Southern Cross University climbs into the world’s top 300 for sustainable development impact

The University ranked in the 201–300 band globally, up from the 401–600 band in 2025.

Unlike rankings that focus mainly on research reputation or institutional profile, the THE Impact Rankings assess how universities use their teaching, research, operations, and partnerships to address global challenges.

This year’s result reflects the different ways a regional university can make an impact by opening access to higher education, supporting non-traditional learners, working directly with communities and applying research to real-world challenges.

In Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), where Southern Cross ranked 94th in the world, the University’s submission highlighted the impact of the Southern Cross Model, with Indigenous student success rates rising to 81 per cent. The six-week teaching model is designed to support student success through a more focused, flexible and accessible approach to learning.

The result also reflects work beyond the classroom, including Dr Alana Gall’s contribution to the finalisation of the GRATK Treaty, a global agreement to help protect Indigenous knowledge, and the continued work of My Community Legal Clinic, which provides free legal advice to people across the Northern Rivers.

The strongest result was in Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), where the University ranked 71st globally. The result reflects a strong body of work focused on justice, rights and community wellbeing, including the Centre for Children and Young People’s research, and Associate Professor Georgina Dimopoulos’s work on children’s rights, family law and family violence.

The University also recorded strong results across a broad range of sustainability-focused goals, placing in the global top 200 for Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Climate Action and Life Below Water (SDG 13 and SDG 14). These results reflect work across Pacific agricultural policy, graduate outcomes, climate research and marine restoration.