The University of Western Australia: Ranking, Admission.

The University of Western Australia is located on the banks of the Swan River, or Derbal Yerrigan, on the land of the Whadjuk Nation. 

One can get an immense privilege of sitting on the sacred soil where knowledge, began. It has been a place to gather and learn for tens of thousands of years, with stories and lessons shared from generation to generation of the world’s oldest continuous culture.

In the global impact of research and education The University of Western Australia has been placed as a world top 100 university (QS 2024). This means students join a community of passionate, intelligent and resourceful leaders who are driving innovation and change. They’ll connect with and work alongside leaders in education, research and industry, and follow in the footsteps of our thousands of graduate success stories.

It has been a place to gather and learn for tens of thousands of years, sharing life lessons through stories that have been passed down from generation to generation of the world’s oldest continuous culture.

The University of Western Australia is established as the State’s first university in 1911 and founded with a mission to ‘advance the prosperity and welfare of our communities’. The University opened in 1913 to just 184 students. Today, more than 28,000 students are enrolled from 115 countries.

Since beginnings, UWA has blazed the trail in producing remarkable and life-changing contributions across learning, teaching and research. The University is more than simply a centre for education and research.

For more than 100 years, The University of Western Australia contributed to the intellectual, cultural and economic development of Western Australia, the nation and our world. We have forged and embraced connections with community, partners and industry to ensure our impact is far reaching, both now and into the future.

The University of Western Australia are continuing to make our mark on the world and students are vital in this journey. UWA students contribute to society in ways that tackle our world’s most pressing challenges. From health and social inequalities to the environment and climate change, the University has passionate community of students, academics and researchers, who are partnering with industry to help solve the challenges.

The motto of The University of Western Australia - ‘Seek Wisdom’ is as relevant today and in the future as it was when it was adopted by the UWA Senate in 1912. The University is committed to this, as it continues to encourage students and staff to push beyond the bounds of what is known and what is possible.

A leading global university, renowned for excellence in education and research

Universities valued industry connections, innovative courses, commitment to our student experience and high-impact research place it as world top 100 university – the only one in WA.

For more than a century, teaching and research have supported economic and social development within our local, regional and global communities. University seeks to unite our most creative minds and lead teams towards resolving the critical challenges that face our planet and its people.

The University of Western Australia is ranked 77th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025

• University’s achievement in specific subjects within the QS World University Subject 
• UWA ‘s 15 subjects ranked in the world's top 50 by QS University Rankings in 2024 and GRAS 2024.
• UWA has awarded over 1,500 active scholarships to its students, as indicated in a Staff Connect report (SCH0010, 2024).

The graduates go on to positively impact society – from Nobel Prize-winning scientists such as Professor Barry Marshall, to entrepreneurs like Mecca Cosmetica founder Jo Horgan and politicians such as former prime minister Bob Hawke. 

UWA is also home to Fields Medal winner Professor Akshay Venkatesh; Decjuba CEO/owner Tania Austin; comedian, writer and musician Tim Minchin; and Academy Award winner Shaun Tan.

The team of expert educators continue to receive awards proving their dedication and passion to student learning. Since 2012, as part of the Australian Awards for University Teaching, University has received: 

• 4 Teaching Excellence awards
• 3 Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning
• 33 Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning

Subject rankings

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, UWA maintain its position as 1^st in Western Australia, with the most subjects ranked in the world top 100. This achievement reflects University’s commitment to providing world-class education across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and business to health and the humanities.

The Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) consistently places UWA among the top global institutions in key fields, underscoring its excellence in research, innovation, and teaching.

UWA's rankings by subjects

• QS  2025

First in WA

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Archaeology
• Arts and Humanities
• Biological Sciences
• Civil & Structural Engineering
• Classics and Ancient History
• Computer Science & Information Systems
• Dentistry
• Engineering - Electrical & Electronic
• Engineering - Mineral & Mining
• Engineering and Technology
• English Language and Literature
• History
• Life Sciences and Medicine
• Medicine
• Modern Languages
• Natural Sciences
• Philosophy
• Pharmacy & Pharmacology
• Psychology

World top 50

• Agriculture and Forestry
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Engineering - Mineral and Mining
• Geology
• Sports-related Subjects

World top 100

• Archaeology
• Civil and Structural Engineering
• Classics and Ancient History
• Earth & Marine Sciences
• Geophysics

World top 150

• Accounting and Finance
• Biological Sciences
• Dentistry
• Development Studies
• English Language and Literature
• Environmental Sciences
• History
• Law and Legal Studies
• Life Science and Medicine
• Medicine
• Psychology

GRAS 2024

World top 50

• Agricultural Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Clinical Medicine
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Marine and Ocean Engineering
• Mining and Mineral Engineering
• Oceanography
• Water Resources (Engineering)

World top 75

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ecology

World top 100

• Civil Engineering
• Earth Sciences

World top 150

• Education
• Dentistry and Oral Sciences
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Human Biological Sciences
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Physics