Minister Barr: Canberra continues transformation into knowledge capital
- Written by ACT Government
Released 15/09/2015
Canberra’s universities have both improved their standings in the latest QS rankings of World universities – highlighting the growth in the city’s tertiary education sector.
The Australian National University (ANU) has broken into the top 20 universities in the world, and is now the highest ranked Australian university. The University of Canberra (UC) also improved its standing on the rankings, moving into the 551-600 band from its former position in the 651-700 band.
The ACT’s tertiary education sector is crucial to the long-term strength of our economy. As the Commonwealth public service contracts, the ACT Government has been helping our economy to diversify through investments to support other major employers such as our universities and research organisations.
One in nine Canberrans are either employed or are studying at one of our tertiary education or research organisations. The ACT Government’s support of the sector, particularly the two major universities, has helped them to thrive. Most recently, the ACT Government removed the requirement for higher by degree research students to pay for the education of their children at ACT Government schools, helping the ANU and UC attract top researchers to Canberra.
I would like to congratulate Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young AO and the ANU on this achievement, placing the institution rightfully amongst some of the most prestigious universities around the globe. This is an incredible achievement.
Professor Stephen Parker and the University of Canberra are also continuing to grow and this is reflected in these results. The university is continuing to attract some of the best researchers to Canberra, and the university’s expansion will see more jobs created in the city.
The ACT Government will continue to support our tertiary education and research sector –strengthening our economy and building our reputation as the knowledge capital.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
