Massey’s rising success in global university rankings 

Massey’s global recognition has been highlighted through the latest international rankings, which serve as benchmarks for university teaching and research worldwide. Alongside being positioned in the top 100 universities worldwide for both the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Sustainability and Times Higher Impact rankings, Massey has risen more than 50 places in the QS World Rankings this year.

Massey shines in Sustainability Rankings 

The QS Sustainability Rankings framework assesses how universities align their teaching, research and governance with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to tackle the world’s biggest environmental, social and governance issues. 

The 2023 rankings saw Massey rise 44 positions to be ranked 81st in the world and third equal among Aotearoa New Zealand’s universities. 

Notably, the university is positioned 63rd equal in the Environmental Impact component of the ranking and excelled in the Environmental Education section, placing 40th equal. The launch of Massey’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals in 2020, with a new Climate Change major, was a clear contributor to these results. 

Massey’s sustainability initiatives led to an 86th equal place in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Research into SDG5: Gender Equality and SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth saw the university positioned within the top 35, and in the top 100 for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG15: Life on Land. 

The latest edition of the biennial publication of Rangahau: Research at Massey features more than 30 academics and their teams who are actively advancing one or more of the SDGs through their work. The launch of the Green Impact programme earlier this year has seen the active involvement of many staff and students tackling everyday sustainability issues. A new series of webpages highlighting Massey’s work towards the SDGs has also recently launched.  

Performance in World University Rankings 

Jumping up more than 50 places in the 2024 QS World University Rankings this year, Massey is now positioned at 239th equal worldwide and third best in New Zealand. The university is ranked in the top 100 worldwide, and first in New Zealand, for four QS subjects: Veterinary Science (28th), Development Studies (29th), Agriculture and Forestry (60th) and Communication and Media Studies (51-100). Massey is also first in New Zealand for Art and Design. 

The 2023 Global Rankings of Academic Subjects, also known as the Shanghai Rankings, saw six subjects in the top 150: Agricultural Sciences, Communication, Finance, Nursing, Veterinary Science and Food Science and Technology. Massey is ranked first in New Zealand for Agriculture, Communications, Economics, Finance, Nursing and Veterinary Science. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the ranking results are achievements all Massey whānau can be proud of. 

“The rankings reflect our dedication to excellence, highlighting the efforts our academic community are making to enact positive change on a global scale. I encourage all our alumni to celebrate these significant accomplishments, as your connection to Massey places you within a community committed to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future through education and research.” 

Get in touch

For more information about Rankings, please email Massey International Research Rankings Advisor Dr Anita Muthukaruppan