1 December 2015: The University of Canberra's recent rise in the top world rankings has helped Canberra become one of the world's best cities for international students.
The 2016 QS Best Student Cities ranking, announced today, has placed Canberra at position 17 in the list, up four spots from its 21st place last year. At least two universities in a city must have a QS World Ranking to make the list.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said he was proud that the University had helped boost the nation's capital rise in the rankings of top student cities worldwide, through its own ascent in the global standings.
"As Canberrans we know what a great place our city is to live and study in," he said. "It's fantastic to see that more students from around the world think so too.
"Education is essential to Canberra's future and attracting international students to our city is crucial to that future. This ranking will really help bring in more international students.
"International students are key to our ongoing success as a University and a city. They make an important and vital contribution to Canberra both economically and culturally by supporting our industry and adding to the diversity of our community."
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA said it is encouraging that Canberra is continuing its rise up the rankings of student cities.
"As the world's most liveable city and with both our major universities making their mark in world rankings we have plenty to offer students from Australia and around the world," he said.
"Universities are critical to our city's future economic growth. The Government is committed to growing Canberra's higher education sector and this is another step towards that goal."
The QS Best Student Cities rankings measure a city depending on its performance across five main areas: rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity and affordability.
There are currently 4,100 international students studying at the University of Canberra from more than 100 countries. All international students have been guaranteed accommodation by the University since 2014.
This year, the University of Canberra has been ranked for the first time by the 2015-2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and moved up more than 100 places in the 2015-16 QS World University Rankings. Only last week, it was also ranked by QS as one of the top 100 "young" universities in the world.
Professor Parker said world ranking and international reach are key components of the University's latest Strategic Plan for 2013-2017.
"This announcement demonstrates we are succeeding in these vital areas of our strategic plan – as a world ranked research institution and as a destination of choice for international students," Professor Parker added.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Matthew Hogan: 0409 145 415