UWA maintained 77th place in the latest QS World University Rankings, holding its position among the world's top 1,504 universities.

The QS rankings assess universities across a range of measures including academic reputation (30 per cent), research impact (20 per cent), employer reputation (15 per cent), international collaboration and graduate outcomes.

Rankings have broad economic implications. Strong international rankings help attract students, researchers, investment and industry partnerships, all of which contribute to Western Australia's knowledge economy.

UWA continues to perform strongly in fields reflecting the State's strengths, including mining, agriculture, marine science and health research. Its continued presence in the global top 100 provides Perth with a valuable competitive advantage as WA seeks to grow advanced industries, innovation and international engagement.

With the Guild, which has been lobbying for extended support, we’re delighted to see that the Federal Government has expanded the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP). Prac placements are a key part of preparing students for their future professions, but can come at a real cost. Many students have to cut back or give up paid work while still covering rent, groceries, transport and other everyday expenses. This decision will extend the means-tested $338.60-a-week financial support for mandatory student placements. Currently the CPP covers eligible undergraduate and post graduate teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work students. From 1 July 2027, it will also include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, pharmacy, podiatry, speech pathology, audiology, radiography, rehabilitation therapies, and paramedicine. Excluded from the current framework are medical, dental, and veterinary students.

UWA will benefit from a share of the 50 additional Commonwealth supported places for medical students allocated to eight universities by the Federal Government. Beginning in 2028, they are intended to focus on primary care training with greater rotations in general practice to help address GP shortages in rural and underserved metropolitan areas.

On April 29, 2026, ATEC was formally established following the passage of legislation through the Australian Parliament. It reshapes how higher education operates in Australia and has the authority to direct university growth, allocate international student numbers, and coordinate the entire tertiary education system.

The inquiry that considered the legislation, heard many concerns that ATEC would be ‘just another administrative arm of the Education Department.’ In response, the Senate approved seven amendments addressing these concerns. ATEC can now provide advice of its own accord, not just when the Minister requests it. The number of commissioners was increased to bring broader expertise. A legislated role to advise on research and research training was added. the Minister will still direct international student allocations. The next 12 months will show whether ATEC can balance competing demands, workforce needs, institutional sustainability, regional access, international reputation and student outcomes.

Universities Australia has commented that ‘ATEC will play an important role in bringing long-term coordination and stability to higher education.’