigenous population in the country. More than 170 languages are spoken in Western Sydney, and approximately two-thirds of its students are the first in their families to attend university. In addition to its THE Sustainability Impact Ratings success, WSU also rose in the US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings to 242nd globally and to 370th in the QS World University Rankings.