New Zealand universities’ academic reputation ranks first among English-speaking countries

Published annually, the QS rankings assess more than 1,500 universities globally across areas such as reputation, teaching, research and internationalisation. 

New Zealand's overall average score of 51 among countries and territories with at least eight institutions featured in this year’s rankings puts it first in the English-speaking world and fifth in the world for the overall quality of its higher education. 

The 2026 results see New Zealand universities improve across academic reputation, citation per faculty, and international student indicators. New Zealand also ranks the highest globally in terms of employment outcomes among key English-speaking study destinations.  

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao Chief Executive Amanda Malu said this is a fantastic result or New Zealand universities as they continue to grow in appeal among international students.  

“It reinforces New Zealand’s position as a high-quality and welcoming international education destination. 

“New Zealand universities are all highly regarded for sustainability research and programmes. We need to celebrate this wonderful result for New Zealand universities that highlights the high calibre of our teaching, research staff and students,” Amanda said. 

On sustainability research and programmes, New Zealand comes second only to Sweden and has three universities in the top 100 globally for the sustainability indicator of the QS rankings.  

Learn more about the latest QS World University Rankings 2026 here