When exploring university options, understanding global rankings can provide valuable insights into where institutions stand. In this article, let’s look at the Times Higher Education – THE World University Rankings 2025 and how universities in New Zealand are faring on the global stage.
What Are THE World University Rankings?
Every year, THE ranks universities worldwide, evaluating their performance across various metrics. For 2025, over 2,000 institutions from 115 countries were analyzed, offering a comprehensive snapshot of global higher education. These rankings are widely trusted for their rigorous methodology, focusing on five key areas:
- Teaching: Quality of education and learning environment.
- Research Environment: Capacity and funding for academic research.
- Research Quality: The influence and reach of academic publications.
- Industry Collaboration: Engagement with businesses and industries.
- International Outlook: Attractiveness to global students and staff.
A closer look reveals some significant trends this year:
- The University of Oxford continues its reign at the top spot for the ninth straight year.
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has climbed to second place, overtaking Stanford University.
- China has made remarkable progress, with Tsinghua and Peking University edging closer to the top tier.
- Emerging markets like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have entered the top 200 rankings for the first time.
New Zealand’s Place on the Map
New Zealand universities also feature in THE’s rankings, reflecting their unique strengths and international appeal. Below is an overview of the rankings for the country:
The University of Auckland dropped slightly but remains the highest-ranked university in New Zealand.
University of Otago saw a minor decline, moving into a lower bracket.Most universities retained their positions, but Lincoln University slipped into a lower bracket this year.
University-Level Stats: A Closer Look at Changes in Rankings
While takeing a closer look at the university rankings. The University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Lincoln University have shown changes in their positions, while the other universities have remained relatively stable.
University of Auckland
Factor | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
Overall Score | 62 | 61.8 | -0.2 |
Teaching | 39.7 | 40.4 | 0.7 |
Research Environment | 45.7 | 46.4 | 0.7 |
Research Quality | 88.3 | 87.8 | -0.5 |
Industry Engagement | 95.8 | 87.4 | -8.4 |
International Outlook | 89.9 | 88.5 | -1.4 |
The University of Auckland retains its position as the top-ranked university in New Zealand, despite a slight drop in its overall score. Notably, its performance in teaching and research environment has improved, but its industry engagement and international outlook saw declines.
University of Otago
The University of Otago has seen a slight decline across most factors, particularly in teaching and research quality. The drop in its overall score reflects a decline in multiple areas, including industry engagement and international outlook.
Factor | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
Overall Score | 51.1–53.0 | 49.4–51.0 | -1.7 to -2.0 |
Teaching | 35.6 | 31.4 | -4.2 |
Research Environment | 35.1 | 34.7 | -0.4 |
Research Quality | 75.8 | 73.9 | -1.9 |
Industry Engagement | 68.8 | 65.8 | -3 |
International Outlook | 81.8 | 80.1 | -1.7 |
Lincoln University
Lincoln University experienced a notable drop in overall performance, particularly in research quality and teaching. However, there was a strong improvement in industry engagement, which indicates stronger connections with the professional world.
Factor | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
Overall Score | 45.4–49.0 | 43.3–45.9 | -2.1 to -3.1 |
Teaching | 33.9 | 31.5 | -2.4 |
Research Environment | 26.7 | 26.2 | -0.5 |
Research Quality | 68.4 | 63.3 | -5.1 |
Industry Engagement | 49.7 | 56.6 | 6.9 |
International Outlook | 92 | 89.8 | -2.2 |