newy.com.au – The University of Newcastle has been ranked 30th in the world in the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, with standout global results for climate action, marine protection and clean water.
The rankings, released today, assess more than 1,600 universities worldwide against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, benchmarking institutions on their progress across the 17 global goals and awarding both individual category rankings and an overall result.
Newcastle placed in the top 20 globally across seven categories, including third in the world for Climate Action, third for Life Below Water and eighth for Clean Water and Sanitation. It also ranked equal 12th for Sustainable Cities and Communities, 14th for Good Health and Well-being, 15th for Affordable and Clean Energy, and 17th for Life on Land.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the result reflected the university’s focus on sustainability, engagement, the environment and clean energy.
“Our University is among the world’s top universities in our commitment to solving global challenges and creating a more equitable and sustainable future. We know that through our research, education and actions we are helping shape a more environmental and social conscious world,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“Creating a more sustainable future is something that’s at the core of everything that we do. From the way we teach, undertake research, build our infrastructure, to how we power our campuses, so this global ranking is particularly meaningful, not only for our University but also for our regions.”
The university pointed to projects including its New Energy Skills Hub as examples of its work in climate action and clean energy, with the initiative designed to provide hands-on training, specialist equipment and industry exposure for students preparing for emerging energy jobs.
Professor Zelinsky said the Hunter and surrounding regions were well placed to contribute to Australia’s clean energy workforce.
“Our New Energy Skills Hub will provide hands‑on training for students, access to specialist equipment and direct exposure to industry, ensuring our graduates are job‑ready for the region’s new energy opportunities. Our region is perfectly positioned to help build Australia’s future clean‑energy workforce and our University’s New Energy Skills Hub will play a central role in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow,” he said.
The university also highlighted research with Central Coast Council aimed at better understanding and protecting coastlines, as well as work in Samoa through a Living Lab designed to support ecosystems and improve climate change resilience.
“We’re also proud to be working with our partners, like Central Coast Council, on research to understand and protect our coastlines. This research work will expand our knowledge of the Central Coast’s marine biodiversity and allow us to better monitor complex marine environments. Globally, we’re also working in Samoa to help protect ecosystems and boost climate change resilience through a Living Lab, which extends our reach beyond our regions and means we can share our expertise to drive sustainable solutions and make a real-world impact.”
Beyond its top 20 results, Newcastle ranked 22nd in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production and equal 27th for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
